jellybean321

Alright so I had my meeting with the academic advisor at Neumann and I will not be going there (but this is my choice). First off, they sent me a letter that I would be starting nursing classes in Fall 2014. Couldnt wait to start. Then I go talk to my advisor and she tells me that I won't start nursing classes until Fall 2016!! I was VERY unhappy, seeing as my acceptance letter said 2014. I asked her why they sent me that letter and the answer was, well that is how they have to word the letters, because they can't go by a case by case basis. Apparently I have to take an additional 12 classes before nursing classes. Sister Jude was very nice and semi-helpful but I was upset that they just LIED to me. They want that $! As far as everything else goes, it seems to be a decent school. They have about 60 students in the part-time program and about 130 in the day BSN program. The help available (or tutoring) from staff for part-time nursing is minimal according to Sr. Jude. There is more help available to day time students but in the evening there is minimal help. They don't have any entrance exams but they do use the HESI exam. Thats all i can remember for now, I didn't ask too many questions because I knew I wasnt going to be waiting around until 2016 :) Hope this helps! Good luck to you!

during my CNA clinicals, toward the end of the shift we would start to twiddle our thumbs because there wasn't much else to do- so we would clean underneath the patients fingernails, give manicures, get them involved in activities, etc. This was at a LTC facility though..not sure what kind of facility you are in. If at a hosp setting, you could check to make sure all supplies are where they need to be, skim through your patients charts to get an idea of their history, etc.

I've been wondering the same thing. I just got accepted to the part-time program at Neumann for Fall 2014. I've been doing some research on this website about the school and I have only seen one person post a negative comment on how the staff doesn't help you, etc. I've found its hard to go by what's on this site just because there are a lot of opinions vs facts and you never know the situation that person may have been in. I have an appt next week to meet with the Academic Advisor and I have lots of questions to ask so hopefully I will get the scoop! Good luck to you in nursing school! :)

I start clinicals this Fall and am trying to mentally prepare myself now! I just found out that I have to take a nursing class during the summer, Fundamentals to Professional Nursing. So I definitely plan on taking a week vacation sometime relatively soon before that starts. Thats a good idea to review A&P, I have been reviewing my math class also. Get your free time in now ladies and gentlemen!! :)

I've been accepted to Neumann's part-time BSN program and I start this Fall also! I saw in the acceptance package that we have to take Nursing 205 this summer. I'm curious to see what times they offer this class and what this class is all about. I think registration begins on March 25th so maybe we won't know more until then.

thank you so much to all of those that have given great advice and mostly, supportive encouragement! I am just frustrated (as one posted mentioned) and am certainly NOT trying to knock anyone that got in/who have a 4.0 GPA. I'm only expressing my frustration and MY situation compared to the students I know in the nursing program. I am not saying everyone who gets into the nursing program doesnt work. I completely understand that everyone has their own life struggles. The LPN is definitely an option. A private college is out of the question as it is just way too expensive. I have also been implementing some back-up plans and back-up majors that I may be interested in. I will be completely honest; I will not re-take my B classes. For one, I would have to pay out my own pocket and that is not an option. I am 25 years old and live on my own, get 0 support from family, I come from a family who doesnt have a lot of money and we've all had to work just to get by. Not to mention I feel like re-taking classes I got a B in (which isn't a bad grade!!) is a little silly. Truthfully, I will not do that if thats what it takes to get into nursing school. I've spent years trying to get pre-reqs done and am not re-doing them all over again. Not trying to sound uppity whatsoever, I just choose not to do that. Unfortunately my biggest problem is the NLN score. I do horrible on huge standardized tests. I am certainly going to apply to the RN program next week but I will also be getting my ducks in a row to try the LPN program if I don't get into the RN program. I live in a small state so that makes it even harder to get into nursing school. Theres only 1 community college in my state with 3 different campuses. And for other allied health programs, they require different pre-reqs (except for A&P) but the rest is other classes. But...as I mentioned, I will certainly try and see where that takes me! I wish everyone luck trying to get into nursing school!! :)

Hey ya'll, so here is my dilemma. I am a pre-nursing student, all of my pre-reqs are done and I'm ready to apply to nursing school. However I talked to the advisor at my school and was told that there is a slim chance I will get in. (I actually appreciate the realism- I would rather someone tell me straight up then string me along so this isn't the problem). There are 80 seats in the nursing program and over 1,000 people applied last admission. I go to a community college in a small state (there aren't many colleges to choose from) and they require the NLN. My school uses a ranking system for admission based on your classes and NLN score. So for example, A&P if you have an A you get 4 points, if you have a B you get 3 points, etc. And they also calculate your NLN score into points for the ranking system. I get mostly high B's in all of my classes but didn't do so great on the NLN (and I can't take it again for another 6 months). SO I am just feeling EXTREMELY discouraged. All of those 80 students who get accepted will have done excellent on their NLN and have 4.0 GPA's, I'm sure, especially when they are choosing from over 1000 students. And most of them dont have to work, well I do..I have to work full-time to pay my bills. I'm not right out of high school, I live on my own and take care of myself so not working is not an option. Some girls in my current class I am taking have been waiting 2 years to get into nursing school. This is just ridiculous to me. Why do people do this? I refuse to wait 2, and what sounds like more than 2 years to get into nursing school. It may never happen and you're just sitting there waiting and applying. How is this OK?! I am incredibly frustrated and just needed to vent on this site because I know others must feel the same way or are in the same boat. I'm considering changing my major at this point because I am not going to sit around and wait forever and ever for a REMOTE chance to get in. I may never get in and then I'm sitting around waiting for nothing. What is everyones thoughts on this? Thanks for your comments ? -Frustrated Pre-Nursing Student

Is this the total cost, between housing, food, books, supplies, etc? I still think thats a lot of money and you could get just as good of an education elsewhere for a LOT less money. Why burden yourself with that amount of debt after graduation, if you dont have to?

My thoughts exactly! I would just make it all about the patient. As long as you're professional, I don't foresee any issues. For example, when I am in the doctors office, I am thinking about my health/what I'm there for and what the doctor/nurse are saying to me and their professional attitude. I think the more comfortable you are, the more comfortable your patients will be =)

Just you sharing this story tells me how GREAT of a nurse you would be. I work in a nursing home and there are too many nurses who just don't genuinely care. I'm not sure why they chose nursing as a profession but you clearly have a lot of compassion and a very caring heart. Don't ever give up on your dream. The nursing field NEEDS people like you to help these patients realize that someone does care for them and wants to help them. It's never easy losing a patient, especially when it's not common in your area of nursing. There have been times where I cried and thought how am I going to do this day in and day out? But its that moment when you realize you haven't chose nursing, but nursing chose you. Stay strong and keep on! Sounds like you'd be an amazing nurse =)

A lot of my instructors do powerpoints and I, too, like other posters suggested, print them in the "handout" form (3 slides per page) so that I can make my own notes on the right hand side of the paper. I just recently took Applied Clinical Math and this is what helped me tremendously. When I was in A&P, I was also having a difficult time remembering all of the info and a member on this site suggested for me to google "active learning". I'm very glad I did because I now have a different and more efficient approach to studying. Teaching the materials to others also helps me to remember and retain information learned in class. You could teach it to your parents, boyfriend/husband, or even your cat. And of course, the almighty index card. I can't tell you how many flash cards I've used. I keep them in my purse so if I'm waiting somewhere, I can just whip them out and study. I also had my boyfriend quiz me with the flashcards. Good luck in A&P and in your future nursing classes! =)

Although I'm not a nurse yet, I work in a nursing home, so I get to see first hand the life of a LTC nurse everyday and they are definitely not just doing ADLs. I think thats a huge misconception by a lot of people. Obviously they arent doing what a hospital nurse would do but they certainly have their hands full. To stay entirely open minded, I would suggest going through clinical rotations first and see what you like the best because then you have more of an understanding of each area in Nursing and can figure out the best fit for you. Of course, LTC is not for some people and thats ok because there are plenty other areas in the healthcare field. Your views/mindset has the capability of changing when you go through certain experiences. For example, I always thought about the idea of being a nurse when I was a teen but then thought that I probably could not do it and wasnt cut out for it and was originally majored in Elementary Education. Then I got a job in LTC and knew I wanted/had to be a nurse. Even after my initial speculation and doubt, I was exposed to a different view of the world of nursing and now I couldn't see myself doing anything else. Like I said earlier, I'm not a nurse yet so I can't speak for how a nurse perceives the LTC setting but this is just my opinion as general healthcare worker in LTC. And years ago, I would tell people the same thing-that I wouldn't be able to handle working in a nursing home. And now I love working in LTC. Things can certainly change =)

I did anticipate some of this but some if it I did not because my companys rules for the tuition assistance have been changing as well as other aspects of my job/school. Luckily, I have pretty understanding bosses that are trying to help me figure out a plan for work once I start clinicals. This is a dream of mine, so even though I did anticipate some of this, I am not letting it stop me from accomplishing my goal of being a nurse someday. To me, its just a matter of figuring my best option and since many people on this website have gone through nursing school and know whats it like, I figured this would be a good place to come for advice.

in response to the shifts at my work: i work in rehab at a skilled nursing facility, I used to do transport but now am doing all of the therapy scheduling so its a lot of office work. I am required to work normal business hours but am a wee bit flexible in my hours (no earlier than 5am, no later than 6pm and prob have to work at least 6 hours/day). However, if i were to work in the healthcare division of the company as a CNA (no unit clerk positions), their shifts are 7-3, 3-11, and 11-7. Theres also another catch: If i move over to the healthcare side, I wont get tuition assistance anymore. They are much more strict on their policy for the tuition assistance program and am not taking any applications at this time.

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement!!! It truly means SO much to me to hear from others that have gone through/are going through the same thing as me! I would definitely choose nursing, no doubt in my mind whatsoever! You've given me some hope with your story =) Thanks again!

Thanks for all the advice and support! I should clarify that my clinicals are either 6:30-3 or 2:30-11, I do get to pick which set of hours I would like (per my Nsg counselor). The deadline to apply for the nsg program is Feb 15th, so I am trying to get a gameplan BEFORE I apply to nsg school. I will honestly do whatever it takes, I am not going to give up on my dream of being a nurse. If the only way for me to do it is by taking out loans, that is what I will do but I prefer not to do this. Also, because my work pays for my school, they require a work committment which states that after they are done paying, I owe them 2 years if full-time and 3 years if part-time. If I do not follow through with the work committment, I will have to pay them back all of the funds they have paid for my schooling. After calculating how much I would need to get out in loans for living expenses only, it comes out to about $20-$30,000 for the 2 years I'm in school. Of course, this is not including the cost of the actual program, fees, books, etc. I've come up with a budget that has elimated a majority of things that are not needed. That just seems ridiculous to me to come out with an associates degree! But, as I mentioned, I will do what I have to do. I should also mention that I'm not even sure I would get approved for that amount. Of course I'll still apply and see what happens but my credit is not great and I dont have a cosigner. How are people with no support system supposed to make it in this world? My credit isnt great because I've had to live on credit cards (not all the time but sometimes when money gets real tight), otherwise I would be homeless. Now, I have some stuff in collections because I can't afford to pay the debt back because I've had to put every dollar into being able to survive day-to-day. But then here I come to try and better myself and get a degree, oh but no, I need a cosigner to get approved for money to be able to go to school. Its a vicious cycle and I'm not sure how people in my situation are supposed to climb up the ladder if things keep pushing them back down. Just getting frusterated with this whole situation! Thanks again for all of your help and support, you Nurses/Nursing students on this site are my saving grace for questions, support, etc =)

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Hi guys! I'm having a bit of a scheduling crisis and have been troubleshooting for quite some time now and figured I would come to this site for some advice. Brief synopsis: I'm 24 years old, not married, no kids, live on my own with boyfriend, we share responsibilities and bills. I've worked full time and lived on my own since I was 18. Moving back in with parents is not an option for me. Have worked full time while finishing pre-reqs before nursing courses. So now I'm trying to figure out what to do about my schedule once I start nursing courses/clinicals. All the counselors and former students advise to not work, but if you HAVE to, to work part time. I'm at a loss and not sure what to do or how I'm going to pay my bills. I work at a nursing home as an office coordinator. I should also say this, my work pays for my school and because they pay for school, they require me to work at least 22 1/2 hours per week. My current position is a full time position and my company will not let me do this job part time. I have been trying to figure a way around this so that I can go to nursing school. Quitting/putting off school is not an option. I want this for myself more than anything but am just having a hard time figuring out WHAT to do. See below for schedule for the nursing program and let me know if anyone has any advise for me. I would tremendously appreciate any help you could give at this point! Thanks! Monday: class 8-4:30 Tuesday: class 8-4:30 Wednesday: clinicals 6:30-3 OR 2:30-11 Thursday: clinicals 6:30-3 OR 2:30-11 Friday: clinicals 6:30-3 OR 2:30-11 Sat & Sun: Off

Thanks you all so much for your input! I actually did have to drop the class, I would rather have a W on my transcript than an F! I started recording the lectures (as I did in A&P) in the begining and it was no help to me. The inability of paying attention and focusing has always been there to an extent but its NEVER been this bad. I recently started the generic for Xyzal and Singulair for my recently diagnosed asthma and severe allergies, so I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it or not. I actually stopped the meds because I am extremely tired constantly and all I want to do is sleep, even when I get 10 hours of it! I don't think its entirely out of my bloodstream yet so I will give it another week to see if I see a difference. I did it find it helpful to read the entire chapters before I went into lecture so that I knew what we was talking about, but it did not make a significant difference. For some reason this semester is just really hard for me. I typically get A's and B's in my classes, so this isnt normal for me and its really been discouraging. My instructor did suggest for me to drop and take the class during a normal 16 week semester so I will try that in spring (have to take applied clinical math in fall). As for new studying habits, I would agree! My boyfriend suggested the same, that if my way isnt working, to try a different way until I succeed. Unfortunately I just wasn't sure where to turn or to even begin looking for that matter for new, different ways that would benefit me. I will definitely look up "active learning" though!! I thank all of you for your help! I really love having access to such a wonderful site with really supportive peers. This website is my saving grace! Thanks to all of you! =)

Hey everyone, I felt the need to post on here because I am feeling really really discouraged. I am currently taking Intro to Microbiology (Summer semester) and am failing. I have taken 3 out of 6 tests so far and have failed each one, but they are getting progressively better. The last day I can withdraw from the class and get a W grade instead of an F is this Friday. I'm not sure what my problem is. I have taken both A&P's and got B's. Also, I took A&P 1 in the summer and got a B to boot. I just can't retain this information in Microbiology. I do study..but lately I have been so discouraged from these tests. It doesnt help that I can't focus or pay attention in lecture EVER. For some reason, my mind wanders off and even when I recognize it, I can make my brain re-focus for about 5 minutes and then I'm right back to square one. I also work full time, live on my own, no children, etc. Things are especially hard for me this semester and I'm just not sure why. Anywho, after failing every test in this class has really made me question as to whether I would even survive in nursing school and be a good nurse, at that. I am just feeling so discouraged because this is not typical of me and I usually do pretty well. Prior to when I registered for this class, I even emailed the instructor of the course and asked him if he thought it would be a good class to take in the summer and I proceeded to tell him that I took A&P 1 in the summer and got a B and he told he that I should be fine if that was the case. Has anyone else gone through this? I feel so lost and don't know where to turn or what to do. Any help/guidance would be appreciated.

hi everyone! so as of right now, i only have 2 pre-req's to complete before i'm able to apply for the nursing program for next fall. i have to take microbiology and english composition. my question is...should i take microbiology this summer, its a 7 week program. or should i take pathophysiology (not required, but per our nursing counselors would be an excellent class to take). i'm a little apprehensive about taking microbiology because its only 7 weeks and i'm terribly afraid to fail the class because its all so crammed into those 7 weeks. pathophys is spread out in 10 weeks but the class only meets about 5 or 6 times and it just doing presentations on case studies with a group of other students. i work full time (40 hours/week). i took a&p 1 in the summer last year and got an a, but i think a large reason behind that was because of my instructor. he was an amazing instructor. not knowing this microbiology instructor, i'm really not sure what his teaching style is so its hard to tell if i would be able to do as well as i did in a&p 1. just not sure what to do as i don't want to shoot myself in the foot. any of those who have experienced something similar or have any ideas/input, please let me know! thanks for your help. i really look to this site for support and i am so thankful that its here for us nursing students to use because i find it to be oh so helpful! =) -colleen

Hey guys, I'm about to start a CNA course that lasts about 12 weeks. (I'm also a pre-nursing student still getting my pre-reqs done at the same time) And I also want to note that I do understand after my first semester of nursing clinicals, I am eligible to sit for the CNA exam, but I won't get into the program for at least another year because of my schools waiting list (even though they claim NOT to have a waiting list, but thats besides the point), so before anyone mentions that..I am aware of that option available to me =) Anywho, my question is, how much do CNA's typically make in the philly, pa/wilmington, de region at a SNF? At a hospital? ALF? I work in a SNF now but am not a CNA. I'm thinking I'm probably going to have to take a pay cut from my current job. However, I do not mind this at all, as I absolutely hate my job and miss that patient interaction that I used to have at my old job. So I just wanted to see what my options were out there. Thanks =)

I work at a Genesis Healthcare facility in Delaware and they also have facilities in Philly as well, I believe its called Liberty Court. I'm not sure what part of philly you're in, but Genesis owns ALFs, LTC/SNF's, etc..so that could be worth looking into until you get some experience under your belt and can move on into a hospital setting. Good luck to you! =)

I currently work at Genesis Healthcare, but not as a Nurse...yet (I'm currently a nursing student). As another poster commented, it absolutely depends on your facility. Every facility is different in that some facilities have better management than others and vice versa. But for the most part, I think its a good company...just my

hey ya'll, i will be taking the hesi a2 exam soon prior to entering my colleges lpn program. can anyone suggest a study guide that they found helpful? i've heard on this site that many folks recommend the hesi admission assessment guide, edition 2 (1st link below). however, when i was getting ready to order it on amazon.com, i began reading the reviews and most people claimed that it was a horrible book and could not recommend it. i stumbled across another study guide (2nd link below) that people seemed to find very helpful and recommended more so than the 2nd edition study guide. just wanted to get ya'll's thoughts on which study guide i should go with? which one did you find to be helpful/not helpful? thanks so much for your help!! =)