cak1219

I also used Kaplan's GRE prep book. I bought the vocabulary cards but didn't use them. I recommend just knowing the math equations and the top used words on the GRE as listed in Kaplan's book (I saw quite a few of them on my test). When you register for the test, ETS sends you prep software with 2 practice tests. My score on the practice tests were very close to my actual score. I didn't read through the whole Kaplan book either - just the indexes at the end. I used the CD rom and took multiple practice tests. This gets you familiar with pacing yourself and the way the test is laid out and the questions are phrased. Make sure you go over the rationales. I got a 1290, 610 verbal 680 quant, 4.5 writing.

I will be taking this class next month. Does anyone have any tips on the course and how to get an A? Was it extremely difficult?

Thank you to everyone for advice. I submitted my application with all my transcripts. I suppose all I can do now is keep my fingers crossed. If I don't get in, I will take more classes and just apply to more schools next year. Thanks again!

With the time to apply nearing and end.... I just remembered my first semester in college when I was 17. Due to immaturity, I was left with 2 B's in my honors classes and 2 F's (in unimportant classes). This unfortunately leaves me with the following stats. GPA: 3.31 (BSN 4.0) - if it weren't for the first semester with the F's my cum GPA would be 3.45 GRE: 1290 (610 verbal, 680 quant, 4.5 analytical) Experience: 1.5 years in teaching hospital STICU - 2 yrs at the time the program will start Certs: CCRN, TNCC, PALS, BLS, ACLS Charge Nurse/Preceptor Lots of unit projects Shadowed CRNA for 3 days. I considered just not sending the transcript with the F's - but I'm assuming that universities have a way of finding out previous schools. I never did forward this first school's transcripts to any of the other schools I went to so there aren't any transfer credits - but I don't want to risk it for CRNA school. Does anyone know if universities have a way of checking what your previous institutions were? Any thoughts? Should I take more classes to bring my GPA up? Can I try to get my record expunged?

My Brain Hurts, where did you get accepted? Thanks.

IndecisiveRN, was the rush university online patho hard?

Thanks - you guys are right. I'm just getting nervous about figuring out what to do next. I am so nervous about my GPA because it's not nearly as competitive as many I've seen post on this site and I've just been trying to rack my brain to figure out what to do next. I've decided to go ahead an take the biochemistry next semester and work really hard and just see what happens. The only thing that will give me more experience is time - and I can't really change that. I'm just going to work hard on studying for my CCRN and in the process have a bigger knowledge base. Thanks for your help.

Sorry one more question - do you think I should retake A & P I & II (got B's originally) - this will bring my science GPA up to 4.0 or take biochem (and probably get a B). Do you know if you retake classes does the new grade cancel the last grades? Sorry, but I'm trying to figure out how to make my GPA better and what will be best to help me get in.

my stats are pretty close to yours flgasman do you mind if i ask where you got in? thanks in advance

I have my BSN - I did it right after i finished my ADN. But it's not necessary to pay tens of thousands for a degree at an expensive university (esp. if you're going to accrue lots of debt in the process) when your employer won't really care where you got your BSN. Also the nice thing about getting your ADN first is that you can work while you're getting your BSN and take advantage of programs like tuition reimbursement.

I did mine through Chamberlain College of Nursing in St. Louis Missouri (online). I loved it and 3 of my friends who also did it enjoyed it as well. The classes are easy - but there's a lot of room for you to do your own research and develop papers based on YOUR interests. It's about 15,000 for the whole degree though - really enjoyed it though.

Start in a Med/Surg unit. This will teach you about time management and will give you a large variety of patients (and a great solid knowledge base). Once you've manage 5-6 patients, you can do anything. I started in a cards PCU tele unit with 3 patients only. Then I moved and the only job I could get was on a Med/Surg unit. I was struggling because my time management skills weren't as good the other nurses and I didn't have as large of knowledge base. Now I'm working in the ICU and I think my time on the busy med/surg floor was the best learning experience. Do a year in med/surg then specialize.

I'm sorry that your first ICU experience wasn't great - but just keep in mind - administering IV medication is a technical skill that is mastered with practice. It is not an indicator of intelligence. First, just remember the steps that your instructor taught you. Practice, practice, practice. Remember, aseptic technique. Swab swab thouse ports (if you think you contaminated something, swab them again or get another flush, etc. - don't want to give your patient an infection). Then - flush, give medication, flush, and clamp line. Acronym SAS or SASH. Periph Line: S -Saline flush A - Administer S - Saline flush Central line: S - Saline flush A - Administer S - Saline flush H - Heparin. Don't focus too much on the technical skills only though. Critical care nursing is about advance critical care THINKING not technical skills. Impress your instructor with your knowledge about the drugs and this will leave a lasting impression. Take the wonderful learning experience that the ICU provides and don't focus too much on this. I know your next clinical will be better :)

It's just one test - but i know it can be scary. I'm not sure how you're studying but when I was in nursing school - I found that I did better if I studied NCLEX questions instead of studying the book.

I don't have any kids so I'm sure that you will have much more responsibilities then I did during nursing school. Beginning: If you have experience in healthcare you will have an edge (e.g. CNA, LPN). I did not have any experience at all and I was struggling in the basics. My hardest clinical was my first semester at the nursing home. You'll feel a little slower then everyone else. Just keep your heart in the right place - you're there because of your compassion for patients - this will show to the instructor. Tests will also be difficult because you're getting used to the "all the answers are right but which one is the best answer" type of test. Just remember this during school "Maslow's Hierarchy." Middle: You'll never have worked so hard in your life. I was a 3.93 student in high school - I got my first "C" ever during nursing. Then you'll start to discover that B's aren't too bad - and hey - "C" is still passing. You'll start to get more comfortable with clinicals. At this point, having previous experience (CNA/LPN) won't matter anymore. As a matter of fact, just as many of the CNAs failed during this point as those of us without experience. Remember - keep your head on right and let your compassion for the patient always be your priority, your instructors WILL notice. Study for your tests using the NCLEX prep books. Care plans are about prioritizing - you won't use them when you leave nursing school but I honestly believe that they're just a way for instructors to give "busy work" to students. Still - but lots of effort into them - effort shows. Most people do well and enjoy OB, many struggle with their first semester of Med-Surg. Know your meds. Finish: Your last semester will fly by. Keep your head in the game, study for the tests, be proactive with your patients and in class. When you're done with your degree and start your job, that's when the real learning will start. Take your NCLEX early while the knowledge is still fresh in your head.

I would love to JHU for my graduate degree - but for your BSN, it's not worth the price. When you get your RN - nobody will care will you went to school. Your academic education will not matter - as a matter a fact, some of the best nurses come from ADN programs. It also doesn't give you an edge for getting a job unless you're an area where there isn't a nursing shortage. In a slowing economy, you don't want to accrue any more debt than you have to. Go to a cheaper school - you can always work at JHU afterwards and get the same exposure AND get paid for it. And you can also apply there for grad school.

Critical care can be overwhelming at first with all the machines, lines, and numbers on the monitor. Review some EKG basics (A-fib, SVT, Vfib/tach - no need to know specifics), have knowledge about different types of lines (arterial line for BP monitoring, central venous lines, etc.), might be a good idea to go over labs. Basic understanding of chest tubes, vents may also be a good idea. Your preceptor will not expect you to know everything and will generally just appreciate an inquisitive, confident, interested student. Also, since your preceptor will only have 1-2 patients, she/he will likely be with you (or very close by) the whole time. If you're going to a ICU with a diverse patient population (e.g. SICU or MICU) - listen to report and if something interests you - speak up and tell your preceptor. Assertiveness is valued in Critical Care. Relax - it will be fun and a great learning experience!

Critical Care/Emergency nursing is really mastered with experience. Being able to prioritize is the most important thing. I'm sure you've been taught the ABCs in BLS. When I prioritize at work, I always keep one thing in mind - "What's the first thing that's going to kill this patient?" That is the right decision - take care of what will be the first thing to kill him/her. Everything else can wait.

Since its that time of year where the newest SRNAs are being accepted into programs (Congratulations!) - would those accepted be willing to post stats/advice on this thread for those that hope to follow in your footsteps? Let's keep this thread going!

Proclivity, Your BSN is usually much easier than your ADN as long as you're willing to put the time into it. ADN programs have NCLEX style questions that tend to promote a lower gpa. RN-BSN programs aren't quite as worried about this and tend to be more theory based (papers, discussion, etc.) and therefore promotes a higher GPA as long as you're willing to put time in it (and are a fairly good writer). I struggled in my ADN with a

MUSC would be my top choice but it seems quite difficult to get into without a LOT of experience (5+) or a killer GPA. I know of quite a few people that are incredibly intelligent that have not gotten in. Any insights on what MUSC is really looking for?

I'm kind of in the same boat as well. In a SICU at a teaching university - it seems like anesthesia school is about 50% of the employees' end goal. There is definitely a level of competitiveness going on and the ones that aren't applying resent the new employees who have this goal. It also is really disheartening when you see people who have so much more experience than you not get in after applying a few times.

Not sure if this will help but I just took my GRE and did pretty well on the verbal part. I only studied for about two days - but what I did memorize was a list of words that I found with Kaplan - "The top" words used on the GRE (like 100 words?). I saw quite a few of them on the GRE. I also looked over the Kaplan "strategies" to use on the test (e.g. forming bridges for analogies) etc. Hope that helps.

Congratulations to all of you - I plan on applying to Wolford this year - Do you mind sharing your stats/experience that go you in? Thanks.

congratulations! what did it take to get into vcu?