WishfulThinker

Check out the Lawrence Memorial/Regis College program. Its in the Boston area. http://www.lmregisnurse.org/

Where do live/in what area are you looking to go to school? What is the school you're talking about?

Sounds like you're doing all the right stuff. Good luck!

Ask if it would be ok to record the lecture. Then you can go home later and rewrite, or type up your notes and take your time absorbing the lecture. You could also ask the professor if he would hand out the power point notes. You never know...he might be willing to do that. Also, work on any objectives at the beginning or review questions at the end of the chapters. Those tend to be the kinds of things you'll find on the tests.

In defense of some of these students.......Do you know how many times I have purchased books and showed up n the first day of class only to have the instructor say that, the book store ordered the wrong book, the department wanted to use the newest (much more expesive) edition but the instructor preffered the older and would be teaching from that, two of those books are only "recommended" by the department and wouldn't be necessary for course work, etc? I have always found it better to show up on the first day without books, get a syllabus, and be prepared to go directly to the book store if getting the book immediatly was imperitive. Now, I also see your point. In a situation like this, where "the program" requires the books, and lets you know what they are and where to get them .....you should have them in advance. But, books are crazy expensive and the bookstore if OFTEN not cooperative about taking them back. So maybe people were just waiting to see if the list was correct before making the investment.

Wow....this person has acknowledged that they are just figuring out what they really want to do and they have acknowledged that they have screwed up until this point. I think your post was rather harsh considering you have no idea what circumstances lead this person to be in school so long or make a change in career. So what if this person doesn't get in to nursing school until their mid 30s, so what if they don't get in until they're 40. Your advice to finish a degree that obviously hasn't sparked any passion in this person is silly. Chances are, if one has worked on something for 8 years without success or drive for success there isn't much hope. I applaud this person for wanting a fresh start and taking the steps to begin again and go after what they want. I'm not saying anyone is going to hand them the chance....I gave step by step instructions about what worked for me and it was hard work. I would agree with you if this person said they knew what they wanted all along and it took them 8 years to work toward their pre-reqs and they kept failing or withdrawing from the classes. Those posts come around all the time and people do give a false sense of hope. Telling people "just keep trying you'll get there" is foolish when they obviously don't have what it takes for a particular career. And I feel like thats what you're doing...telling this person to continue toward a career (technology) that they obviously aren't cut out for. Its time to try something new...nursing just might be the thing!

If you haven't taken any of your pre-reqs yet then I think you still have a really good shot. The first thing you HAVE to do is take your pe-reqs and get REALLY GREAT grades in those. I mean As and B+ the lowest. Also, get in good with a couple of these professors. I'm not saying be a butt kisser (ok maybe just a little bit but don't be annoying about it). Just make them remember you by doing things like getting involved in class discussions and presentations, helping out in labs if you have the time(come in a couple minutes early to help set up, help clean up after lab), chatting it up with them on breaks instead of running out the door (I'm taking friendly conversation, not hounding them about the material...this is their break too. If you are leaving the room anf they can't ask if you can bring them something back...ok this is the kissing up part... but it will be appreciated and remembered if it is done in a genuine way). Attend study groups if they're available, even if you don't think you need the extra help...you will learn SOMETHING you didn't know and it will show your determination to do well. If you do all of this, when it comes time for letters of recommendation at least one of your professors will write you a fabulous letter. Start getting some hospital/patient care experience. Volunteer or get a job in the medical field. Again, do everything you can to stand out without being annoying. If your job is greeting the patients...be the best greeter the hospital ever had. If you make the beds and empty the trash be the best, most efficient bed maker and trash emptier ever. Get friendly with the staff in the area you work in. Ask them to ket you see cool stuff when it happens. Again, this will count when you need letters to get into a program and maybe help you move up the ladder when your looking for another job. If the program you apply to requires an essay, write a great essay. Get help with that if you can. Whatever school you're going to probablyhas some resource for help with writing. Even if you use them just for proofreading and editing it is helpful to have another set of eyes. Also if the topic of the essay allows for it, use this time to talk about your change of heart in you carreer path. Mention how much more serious you have become in your studies since you found a passion for something. Chances are, if you get great grades in your pre-reqs the admissions committe will weigh that heavier than the w you got in ceramics during you first year of school when you were 18 and had no clue what you wanted to do with your life. On the same note, if you finish your pre-reqs and are still in the process of applying, or are waiting to hear, start taking co-reqs. Get as much done as you can and do really well. It shows you are really serious. Some programs also give prefference to students who have more courses completed. And finally, if you get the chance to interview for a program, make sure you let them know how much you really want this. Take the opportunity to explain your old grades and whatever life circumstances led to them and how that has all changed. Your new grades and new attitude will outshine your old transcripts. Wow...sorry this ended up sooo long but not long ago I was in EXACTLY the same position as you and now...I'm starting a nursing program. These are the steps I took. I had to figure out all that stuff for myself so hopefully I helped you get a jump on thinking about what you have to do if you're serious about getting in. GOOD LUCK!! Let me know if I can help any more!

How he hell is the person giving the sample supposed to clean themselves, pull up an fasten their pants, and wash their hands while holdong a paper cone. Obviously most people would put the cup down while doing these tasks...not possible with a cone.

Yeah good luck to you too!

I would either retake the class or take the other classes that you need and apply AFTER you take them. That way one C+ in a sea of As and Bs won't look too terrible and your GPA will be higher than if you apply before takaing those classes. It shows that you're not on a downward spiral but rather just had a hic-up and your back on track.

I will take the two gen ed classes I have left (ethics and stats) in September and then start my nursing classes in January (day division). Good news is I'll only have the nursing classes left after I take these two in september.

I'm praying for you girls!!!

My boys are 2.5 and 8.5. I study when they are sleeping or in school. So far this arrangement has worked out. It is getting easier as my youngest gets older.

I have all As in my pre-reqs and co-reqs so I feel like I will do well. I juggled mirco and a&pII at the same time while raising 2 kids and working part-time so I know I can do it. I just feel better knowing I can focus on my nursing classes and clinical hours without gen eds in the way to bog me down with more work.

Well I have 2 kids and work part time so life is a challenge on its own...lol. However, I worked it out that all my gen eds would be taken before the nursing classes so I would hae less to juggle. I'm excited to start.