ambitiousBSN

My first semester consisted of 4 classes: Foundations (clinical), Health Assessment, Informatics, and Healthy Aging (Gerontology).

I have a black Littmann Cardiology III that I always keep around my neck both in clinical and at school. I also have an all black (Black Edition) of the Littmann Classic II.

I'm going into my third semester and I've only kept my Assessment, Funds, and Med/Surg books; and the obvious books such as my diagnosis book and drug guide.

Med/Surg so far because of what has been mentioned before- it's when a lot of things started coming together. I'll have another Med/Surg class in the fall, so we'll see if it stays as a favorite, lol. I'm hoping that Mental Health will be a close second favorite, so we'll see with that in the fall, too.

My school combines Pathophysiology and Pharmacology into one course. I think it's best to have taken A&P I and II prior to taking Pathophysiology because in order to understand the abnormal processes occurring in the body, you must understand the normal processes.

I am currently in their nursing program. I just finished the second semester and so far, everything has been great. Sure, there are kinks to be worked out, or have been worked out as we progress, but we are the inaugural group so it's a matter of tailoring the program as they move along. The professors are awesome and super supportive and encouraging. Feel free to reach out to me via message on here if you have any further questions.

I just want to piggyback off this. I felt the same way after the first semester. It was such a "culture shock," if you will, because it was such a different way of thinking and the tests are like nothing you've ever taken during your pre-requisites. BUY AN NCLEX BOOK! I personally recommend Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN® Examination which is in its 6th edition now. It provides both NCLEX review questions as well as comprehensive review of everything from A&P to fundamentals to assessment to everything else. And since Bunnybop mentioned care plans- do not be afraid of care plans. Yes, they're long and tedious, but I've learned so much in addition to my lectures just from what I've experienced and seen during clinical. They really made me dig further to understand the pathophysiology of each disease as well as the mechanism of action of the meds I was passing. I agree with Bunnybop though, you can do it!

Congratulations to those of you who were accepted! For those of you who weren't accepted- please do not give up on your dream! I applied to CCBC during two admissions cycles and was rejected both times even with a "Proficient" on the TEAS with a 3.3 GPA. The second time I was rejected, I had already finished half of my transfer credits for a BSN program and was accepted at Notre Dame of Maryland University. I applied to their inaugural entry level program and am finishing my second semester of their nursing program. Your dream will become a reality and you will succeed! Please continue pushing through and never back down from your goals and dreams. I wish all of you the best of luck in your nursing endeavors! :-)

Congrats! :-) I still check this forum regardless of being in a nursing program. I find that what has or hasn't helped me is helpful to pre-nursing students, so I still try to check in and see if my input and experiences can help someone else. Best of luck to you!

This! When I took Med/Surg the first half of the semester, I had that problem- with questions on exams, I had the problem of thinking too far into the question, so your comment hits the nail right on the head. I can't tell you the amount of times I've been told to just look at the problem presented in the question, don't look further- but the problem with that is that the "further" problem is always listed as an answer selection, lol.

I think that's a great class to take for any health related field. I took a Medical Assisting program 7+ years ago and much of the medical terminology I learned in that program has proven to be a huge help in my nursing classes. I think once you can understand those terms, you can begin to connect the concepts in nursing school. Good luck to you! :-)

- Working full time - Concerts - Reviewing dosage - Reviewing NCLEX questions Oh, joy.

Popping in again because nursing acceptances are awesome :-) In the past, Simon would say "SHP Decision Made," or something to that effect. It is true that you can potentially see a seat fee posted before you receive your acceptance letter, so that's another way to celebrate. Good luck to you all! :-)

I also work 24 hours a week. It's tough, but it can be done if you're willing. :-)

Notre Dame's program has been great. I'm glad I transferred and am going through their program. As for advice: 1. Buy a planner (not that I would imagine you don't already have one, lol) and seriously stay on track. It's so easy to get behind on reading or lose track of what's going on or what's due. 2. Stick to a few people because you will quickly figure out who's your real friend and who's only out to get notes and help. 3. Be on time for clinical and be prepared! Think of your clinical experiences as a job interview- if you show up without a copy of your resume (similar to showing up without a stethoscope), how does that look to a potential employer/colleague? 4. Take time to relax- as if nursing school isn't already stressful enough, you do need time to relax and unwind during the week! :-) 5. BUY A SAUNDERS NCLEX REVIEW BOOK. Seriously, that thing is the nursing school Bible. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Good luck finding someone who will complete your interview. An interview is just that- an interview, whereas you ask someone the questions in person. Besides, how on Earth would you know for a fact that someone on the Internet has a BSN? You don't know any of us from Adam. Anyone could say they are a nurse these days.

That's okay! Generally one of the Admins come in and move posts to different forums, so someone may come along shortly and do so. :-) Congrats on being accepted to HCC! I am in Notre Dame's program in Towson.

Congrats on passing! :-) I'm finishing my second semester as well. I'm currently in pediatrics and while it's less intense than Med/Surg (in my opinion...), I wouldn't exactly call it easy. I found it to be a lot of observation because kiddos tend to change in their status more rapidly than adults, and sometimes you won't notice it until it flat out happens. Not to mention, while medication administration is important on the entire patient spectrum, it's super important in pediatrics because medications are administered according to weight (in kg), so it's important to be able to calculate and understand safe and therapeutic dosages. Things made a little more sense than I expected though because I had taken Med/Surg the first 7 weeks, so I had learned about certain illnesses prior to beginning pediatrics. It unexpectedly became something I warmed up to and I can potentially see myself working in pediatrics in the future. Best of luck to you! I'm heading to Med/Surg II, OB/Maternity, and Mental Health next semester. :-)

I absolutely second pathophysiology! I'm currently taking Pathopharmacology and it has been such a disadvantage to not know the pathophysiology of disease processes as well as drug mechanism(s) of action to enter Med/Surg and other clinical rotations. My program is now moving this course into the first semester of the nursing program because we've had some difficulty.

Perhaps this should be moved to the Maryland forum for more responses. :-)

I still have my A&P textbook because you'd be surprised how often professors will say, "Go back and review ____________ from A&P." It's also important to understand the normal anatomy and physiology to understand a disease process, so I would imagine your A&P book would serve you well, too. Good luck!

This is so true! Syllabi always change, or you end up falling behind and topics don't get covered in class, or you skip a chapter all together. People assume that you begin with the first part of the textbook which half the time you don't consult the first part of the textbook at all. I generally reference the first few chapters during assignments, but I can't remember having chapter 1 or 2 being lectured, lol.

I second Medical Terminology. I also took Abnormal Psychology and I feel that's been helpful during my clinical rotations.

I want to do something regarding cardiac. I really enjoyed Med/Surg, and somehow I ended up warming up to to Pediatrics. I can really see myself in ICU though- I love the fast paced nature and the constant hustle and bustle.

THIS. Not to mention there are so many topics that get narrated and you have to teach yourself.