codeblue222

Pretty much what RunBabyRun said... I grew up, got serious about school, and now try to excel in everything I do.

If your book has learning objectives I would try to answer those and if you can't ...refresh your knowledge for those topics. That has helped me!

Like the PP said, there are plenty of accelerated BSN programs out there to choose from. I am actually in an accelerated program now, however, the only downside is that since I already hold a bachelor's degree I don't qualify for any types of grants which is a bummer.

I would look into companies who specialize in promotional gifts, more specifically, medical promotional gifts. I did a quick Google search and a bunch of companies popped up... so I would start there. They usually let you add a 'logo' to your item so you can customize it to your needs. Here is a link to one I found that has many different types of penlights: Aluminum LED Replaceable Battery Pocket Light | Health Promotions Now

I am currently attending the accelerated nursing program at Kramer, however, this is my first semester so I don't have too much insight to offer. I am really enjoying the program so far... the teachers seem to actually want you to learn and understand the material but you are required to do a lot of reading, so be prepared. The testing style will probably be different than what you were used to... it requires you to fully understand everything that was taught, to be able to apply the knowledge and to critically think through the problems. I would recommend checking out a book at the library for NCLEX review and familiarize yourself the style of questions.

I have only been in the program for one week so far... but I like it a lot. I have already made some good friends who will be in the program with me the whole way. I don't know if the dynamics are different because it's an accelerated program but the age range of the students vary greatly. There are a lot of older students who bring a lot of interesting characteristics to the program. The only previous medical experience I have is getting my CNA certificate but I never got a job in the field.

I haven't attended either one of those programs, however I am currently in a second degree accelerated program. I guess it depends on your personal goals... if you are ultimately going to go back and get your BSN or a higher degree for nursing I would just do the BSN now. My personal opinion would be to get the higher degree to increase your chances of employment after graduating and set yourself up so that you can go back and master in a field later if you decide.

Ceccia - that is such an interesting way of putting it. I'm totally going to try that! I didn't get nervous when practicing skills for my CNA certificate , probably because I would talk to the "patient" kind of explaining the process as I went. But when it comes to interviews off presentations I am a total wreck.

Thank you so much for this advice! I start tomorrow ... I'm so nervous/excited I can't sleep =P.

Happy New year!!! -I hope to pass my first-third semesters (summer included) in nursing school. -I hope I am able to survive on my own in a new state and make the best of it. -I really hope that I am able to get involved in some sort of research this year.

Unfortunately the southern California area is extremely competitive for nursing school. However your current stats look good. I actually live about 20 miles north, but most of the community colleges around here are transitioning to a point system. GPA is a big factor, volunteer/employment in a healthcare setting helps. I know the community colleges in my immediate area have about a two year wait list... which I would guess would be about the same for the LA area.

I start January 13th and graduate May 2015!! I'm so excited to finally be starting school after so long! =)

I haven't started my nursing program yet but for my bio major I would buy my books through half.com and sell them after every semester if they were no longer needed. I would usually end up breaking even ( unless a new edition came out dropping the book value). They tend to be cheaper than Amazon even with shipping. The only downside to half.com is the shipping time... the books are generally sent via the cheapest method so expect the books around 1-2 weeks.

Hi! I start nursing school in January... I'm super anxious to get started! I actually will be graduating in the summer of 2015. Congrats to all that got in! =)

Congrats!! =)

Hello! First off.. congrats on getting into NS! =) . If you want options when you plan on going back to school for you Master's degree I would make sure your school is accredited by one of the 6 regional accreditors (in addition to CCNE): Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Northwest Accreditation Commission, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, or Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Good luck! =)

Congratulations on getting into NS, so exciting!! I too am starting NS in January so I am also looking for advice or best practices. I have been reading around the forum and from what I gathered the major things to focus on are prioritizing and study enough to understand the material (not just memorization). Anyways good luck and have fun! =)

Wow... truly inspiring! I would love to do this when I become a seasoned nurse.

Wow..thank you! I appreciate your responses. I was really nervous moving into a new area without knowing anything! And now I feel like I have a little idea of what OKC is like. Thank you!

That's good to hear about the grocery stores... too bad there isn't a Costco! =P Do you have any recommendations for places to live within the city or in other surrounding cities? I am actually looking for a home to buy in a decent area... since I not only want to feel safe but I ultimately want to get a roommate or two and I think a 'safer' area might be more appealing for roommates lol. Thank you for all of your input! I was getting concerned no one would respond to my thread lol.

My CNA program was pretty easy... I went through the Redcross in California and it was a month long program. Our teacher said that almost no one fails the written portion, which was also the case for my class... however more than half of of the class failed the clinical portion of the exam. So I would recommend really practicing your skills!

Wow ! I really appreciate this list! I have just enrolled into an ABSN program and I am hoping this helps me out when I enter clinicals! Thanks!

Bluejays91- Thank you so much for all of the information...especially about the books! I looked at the book list for my the first semester and it totaled to 16 books! I basically purchased only the ones that said 'required' from Half.com , but I am glad to hear there is no point in keeping the books because I have always sold my books after every semester. Next semester I will look into the e-books and older editions. Since I will be living by myself initially, safety is a big concern for me ... so I think I might look into the Edmond area. With the accelerated program do you think someone would be able to work part time with the school load? Also... what semester do the clinicals start? I am so excited to start! Outriton- I appreciate your response! I actually accidentally stumbled across a article discussing the alcohol laws a little while ago and was surprised... its completely different than what we are use to in CA lol. I am glad to hear there is a whole foods! I heard that actually grocery stores are few and far between .. is this true?

Hey guys! So I will be starting the Oklahoma City University accelerated program in Spring 2014. I was unable to get into any of the schools in my local area (Southern California) so I will be relocating out to Oklahoma City ! I'm curious to know if anyone will also be attending this school in Spring and if there are any current or previous students who could give some input on the school, activities, things to do, where to live etc. I would love any input that can be provided. Thank you! =)

Hi! I will be graduating in 2 weeks with a BA in Biology, and I've been looking ELMSN NP programs... I know of the schools that are offering that option within CA, but I was wondering if anyone knew of any other schools that I should apply to (out-of-state).. to increase my chances of getting into a school by next Fall. Thanks!