LuvCinci

I would apply as soon as possible- deadlines do not matter very much for this program, per se. It is likely that the Phase II June 2011 cohort is probably filling up soon (there are only about 32 students per cohort, with a cohort being class start dates of June or January of every year), so you may be looking at starting January 2012 for phase II if June is full. I would email them back and ask if the June 2011 cohort still has spots open, rather than asking about deadlines. Hope this helps!

After my first day (12 hr shift) I came home, zombie look on my face, walked in the door, and burst into tears when my boyfriend asked how it went. Just finished my fourth day yesterday, and was all smiles! It gets better each day. Being new is so overwhelming, and expect that you are going to feel a little dumb, because you are new- but don't be too hard on yourself! The fact that you care shows that you will be just fine :)

I haven't read all the responses yet, and apologize if I am reiterating someone's point, but here goes: I went to graduate school while my (now ex) boyfriend was finishing up undergrad. I'll start by saying that he and I weren't ultimately right for each other, and I believe there are two big reasons that lead to the end of our relationship. First, he was threatened by my dedication to my career and was jealous of it. Second, he was right. I put my career before him, which I only realized in hindsight. However, I don't regret it. Now I am in a great relationship with someone who I value incredibly, and we support each other unconditionally and take a team approach. My guy and I are both pursuing the careers we want (quite a bit of work ahead of both of us!), but we make sure to stay happy, grounded, and maintain our relationship. Some days you can't be there for each other, but in general, keep the balance and make sure you recognize each others' worth equally. My situation is NOT necessarily like yours. But, I did recognize some semblance of myself and my former attitude when you said she told you that you basically wouldn't see much of her while she was in school. This is a warning flag to me, because I have been in her shoes. I'm not saying that she doesn't want to be with you, but she may need you to be truly supportive, excited for her, and not resentful of her choice. Likewise, she needs to recognize that you must "Be a team." If she can't be your teammate, make sure you are keeping your spine and staying confident in yourself. You seem like such a loving, caring person, and I really want things to turn out well for you, so I hope it all works out the way that is best for both of you!

That's what I am doing! I have heard from a few people that if you were a CNA/PCA, you are much more comfortable at transitioning to being a nurse because of what you have observed and the experience you have in patient contact. Good luck with your choices and path!

I think that most math seems hard because it is surprisingly abstract. Keep an open/creative mind and you should be fine.

Lots of great advice here! Every single time I've started a new semester of school, it's panic mode time. You get your syllabi and see all of the things that lie ahead of you and it's overwhelming. I agree that writing down a schedule of due dates for tests and assignments definitely helps. You can do it! :)

Don't second guess yourself! I have realized that whatever situation I am in, I have the ability to be happy. It's not always easy, and sometime hard to see, but you will find happiness in what you have chosen to do, as long as you don't dwell on the past. A full scholarship is awesome, and I have been hearing that going for a BSN is starting to become necessary for many new jobs out there in certain settings. You will be fine :)

YOU CAN DO IT! When I started school for a different degree a few years ago, I had one person tell me that because I never had a formal class in the field I wanted to go into that it would be really hard for me, and "uh...good luck..." I decided right there that I would show him! It wasn't really about showing him that I could, but rather that I wanted to. However, the little bit of indignant feelings his comments gave me, well, they certainly fueled my determination at some points. When I graduated with a far better GPA than him, it really felt great! I can identify in a way- I have degrees already in a somewhat difficult field, and when I tell some people I'm going into nursing they look at me with with confusion and ask why. Even when I tell them that I want a rewarding career and a family life too, they still don't get it. It hurts sometimes, I'll admit, because they can't see how wonderful a career it is. A cousin of mine is a great NICU nurse, and when I told her, I expected her to be excited and supportive. Instead, I got "I can't picture you giving bed baths." What does that mean? Really? Does she think it's above or below me? Or that I don't seem nurturing? I guess we just have to shrug it off, and like others have said, get that thick skin! Always remember why we go into this field!

Thanks for posting this! I have an interview tomorrow, and all of your comments helped greatly! :)

Hey Sam, I replied to you in a different discussion, but just realized that I did not include something that may be helpful to you- do you have any A and P classes so far? The "3" is based on the fact that UC is a quarter system (right now anyway, they will transition to semesters soon). A and P 1 and 2 in semesters would translate to A and P 1, 2 and 3 in the quarter system. I would suggest contacting the Graduate Program Coordinator for a transcript assessment if you have had ANY A and P classes so far, and let her know your concerns. She is amazing! You may find that you don't really need "3," depending on your experience, and she will be able to clarify for you. For example, I have never taken the A and P sequence, but have teaching experience and have taken other classes that add up for me to equal having had the sequence. I was confused and worried too, until I dialogued with her and figured it all out. Hope this helps- let me know! -LuvCinci

Sam- you should consider enrolling at Cincinnati State (www.cincinnatistate.edu)- they have many of the prerequisites available and are less expensive than other options! Many of the courses are available online. However, you have to be on the ball about signing up for them because they fill up fast and we (non-degree-seeking students) have lowest priority. Hope this helps! :)

Hi, J! I will be starting in January 2011, and I am very excited. Thanks for posting this- it has given me some great info. Good luck in completing your schooling! P.S. Any info would be appreciated! Do you usually get one weekday and/or weekends off from classes and clinicals? I am trying to anticipate my work schedule and it if is do-able... How many days of the week are "tied up" with this program?

Try to jazz up your studying any way you can- break the monotony! One thing you can try is to use brightly colored flashcards. I know this may seem silly, but it may add a little snazz. I have been through quite a bit of schooling, and one thing that was paramount in encouraging continuous motivation to study is changing up HOW I studied. For awhile, I may re-copy notes and reheorifice in my head. Then, I may switch to flashcards. One of the best methods I found was verbally rehearsing and "teaching" my pets. Just make sure no one else is around for that one :)