LexiG

I was just reading through this thread for the first time tonight. My husband is going to be transferred to MD in the next year (I am plowing through pre reqs out here in CA) so have started casually researching schools out there. I don't like that it's not competative! That makes me nervous. Any suggestions on other schools out there?

I completely agree on the D rings! Especially as you get into advanced classes that have require a ton of paper and notes. You will be much happier with them.

You shouldn't feel stupid! This is why you are going to school and learning things. And I don't know how old you are but I will use myself as an example. I am 31. I have a great career that I make good money at but decided I wanted something more challenging that would let me use my brain a bit. I am older than some people in my prereq's but there is nothing wrong with that! And there is plenty of stuff that I vaguely remember learning years ago and get frustrated about, then I remember what I am aiming for, focus, and succeed. You can't let yourself get dragged down about it. You will be great.

Ok good I thought I was the only nerd! I finished summer school a week ago and am so ready to start Fall classes. They released the semester book list on Monday, I already ordered my stuff through Amazon and got a few today. Happily flipping through my pharmacology book!

Time will fly carshell! What is everyone taking this fall?

No worries 45 March isn't far away at all, you must be so excited! And Amac that is when I will have all my pre-reqs done, trying to push myself and do as much as I can without having my grades slip.

Amac good for you on your third semester already! I am just starting out so won't be applying until the end of next year. Are you taking anything this summer?

Good luck if you apply! I am plowing through pre reqs. Hopefully I will see you there!

You've made a really great choice. And yes you take on multiple classes at once but you can choose what those classes will be and what pace you want to go at. Also be sure to check out ratemyprofessor.com

Oh and your instructor may already require it but if your a visual learner this is great. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0805350861/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

Hi, I started buying some items to pre-study for the same class. I bought Anatomy and Physiology for Dummies (I love those books, they are a easy read and give good info) as well as Anatomy flashcards. I really liked these. http://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Flashcards-Stephanie-Mccann/dp/1427796947/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1305802237&sr=8-1 Good luck!

I am super nervous to take Chem as well but know it will help me tremendously in the long run. As long as you feel it won't cause you problems down the road you should be ok. I would buy some basic Chem review books to keep on hand though and don't be suprised if you sign up for it at some point.

Definitely doable! As long as you are motivated you will be fine. Just prioritize, make use of time management skills and keep your eye on the prize. Good luck!

Way to go on being so close to completeing your AA. As far as not passing on Monday you really don't have any other option than putting your head down, nose to book, and study all of the review information. Beyond that I would absolutely complete your AA (you are so close) and enroll in your local CC. Without some more solid math and science knowledge I am concerned you will feel far behind your peers in nursing school. Best of luck.

I would check into your local community college. 30k is way too much money to throw down for an lvn position. You may also find a lot of career institute classes don't transfer over to a JC or State College. You could even take all of your pre-req's and get an AS and transfer to get a BSN. Much much cheaper. Best of luck.

Congratulations! And I have friends from the Fresno area. Definitely aim for Clovis.

Our local community college I plan to attend weaves pharmacology in with the general nursing classes. There is a seperate, non required but 'encouraged' pharmacology class you can take on your own prior to entry.

Our local school does a family orientation night. They bring in a 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th semester student, along with their husbands/significant others and children. The student speaks, as does the family members, about how their lives change/have been affected. Having the significant others and family there is a great touch because it allows a husband to speak to a husband in a group and one on one if necessary.

I think psych actualy is an important base class but I know what you mean about some teachers thinking their class should be your main focus. I have the same teacher for 2 different psych classes this semester who is informative without overloading us. My history of photography teacher? Weekly tests, bi-weekly online discussion boards, mid term, final, required museum visit and 4 papers that have to be 4-5 pages each.

What area of Southern California are you in?

How strange! We were told last week by a nursing counselor that they technically do not have a waiting list right now. I am curious what they say when you go to your workshop? And I hope you can challenge the CNA, that would be a bummer to take over again. Yes, you have to finish the CORE prereqs. Those are (per the info sheet we got at the workshop) Intermediate algebra or Applied Math for Health Care Professionals Chemistry for Health Sciences or Elementary Chem OR 1 year high school Chem, General Human Anatomy Intro to Human Physiology General Microbiology CNA or equivalent and either Human Development (not child development) OR Introduction to Developmental Psychology. The only class they offer out of the above online (in case you want to take it distance) is Developmental Psych, Inter Algebra and possibly Human Development. All other courses required for an AS to be achieved when you are done (which you will need to have done before you can test for your NCLEX) must be completed before you finish the program. You do not have any nursing classes during the summer so you could try to cram them all in then but that would be hard, as much as you can finish before would of course make life easier. As for the speech classes it can be either Intro to Speech Comm or Critical Thinking in Oral Comm: Argument and Debate. Their only other requirement's, which are also required to achieve an AS and can be done at anytime during the program, are English Comp, Intro to Psych and a choice between Cultural Anthro, Into to Soc, Social Problems or Racial and Ethnic Group Relations. It is up to you to choose and fulfill 1 course from (when looking at an AA/AS check sheet) American History and Institutions, 1 from Fine or Performing Arts, 1 form Humanities, 1 Health Education and 1 Physical Education. I hope that helps and good luck! If anything I'm glad I could help you check out another option.

Ventura does not have a waiting list and it is a good school with a high pass rate on the NCLEX. Call the counseling office and ask to be signed up for one of the nursing intro workshops ASAP. They offer one weekly, usually thursdays at 10:00am. Only catch is all pre reqs must be done, not in progress and you must be a certified CNA. They extended their app deadline.

Yes, I went to their orientation last week. They offer them on a weekly basis, I would suggest calling and putting your name on the list to attend one. They said they technicaly have no waiting list. The counselor giving the presentation said they had to call over 160 people last semester to fill their class. At MOST you would probably wait a semester and that's if they wind up completely inundated with applicants in the next month. They extended their filling deadline, I believe it is the end of March or May?? I don't remember exactly because I am still working on my prereq's. The only catch is your prereqs must be completed, not in progress, and you must be a licensed CNA. You can take CNA classes through some adult eds, CC's and private institutions. The prereqs are Anatomy, Chemistry, MicroBiology, Physiology (must be taken seperately from Anatomy, not a combined course), Intermediate Algebra and Psych 5 or a specific Health Class. Psych 5 here is like human development

Hi, Not sure how far you are willing to travel but have you checked Cerritos and Cypress college's? Also Moorpark, Ventura and College of the Canyons. All are CC's with RN programs. Ventura has at most a semester wait period.

The 'for dummies' book is helping me because it is written very simply and is easy to follow. I haven't seen the inside of a classroom in years so wanted to feel prepared. I also picked up a basic algebra review book by Dannika Keller (sp? Sorry it's not in front of me) the girl from The Wonder Years. I read years ago she wrote math books aimed at young girls. It was a great review and I felt more confident. Also iPhone has some great flashcard apps, some are even free.