lagirl601

hey nishu, congrats on your first test! Unfortunately, I still cannot send private messages on here. I can receive but not send. If you'd like, you can send me a private message with your email address and we can communicate that way. Thanks!

also nishu, how is your semseter going so far?!? I still can't send PMs so sorry for not replying that way.

Hi nishu09, I am guessing you figured out what to do about a Pharm book since you're a month into the semester. I just wanted to share a bit of advice to you and other students. Honestly, pharm/meds have not been my strong suit. I know we have drug guides that are almost always available, but it would benefit you greatly to grasp pharm concepts and learn the classes of drugs. I heard that a few years back, NCLEX people/NSBN realized that new grads were weak in their medication knowledge. So they started to emphasize meds more on the NCLEX. I took it today and there were a lot of meds! Some that I never even heard of. Anyway, just sharing so someone else can maybe learn from my mistakes. :)

Yes, kjenamor! Graduated in December and took and passed NCLEX today! :)

I think it's important to be rested and focus before school starts, but I would suggest leaving the week before (at least) to get your mind right and in "school mode" i.e. adjusting your sleep schedule, getting your books and study space ready, etc. Just as su9032 said, I also highly recommend doing the required readings prior to the start of school or at least be familiar with the material. The fact that y'all are already on this site and posing these questions tells me that you're all highly motivated students and eager to do well. Seek from your teachers, learn with your fellow students and lean on your family/friends. It's an intense but exciting ride!

Hello, I'll add to this post in hopes that you all will be successful at Charity. :) (nishu09, I received your PM but I'm unable to send them.) The best thing I can say is study, study, study, study. And like someone said previously, don't listen to the naysayers. There are plenty. Making an A is totally doable IF you put the time in. Many people do struggle with the tests at first because of the critical thinking/application type questions. That's why everyone suggests doing practice questions. Fundamentals of Success, chapter review questions, Evolve case studies, and any NCLEX review book will help. It is especially helpful if the sources have a rationale for each answer (most do). No need to stress about it now though....it is a new way of learning/studying/test taking for most people. Nursing IS critical thinking; it is a skill and way of thinking you will learn as you progress in school. I am in NAC II right now but I know there will be a school-wide curriculum change soon, but not sure when. So these comments might not apply in the future. I actually thought Basics was pretty easy and similar to a regular college level course. Don't be fooled! It gets tougher for sure. In general, I bought all the required text books because reading the texts helps me learn. (actually, I never even cracked the mental health book). I found that the Basics, Med/surg, and Parent/Child texts were very helpful, and I still refer to all of them. YOu will definitely need a medical dictionary, and a med book. some type of care plan book and skills book may be helpful for some, but I think you can find a lot of that info online. Your experience will vary depending on your clinical instructor. I had some really good ones and some not so good ones. Some are sticklers for paperwork requiring you to manage your time wisely so that you have enough time to study. Others may be so carefree that you don't get very much hands-on experience during clinicals. For the most part, the instructors are extremely knowledgeable with a lot of experience and passion. HOpe this helps. Good luck & study hard! We have a great reputation to uphold! :)

I cannot comment on working days/nights as I'm still in nursing school (although I AM a night owl and hope to work nights). I"d just like to point out that maybe it's not the nights that are getting to you. It sounds like you have stressors other than your sleep schedule that could cause a lot of anxiety. Being responsible for children, your household, an elderly relative and another that is declining could cause A LOT OF STRESS. Please take care of YOU so that you can continue being that amazing person you seem to be. :)

hello, I am currently a Level 3 student at Charity. I believe a 70 IS a competitive score. I don't have any insight as to whether the school is accepting less students, etc. In talking to other students and reading comments on this site, it seems that around 50-55 is usually the cut-off. Good luck!

hi ssmi, I'm posting for the first time on this site in response to your questions. :) I'm currently in Level 3 at Charity. At this point, I'm not sure if you have time to do anything to improve your chances of being accepted. Have you already taken the TEAS exam? If not, you can do some practice tests before hand to try and get as high a score as possible. There is some sort of rubric/point system they use to decide who is accepted into each class. (I think it may be on the Charity website, or it is available in the Admissions Office on the 6th floor). They assign points for different things. for example, 10 points if you have a Bachelor's degree; 10 points for 3.5 - 4.0 gpa on prereqs; 30 points if you score 90 - 100 on the TEAS. (these are just examples....I don't remember the point system!). Then they decide (somehow) a cutoff score....ex: people with a total score of 55 and above get in. There are 4 levels/semesters in the ADN program. The first is Basics of Nursing/"Basics", 2nd is Nursing of the Adult client I/"NAC I", then Parent-Child and Mental Health, then NAC II. You will attend clinicals in different hospitals in the area throughout each semester in addition to classroom lectures, skills lab, assignments, etc. There are many long breaks! There is no school in the summer and about a 6 week break over the holidays. I can't say if working while in school will be detrimental to your studies because I don't know you. Many people work and are successful while others are not. Nursing school (I imagine at any school) is very demanding. It seems as if having a full-time job would be quite a challenge. But it's been done! I think you have to make the determination to put school first and do whatever it takes to succeed! :) As far as the wedding goes, well, that's been done as well. If it were me and I had to pick when during the two years to get married, I would do it either during Basics or Mental Health. To me, these courses are at an easier/more-like-regular-college pace. You may need every ounce of energy and focus for school in the other semesters. I hope this helps! Good luck!!