mgrn2b

Yes...LOL...sleep is such a precious commodity....LOL!!!

I don't think they allow payment plans for summer, but they do for Fall and Spring semesters.

I am starting my 2nd year in the accelerated program. I have worked at night 36+ hours/week and maintained a high GPA. In all fairness I am not married nor do I have kids. It is possible to work, but you have to know how to manage your time and know how to study. The program isn't easy but it is achievable. You must be prepared to put in the work and be flexible to change. READ BEFORE COMING TO CLASS! You may not understand but at least be familiar with the information. It helps to reinforce the information. Also know how you learn. Are you auditory, visual, kinesthetic? That will help you when you are taking notes in lecture or studying. No program is perfect but always keep a positive attitude.

I am just reading your post, and I appreciate you raising the question. I understand and feel your frustration. I have had some of the same questions so I have been trying to read through the posts to gain some insight as to the importance--from a career ladder perspective--as to why I would need a BSN. I have a BA in Biology, Master's in Public Health w/emphasis in Health Policy and Administration, and MBA. I am currently enrolled in an ADN program. I was frustrated earlier this semester because my political science class in UG didn't count b/c it wasn't American Gov't or US History. I was asked if I was planning to enroll in the BSN program and I stated that I was planning to do an ADN/ASN-MSN program. It was suggested that if I wanted to go into managment that I needed the BSN or I would have to wait until I finished the MSN. Personally, I don't want another bachelor's degree. I understand they are different and that isn't my frustration. I wish there was a clear, definitive answer as to my career potential with my current degrees, including the ASN, and a MSN vs. getting a BSN and then the MSN. I understand that my route may not be the traditional route taken by most nurses; however, the I feel that the face of nursing is changing in that many students are non-traditional and have previous degrees. I am not suggesting that they substitute for nursing or nursing related courses. It just would be helpful to have some guidance as to how previous degrees can be used to enhance our nursing education and not be tossed aside as if they are worthless and carry no meaning.

Thanks for the advice Moogie!! I'll check them out.

I looked into the BSN completion and there are classes that I would have to retake due to them being taken in my graduate program and they will not count my graduate hours toward an undergraduate degree. I feel like when I finish with everything, I will have more degrees than a thermometer (LOL)...while understand there not being an equivalency, it would be nice to not have to repeat coursework that has already been completed...*sigh*

I am in a similar situation. I have a BA, MPH and MBA. I was considering doing a direct entry MSN after finishing my ADN/ASN program. I was informed that the BA is not viewed as an equivalent to the BSN. If I wanted to practice, I would need a MSN and possibly a DNP (by 2015)--I don't know if the DNP will be a definitive requirement by then or not. I too would be interested to hear from nurses who have chosen non-traditional paths in nursing. It might be better to post the question in the "Nurses" thread as opposed to the student thread. I would not suspect too many non-students reading through the student nursing thread.

I am 35 and just completed my summer Nursing Fundamentals course. My school does a conditional admit; if you pass the summer course then you start nursing school in the Fall. I am also in an ADN program and have a previous bachelor's degree. I started working as a PCT at a local hospital. I was very concerned about paying for school, as I could not afford to pay for classes out of pocket. In addition to tuition reimbursement offered through my employer, they also offer scholarships in exchange for service and foundation scholarships with no service requirements. I also have found NUMEROUS scholarships that are available. Most of the deadlines seemed to be in the spring. It appears that you will not be starting this Fall so it may be something you want to look into and begin working on the essay and other requirements. You could essentially have your first year paid for with change to spare. Best wishes!!

Congratulations to everyone who has completed our first course--Nursing Fundamentals--and an official welcome to nursing school!! I believe that most would agree that these past few weeks were stressful, but we learned so much and met so many great people. For those who did not make it, I wish them well in their endeavors and encourage them to not give up on their dreams. Reapply and try again. I look forward to seeing everyone in the Fall.... Don't forget to order your uniforms and turn in your VA packet.... Enjoy your break and once again :ancong!:

I sent an e-mail with the same question. Since we wouldn't have had class or clinical before unsupervised practice on Tuesday morning. I was told that I should still come and spend that time in the LRC utilizing the computerized resources. So I guess our official start time is 0800 Tuesday.

My name is Marcie. I too have lecture on T/Th 12-3 and clinical on Wednesdays. My unsupervised clinical is T 8-11. I will look for you guys next week...Still have a little more reading to do...How is everyone coming?

Nursing Fundamentals-- NURS 1300. There is another discussion that was started by nursingstudentAR entitled UALR Class of '13'. We have been posting our schedules there. There aren't many of us on there but it has been nice connecting with a few people. Congrats on your acceptance. Hope to see you in class.

That is disheartening. I would hope that schools would be happy have students excel inside and outside of the classroom. I have read other posts which have stated some of the same issues. It seems you have to sacrifice one for the other. I read a quote "other people's opinion of you is none of your business." It sounds as though you are doing the right things for the right reasons. Keep your head up and stay focused. If I can do well in theory and clinicals, treat my patients with compassion and provide excellent care, then I can go home at the end of the day knowing I did the best that I could--that is all anyone could ask or expect.

Thanks, I am starting in a couple of weeks...not knowing what to expect is nerve wrecking...

They are for our fundamentals class. Supposedly they contain everything we will need for our skills check offs (foleys, bandages/dressings, etc.) We get two opportunities to checkoff on skills and if we don't pass we are out of the program, to apply next year.

IDs for our clinical sites will be made according to the facility...our clinical sites will instruct us as to when and where. Our UALR IDs are made downstairs next to the bookstore.

I didn't order through the school, but I understood them to be available for pickup on May 18th. I don't remember them giving us a specific pickup location--I assume the main office, but don't quote me on that. I didn't think about the passport pics. I will call the office tomorrow and ask and report back on my findings unless someone else already knows the answer to the ID question.

@nursingstudentAR--I don't know. I plan to call the department tomorrow morning and see where we need to go to get those done. I remember seeing the student nurses (who presented the stethoscope, clipboards, etc.) wearing them. So I am sure we will have to have them by the Fall. I don't know if we will need them this summer, but I figured I would go ahead and get mine made be for the mad dash in the Fall. I saw the youtube links but haven't actually looked that the sites yet. I was working on the med calculations the last couple of weeks and needed a break from that. I started the readings a couple of days ago, so I am not as far along with that yet. I plan to have it completed by class on that Wednesday. I would like to pass my med calculations test on the first try so that I can spend the rest of the time focusing on the skills and lecture.

I think one thing to consider is your level of maturity compared to those of your classmates. It makes a HUGE difference when you have "experienced life" compared to those who are just starting out. I have 2 Master's degrees and am starting an ADN program in a couple of weeks (that is another story...) I had to take A&P I and II--they were not required for my undergrad degree. I just finished A&P I which is a freshman level course. It was a big adjustment for me compared to the classroom experience of my Master's level programs. The students were much more needy and seeking the approval from the professor. They seemed rattled by the slightest change and didn't see the importance of learning the material. This is not just characteristic of the classroom, I have also experienced it in different "professional" arenas. There will always be someone who does just enough to get by, someone who cheats, someone who brags about everything they do, the complainer, etc. and then you have those that just do it. It takes all types to make up the world. Everyone is unique and we can all learn something from them, even if it is what not to do. Be careful being to hard on them...you may find yourself in a situation in which people become annoyed by you and perceive you as being arrogant and judgmental. I believe that you are venting, as we all become frustrated by the behaviors of others, but be careful in how that comes across to your peers. You never know what bridge you may have to cross again later. Best wishes :)

I am a new nursing student and will start Fundamentals of Nursing in a couple of weeks. Your best bet is to read the posts on this site and to use the search engine at the top to find more specific topics of interest to you. This site has a TON of information (at times it can be information overload ) but it is a GREAT site. I must warn you that you have to have a level of discernment when it comes to reading some of the posts. Just because one person had a negative experience, doesn't mean that you will have the same. So be sure to filter everything, keeping it all in perspective. There is a lot of wisdom within the pages, even in the posts that are seemingly sarcastic. Congratulations!!! See you on the other side.

Yes, please let us know about the skills kits. I haven't checked yet. I also need to get my school ID made. I would like to do all of that at one time instead of making multiple trips to campus. I have started the readings. So far the material isn't too complex. It's just a lot of reading. Since we haven't had lecture, I don't quite know how to focus my reading. Right now, I am just trying to cover all of the material.

I currently work 3-12's at night (7p-7a). I haven't started clinicals yet, but I do enjoy working 12's at night on psych unit. Though I am sure it will be VERY different on a med/surg floor. Most of my psych nurses said they would never go back to med/surg. Personally, I would like to work ICU when I am done...but we'll see. I am actually looking forward to 12 hr clinicals. Our first semester, clinicals are only 6 hours. I guess they are giving us a chance to get adjusted to the rigors of the program.

@WITTY3--I am so glad to finally find someone with whom I will have class. I felt like I was starting over again in orientation. I am sure by the end of the program we will all know each other. I just don't do well with large groups of people.

I've been thinking about a roller backpack. I saw Target had one in their sale paper yesterday. Our fundamentals book is thick, and I had a chance to see the Fall book list and it has more texts so I figured I would save my back. I have a rolling computer bag that I used with my last job; I may try to get away with for a little while. The rolling backpacks which can hold a laptop seem to be soooo expensive. Does anyone know if we can record the class lectures?

I was hoping that there would be more AR representation here. I don't know if people don't know or they just don't get engaged. I, myself, have found A LOT of helpful information here. It has been refreshing to read posts from others who have experienced some of the same anxiety that I have about nursing school...especially since this is a second career move for me. To your original post...I have supervised clinical on Wednesdays, lecture T/Th 12-3 and unsupervised practice T 8-12. I wish you well...I am really ancy about this summer session. There is combination of excitement and anticipation. I really don't know what to expect regarding teaching styles, testing styles, flow, etc. I REALLY want to be a nurse!!