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you'll get a different opinion from everyone on this topic. Some people still faithfully use their rolly bag, some never got one, others like me never used it past the 1st week. My routine is that I look at the assigned reading and bring the book(s) on it to class and my lap top with a notebook and pen. Lab days I bring my lab bag, drug book, lab values book, and lap top. Both of those books are tiny so again, no big rolly bag necessary. Clinical days try to bring as LITTLE as possible because often your things are tucked into a break room corner taking up space so definitely no rolly bag. I loved my "nurse purse" that I got off of etsy bc it held all of my clinical supplies and I put my print outs inside. https://www.etsy.com/listing/121951632/navy-chevron-nursing-purse-anycase-nurse It all depends on what kind of person you are, but I can say that I've never felt unprepared, personally. Hopefully this is helpful =)

So fun question. There are MANY options on how to get around this. I bought all of my books on amazon with the exception of the "Concept Mapping" book. The med/surg package I decided not to get, I bought the book alone (978-0323086783). The package includes that book and a companion. I have yet to find a situation where I wish I had the companion (978-0323091435), yet others find it very helpful. Either way, I believe they are cheaper separately, even if you bought both new. Side note, buy all of your books, don't rent. You'll need them across various semesters. Also *IF* you don't mind having to match up chapter variations, it is fine to buy the old editions. And if you have a buddy who got in with you, I would go in halvsies on Dosage Calculations (if you are pretty confident with math) and Concept Mapping. I've barely opened those books at all. Hmmmmm, that's all that stands out as stuff "I wish someone had told me". So congrats and have a great time with all of the shopping, planning, and daydreaming between now and when class starts. Smalltownhero and I are on the FNSA board so we will be seeing you at orientation!

I replied to you regarding this on another thread, but i'll repaste my references here. This is not true. The VA accepts NLN or ACEN. And this degree and license is recognized across state lines, especially since the NCLEX is the same regardless of what state you take it in, this should make sense. Now the asterisk to the state reciprocity issue, some states are more difficult than others to transfer into (i.e. california and ny), however that does not mean you cannot transfer into those states, you just have to jump through hoops and provide a lot of documentation to do so. That would be the same regardless of what program you graduated from. Below is my response from the other thread. I hope this clarifies some of the confusion that is going around. "It seems that the accreditation issue is poorly understood. Perhaps it's the slew of abbreviations that one has to sift through. Just to clarify, the VA accepts NLN or CCNE accreditation and EFSC has NLN. I did my research before choosing this program and I don't regret it for a second. 3rd semester in and I am quite pleased, and I have met quite a few in the class that just graduated who have employment and haven't even passed boards yet. Good luck with your school choice! National League for Nursing - Membership http://www.vacareers.va.gov/assets/c...g_Brochure.pdf"

Good luck to you all! It's a great program. I look forward to meeting those of you who make it at orientation =)

Wildthng is right. I don't know of anyone in particular who didn't submit letters of recommendation, but I know that they like them. The essay is also a big thing because they seem to like getting a glimpse into the applicant's personality. Good luck!

Like smalltownhero said (hahaha, so funny to think of you as this handle and not as your name now =D), so many people have families. many of these same people are working full time. If you are dedicated, organized, and have a good support system, you can absolutely do this. I don't work right now, but i have my daughter watched 3-4 days a week and I study in the evenings after she's in bed, but she's 15 months. If your child is older, I bet you can get more study time in. Feel free to message me and I can give you more of an idea of the schedule requirements. Some of the parents and/or working students felt a little blindsided at orientation but it's not too bad. Keep in mind though, we're still 1st semester. We aren't sure what to expect in the semesters to come, bu people do this with kids all the time =)

Or if you're more comfortable, add me on fb. Kristen drew clark.i can add you to the group then

Message me your name and I'll add you =) congrats!

Sounds like a great idea to me. If you guys are on Facebook we could start a group there for our class. Ive done it in A&P and it was super helpful for scheduling study groups and whatnot. My email is [email protected]

I'm sorry, I dont know how you'd find that out.if they made a mistake on your points I'm sure they'd fix it. I'd call the nursing department office and ask if there id anything you can do.

Yay! I'll be seeing you at orientation then. So exciting. ..and do much to do. Did you see that book list? Yeesh

Oh no! Sorry about that. Good luck! I'm sending you and hopefuldreamer05 positive thoughts!

Thanks =) I had an 89% in reading and an 83% overall on the TEAS, 3.0 gpa, and A's on all the prereqs, 35 points overall.

Yes, i got my letter today. I got in! Who else? So excited =)

I broke down and called the department today. They said that letters are going out this week!