texan2011

I am probably late to the party but regarding an earlier question about taking a separate A&P lab. Straighterline offers separate A&P labs. I am in the middle of the first course, and the lab is very easy and doable (although long and tedious). I still have not had the nerve to open the fetal pig package -- saving it for last :))). However, as someone with no real medical background, I am pleased to hear that even seasoned RNs, LVNs are also retching over it. I thought it was just me. I feel so sorry for the little piggy -- didn't have a chance. Straighterline does not require proctoring. WGU offers a prereq Biochem -- does this require a webcam or just the actual nursing program courses?

Funny -- I was told this Summer that Nutrition was not a requirement??? Must have been misinformation (or misunderstanding) from the advisor. Good news about the Intro to Chem as a substitute for the Biochem -- they must have relaxed that recently.

Is anyone taking or has taken the Biochem at WGU? How what is it? Was it doable if you put time in? Were the exams proctored? I assume their Biochem will fulfill the prelicensure prereq? I have an Intro to Chem -- would that be sufficient as a prereq for the Biochem? Thank you!

Please take the time to file an unemotional, factual complaint with the hospital. They should be made aware of unprofessional behavior. Being professional means being a professional. As far as it deterring you -- please be reminded every profession and area of work has wacky people, and we can't judge a profession by the behavior of one individual.

Romstead: I just started the A&P I with lab at SL. You said in a prior post that we really don't need the microscope -- do you still think that? Because this course has already cost a ton. I read the chapter and did all the 3 review tests (and even some flashcards) on the book's website (review and comprehension, etc.) Do I need to work the harder problems at the end that are interspersed through the chapter. I want to really learn the material and do well but not make it harder than I need to. I also don't see much to even turn in -- it seems like the course is go buy the stuff, read it, and take the tests. Thanks -- you have been VERY helpful.

If you want a school that's "easy" to get into -- meaning they take most everyone, it does require a lot of cash. The less expensive schools are (usually) public institutions and can afford to be very competitive. Not sure if it's worth it to you ($$$)-- but you can get through this one pretty quickly. Last time I checked it was around $60K, but it is very accelerated which means you can be out and working after a year give or take a few months. They take almost everyone, but they also have a high failure rate. The tuition is high. It's Kramer School of Nursing at Oklahoma City University. Added bonus: the cost of living is very reasonable in OK. Also very hot summers! Best of luck. www.okcu.edu/nursing/tradmen2.aspx "Unlike most schools offering bachelor's degrees in nursing, Kramer accepts all applicants, as soon as they are admitted to the university, with no separate application. Anyone admitted to OCU can declare a major in nursing from the beginning, belong to the Student Nurses Association, participate fully in the nursing school activities, have a nursing faculty advisor, and spend no time on a waiting list! You can start nursing courses as soon as you have: A 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher Grades of C (2.0) or higher in prerequisite science courses English proficiency Not more than 9 credit hours of general education courses remaining"

Could anyone briefly describe the clinical skills boot camp test? As in what you have to be able to do? I heard hardly anyone fails it -- but still sounds intimidating. Are there an invasive procedures or is it more bedside stuff?

Thanks for the post. This is the only online A&P that the school I want will take. I can see why -- it has a lot more requirements. Do you need the microscope for the first semester? It only mentions it on the A&P syllabus. As for the pics of the labs -- I am lousy at downloading though I guess I could get a friends to snap them on his IPhone for me. How detailed do the pictures have to be -- would a plain old point and shoot camera work? Also, which schools have rejected Straighterline? Are those the same schools that won't take online courses anyway? Is it a problem you get a percentage instead of a letter grade? Thanks everyone! This course is adding up -- $$$ and I hope it counts.

I am very interested in this school but may have to repeat pre-reqs. Did anyone have A&P or Micro online? I was told these particular classes are now unacceptable without classroom-based labs. Don't believe it applies to other classes, just these (so don't panic). I assume the lecture segment may be taken online, but I can't pin anyone down on that.

You don't seem at all like a loser to me -- rather just in a difficult situation. So sorry -- workplaces are so tough these days -- so many unhappy, out of sorts, dysfunctional people to deal with and their egos. Hang in there.

Wow -- I was all set to do this program until I read your post about not accepting A&P online course. That's a nonstarter for me! No way I can take it in the classroom. Very disappointing.

To Respiratory 2RN: How difficult was the Biochem/Chem course? Did they give you homework or study guides so you would know where to direct yourself for the tests. How many tests, and were they proctored? Could you use any notes at all? Also -- I assumed the science courses could be online -- but I just read that A&P and Micro could not be online? That seems implausible given the school's courses are online? Do you know anything about that? Thanks so much!

[sorry: I posted that last one twice - sort of before I was done with it.] I have a hard time adhering to strict gluten free although it is so much easier in the last few years. When I first started it, people looked at me like I was crazy. Lots of gluten free food now in the restaurants. I am gluten intolerant, but I can't imagine being truly celiac -- how careful you have to be. I pretty much take my own food with me everywhere: work, travel etc. -- as much as for economy as health. I prefer my homemade oil and vinegar combos to the processed dressings anyway. It is a lot of work, but taking care of yourself pays off in the long run. If I am still going strong an extra two hours a day, then that pays me back for all the food prep time. Hope you feel better soon!!!

Yes, I have been gluten-free and paleo for about 15 years. I am not celiac, but gluten-intolerant (confirmed by Enterolab's DNA testing). I try to eat as close to paleo as I can without removing myself from the real world. I feel great and if I keep my portion sizes reasonable, I don't gain weight. Of course, I also work out fairly regularly, but I really do have a lot of energy and so far, no major health issues. The diet is really just a healthy version of the old Atkins diet. It's similar to the old Hunter-Gatherer diet that was popular about 20 years ago. My daughter is a family practice doc, and she keeps the Paleo Diet and similar ones in her waiting room. My girlfriend is a vegetarian, and her doctor also gave her the book. She eats fish and eggs and lots of veggies. He would like her to eat some meat, but she is having a hard time with it. I don't eat a lot of meat (maybe 2X a week), but I stay away from rice and other grains, except in very small amounts. I'm really not over-the-top with it, but it's a great diet.

You are very welcome. Beyond the few basic tips, if you have more interest in the diet, it's the basic Paleo Diet/Caveman diet that many progressive docs are advocating. There are books out and lots of websites. Pretty much staying away from refined carbs. My daughter is a family practice doc, and she is starting to use the paleo diet with her diabetes and metabolic disordered patients -- well suggest it, that is. We are pretty much in charge of what we eat. I try to stay on the diet and find the science behind it very interesting as well as the fact that studies keep coming out backing it up. I like Mark's Daily Apple website because he goes beyond diet to keeping our health and sanity in the crazy modern world.