jitters

Carla14296- Yes there was a Jan pilot program. I missed getting in by three people. As for the 2008 program I already have submitted my application for the 2007 program. They are going to send out letters in March. This is my second time that I almost got in. To tell you the truth I'm tire of waiting for COD to accept me. I have put my application in other schools this time. Don't get me wrong COD is a great school but I'm tire of waiting on them. Do you know that they are the only school up to this year that only had one program start time. You would think that they would have thought of doing something like the Jan pilot along time ago with the amount of application they receive in a year. The way I feel is if I get in this time great but I'm not holding my breath any more I'm moving on to another school. All I have left to take for my ADN is the nursing classes. I've already taken Nursing 100 and it's my understanding if I do get accepted this time I will have to retake that class since they changed it since 2004 when I last took that class.

Carla14296 - Chemistry, biology and A&P are not on the HESI test. It's just vocab, grammer, basic math, and reading. Don't sweat the HESI test most of the people I know including myself thought it was a breeze. As for nutrition I can't remember who I had but she was a lousy teacher I wish I could remember her name. Nutrition isn't bad either you just have one huge project that is worth half your grade so what ever you do, do not fall behind on the project or else it could come back to bite you. If you have any other questions let me know. - jitters

Carla14296- You were asking about Micro teachers. I think Karen Persky is a great teacher. She's a tough grader but you learn alot from her and she tries to make it fun....

Hi I'm attending COD. I was on the list for the Jan start for the nursing program. The last time I check with the nursing dept. in November all the spots were filled. Also, this past year they have changed the requirements to get into the program. You now need to take the HESI, have your chemistry and first A&P done prior to appling to the program. It my understanding that if you don't have those courses done they will not even look at your application. Also they will not except Developemental Psyh any more you need to take Life Span. As for the HESI you need to past it with a score of 75% and the test wasn't that bad. I hope this helps.

I heard that their program is very good. Now having said that I must say "don't pin all your hopes on COD". The amount of applications they receive is insane. I have been on their waiting list and it's not worth the wait. So I hope you have a plan B in the works because if you don't pass the HESI with what they call a perfect score of 90% on each of the sections you won't be accepted into their program.

I took the HESI test already. The test is very basic, basic math, grammer, etc... If you go to their site you can get a study guide there. It will show you exactly what is on the test. My school didn't use the science and chemistry portion of the test. Every school is different. Good luck

Yahooooo, I just finished taken my final lab practical just have the final lecture exam next Tuesday, can't wait for this class to be over. Also, I finished my two unknowns and received full credit.

I sat in the back of the room. This is my second time applying. I was on the wait list last year and wasn't called. Came pretty close but not close enough. I have my fingers crossed for you. I'm done with my A& Ps I'm taking Micro right now. Who do you have for A&P 1?

yep, I took the test the same day you did, that's why I was curious if you were going to the same school. Is this your first time apply?

MICCI - just curious are you apply for COD ADN program???

They require it at my school too. I like it because it helps you prepare for your clinicals. Also, since I have to make money while attending school it gave me a chance to get a job as a PCA at my local hospital. The nurses where I work are great and since they know I'm going to nursing school they are willing to show me a lot of things that I will be doing while in school. I think you are right when you say, it will make you appreciate your CNA's once you become a nurse. At my hospital you can tell the nurses who have worked as a CNA before becoming a Nurse.

I have finished both A&P 1 and 2. I wouldn't say one was harder than the other, just more work. I found A&P 1 took more time and work than A&P II. In my A&P I, we covered all the bones, and muscle which was time consuming memorizing all the muscle was by far harder. I though A&P II was pretty easier.

Another thing that you might want to consider when entering a ADN program in Illinois is if your in that school's district or not. They give preference to students in district first and with the amount of application being sent in many schools are turning away a good amount of qualified students who are in district. You may not even be accepted based on the fact that you are out of district student. Just though you might want to know. I'm in COD school district and I have been placed on their waiting list for 2005. I've tried to look into two other schools for their ADN programs and have been told by students attending those schools - it's just a waste of time since they have so many applications of students in district being placed on their waiting list. Good luck in whatever school you choice.

I was thinking the same thing as you Donna about the amount of application. Maybe it's a combination of the HESI test and now we have to pay $100 deposit fee when we receive our acceptance letter to hold our place if you withdrawl from the nursing program you forfeit your deposit.

Donna I was told at my advisor session Micro wasn't a requirement for applying. Just had to have it finish prior to the program.

I had my first A&P 2 class last night. I was so surprised we only have two lecture exam and two lab practical and then the final which is so different than A&P1. The other thing I was suprised by is there is a lot of new faces in class only a few people that were in A&P1 are in this class. Just wondering how everyone was feeling about starting up again? Did you have any surprises on your first day back?

No, that's all you need. It is my understanding from Donna and a couple other people that the more you have done prior to entering into the program the better. Did you take your HESI Test already? I contacted Maureen Waller at school and she said there is under 300 applications so far (I just got her e-mail about a week and a half ago - her response below). I hope this helps. " We will be using a merit evaluation tool that will combine many factors, including the HESI test and GPA. The exact numbers on the HESI have not yet been established. We do have national norms, but wanted to look at our test results as a whole. I can tell you that we will not be ranking just according to GPA like we did last year. Last I heard, there were under 300 applications. Let me know if you have any more questions; good luck! Maureen Waller. "

I'm took my A&P I and II with Dr. Finan, she is a good teacher. As for my Human Development and Growth I'm taking it by video course ( I start to tomorrow - I let you know how it goes). I haven't taken my Microbiology yet so if you hear of a good teacher- please pass it on. Are you done with your pre-reques? Good Luck

I'll be taking A&P 2 this spring too (would love to join the club). I start 1/04/05.

Thanks that helps. What a relief to hear that! Now I have to play the waiting game I guess.

I took my HESI test today, I'm so confused - this is first time our school is using such a test for an entrance exam. My problem is no one at the testing site could tell me what a passing score would be. Is there usually a passing score or will they just used this test along with GPA to rank you for entrance into the program??

Weekly math quizzes ??? We were taught how to convert tsp to ml etc... in the CNA class. I had trouble at first until my instructor gave me a few tips. In fact that was in our final for the class. We had a mock up in our lab, she set up a patient's room and we had to do a final unit check, input & output convert everything into ml., making an occuppied bed, do range of motion on a patient etc.. Then we had another station set up for blood pressures, and other vitals. I loved that lab, and I really didn't mind the clinicals either. I did mine at Tabor Hills. There were a couple of residents that pulled on my heart, I hated to say good-bye to them. We had two resident code on us the second week we were there. We got to see a lot but I bet you see so much more than we did.

I'm still in the process of getting my pre-reqs finished, I only have food and nutrition, micro and one other class, but I think I can get them finished before the start of the program. I was wondering if you thought it would be better once we switch to semesters? Also, where are you doing your clinicals? Do you have a choice where you go? Is it true what everyone says here on the postings that A&P is the weed out class? Because I couldn't believe that we started out with 27 people in our class and last thrus. on our last lab practical they were only 14 people left in the class. Do you see a lot of drops to? I thought that was a great idea that your study group set up a web page, how did you guys do that? You said on your last posting that there is a lot of reading , what's the best way to study, do you take notes while reading, does the instructor give you an outline to study from? I'm taking my HESI exam next weekend. I'm a little nervous. What I understand there is some math, reading comprehension and some A&P questions. Did you take the HESI? If you did do you know what the passing score is, because when I went to the advisory session they couldn't tell us at that time. Is there critical thinking on this test too. Any help you can give me would be GREATLY appreciate it!! I'm sure I can come up with 100 more question but I better give you a break. I just want to say that I'm glad I was able to contact you. This whole process is stressful especially when I see all these posting on here about the whole nursing program process. I guess it's like the fear of the unknow, you never know what's waiting for you around the corner. You have taken the edge off the process just by answering my questions. Thanks again!!

Thanks Donna for replying. How do you like the program. I submitted my application in August and I'm keeping my fingers cross that I can get in. Any tips you may have for the program I would greatly appreciate it.

Anyone attending College of Dupage Nursing Program? Just wondering what the waiting list looks like?? (or if there is a waiting list).