Cortney

Hello everyone! I realized I havent updated this in a while. Thank you "studentnurseca" for reminding me! Well, I took the TEAS at the end of Nov. and passed... definitely didnt get the score I would of liked, but I passed and thats all that really mattered. It was much harder than I thought it was going to be... the science portion killed me. Much more chemistry than I expected. I practiced for 3 weeks with the TEAS study guide and also the McGraw Hill TEAS practice tests book. Years ago I took the TEAS 4 thinking I would get into the program sooner than I did and, in my opinion, the TEAS 4 was way easier. I was so relieved once it was over this time. Then they made us wait 2 hours for our results online. Those 2 hours were brutal!! So, once I passed the TEAS the next step was the nursing program orientation. (I'm telling everyone about the process because I really wish someone would of posted some of this info before I got in! It would of been super helpful just to know what to expect once your accepted). The orientation is about 5 hours long and the instructors explain ALL the next steps you need to take (ie: immunizations, health requirements, ID badge, uniform orders, ATI materials, etc...) and tell you the basics of the program. They also brought in some students who were just finishing their 1st semester going into 2nd. All in all, the orientation scared the crap out of most of us! The amount of tasks you need to complete before the first day of class is quite overwhelming. The health requirements alone take lots of time and the ATI materials (that are seperate from the book list) cost $430. The program is not cheap! One thing I liked during the orientation... they had us go around the room and introduce ourselves and tell everyone how many times we applied and if we had any healthcare experience. I'd say 75% of the class was on their 7th time applying when they got in. Some people were alternates from last semester and a couple veterans were 1st time applicants. There was one guy who was on his 8th time applying, but for the most part we were all 7th timers. Also, almost everyone had some kind of healthcare experience. Many had certification in some kind of healthcare field, but hadnt practiced. So, these past few weeks have been pretty crazy! I have one more health requirement to complete and then thats done, and a few other small things to do, but I have somehow managed to get everything going. :) My first day of class is the 22nd. 12 days! I am super excited and super scared all at the same time... maybe more scared than excited at this point, to be honest. A guy in our class started a Facebook page at the orientation and some of us have been communicating through that page. I cant tell you how awesome thats been... it's so nice to know that others know exactly what your going through and are having some of the same issues. We've already formed a study group! Thats about all for now... I will keep everyone updated! Wish me luck!! RN-- here I come!

I am in the same situation Ashley! I can't find any legit websites. I'm going to try the suggestions of the first poster... hope I find something quick! I'm beginning to get scared about how I'm goig to do this! I always knew I would have trouble with the $$ aspect of nursing school, but I always said I wouldnt let anything stop me from becomming a nurse. I gotta make this work! Good luck on your search and congratulations!!

Hello everyone! (Any advice/suggestions are greatly appreciated). I was finally accepted into an ADN program after almost 4 years of applying!! I start this January 2013. Now I need to find some scholarships and/or grants to keep me afloat for the next two years! Although I have qualified for financial aid in the past, I don't any longer. Hubby got a promotion and makes slightly too much money now... even though we are barely able to keep our heads out of the water! Go figure! Anyway... I would really like to apply for some scholarships-- as many as I can find that I qualify for that is. I've been searching the web for an hour or so and most of the info. and links that I am finding are generic and not "real" scholarship sites. Can anyone give some advice or some specific information on where to start? I am in California if thats of any importance. Thank you, ahead of time, for any information and resources!!

I absolutely love this site! I have been a loyal member of this online community for about 6 years now. I have used the wealth of information on this site from the moment I decided to begin my journey towards nursing school. I have laughed and cried with others, also waiting to get accepted to programs and I have celebrated with many when I was finally accepted for the Spring 2013 term a few weeks ago. There is an incredible amount of knowledge within these boards! Much of this knowledge coming from seasoned nurses who have "been there, done that". What other place in the world could you come together with so many others who share your passion and ask questions, and most importantly, get answers! Just amazing! What I especially love about this site is that there is no topic left unexposed. Anything and everything is up for discussion. I have often had a random question and typed a phrase in the search box... and voila! It comes right up! Not only does it come up, but there are many answers and suggestions to boot! I want to take a moment to thank all of you who participate in this online community. I am absolutely sure each and every one of you have made a difference in someone's life. You have definitely made a difference in mine. I have gained knowledge and insight, to do's and not to do's, encouragment, genuine care and invaluable words of wisdom from so many here. Thank you. Nurses rock!!

Wow! Good for you! Hang in there, it's almost over.... you've made it so far! BIG Congratulations!!

I feel the same way Sinman... like nursing is my calling and life's purpose. It's an awesome feeling!

Good for you MusicalCoffee!! Thats awesome!! Your family must be so proud!!

Nursing is my dream, my passion!! That keeps me going! I just have to keep on, keepin' on... no matter what! Thats what I tell myself. When school is over it will be SO worth it! I was just accepted a week ago to a RN prgram after waiting 3+ years... I am elated and terrified all at the same time. I can't wait for the payoff-- to be an RN!

Good for you rlewisteach!!! That's awesome!! Congratulations on being accepted! I just got accepted last week to a program after waiting 3+ years! We're going to rock nursing school!

I often wonder the same thing! I am 31 years old and most of the students at my school are all in their early 20's. I feel a bit silly at times that I waited so long to pursue my dream, but I am SO glad I'm doing it-- finally! I really hope I'm not the oldest person in my class when I start the RN program in January. My opinion... your NEVER to old to pursue your dream! As far as hiring goes... I cant imagine you having a huge problem because of your age. If your qualified, your qualified... right?! I wish you the best of luck on your nursing journey!! Thanks for posting, it's nice to know there are other's who feel the same.

Girl!... I hate math and have NEVER been very good at it, but I am not going to let it stop me from pursuing my dream of becoming an RN! I believe anything and everything can be learned... some people just need to study a bit harder and put in more work, but it can be done! Dont let your math anxiety and uneasiness detour you from pursuing your goal. I was just accepted into an RN program and must admit I'm a bit scared... mostly because of my poor math skills, but I am going to study my butt off and make it happen! I took a dosage calculations class a couple semesters ago and I was actually surprised how much I "got it"! Once you gain that general understanding it all just seems to fit. Dont worry about it too much... you CAN do it!! Like I said... anything can be learned.

I took medical language and pharmocology while waiting to finish. Those are always handy for when you get into a nursing school! Good luck!!!

CONGRATULATIONS! Getting in anywhere on your first try is a big deal!! I'm happy for you! I hope your friend gets in this time too! I'm hoping for everyone that they havent sent out all the acceptance letters yet. I dont have any friends who applied this time, so its hard to know. Most of my nursing friends all gave up on ARC a couple years ago and moved out of state for nursing school or went into another field. I know how heart-breaking it is to wait and wait... and then get another "not accepted" letter. I dont wish it on anyone. Good luck at Samuel Merritt hun! And... again, a HUGE congratulations!!

Yes! There is still hope! I hope you both get in and we can rock the program together!

OH! Okay... well I will PM you eventually. I'm really hoping you can tell me what it's like! I'm so nervous!