Trenata

I have always been an introverted person and I definitely feel shy at party's or in big groups. As I get older, the more I mature, the less shy I have become. However, I also have to say that becoming competent and skilled in a subject matter also helps me to to feel more confident. When I know what I am talking about and what I am doing, I feel more confident. So, I think if you study hard and really learn all that you need to know to become a nurse, then you will feel more confident. Also, as nurses, I think we do work more one on one with patients - of course you do deal with the family a lot and the other medical professionals taking care of the patient. I am not a nurse yet, so I cannot say for sure. Anyway, I like the idea of the acting class too as horrifying as it may sound to a shy person! I have been thinking about doing it if I can find the time.

That would have made me angry too! However, it says more about those people than it does you and you handled it well! They acted like jerks!

I am not sure if I am going to have time to read everything I am suppose to for my micro class. Our teacher has a great system that she set up in masterinmicrobiology.com where we have to complete A LOT of assignments. This is good because our entire grade is not dependent on the exams and we earn a lot of points doing assignments, pre-labs, quizzes and a practice exam while learning at the same time. This isn't going to allow as much time to read. The professor also gives us learning objectives. I really do like that the professor has provided so much material to help us learn and is really proactive at helping the students do well. She did say it is important to read too. I haven't taken the first exam yet, so I am not sure how important reading will be or if all this other learning material will be enough. I do have a study guide that I could read which really sums it up! What do you all do?

Auditing sounds like a good plan!

I think if you want to know for sure if you want to be a nurse is to find a hospital or volunteer position where you can either shadow a nurse (if it is possible) or be a volunteer and expose yourself to the environment. Also, I would look into other nursing programs and apply to more than one.

All your other science classes will build on chemistry - so it is important. You have to read the material and follow it up with other ways of learning, e.g. videos (youtube), visual learning, etc. What other classes are you taking? Do you have too heavy a load this semester? I took all my classes until this semester online, so it is possible to do well in a class and teach yourself. You just have to use a variety of tools to do it. It is fun to see it all coming together now that I am in microbiology.

I too feel that I put a lot more than the "recommended" amount of time for science courses in particular. I think it will pay off in the long run. I am older too, almost 37, so maybe age has affected my ability to learn as quickly - I don't know...sometimes when someone says "oh I only studied 2-3 a week for microbiology" and now that I am taking it, I wonder how it is even possible to study that little.

Learn to teach yourself and you will be successful! I took online courses for years, and teaching yourself is an extremely valuable tool. Read the book, lecture notes and utilize online videos, youtube, Mastering Biology or whatever study tool goes along with your text book. Discover and understand your style of learning (visual, auditory, or Kinesthetic) and use that too to figure out the best way for you to study.

Honestly, I think you do need to snack more while studying - brain needs glucose - you use more while studying. Just choose a healthy snack option!

I am not in the program yet, but when is the class start date? I am just curious if it follows the same schedule as the the other NCTC classes...I hope so, because the current NCTC calendar matches my son's school calendar wonderfully! Good luck everyone~

Do you all start class this Tuesday, August 20th or are you all going to orientation?

Grammar and spelling errors in a medical/professional environment can result in harm to your patient and also give others an understanding of your level of education and/or seriousness and maturity! I took online classes recently where the only communication was via email or forums. The instructor clearly stated that if you do not take the time to clearly communicate and double check your spelling, that she would not respond because it simply didn't matter to you.

I agree not eating enough will cause weight gain on top of the stress. Then adding the constant (high fructose corn syrup) coke is all a recipe for weight gain. Eating is very important to keep those stress hormones balanced, and eating a balanced diet is even more important. Why not replace the coke with iced tea? As you get older and experience more stress, you simply cannot do the sames things you did growing up. Metabolism changes and with that comes the need to make lifestyle changes.

Chlorophyll taken regularly or Chlorella, it is an internal deodorizer and very healthy and detoxifying. If you aren't flossing regularly, bacteria gets stuck between the teeth and smell bad. If you haven't flossed in a while, try flossing and then smelling it it and see how nasty it smells. I use something called Earth Paste that does a great job of keeping me fresh. It isn't your typical toothpaste, it is basically bentonite clay which will help detox and alkalize the mouth. Also, I have a feeling that popping gum, mints, and candy is probably at the root of the problem. Try eating some parsley a sprig. It will naturally freshen breath! Drinking water, and keeping a moist mouth will help too.

I am a stay at home mom and found that planning isn't enough. There are many times when kids have to stay home from school sick or we get sick, or someone has to go to the doctor, dentist, etc. I started studying ahead of time to help compensate for the times when I might get behind. I was able to download the syllabus a week or two prior to class and start reading. This helped me at least get ahead in my reading so when my son was home sick from school for a week, I didn't fall behind...then I got sick too. So, work ahead as much as you can to help compensate for those times that you may fall behind due to life circumstances. That is what worked for me last year when I was taking accelerated courses.