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NurseDawg06, I am thrilled that you landed a job at Kennestone's ICU - and are so happy there. Congratulations! I'm starting my final year at NGCSU, and was wondering if it was difficult getting at job in ICU at Kennestone. ??? I've heard ICU jobs are few and far between for new grads, and I was wondering if you could give me some much needed advice on when to apply, if you went directly to the hiring manager for that floor, etc. I did my clinicals at Kennestone last year and really liked the hospital, in general. I've applied numerous times online for a tech position, but to no avail...any suggestions?! Thanks so much!!!

Personally, I think you should go for the ASN. I had the same situation (BSN and ASN acceptances), but opted to go the ASN route - simply due the 'cost' of the BSN. Not financial cost, but the 'cost' of having to go to school five days per week, with young children at home. I am glad I made the decision that I did - I don't regret it, in the least. I am a NGCSU student, and I really like my program, so I guess I'm a little biased. First year at NGCSU, you have classes one day per week, and clinical a second day per week. That left me plenty of time to not only study, but to also spend a great deal of time with my children. I'm sure many will disagree with me, but for me - it was definitely the right choice to make. Good luck - whatever you decide.

Welcome! I am currently a first-year student at NGCSU, and I absolutely love it. Let me encourage you to pursue their program - it is fantastic. I don't think that you will be disappointed. Regarding your GPA, take heart. Your GPA is not the only thing they consider, but it is important. You will need to make arrangements to take the TEAS, even with another degree under your belt. I also have a previous bachelor's - as well as a majority of my classmates. Some of them even have graduate degrees, as well. (It's an intelligent group of individuals, to say the very least.) Your med term knowledge will help you out in Fundamentals class, first year. You'll need A&P 1 & 2, as well as Micro and maybe a few others that weren't taken with your first degree. But, don't let this discourage you. You can pull up your GPA in the process and give yourself better odds of being accepted. I also found this website prior to applying to North Georgia, and I was able to ask questions to current students. It was very helpful to me, at the time. You'll find the students at NGCSU are very loyal to their school and their nursing program. It's not a big program, but we all get to know each other very well, and it's really like one big family. The friendships I've made in nursing school have been some of the best in my life. Feel free to PM me if you have any additional questions. I'm more than happy to help if I can. Good luck!

North Metro Tech doesn't currently have an associate RN program. They only offer a LPN program. HOWEVER... North Georgia College & State University (aka "NGCSU") DOES offer an ASN program at the North Metro campus. It is a two-year program, but classes are only offered during the day at this location.

I personally didn't think the TEAS was difficult - and I'm pretty much an average student. I do agree with the previous person who said that the worst part about the Math portion was the fact that you didn't have enough time to finish all the problems. It wasn't that the problems were hard, though. I think the ratio problems were probably the trickiest, but even those weren't particularly that bad. Watch your time - don't spend too much time on any one problem, and you'll do just fine!!! :balloons:

Hello. I am a first-year NGCSU student, and just like EagleGirl - I have nothing but praise for the program, thus far. I have been extremely happy at North Georgia - I think you'll find that most people here on allnurses.com feel pretty much the same. There are always pros and cons, of course - but in general, it's a great program, and the instructors are terrific. As far as prerequisites go, you'll need to either go online or call the Nursing Department at NGCSU to find out where you stand, academically. I'm not sure if your years of experience as a LPN will help get you into the program - it depends if they look at something other than your grades for acceptance. I honestly don't know exactly how they determine who gets into the LPN-RN bridge program. The Nursing Department could help answer most of your unanswered questions, and just so you know - I've found everyone who works in that office to be very helpful and considerate. Don't be shy - give them a call. It can't hurt, and you could be well on your way to being an R.N.!!! Go for it!!!

I am a first year student, and we only have class from 9 a.m. until noon on Mondays, and then clinicals one day per week from 6:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. or so. The 9-12 schedule on Mondays includes Nutrition from 9 - 10a.m., and then Fundamentals from 10 -12. My clinicals are on Wednesdays. So, basically - 2 days per week for school. HOWEVER... That is not the only time I am 'dealing' with school stuff. I am usually studying at least three or more days per week for several hours each day - outside of the two days I am in school. Not all day, and not every day - but like I said before in another post - there is a LOT of outside independent reading and many projects that must be turned in - especially for a class that only meet once per week. I've found that I really have to budget out my time to make sure I allow enough time to finish everything, and I'm pretty organized by nature, anyway. It's been an adjustment. But, things settle into a nice routine pretty quickly. As far as working, I think most people in my classes work either full-time or at least part-time. So, if you have the option, I'd say work part-time if possible. You'll want the extra time to study. Trust me. It's harder than most people think. It's very doable, but not necessarily easy. NGCSU is really a terrific school. Good luck!!!

I am a first year NGCSU student, and I have to say that I really do love it. I am extremely happy with North Georgia, thus far. I am at the North Metro campus, so I cannot personally speak for Gainesville -- but there are others, here, that do attend at the Gainesville campus, and I'm sure they'd be happy to share. Most people who have attended GPC have been extremely negative and disheartened. (Check previous posts -- you are not alone in the experience you had at GPC.) The only somewhat difficult thing about North Georgia is that a lot of it is truly self-study -- the professors can only cover just so much, with one day per week of lecture. So, you have to stay motivated and keep on top of things. Otherwise, you will not do well. (If you know that going into it, you're a lot better off.) The professors really seem to want you to succeed. That, alone, helps tremendously. It's not easy, but it can be done. If you are willing to give it another try at NGCSU, I say go for it. I really think you will have a MUCH different experience at NGCSU than GPC. Good luck!!! :balloons:

As far as I know, the CNA certification classes are NOT transferrable to your ASN or BSN from NGCSU. I know that if you are an LPN, you can bridge over to the ASN program, but the CNA certification is simply good for working as a tech (CNA) in a hospital while going through your nursing program. I, personally, don't recommend it - I am at NGCSU, right now, and it is pretty intense as far as workload is concerned. I can't imagine working full-time, as well, but many people do it because they don't have the option of not working while in school -- they have to work to support their families. If you don't have to work while in school -- don't. If you do, I think it's a great idea to get certified -- it will help you during clinicals. However, just be aware that it is usually around $500 for the CNA class. Also, from what I understand, you can work as a CNA or in a patient care tech position at a hospital after completing at least one full 'round' of clinicals during nursing school. (Not sure if that means one semester, or one full year...) Basically, you learn all the CNA skills in your first year of your ASN program. Btw, North Georgia is fantastic. I love it. The instructors are wonderful. If you are looking for a terrific ASN program -- it's definitely top notch. It is a lot of work, but well worth it. Good luck.

Hey, gals. I remember Michelle saying something about us needing those guidelines, but I am not sure if we need to print them out before tomorrow. (That is one LONG printjob!!! Yikes!) I started printing them out (ten pages at a time), but then had to stop. Need to go study. See you tomorrow morning. :) -Susan

Sounds great! Regarding the driving issue, I, too, will gladly relinquish that job of teaching my kids to drive to my hubbie. I think he has more patience (and a lot more courage) than I do! LOL And, the more I think about it -- those days are not too far ahead for me, either. I have two girls and a boy -- the boy is the baby (age 6), but the girls are 8 and 11. Oh well. Enjoy the rest of your weekend -- might be one of the last few we'll have that we aren't studying like crazy. Oh yeah -- anybody know where we'll have clinicals, yet, from North Metro?

Hi, Jules. I will be at North Metro -- is that where you will be, also? Yes, the whole middle school thing is kinda' throwing ME for a loop -- she's handling the whole thing just fine, but I keep thinking "I'm too young to be the mother of a middle schooler!!!" Hee, hee. Anyway, yes, I am SOOOOO excited and SOOOOO nervous, all at the same time. I've had jury duty all week this week, so that on top of everything else -- well, it's been an interesting week, to say the least. :) I, too, wish I knew what to expect...study-wise, I mean.

:) Hey Jules, Althea, Lisa, and others... Do we need to plan to be in Dahlonega at 9:00 a.m. for advisement and registration, or is registration simply on a "drop-in" basis between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.? (Just trying to plan around trying to drop off my new middle-schooler Monday morning -- can't drop her off until 8:15 a.m.). We basically know we have to register for Fundamentals and Nutrition -- but do you think it's necessary to be there exactly at 9 a.m.? (I know that on Wednesday it is mandatory for us to be there at 8:45 a.m.) By the way, I am REALLY glad that we have each other to consult about all this stuff -- I would be completely lost without all you guys and the very imformative posts everyone has posted over the past few months...thanks a million!!! Can't wait to meet all of you! :) Don't be shy -- if we possibly run into each other in the crowd, come up and say "hi!" and introduce yourself from allnurses.com! We need to all be supportive of each other -- it's the only way we'll all get through the long road ahead! :) Here's to Class of 2007! Best wishes to all!!! :balloons: -Susan

Yes, I'm taking the Nutrition class along with the Fundamentals class --- also puts me at 6 hours vs. 5 hours. (Not sure what I'm going to do for Spring, though...I also need 6 hours for my financial aid...). Anyway, thanks for the info about the uniform store at Towne Center. And yes, we can definitely carpool for the 15th and/or the 17th. If anybody else on this side of town wants to join us in our 'trek to gold town," let us know.

Hi, Jules. I am also going to be at North Metro in Acworth. Thanks for the info on the books!

Hello, everyone! Someone at my school, today, told me about http://www.addall.com -- she said that she comparison shops for all of her textbooks from this site. I haven't had the opportunity to look into it, yet. Might be worth checking out. Lisa, if you don't mind me asking -- approximately how much are all the books adding up to? I know they said to expect books for first year to cost between $500.00-$600.00, but I was kinda' hoping this figure included books from some of the prereq classes that perhaps some others had yet to complete. After checking out the book list from the bookstore, my guess is that I was wrong...ten 'required' books for the first Fundamentals class? Yikes!!! Did you guys buy the majority of your books at B&N online, or from the store, itself? What is the $25.00 membership fee you were talking about? I haven't heard of that... Also, anyone know, yet, where clinicals are going to be held? Can't wait, guys!!! Anybody else getting as excited as I am?

ReidMe, I don't know about a uniform store in Gwinnett -- but I feel sure that there is one close to you, somewhere, up I85. I do think there is one in Kennesaw, but that doesn't help you out much, right now. (Sorry!) I am also not looking forward to driving all the way to Dahlonega both days in August, but oh well. It's just two days. It's a very small price to pay for getting in this Fall -- I'm so excited!!! Here's to the "Thirty-something (+\-) Class of 2007!" Woooo-hooooo!!! :balloons: :balloons: :balloons:

I'm also going to NGCSU at North Metro, and was wondering if anyone has purchased their nursing shoes, yet. If so, what brand did you buy, and where did you purchase them? I assume you can purchase them at the uniform store in Gainesville -- but which brand is the best? Also, I read that stethescopes are being sold at "I Can" Camp by second year students in August -- which brand/model is the best one to buy? Also, can anyone verify that our clinicals will be at Kennestone or Cobb General? I'm sure we'll find out soon enough, but I was just curious... Btw, I am also in my mid-thirties, with another bachelor's degree in business from Ga State. It's wonderful to hear that I'll have mostly 'peers' around my same age at North Metro!!! Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks! :chuckle I think I'm living proof that anything is possible. :rotfl:

YIPPPEEEEE!!!! For those of you who have already graduated from NGCSU, what do you think was the best thing about NGCSU's nursing program? I can't wait until August!!! :balloons:

If you want to work at any of the hospitals near/in Marietta, Wellstar is pretty much where you'll need to apply. If you are looking for a patient care tech/nursing care associate (CNA position) to gain direct patient care experience, you either have to be licensed as a CNA, or they will accept a nursing student who has completed at least one semester of clinicals in an accredited nursing program. (Check out their website and read the job descriptions under "Nursing Support" positions...) If you can afford to wait until you've completed that first semester of clinicals at NGCSU (or whatever it is that they require), then you might consider waiting it out until early next year to apply. That will save you the cost of the two week intensive CNA certification course (which is about $550, I think...). Btw, Wellstar does have a fantastic tuition reimbursement plan for its full-time and part-time employees -- something to definitely consider if you're trying to figure out how to fund your nursing school tuition. Hope this helps. :)

I got my packet today, also...without any mention of the location, whatsoever. (I admit my heart gave a little leap after seeing the NGCSU return address -- couldn't wait to read more about orientation, etc.) I assume a separate letter will come to all of us who are supposed to be attending the "Alpha/Cumming campus." I've tried to be patient and understanding, but this is truly getting ridiculous -- and, in my opinion, it's unprofessional and inconsiderate to us (students) for administrators not to have finalized all of this before now. I understand that moving the location from Marietta was "unavoidable," and we've all tried to be remain positive and extremely patient about the whole situation, but come on...gimme a break. We all do have lives, spouses, and/or children to consider when trying to schedule our classes/commuting, etc. I'm already stressed, enough, about everything else... Also, yes, it would have been nice to have orientation in late July, perhaps, to make us all feel a little more sure about what to expect. But, I'm not complaining about that -- at this point, just knowing where I'll be attending school for the next two years will suffice.

Hey, Shukry! Thanks for the CPR info! I will be calling and registering for that class, too. Hopefully, we can meet each other, and others in our upcoming "Class of 2007." I think the location is almost definitely North Metro Tech -- according to the individual I spoke to in the nursing department on Thursday -- which is AWESOME for me. (Very close.) I'm guessing that they are getting sick of so many phonecalls in the nursing department about this -- lol. Oh well. I will say, however, that they (the nursing department) have expressed extreme apologies and sympathy towards our whole class, when I have called. So, that makes me feel a lot better. It's just very embarrassing to say "Hey, guess what?! I'm going to nursing school in the Fall! Yippeee!" And then to hear "Oh, that's great! Where are you going to be attending classes?" And then to have to say --"Well, I'm not really sure, yet..." -- Etc., etc. Hopefully, everything will get finalized and things will just fall into place with our program, from this point forward. Do you think we'll be doing clinicals at Kennestone and Cobb General? Also, anyone know the exact date we start classes, yet? I know orientation is in August --do they wait to start actual classes after Labor Day? (I'm asking because I was summoned for jury duty on August 8th. )

Hey, fellow NGCSU classmates for Fall 2005 -- Anyone want to get together to take the CPR certification course, somewhere around the Marietta/Kennesaw area, this summer? I know we have to have an updated certification card before classes begin at ______ -- well, wherever we end up in the Fall. LOL Anyway, if you are interested in taking the class with a friend or two, please pm me and we'll figure something out that works with everyone's schedules. (Also, if you happen to know where the classes are offered, that info would be very much appreciated.) Hope everyone is having a terrific summer! :)

Hey, guys and gals. It's been another week... Anyone gotten any definite info from NGCSU, yet?

Yes, let's pray REALLY HARD! LOL Actually, it makes more sense to me that they might try to find a location in the Cobb/Bartow/Cherokee area...the people who applied for the Windy Hill campus would most likely live around within driving distance of that area, wouldn't you think? So, if it IS North Metro, I think a lot of the accepted students will be be happy with that decision. I, personally, will be positively ECSTATIC! I went to my PCP to try to get a HEP A&B vaccination (or start the series of shots for HEP B), but I was told that they wouldn't provide immunizations -- that I had to go to the Health Department. I've already had a titer test for MMR, etc., but I still need to go ahead and start the HEP B series. Has anyone else run into this with their PCP, before? They also wouldn't do my tetorifice, either...said they reserve their tetorifice shots for injured patients -- not boosters. Is this common practice, or do I just have a "stingy" PCP? :chuckle