LClark0823

I don't know about future job prospects but I currently volunteer in the NICU and I love it. Because I'm working on getting into the nursing field, the nurses and nurse practitioners let me view procedures and answer any and all of my questions. Its been a great learning experience if nothing else.

At my school, you can apply while you are in your final semester of pre-reqs. This will make you a "category 2" applicant. The "category 1" applicants are the ones that are finished with their pre-reqs at the time the application window closes. The category 1 applicants will be looked at first and will start the competitive process. The category 2 applicants will not start the competitive process unless all of the category 1 applicants have gotten a spot in the program. I was told by my advisor that this never happens. There are always way more category 1 applicants than spots in the program. The competitive process consists of your score of the TEAS test and grades in certain classes. Points are awarded 1 point per grade point per credit. A C is worth 1 point per credit hour, a B 2 points, and an A 3 points. So if you have a 3 credit class, such as English, and get an A in it, you would get 9 points for that class. My program also rewards points for volunteer hours and extra points for an A in A&P. This is how it is done at my school but others may be a bit different. Your best bet is to attend an information session on the application process or talk to your advisor.

Are you a science minded person? I took both A&P 1 and Chem II last semester along with English and a humanities elective and I did just fine. IMO, anatomy is easier than physiology because it's mostly memorization. And as far as chemistry goes, if you do all the practice problems in the book, you should be fine. The math is relatively easy, its just recognizing how to set up the problem and what exactly it is asking you to find. Chemistry was like learning a whole new language. Once you memorize the terms and the rules, it isn't bad. It might seem overwhelming at first but you'll settle into a routine and it will get easier. I'm a mother of three young children and my husband is currently stationed in Korea so I'm juggling everything by myself. It wasn't too bad.

Remember, for most schools, you are going to need more "general education" credits to get your BSN than you will have after finishing your ADN and additional nursing classes as well. For me, getting my ADN first is much more cost effective because I will be getting my two year degree at a community college and the classes are much cheaper than at a four year university. My plan, however, is to immediately apply for a RN-BSN program after I complete my ADN and get my license. I looked into programs at different universities in my area and found the list of classes that I will need to complete my BSN and am taking as many of those as I can while I'm in school. I have already finished everything except the nursing classes for my ADN program and with just nursing classes, I won't even be a full time student. I'll be able to take one or two additional classes each semester and should be able to complete my general education core for my bachelors while earning my associates degree. Then, after transferring to a 4 year university, I should get senior status and finish my BSN in a year. Or at least, that's the plan! For me, this way is the most affordable and I can begin working sooner.

It was very easy. I did it online and we had to come to campus one Saturday a month and give a speech. Very easy A.

I have three small children, two at home while one is in school, and last semester I took 15 credits. I'm taking two classes now during the summer and will be taking 14 credit in the fall. All of these are online, even my classes with labs. It's hard but definitely doable. My advise is stick to a routine with your kids and keep a very detailed planner. Each week write down what is assigned, when it needs to be started, and when it is due. Some assignments will take longer than others so I found that it's good to not only write down when things are due, but when to start them as well. Do class work during nap time and bed time. As long as you devote time to it each day, it's easy to manage everything. The first couple weeks will be hard because you'll be getting a feel for everything. It might seem kinda overwhelming but push through it. Once you figure out the work load, it's much easier to plan for it. A good support system is important as well. My husband has been very helpful and picks up the slack if there is any. Good luck! You got it!

I'm taking a CNA class too and it really isn't hard. As long as you pay attention to what your instructor tells you while in class and review the material at home, you'll do fine. Most of it is common sense. Some of the test questions can be tricky and you'll have to use critical thinking skills to pick the best overall answer but once you get the hang of it, it's not hard at all. Some of the students in my class are struggling and some won't make it to the end but those same students are the ones talking instead of practicing skills, texting while instructor isn't looking and staring off into space during lectures. If you pay attention, you'll have no problem.

Teach the material to anyone who will listen. For me, I can't just read a book or study notes. When I try to "teach" the material to someone else, it sticks much better. You have to understand the subject somewhat to be able to teach it and for me, whatever I do not really understand, I figure it out while explaining it to someone else. My poor husband probably knows a lot of things that he doesn't really care about! Also, write your own tests and find the answers. This also helps me retain information. Mix up what you do to study a little bit. You got this!