Enursing

Hi Snoopy4! You're in a tough spot, and I feel for you. I decided to go to SMU because it made sense for me at the time. However I've heard good things about both of the other programs I was accepted to (Concordia and CSUN). I think it depends most on where you want to work when you're done and how much debt you're comfortable taking on. The SMU name carries some weight in the Bay Area and therefore might be worth the money if you want to work up here. I can't back that up with evidence, it's just what I've heard, but I've heard it a lot. I can definitely see how working in the hospitals up here and being familiar with how they work can help when you're applying for jobs here. But is that worth the cost to you? If your family, friends, and your "community" is up here - it might be worth the cost to have them close. Be assured the ABSN program is very demanding. I knew it'd be hard - but not THIS hard, and I was a straight A student before this. If these things don't matter THAT much to you, I'd go with the less expensive option. Less debt is always better in my mind, and the program is so intense that the time flies by. I do think my decision was the right choice for me, but it really depends on you and your situation. SMU's ABSN is a great program - I have learned so much and have been very challenged and I'm only 4 months in. I feel very supported by the staff, students, and other cohorts. Unfortunately I don't know how other schools are, so I can't speak for that. So weigh your pros and cons and go with what you're most comfortable with. The strength of the program is important - but you will also get out what you put in. I think it's the clinical assignments that matter the most because that is where you learn how to actually be a nurse. I'm not sure where else you were accepted, but I know both SMU and Concordia have strong relationships with good hospitals. If you're like me, you're looking for a black and white answer. But it's not there - you have to do what feels most right to you. And get used to this because there is NO black and white in nursing :) There are typically students that can talk to you about their experience. If you have questions about the programs, call the admissions office and ask to speak with a current or past student. That is a great way to get more info for your decision. Good luck and PM me if you have any more questions! And most importantly, congratulations!

Hey small-ring - I named it Fall 2014 for our start date. Searching "Samuel Merritt Fall 2014 ABSN" on Facebook should lead you to it. :) Hope this helps!

small-ring Just search for "Samuel Merritt Fall 2014 ABSN" and request to be added to the group!

@jh3697 You have to make 15 posts before you can send a PM.

I was able to add someone so created the group. It's under "Samuel Merritt Fall 2014 ABSN" on Facebook. Congrats to everyone who was accepted! And those who are waiting don't lose hope!

Hey guys I'm going to start a Facebook Group for Fall 2014 ABSN students. Can someone PM me their email or name so I can friend you on Facebook? You need two people to start a group.

I got my acceptance call this afternoon! Congrats to everyone who has gotten in! And to those who haven't heard, there is still hope!

I believe I also read that people who were wait-listed for one cohort and didn't get in had gotten accepted for the following cohort. Not sure how often that happens but there is always a chance!

I know of someone who was #19 and got in. Not sure how many above her got in but I do think you'll move up quickly!

Yes thank you Movingwolf! Haven't heard anything either. Hopefully soon!

Haha - thank you for the fair warning that you might try to dissuade to open up a spot. I agree that looking at NCLEX scores may not be the fairest way to evaluate a school - I didn't consider a difference between RN-BSN and ABSN programs. Thanks for shedding light on that. And good to hear you've met SMU grads with good things to say about the program!

Thank you so much zzbxdo! It's helpful to hear insight from people with real world nursing experience - especially those in the Bay Area.

My advice is to buy the Study Manual and 2 practice test bundle from the API website directly. I think it is around $100 but it is the best value. This was the most relevant study material because the two practice tests were very similar to the test itself. The Kaplan practice test book was helpful but not as closely aligned. The API study manual says it covers everything that will be on the test. This was unfortunately not true BUT it covered almost everything (I remember it not covering some physics, physiology, and rate of work - know this equation!). If you know what's in that book you will do well. The amount of information you need to know is very broad so don't try to learn everything. Focus on your weaknesses and strengthen them! Make sure you can do all of the math problems - this is an easy section to focus on because it is finite. Doing well here will lift your overall score. Study the language sections and the types of passages and sentences so you can do well here, as well. The contextual vocabulary was pretty straight forward to me - but there were a lot on the test - so be sure you are clear on these too! Hope this helps!

Also, for me A&P1 was mostly memorization which is easier for me. A&P2 was more complicated so it required more study time.

I would take Micro with A&P 1. I did it that way after having not been in school for 5 years and did really well. It's a good kick in the pants but just study a lot, talk to your professors, and stay on track and you will be fine!