tamsue

I'm in the second semester at NHCTC-Stratham. I certainly won't say it's easy, but it IS do-able. Some of the people I'm in school with are also holding down part- or even full-time jobs, and I really don't know how they're managing that. I just started orienting at Portsmouth Regional Hospital for my first med/surge rotation. It's exciting but also very scary. I can't think too far ahead or I go crazy...one day at a time, right!!!! I just try to think of it as a process I just need to go through to reach my goal of being a real nurse someday!!! Good luck to you!!!!

Hi there. I have to say the CLEP test for Human Growth was kinda' crazy. I feel like the book I had to study with was almost useless. Most of the info on the test wasn't even in the book. The test did have some Erickson stage stuff and some Behavioral concepts (ie. pavlov's dog w/ conditioning), but truly most of the info was just stuff I know from living. I barely passed the test, and I had gotten really good at the three practice tests on the back of the book. I'm glad it's over. I hope yours goes well for you! Where are you taking your other pre-reqs?

Hi there. I used the REA Human Growth and Development book for the CLEP. I'll give it to you for free if you want. It's got the book w/ the software. I took the test in Jan. of this year. To be honest, the book didn't really help me prepare for the test, though. Most of the material on the test wasn't what the book had in it. I don't know why that was...as it was the book recommended. Anyway, for what it's worth, I'd send it to you!!! pm me if you want me to send it or ask anymore questions!

I started very slow as well. I started by taking my A&P I, then II (at which point I also take college algebra), and then onto Micro. I'm in my second semester at NHCTC-Stratham, and I really feel like nursing is the right road for me to be on. I remember feeling overwhelmed at the very idea of even applying when I first started. Just keep plodding along, and you WILL get there. Also, you may be able to CLEP out of some of the classes you're assuming you'll need to take. I've been able to CLEP out of Human Growth and Development, and my friend CLEP'd psych. Also, I know people in my program who were accepted w/out A&P and/or Micro. So, things like that DO happen! Good luck to you!

I did get into Stratham right away. I only found out late last week. I really don't know if anyone has posted anything about whether Stratham or Manchester is better than the other. I've ruled out Concord, since it's just too far. Good luck to you; best wishes for good news soon!

Hello Everyone! It sounds like many of us are in the same boat. I've been accepted to Concord, Stratham, and Manchester. Where is the best place to go? From anyone who is already in the program, have you heard anything good or bad about any of the programs? I've ruled out Concord, since it's just a bit too far away. I'm torn between Stratham and Manchester. Any advice from anyone? I'm 46 years old; can anyone tell me if I'll be a "dinosaur" in either program??? Thanks to anyone for whatever advice you can give!!! Now that I'm accepted, I'm scared all over again!!!! Hope I can do this!!!! Tammy

I just heard from Manchester today. I got in!!! Good luck to everyone else!!!

Actually I did get my scores. I did better than I thought I did. This gives hope to everyone else who REALLY THOUGHT THEY BOMBED!!! I literally came home from the test and sobbed. It turned out I did pretty good. I think the thing that must have gotten me through is that even though you have 54 math questions, you are only tested on 40. Those 40 I must have managed to answer right!!!! How about you....did you get your scores? Where have you applied?

Hey there, Jamie Sue! I just got my results back yesterday. I did so much better than I thought I had done....go figure!!! I'm glad to see that you passed as well. So, hopefully we'll both be nursing students in Fall of 07...what a long road it's been, even so far. Are you taking microbiology this spring? I just had my second class, and we have a lab report due this Saturday; the class is definately not going to be a walk in the park. I just wanted to thank you for all of your advice, help and encouragement. These boards are just great for that!!!!! Tammy

Hello Again. Sorry for the confusion. A "math wiz" who sat beside me during the test said that, if you looked at the possible answers to the math questions, there would most times be only two "possibly correct" ones. He said that, instead of actually calculating each math question out by hand (and for me it takes a LONG time to do that), he was able to look at the possible answers, and many times at the very least, narrow down the possiblitities. Hope this helps. I should have my scores this week; all I want is a 50 on each.......keep your fingers crossed for me!

Hi there. I took the test on Jan. 13. I thought the Math was terrible; I don't feel I did well. You can't have a calculator, and there are 54 questions in 60 minutes. You have to be very quick; I'm good at Math, but I didn't even have time to finish. The science wasn't quite as bad as I had anticipated, although there was a bit of physics, electrical circuitry questions...weird stuff. The math was not difficult questions per se; it was just that you had to be fast. Someone else I spoke with (after the test) mentioned that there were normally only two answers that could work on the math; to try to figure out the answer in that manner...rather than to actually figure out each question independently. Does that make sense? I'll be happy to answer any other questions you may have. Just don't let yourself get rattled, and Good Luck!

Hello there. You responded to a question I had in the past re: the NLN. I'm taking the test this Saturday, and I AM FREAKING OUT! I've got one pretty stupid question, can you have a calculator with you when taking the test? I'm taking it at Manchester. Thanks so much! Tammy

Hi JamieSue, I'm in exactly the same boat as you. I take the NLN on 1/13. I'm extremely nervous, mainly because I guess they change the test each time. I know I'm VERY weak in Chemistry and physics. I got A's and B's in A&P I and II, and feel upset that I could not get in based on this test..... I'll keep a good thought for you if you'll do the same for me!

Does anyone else find A&PII to be much worse (harder!) than A&P I? We started with the Endocrine system, which I found to be SO hard, and now we've moved into the Heart and Circulatory System. Is it just me; am I dumber this Fall than I was last Spring?

Does anyone have any opinions or observations around which NH schools produce better nurses? I'm applying to NHCTC and NHTI, and I'm wondering if I should apply to others as well....regardless of cost.... Have any of you come through a program, only to later come into contact with other grads who were seemingly better prepared for the field? Thanks for any input!