Saddleback College Spring 2016

jh2016 · Sep 15, 2015

RN info session was great :yes: . Plus learned a couple nifty tidbits regarding the Spring 2016 application period like there were roughly 130 (and some change) people that applied during this last application period. Also, they just finished making all the selections and we are now just waiting for letters to be mailed out. Hopefully they send them out sooner rather than wait til the 30th cause this wait is killing me :nailbiting: Sooooooo excited and nervous to find out!!!!

HonorinService · Sep 15, 2015

Hey, I went too, I was off to the side wearing gray. I can't believe selections have been made. This feels so intense coming down to the last two weeks or so.

jh2016 · Sep 15, 2015

I was off to the side also, jeans with a loose grey top (olive green top underneath) . Were you the person that spoke about the Teas exam? If so, you gave great information about it and the ATI manual is a huge help like you said. I stuck around til after everyone had asked their questions and left which gave me the extra bits of info. Not that it helps much, but it is nice to know how many people applied and that they have made their selections. You are so right that this wait is just so intense and I know it is because of the wait itself. Builds all that anticipation. We are so close to knowing!!!

HonorinService · Sep 16, 2015

Yes that was me! I'll be sure to post as soon as I get a rejection or acceptance letter. Are you taking any classes this semester? Are you BLS certified?

jh2016 · Sep 16, 2015

I will also definitely be posting as soon as I receive the rejection/acceptance letter. So nervous and excited. I am taking Pharm this semester (that way even if I do not get in, I can add those precious 5 points to the next application lol) and finishing the last GE classes that I need (Spanish 1 and Cross Cultural Cinema) so I don't have to worry about them during the program. I did get BLS certified. Took the class at Saddleback at the end of August. Figured it wouldn't hurt to take even if I do not get into the Spring program (its good til August 2017). Are you taking any classes this semester too or taking a much needed break? :) Are you BLS certified? If you are, did you also take the class at Saddleback?

HonorinService · Sep 16, 2015

How do you like Pharm? I took it over the summer and really enjoyed it. I took the BLS cert. course at Saddleback too! In August, so I was there too :)

I'm taking Pathophysiology at Saddleback this semester and it's going pretty well, it's a good class to introduce you to potential illnesses you may need to treat. I was thinking of taking a break but I also didn't want to lose momentum so i figured a happy medium would be good. (I'm thinking of taking the Advanced Cardiac Life Support course that begins in October but it's full so I'd need to waitlist, and still not sure ) Do you think you'll work during the nursing program?

jh2016 · Sep 16, 2015

Taking the online version of Pharm and loving it. I was offered the Work Study program through financial aid and will likely keep working through them while in school (less than 12 hours a week and they work around your school schedule). I am currently working as a lab tech in the biology department. Beyond that, I do not plan on working but if something falls in my lap that is field related I might consider it. Are you thinking of working while in the program?

HonorinService · Sep 17, 2015

That's awesome! I was a lab tech too as an undergraduate while I was getting my degree in biology. I think that's the perfect position to be in while you're in the nursing program, on campus, low stress (usually) and a few hours to help pay for expenses.

I'm still trying to decide if I should work or not. ( I keep leaning towards yes, because well, life comes with bills) :)

jh2016 · Sep 17, 2015

Exactly. I am really enjoying the lab tech position. Definitely low stress. What I really like about it is that I am learning why my labs for the prereqs ran so smoothly and now I can be a part of that for someone else's experience.

Life totally comes with bills and I am grateful for the Work Study program. It will probably be tough to work a job while going through the program, but I have heard of people being able to do it. :yes:

tbarrios1 · Sep 17, 2015

Thanks for updating on the RN info session! I wasn't able to go, so it's nice to hear that they've already made decisions. It's a bit nerve-wracking though! How many hours are you planning on working (if you do decide to keep working)? I'm a Medical Assistant right now, and I'm not sure if I want to give it up if I get in.

jh2016 · Sep 19, 2015

For me working with the Work Study program, I won't work more than 12 hours a week (federally regulated). I would recommend hanging onto the job as a medical assistant at least at first. It gives you a foot in the door to a possible job as an RN later. But it all depends. Are they willing to be flexible and work around your school schedule? Do you think you will have enough time to study? I have read about people working and making it through school just fine.

tbarrios1 · Sep 19, 2015

Yeah, that's the reason I've been working with them for over a year now-- they're SUPER flexible with my schedule, as long as I give them enough notice. I'm hoping it'll work out for the two years I'm at Saddleback (hopefully!!).