Starting GCU December 9th RN-BSN

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Specializes in Med/surg.

I'm taking the plunge! I start GCU December 9th. I'm scared but looking forward to it. I hope I like the setup and GCU. I was told that if I took one class and if I decided it wasn't for me then I could switch to another college.

Any tips from anyone already taking classes through GCU?

Anyone else starting December 9th?

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Good luck! It's not too bad, but is pretty fast paced! You'll do 2 discussion questions a week, a paper a week and a group project. Also have to post at least 2 times on 3 separate days. I am not working right now, so don't find it to be too difficult. I spend maybe 7-10 hrs a week on school stuff.

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Ditto what stated above. I would recommend starting a FB page for your fellow students, a place where you can meet and help each other out, and vent!! And I know for my profs, for the 2 classes I have had--they grade by the RUBIC---it tells you exactly what you need to get a certain mark, so ensure you look it over for each assignment AND discussion questions! Some do mark easier, like any prof, each has their one querks!!

I bought Perrla.com....helps format ur paper to APA standards BUT it is not 100% correct, especially in how the title page is set up--so ensre u look at GCU template page!! As well some of the citations it provides is incorrect....such as you do not need a page # normally--UNLESS it is a direct quote, for an example!

As another member on here told me---take advantage of the LIBRARIAN!! Ask them for help, and they quite often send you back piles of great info!! 1 even set me back step by step instructions with what words to use in my search! AWESOME!

As well the school should offer you a FREE 3 day course--its not a pass or fail course, up to u how much u want to do, but it gives you an over view on how the typical online course goes, you get used to the layout of everything.

Best of luck

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Specializes in Med/surg.

Thanks everyone. I'm still looking for people who are starting with me. Starting a FB page is a good idea

Flames9_RN. We have some things in common. Lol. I was raised in Canada. My husband is from Managua. Lol.

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I grew up In Saskatchewan.....Love the Nicaraguan people and most of the country...sorry I'm not a fan of Managua. Just came back from a 4 night stay at Tola, Rental house right on the beach--awesome!! Super beach and not busy at all, it doesn't get much better than that! Well the power did go out and this house had no back up generator and the internet was down--so I git behind in school, other than that--awesome!!

Good luck in class--if u have any questions ask or PM away

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

Congrats on starting Dec 9th! I'm going to be starting pathophysiology next Monday which is my 9th class. I think you will like GCU. Like flames said, some of the prof's are a bit eccentric and some are easier on your papers versus other profs that are super picky. There is a group project for most of the classes, except stats and spirituality.

Again, as flames said, PEERLA is a good word program, but there are some tricks to using it. If you are not familiar with APA format, invest in the APA 6th edition book or get very familiar with Owl Purdue. That will greatly help with papers.

I think in order to be successful is the use of the rubric, as was mentioned and also keeping on task with the homework. It does ramp up in intensity. The papers can be anywhere from short, 750-1000, or higher count such as 1250-1750, in my upcoming class.

There may be days you want to bang your head against the wall, but take heart. These classes will zoom by. I can't believe I'm almost done!

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Yes the mighty RUBIC!! Lays it all out what is required to get the high marks.......Our current Prof even uses it for our discussion questions.

Yes the classes do tend to zip on by, going into week 5 of my 2nd course! I know a few are taking a break after this one, as a 2 week break turns into a month--when u add in the 2 week xmas holiday.....I figure why take a break, when after 2 weeks, you get 2 weeks off--and can get ahead abit

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

Flames that is exactly what I'm doing, will be getting ahead. We have a group project in patho and I would like to work ahead. That will prove challenging for those that don't want too. I guess I will do everything I can including those darn dq. Only one per week in this class, but they are super hefty. No theory though, so that will be refreshing, lol.

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Specializes in Med/surg.

I plan on doing the same. I'm going to work ahead as much as I can and post them when scheduled. That break will be good to catch up with all this adjusting to new schedule of now having to do school work. My son us having shoulder surgery on the 17th as well

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