Starting Nursing School Next Week!

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jan 5, 2018

Hello! This is my first post on allnurses.com. I was accepted into Front Range Community College's Larimer nursing program for Spring 2018, and start very soon (eek!). It's a dual ADN/BSN program.
Next week we have "boot camp" for one day, then we start the semester with a very full schedule the following week. I'm taking Fundamentals of Nursing, Basics of Pharmacology, and Clinical Calculations.
I was wondering if anyone has any advice or tips for an excited nursing student? Is there anyone in the Larimer program that can share about what the experience has been like? What is "boot camp" like? Any other fellow students that are starting nursing school soon?
Quick background on me-- I have two young kids (ages 6 and 4), a supportive husband, and will be commuting 40 mins daily.
Cheers!

I haven't been to school in decades and have no idea what "Boot Camp" might be. But welcome to AN anyway, and good luck with school!

Satori77, ADN · Jan 7, 2018

Congrats on starting nursing school! I am going into my 4th semester at FRCC Larimer Campus. Boot camp is nothing to be scared of. They talk about the program, test taking skills, organization, etc. We went around the room and introduced ourselves. There were also some students and former students there talking about their experience. It was a long day, but good.

I won't lie, the program is intense. First semester you will be at school a lot. From what I've heard, you will be well-prepared for the NCLEX because their tests are much harder. As for advice, don't wait or put anything off. Try not to miss class, study the material. But don't just study. Going over your notes alone probably won't be enough. Do lots of practice test questions. There will be questions in the back of your books. The instructors also set up an online Adaptive Learning which will quiz you. I really like it. And there are lots of practice books with test questions (I use the Success series). If you are struggling, don't wait to get help. Talk with the instructors (most are great and very approachable), and get a tutor if you need one.

And its not for everyone, but I rely heavily on my study group. It helps me to talk things out, so I can better understand the material. We get together before tests and go over notes, explain things to each other, and quiz each other. We also find time to relax and have some fun. We have each other's backs. It helps to have people who truly understand what you are going through. My husband and outside friends are wonderful, but they don't get it.

One last thing, make sure you have things figured out at home. Especially with your kids. I have two kids as well, and a husband who is always on the road. Childcare has been an issue at times. Have back-ups, and back-ups for them. I've had to rely on a lot of people to help me out last minute. I did miss one clinical day last semester when my son had a horrible stomach bug. And it was difficult, and stressful making it up.

That's all I can think of right now, but if you have any specific questions, feel free to ask.

dshaynna · Jan 7, 2018

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and giving me an idea of what to expect! I appreciate the advice re: practice test questions... I imagine I'm going to have to revamp the way I study. It's so great to hear from someone who is actually in the Larimer program, until now I hadn't gotten to speak to anyone who has been through it. It's also encouraging to hear that there are other students with kids who are successfully going through the program. Congrats to you- for making it to your 4th semester- surely no easy accomplishment. :)

Satori77, ADN · Jan 7, 2018

One of the hardest parts of nursing school is the test taking. You can know the material backwards and forwards, and still do bad on a test. I went from a straight A student to failing a few tests, which is upsetting. I had to learn how to read and take nursing tests. Often, two or even all of the answers will be correct. And you have to pick the best one, or what you would do first. They LOVE select all that apply questions as well. Once you get the hang of the questions, it will get much easier.

I don't know about other classes, but probably half my class has kids, maybe a little more. And many are older, second degree students. It did make things easier. One think I forgot to mention is that the school does not do a class FB page. If you want one, someone has to take it upon themselves to make one. I ended up doing that, and I'm glad I did. Its a way for most of the students to connect, ask questions, remind each other about things, and just vent.

And thanks, it has not been easy. But its so been worth it! I'm enjoying school, but I can't wait to be finished!

ajcho · Dec 16, 2018

hey! I am relocating to northern colorado this january 2019. How long was the waiting list for the program for frcc? and if you dont mind, how much was your gpa in the pre reqs when you got in? I am really anxious in seeing my chances in getting into the programs. Hope to hear from you soon!!

waitingfor · Feb 15, 2019

Hi Dshaynna,

I graduated in December from FRCC Larimer and passed my NCLEX shortly after. I am not going to lie, it will rough for the first 2 semesters then smooth sailing after that. Second semester Med surg is when people get cut the most. But you can do it. I started the program with 6 months old twins and my husband stayed at home. We just moved from out of state and knew No one.I was working 2 jobs pulling 60 hours a week in addition of school. I remember being at school everyday at 6am to study before class then head out to work. You can definitely do it. Just stay focused at least for the first 2 semesters. Everyone came in with a 4.0 GPA and it became a norm to feel happy getting a C. Eventually it gets better once you get the rhythm started. I ended up with straight As in my last 2 semesters and graduated Cum Laude. So it is doable. It is an excellent program and I am proud to have graduated from that school. NCLEX is much easier for sure. It took me 45 minutes I stopped at 75 questions. The program prepares you well. I started practicing NCLEX since the beginning. I would recommend you do that. The important thing is to read the rationale, dont mind your score.

Good luck!

S.NatalieKaye · Jul 28, 2019

@dshaynna @waitingfor Seeing your posts makes me hopeful about FRCC's nursing program! I'm looking to apply there soon and I am really nervous because FRCC is my preferred choice. How competitive was it to get in? I only scored a 90 on my HESI. Do you know if alternates have a chance?