Starting Nursing school

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I will be starting nursing school( CCBC ESSEX) in spring and I feel unorganized. I went to orientation 2 weeks ago and I kinda got the feeling that my school was not that organized. I also got the feeling that there is a lot of unnecessary fees added on to schools fee, apart from the books, and the class fees, the outsides fees almost equate $1000 which is a lot for a community college. During the orientation we received a packet which included the list of books we needed for the semester, its says that the list is all the books we need for the first semester and the rest of program. I emailed one of the nursing administrators about which books we will need for the first semester and she said we need to buy all the book listed on the page:uhoh3:. I'm paying out of the pocket, i don't have a $1000 for books right now. So anyone who has gone to ccbc essex nursing school, can you get me some feedback ?

I'm also feeling very lost right now,like there is no structure, which ******* me off because right now.I'm not just not feeling excited about starting nursing in the spring. Did any of you guys have this feeling before you started nursing school?

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Wow, your school is more kind than mine- we don't get the list of books until a week before class starts for the semester!

I know my school is highly unorganized as well, but in talking with people on here, that's a pretty common feeling. One thing you will learn (because it's beaten into you) is that you MUST be flexible. At least you had an orientation. We didn't have that.

Also, $1000 for first semester books is about right. Ours were at least that. Don't forget about scrubs, stethoscope, shoes, and all of the other little things you'll find you need/want, like a clipboard of some kind for taking report, an ID lanyard or retractable pin thingee, etc. Plus, we had to pay extra for ATI (every semester!). Yep, nursing school is expensive!

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WOW, thanks for the quick reply, yes i know school is expensive and though, I also know that I need to flexible on things. But I'm also looking at things from a business perspective( A lot of students don't do this and that is why they have a lot of school debt ) , apart from the things that you and I mentioned there is still a lot of more fees that need to paid. I feel like a lot of struggling companies are teaming up with these schools to sell their products , and the school is making their product in order for it sell. I think education very important but its not worth me going into debt for, both my parents don't have school loans( Both are veterinarians) and I would debt free from school loans. And yea,your school is really unorganized , giving their students the book list a week before school start it not wise, well at least I know my school is not that stupid

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Wow your school is more kind than mine- we don't get the list of books until a week before class starts for the semester! I know my school is highly unorganized as well, but in talking with people on here, that's a pretty common feeling. One thing you will learn (because it's beaten into you) is that you MUST be flexible. At least you had an orientation. We didn't have that. Also, $1000 for first semester books is about right. Ours were at least that. Don't forget about scrubs, stethoscope, shoes, and all of the other little things you'll find you need/want, like a clipboard of some kind for taking report, an ID lanyard or retractable pin thingee, etc. Plus, we had to pay extra for ATI (every semester!). Yep, nursing school is expensive![/quote']

Same here with ATI and everything!

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Honestly, you're just going to have to figure it out your own way, then. Borrow money from your parents, do whatever you need to, but yes, the costs do add up, and you may find more come up over time. But the first semester is absolutely the most expensive, since you're buying stuff you'll use throughout your program.

ATI has a great monopoly, sadly, and yes, I agree with you, they benefit like crazy from it! It sucks, but it's just one of the hoops we have to jump through if we want to be nurses in this day and age.

ETA: you can always ask for people to help with books and such as early birthday gifts (too late for Christmas!). Same with other semesters. Do the same when it comes time for ACLS and such, too!

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Do you have to order the books from the school or can you order them online? That may be a cheaper route. I am trying to cut as many corners as I can. Thankfully my clinical doesn't start until the end of the semester so I can use my refund to get my uniform, stethoscope etc..

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

$1000 for first semester books is pretty typical for nursing school.

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Specializes in L&D.

Only $1000 for books? Consider yourself lucky. My books cost around $1600 and thats only so far. I still need a few extras.

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Actually not, $1000 is just a quick estimate I did, could actually be more

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I've never spent $1000 for nursing books ever. I get them new from Amazon. For one of my classes and half of my other class I've spent roughly $340 (plus 3 supplemental books). I only get access codes and or kaplan stuff from the book store. I don't trust those online.

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And just to add $1000 is an estimate, not the total cost, any ccbc essex student,s please message me

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Specializes in Operating Room.

I had applied to CCBC in the past but was rejected which made me transfer to a school offering a BSN. Nursing school in general is expensive. :-\ Between the tuition, the fees, scrubs, nursing skills kit, textbooks, supplies, shoes, ATI, background check, physicals and titers, CPR, etc., it'll drain you. In terms of textbooks, I'd utilize the Internet as much as possible. I just finished my first semester and I didn't buy a single textbook in the bookstore because it's highway robbery. I went between eBay and Amazon and I probably only spent $400 tops for everything. I agree with another person- ask family and friends to buy you supplies and books! It will definitely help cut down the out-of-pocket cost. It sucks though that you have to buy everything for your program, what if a book comes out with a new version? :-( Either way, good luck to you!

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