Student need advice

azgirl · Aug 23, 2003

hottieoverload it took my husband 5 years to get his RN degree from PC. Chasing down the co reqs once required taking a class at Chandler Gilbert when we live in Buckeye.

I've also found that classes change while you wait to get into the program. I lost one science and a humanity. Very discouraging to take a class and get further behind.

What is the length of waiting time to get into the programs now? I've heard its still around two years but was more in mid 90's.

outbackannie · Sep 7, 2003

It's been quite awhile since I graduated from Mesa Community College.(1979) It took me 2 years including summer and night sessions to get into the program. At the time the "waiting list" was dependent on how many pre-req's and co-reqs were completed. The nursing school faculty want you to have everything done in advance so that you can devote all your time to nursing and clinical practice. They didn't want you to be working either.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Sep 7, 2003

I spent 2 years doing all my prereq's before starting my ADN program in 1995. It was the slow way, but to my mind it was the smart way.

I do remember sitting in a classroom during a meeting for all the new nursing students and listening to the program director strongly advise us NOT to do any of the following during our years in the program:

1) Get married.

2) Get divorced.

3) Have a baby.

4) Buy a house.

5) Move.

6) Hold a job (unless it had something to do with health care).

7) Lose weight (hard on the budget to buy new uniforms too often).

8) Gain weight (same reason).

9) Get sick.

10) Have a life. I'm serious.

kimmicoobug · Sep 7, 2003

It took me four years to go to school. I had a baby and dropped out and then went back the following years (took classes in the meantime so that I would have no parallels when I reentered the following year). The list in the previous post sounds about right....

hottieoverload · Sep 9, 2003

Thanks to all of you who replied. I think I am on the right track. I have only 2 more pre-req's to complete before I even apply for the program. Does anyone have an opinion on what is the best school?

RNPAPACITO · Oct 12, 2003

Keep with your plan, it will be worth the effort :)

For me, it took 6 yrs to complete my ADN (nursing and pre/co requisite classes). I worked on average of 45-60 hrs a week during this time period, so it took longer. Along the way, I took a NA course and completed an PN program at Gateway. Not to mention what seemed like a gajillion pre/co-reqs. Some which became obsolete or needed repeating during my 6 yr quest.

In the end, I did it (5 yrs now) and so will you :)

And kudos to the nursing instructor that told the nurse (mjlrn97)in a previous post about the 10 things not to do during nursing school. I did a few of those things and it gave me more grief than good, lol.

Keep up the good work and remember, if it was easy,,any geek off the street could be a nurse (even the guys in the Jackass movie,,,aaagggghhhhh)

As far as your question regarding the best nursing school,,apply to them all. If you graduate from a NLN-Accredited program,,it's all good!!

Best wishes!

headin'there · Dec 13, 2003

It's been a while since I've visited here, but it was oh sooo nice to see this thread. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one feeling like this will take longer than I'd like it to! I'm currently attending PC, trying to get those pre-reqs taken care of. With 5 kids, a husband with health problems and a part time job it's been slower progress than I want. It feels SO good to have a worthwhile goal though. No matter how long it takes...I'm going to get there one way or the other.

Have a Great Day All!

Renee

Kabin · Dec 24, 2003

I already have a BS degree and still need to take a semester or two of pre-reqs. It sure would be nice if there was a true accelerated program in the valley!

hottieoverload · Jan 27, 2004

Thanks everyone.

Curious1alwys, BSN, RN · May 2, 2004

Hi Hottieoverload,

This is my first post, so let me introduce myself. My name is Janice and I am currently registered for the nurse assisting classes in the fall at GCC. So excited to finally be "in". Actually, I just made this new career decision. I was going to college a long time ago for Dietetics, and it just so happened that almost everything I needed for that I also needed for nursing. I even have classes within the RN program under my belt. So.........don't really know if this is something I will like or want to do, but all those online personality/career quizzes seem to point to it. I would like to keep in touch with you as you progress..maybe we would even be in the same classes/program. I am trying to contact the advisor at GCC to find out about the NET...which I read something about....because I want to technically apply for the program in the spring. Right now I am in Anatomy 201 and HCC 130. Anatomy 202 will start Aug. along with NUR assissting. I also will work on the other weekdays during that time. I had to use all my vacation time to take those days off for the nurse assisting. Currently, I am taking all my other classes online, and it is working out. Would you like to keep it touch?

Janice

Curious1alwys, BSN, RN · May 2, 2004

Also Hottie,

Can't you test out of CNA classes if you already have the knowlege? I don't think you need to take them. You should investigate that.!!