Too much to handle?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hello everyone!

I'm new to this site, but I love what I see already. Lots of great tips!! I just have a question about the classes I plan on registering for, for the spring of 2015. The pre-reqs for the ADN program (that I haven't already completed) are A&P 1, micro, & pharmacology. I also plan on taking Life span, growth, & dev. as my last course. Is it unheard of to take these classes together? I've gotten some *bulging eyes* from previous nursing students when I mention my first semester course load. Also, I'm a mommy, so I have to balance my family life as well as this course load. I have a 1 1/2 year old and I'm due October 28th with my second. TIA for any advise.

If I were you, I would take A&P 1 and Micro at the same time in a normal full-length semester, but ONLY those two classes.

It sounds like too much to take those two along with pharm and human development. I'd save pharm and HD for another semester or do a split, like one full semester take A&P and HD and the next semester take pharm and Micro.

Believe me less is more, just focus on taking 2 classes a semester. Do great in them, it is better than taking a load of classes in one semester. I know you want to hurry up and get into that program, but learn from my mistakes! Don't overload yourself, take it easy.

This may seem like a dumb question, but are there any "easy" classes that I could take, because I HAVE to be a full time student to receive my veteran school benefits. Micro and A&P are both 4 SHs each. I need at least 12.

Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.
If I were you, I would take A&P 1 and Micro at the same time in a normal full-length semester, but ONLY those two classes.

It sounds like too much to take those two along with pharm and human development. I'd save pharm and HD for another semester or do a split, like one full semester take A&P and HD and the next semester take pharm and Micro.

I think this is some good advice... Breaking them up is a good idea.

This may seem like a dumb question, but are there any "easy" classes that I could take, because I HAVE to be a full time student to receive my veteran school benefits. Micro and A&P are both 4 SHs each. I need at least 12.

Well, look into what other pre-reqs are needed or even what classes might be needed during the program. When I was in school I need medical terminology, Psychology 1, Nutrition, and clinical calculations (medical math) either before or during the program. All those classes were fairly easy and I knocked out classes I needed.

Do a little research, you will find something.

Specializes in ICU.

I would do it, but that's just me. Last fall I took 5 classes A&P II, micro, algebra, English comp, and a student success class. I got 4 A's and 1 B. This past spring I took 4 classes, Advanced Physiology, intermediate algebra, psych, and sociology. All A's. It can be done. I am also a single mom. Just organize yourself. This is my first semester in the program and it's more work than any of the last 2 semesters. I really think if you only take a class or two, when you get in the program you will have a hard time because there is so much info and it's very fast paced.

Specializes in Education.

Does your school have any other requirements for graduation that won't be covered by the nursing program and the pre-reqs?

If you're uncomfortable with any part of math or writing, those would be good classes to take. Yes, you do still use medication calculations in the hospital. And teachers really appreciate students who have a basic grasp on proper grammar.

An art class, especially if you can find one that doesn't have too much in the way of needing to purchase your own materials if money is tight.

If you can work it out with the instructor and your OB says it's safe for you, an exercise class. Obviously you don't want to do too much, not if you're due in two months!

Beginning language classes.

Check with your adviser about some other classes that your school offers that will still allow you plenty of time to study the big stuff. And whatever you do decide to take, have fun.

I too go those bulging eyes haha! I'm at a quarter system school which is 8 weeks and I took A&P , Micro and human development psych and it consumed all my time but you can do it! I though don't have kids, I know that can be a huge job! Ask your counselor if there are other classes you need to maybe be less of a load than one of these? But you seem motivated and think you can do it :) that's a great way to go in to it! :)

Thank you for the input. I'm definitely rethinking my course choices for this spring. I'd rather get really good grades than be overwhelmed and not be able to retain all the information that I will need in the future.

Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Ug, the joys of the GI bill. That rule killed my GPA when I took on too much, and I had to work hard to recover. I really thought I could handle it, but it was just too much.

Are the classes you listed the only ones you have left? This is kind of tricky, but you might talk to the vet rep and tell them you're looking at multiple schools (which isn't a bad idea, anyway), and that you need to also fulfill other courses. You'll need to have the courses required by them as well, of course, but this way you aren't taking the big sciences all together. Do you have good support at home? Will you be able to sleep and be rested for class and study with a 2-5 month old infant?

No, I don't. :( My husband graduates from his school November 7th and will be headed to Houston to find work so I'll be balancing my tot, my newborn, & my classes all alone. I know it's doable, I'm just going to be a zombie. The courses I listed above are the only pre-reqs I have left to apply for the ADN program. I was originally going to shoot for the ADN program and return to school at a later time to complete my BSN (at night) while I worked as an RN. Now, I'm rethinking my choice since my husband (hopefully) will be working in Houston by the time my spring semester is over and there are lots of highly rated universities that offer BSN programs. I know those programs require way more pre-reqs than ADN programs and I haven't completed those requirements yet, so I'll probably only take 1 science this semester and add in a history, a physc, and maybe a speech. Hopefully these classes won't be too overwhelming with my situation, but I'm really glad I posted this and didn't sign up for all these sciences and have to withdraw.

Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.
No, I don't. :( My husband graduates from his school November 7th and will be headed to Houston to find work so I'll be balancing my tot, my newborn, & my classes all alone. I know it's doable, I'm just going to be a zombie. The courses I listed above are the only pre-reqs I have left to apply for the ADN program. I was originally going to shoot for the ADN program and return to school at a later time to complete my BSN (at night) while I worked as an RN. Now, I'm rethinking my choice since my husband (hopefully) will be working in Houston by the time my spring semester is over and there are lots of highly rated universities that offer BSN programs. I know those programs require way more pre-reqs than ADN programs and I haven't completed those requirements yet, so I'll probably only take 1 science this semester and add in a history, a physc, and maybe a speech. Hopefully these classes won't be too overwhelming with my situation, but I'm really glad I posted this and didn't sign up for all these sciences and have to withdraw.

Hugs. You sound really overwhelmed just thinking about all of this. Are you able to take off one semester while things settle down a bit? TX has some great BSN programs, and there are a lot of hospitals opening down there, but from what I've seen here, they do require BSNs.

Do you have family or friends in the area that can help while your husband is searching for work? Will you have child care?

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