Trent University Compressed Nursing 2016

studdent · Apr 15, 2016

Of course you are scared! The unknown is always scary. And people sometimes talk about nursing school as though it is a war from start to finish. But remember that everyone is a total beginner at the start of the program so you will be starting from the same spot as everyone else. You can be successful!
Difficulty of courses really depends on your learning style. In the first few semesters the theory courses can seem really challenging because the concepts are more abstract, the marking is more subjective. Don't obsess over getting 90% on all of your assignments - the reality of EVERY university is that marking is often subjective, sometimes unfair - I have several very bright friends who have gotten lower marks then they deserved on assignments simply because they were randomly allocated to Marker #3 out of 4 or whatever. People complain a lot about essays in the first few semesters - remember, this is university! Getting a 90% on a university level essay is tough! It's supposed to be! But it doesn't matter - we are here to learn. If you get a low mark, make sure you learn where you went wrong. Ask questions. Faculty are there to help you.
Anatomy and Physiology are of course challenging - there is a lot to memorize! Same with Patho, Pharm.. it's just a lot of new concepts in a short period of time. The second Winter semester is VERY challenging in terms of readings and assignments - the workload is very heavy. Many of us felt extremely stressed out this term. But I only know of a few people who have dropped out. Most people are successful. The program is designed to build each course off of the previous course - so start early, review often, and make sure you have a good understanding of the foundational concepts. The MOST important thing is to stay on top of your work! You will be successful if you do this. You will get yourself into trouble if you procrastinate, put things off, and then suddenly try to teach yourself 4+ weeks of material a week before you are tested on it.
Also remember - there is SO MUCH nursing info out there online and readily available to you. If you feel like a prof hasn't taught a concept thoroughly enough for you to understand it, don't just complain about it - take some initiative and try to find the answer for yourself! Even Youtube has tons of great videos for review.
The biggest tips I can give you are to be self-reliant and to manage your time well. The compressed program is set up with the expectation that you have the ability to manage your own learning needs appropriately. If you are struggling, acknowledge it and get some help! One great thing about Trent, is that you have access to all of your profs at all times - it's such a small faculty and a small campus. The faculty are very kind if you make an effort to get to know them. Make an appointment to talk to the prof about concepts that are confusing you. Reach out to classmates. Book extra lab time to practice! And try not to be afraid to ask questions - sometimes the best thing you can do is admit "I don't know!".
Be aware of your stress levels. Make time to do things that make you happy. Also... KEEP ALL OF YOUR NOTES! You will use them over and over again in later courses.. and of course when you prep for the NCLEX eventually!

Thank you so much for your reply. It cleared lot of doubts and good to know that we can meet our profs anytime

And, taking all courses in person better than online at trent?

I think residence will be good to take so that we have lot of company and good study environment?

Any tips on how we can prepare ourselves now before getting in? Any reading to do or good websites?

Thank you so much.

MelindaSJ · Apr 15, 2016

Thank you so much for your reply. It cleared lot of doubts and good to know that we can meet our profs anytime
And, taking all courses in person better than online at trent?
I think residence will be good to take so that we have lot of company and good study environment?
Any tips on how we can prepare ourselves now before getting in? Any reading to do or good websites?
Thank you so much.

No problem! I remember how nervous I felt before I started.

I would say for online vs in person it depends on your learning style! If you are more of a self-starter, have good study and review habits and can keep to a schedule, and don't think you would miss the social aspect of lectures then online might work for you. Some people who know that they are more of the procrastinating type and like getting out of their room prefer to take on campus classes. Totally up to you.

If you are a real keener, you could get started with learning about the basics of the body systems - anatomy, physiology, the normal functioning of different organs. I love Khan Academy: Human anatomy and physiology | Health and medicine | Khan Academy

But my real, honest advice is just to TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! Enjoy having some time off! You will have precious little of it once the program starts. Hang out with friends and family! And get into a good healthy eating/workout and positive mindset so you have some healthy habits to combat school stress with

studdent · Apr 16, 2016

No problem! I remember how nervous I felt before I started.
I would say for online vs in person it depends on your learning style! If you are more of a self-starter, have good study and review habits and can keep to a schedule, and don't think you would miss the social aspect of lectures then online might work for you. Some people who know that they are more of the procrastinating type and like getting out of their room prefer to take on campus classes. Totally up to you.
If you are a real keener, you could get started with learning about the basics of the body systems - anatomy, physiology, the normal functioning of different organs. I love Khan Academy: Human anatomy and physiology | Health and medicine | Khan Academy
But my real, honest advice is just to TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! Enjoy having some time off! You will have precious little of it once the program starts. Hang out with friends and family! And get into a good healthy eating/workout and positive mindset so you have some healthy habits to combat school stress with

Hi,

Thank you so much for the reply. Yes, it does make me feel nervous when everywhere I check, it says the nursing course will be very hard. I do know that it is hard and I am willing to do whatever it takes to make it easy for me. Its always good to know that the profs will be there to support when needed. Yes, I would have to be careful not to get over stressed or lose hope. And, to Take care of myself and be positive. Thank you for the help. For Trent, I think till you get into it, there is not much info out there. Thats why your replies help get a picture of student life at Trent.

For the essays or Assignments, we should be using Trent APA style? https://www.trentu.ca/academicskills/documents/APAdocumentationguide.pdf

Residence at Trent looks expensive. But is residence good? As it will reduce commute time, also I hope the study environment at Trent is good? And, hopefully will have friends at Trent with whom I can do group study.

In first semester and 2nd semester each, the classes and clinics are only for around maybe 25 hours per week? Just trying to think if there will be enough break between classes to study.

Thank you so much again for your replies.

AmandaCarter · Apr 20, 2016

Hey! I heard from trent last week. I was accepted into the compressed nursing program. I applied late so I'm glad I got an acceptance. have you heard yet?

miniimufin · Apr 20, 2016

Congratulations @amanda, do you mind sharing your stats---gpa and cgpa? I'm still waiting on tren

Anon101 · Apr 21, 2016

Guys, I am just putting this out there as a current Trent nursing student. There are major issues with the clinical placements and how they're assigned. I have friends that had to travel an hour via taxi to another town for placement because they didn't have enough space in the Peterborough hospital. The same applies to people that are commuting from other areas. Although some of the instructors are great and the program doesn't overburden you in terms of workload, this is a major issue for some. Placements are completely random, and there are no special considerations or guarantees. Just be forewarned.

miniimufin · Apr 21, 2016

Guys, I am just putting this out there as a current Trent nursing student. There are major issues with the clinical placements and how they're assigned. I have friends that had to travel an hour via taxi to another town for placement because they didn't have enough space in the Peterborough hospital. The same applies to people that are commuting from other areas. Although some of the instructors are great and the program doesn't overburden you in terms of workload, this is a major issue for some. Placements are completely random, and there are no special considerations or guarantees. Just be forewarned.

I thought placements are determined based on grades? So there's no protocol for what placement you get or how you get it? That's a bit worrisome I guess

MelindaSJ · Apr 21, 2016

I thought placements are determined based on grades? So there's no protocol for what placement you get or how you get it? That's a bit worrisome I guess

You get to rank placements in order of preference, but there are only a certain number of open spaces at each location so some students get put somewhere not ideal. This is the same at all nursing programs that I know of - I did a semester in Toronto and it was the same there. Sometimes you are unlucky.

Anon101 · Apr 22, 2016

I thought placements are determined based on grades? So there's no protocol for what placement you get or how you get it? That's a bit worrisome I guess

You get to rank your top 4 preferences through HSPnet, but selections are random. For example, this summer I didn't get any of my 4 choices, and got assigned to a unit at a hospital that's an hour away. Luckily I have a car, so it's not a major deal. But still, a 12 hour shift + commuting can be brutal. Just something to consider, as I wish someone had told me this earlier.

soccerlover11 · Apr 22, 2016

does anyone know what is the minimum average you can get accepted into trent u for compressed program? also, do they only look at marks or is there more than just marks?

soccerlover11 · Apr 22, 2016

do you know what the minimum requirement is to be accepted?

miniimufin · Apr 22, 2016

do you know what the minimum requirement is to be accepted?

Hi Soccerlover....i think they require a minimum of 2.7 gpa over the last 10 credits or last 2 years of university or something like that. they also require a 60% minimum in a 4U (grade 12) biology, chemistry, and math courses. there are no other requirements. but when you get accepted into the nursing program you have to do your CPR-C course, have up to date immunization records, and a vulnerable/ police reference check, as well as fit-mask testing.

[h=2]ompressed Program (fast-track)[/h]The compressed program offers students with sufficient university credits the option to fast track through the program in less than three years.

OUAC application code : RFN

Start date : September

Program length : 28 months

Intake : 80 students

Location : Peterborough Symons campus

[h=3]Compressed Program Admission Requirements[/h]

[TABLE=width: 100%]

[TR]

[TD=width: 27%] [/TD]

[TD=width: 38%]

Pre-requisite Course Equivalents

[/TD]

[TD=width: 35%]

Average/ GPA

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Secondary School[/TD]

[TD]Not eligible for admission[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]College[/TD]

[TD][TABLE]

[TR]

[TD]Graduates from the Fleming College Practical Nursing diploma program will be considered for admission with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (75) and are eligible for a block transfer of 5.0 full credits

[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

[/TD]

[TD]A minimum GPA of 3.0 (75) and not less than 70 in nursing courses.*

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]University[/TD]

[TD]Secondary school 4U or college prerequisite courses as listed above, and/or one semester of:

Biology (min. 60)
Chemistry (min. 60)
Math (min. 60)

1.0 credit in an Introductory Psychology course*
2.0 full credits at the 1000 level (first year)
1.0 full credits at the 2000 level (second year)

*Applicants with sufficient additional transfer credits may have this course requirement waived for admission.

[/TD]

[TD]A minimum GPA of 2.7 (70) calculated on the last ten (10) university full course equivalents (two years of an undergraduate degree program)[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]