UMSL Accelerated/Traditional BSN programs for 2008

U.S.A. Missouri

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Hey everyone! If you're going to UMSL this upcoming May or starting in this fall, join in! I think it's a great way for us to all get to know each other! I start in May for the accelerated....:) Have a good day!

Our orientation isn't until August 15th--the Friday before the start of the Fall semester. Did they give you all a "supply list?" Like what all is needed before the classes start. I don't wanna be stressed about getting everything because I only have 2 days after the orientation before school starts!

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Our orientation isn't until August 15th--the Friday before the start of the Fall semester. Did they give you all a "supply list?" Like what all is needed before the classes start. I don't wanna be stressed about getting everything because I only have 2 days after the orientation before school starts!

Haha, I was worried like you before the orientation. We order our uniform scrubs through an online company..and you won't get them for sometime afterwards.. our first 6 weeks we spend testing out on skills in the lab...and I'm assuming your group will get more time to test out because it's not accelerated. After you successfully test out on all the skills, you then go to your clinical site (either Barnes-Jewish Extended Care or Christian Northeast Hospital). When you go to buy your books at the bookstore, you'll notice for one of the classes (Nursing and Health, aka Fundamentals of Nursing-3101) you not only need like 5 books, but also you will have to pick up this sheet of paper that you pay for that vouches for you come the first day of lab...this sheet of paper gets traded in for a kit of supplies (everything from syringes to sterile gloves...and in-between) Obviously since we haven't started yet, I haven't gotten this yet...I just have the paper! The only things we needed to get on our own time were: a stethoscope (get a good one...we were told a good one was a Littmann Master Classic II..you can find on on Allheart.com for around $83)...you'll need a black sharpee marker, and some bandage scissors. Also, they suggested we get around a 5 1/2 inch hemostat...these things can be found at any medical supply shop/uniform shop in St. Louis or online for cheap! Hope this helps.

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It absolutely helps. Thanks so much and Good luck with everything!

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Specializes in Emergency.
It absolutely helps. Thanks so much and Good luck with everything!

Thanks! Good luck to you as well :)

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Hey everyone! Congrats on getting in at UMSL! I just graduated from their traditional BSN program this past Saturday, so if you have any questions about anything I'd be happy to help out also. :D

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Specializes in Emergency.
Hey everyone! Congrats on getting in at UMSL! I just graduated from their traditional BSN program this past Saturday, so if you have any questions about anything I'd be happy to help out also. :D

Congratulations! I can't wait to get there!!! :) I know I've got a lot of work ahead of me.

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I am in UMSL's accelerated program right now. I graduate this August. Have you bought all your books for this semester? I have a couple I could probably sell to you...or anyone else who might need them.

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Specializes in Emergency.
I am in UMSL's accelerated program right now. I graduate this August. Have you bought all your books for this semester? I have a couple I could probably sell to you...or anyone else who might need them.

I've got all my books for this semester. But come this fall, I may take you up on that offer if you still have them!! Do you have any good advice for us in the accelerated program that just started up this past Monday?? I know staying ahead on all the readings and return demos are a must, but anything else that you can think of?? It's been overwhelming this week getting all the new info. I'm sure it only gets more difficult! Thanks ahead of time!!

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Don't get overwhelmed with everything thrown at you. It will all work out.

For clinicals:

You don't necessarily need a hemostat, a sharpie, and scissors. Scissors are nice to have, but i haven't used my hemostat once. No one checks to see if you actually have them.

Take advantage of open lab hours. Ask Chris for help, and other students. THe more you practice the more you will feel comfortable. THe sterile dressing change is the hardest lab. Each teacher expects different things, so don't be surprised if one teacher tells you one thing and another the complete opposite, as far lab test outs go. Stay on top of your quizzes. It will eliminate unneeded stress.

Your first day prepping for clinical will be the absolute worst day in the clinical setting. No one really knows what to do, and no one knows how to read the charts. Read what you can, and do what you can. Expect to be working on your first care plan for about 4-8 hours. It will be a late night. I think most clinical instructors will realize that you don't know what you are doing for your first care plan, and will give you a break. So don't freak out too much.

Care plans become much easier as time goes on. The amount of time/work put in it highly depends on your instructor. So, get to know what your instructor expects of you. Usually when you have a tough instructor you will learn the most. Be prepared to have to do at least a few very long careplans every semester.

Everyone in the acclerated program agrees that the 3rd semester of the program has been absolute hardest so far. For me, the 1st and the 2nd semester weren't too bad. I could get by not studying too much. Just be prepared to be bombarded in your 3rd semester. With that said, if you have any extra classes you need to take, take them now!!!!

If you have any questions, be sure to ask!!

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Specializes in Emergency.
Don't get overwhelmed with everything thrown at you. It will all work out.

For clinicals:

You don't necessarily need a hemostat, a sharpie, and scissors. Scissors are nice to have, but i haven't used my hemostat once. No one checks to see if you actually have them.

Take advantage of open lab hours. Ask Chris for help, and other students. THe more you practice the more you will feel comfortable. THe sterile dressing change is the hardest lab. Each teacher expects different things, so don't be surprised if one teacher tells you one thing and another the complete opposite, as far lab test outs go. Stay on top of your quizzes. It will eliminate unneeded stress.

Your first day prepping for clinical will be the absolute worst day in the clinical setting. No one really knows what to do, and no one knows how to read the charts. Read what you can, and do what you can. Expect to be working on your first care plan for about 4-8 hours. It will be a late night. I think most clinical instructors will realize that you don't know what you are doing for your first care plan, and will give you a break. So don't freak out too much.

Care plans become much easier as time goes on. The amount of time/work put in it highly depends on your instructor. So, get to know what your instructor expects of you. Usually when you have a tough instructor you will learn the most. Be prepared to have to do at least a few very long careplans every semester.

Everyone in the acclerated program agrees that the 3rd semester of the program has been absolute hardest so far. For me, the 1st and the 2nd semester weren't too bad. I could get by not studying too much. Just be prepared to be bombarded in your 3rd semester. With that said, if you have any extra classes you need to take, take them now!!!!

If you have any questions, be sure to ask!!

Wow! Thanks for all the wonderful advice! It is much appreciated. I've been told many times now that the third semester is crazy hard...so I'm buckling down now to prepare, I guess. I have to take an extra class on top of everything in the fall (Business Writing/Junior Level Writing)...so I'm hoping that on top of pharmacology, adult health 1, psychiatric mental health, and nursing research it wont be toooo bad...but we'll see...i'll cross that bridge when it gets here! I've got the sterile return demo with wound care a week from today...I'm nervous since it's our first return demo. Well, I'll have to think of some more questions! Thanks again for everything!! :)

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Thanks so much for the advice...it is needed! :) One more question, (sorry for all the questions, I'm just curious!) are we allowed to pick where we go for clinical sites? It would be nice to be at BJ extended care in clayton, because I live in west county! I'll be driving out to UMSL everyday! I'd love to stay closer to home with clinicals, at least...like St. Luke's, St. John's, Mo Baptist, or Des Peres...something close, but I know it won't always be so close! Anyways, thanks for your responses as they have helped me so much! Have a great night!

You have to go where the school has contracts. Good luck to you.:nurse:

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Don't get overwhelmed with everything thrown at you. It will all work out.

For clinicals:

You don't necessarily need a hemostat, a sharpie, and scissors. Scissors are nice to have, but i haven't used my hemostat once. No one checks to see if you actually have them.

It's much better to have stuff and not need it than the other way around. You must have scissors, pens (red and black), a pencil, a clipboard, scratch paper to keep notes to yourself during the day. You will soon learn that it is best to carry tape, a hemostat, and a stethoscope with you, stuff like that, rather than have to run for it every time you need it. Get a fanny pack. You should keep your valuables in it, too, so no one can steal them from your bookbag or purse, which you should not even take inside with you - the purse I mean. you might need a book or 2 but there's not much room at the desk or in the lounge. Learn to travel light.

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