UNC Chapel Hill School of Nursing Advice

CamillusRN, BSN · Mar 12, 2015

Welcome to Blue Heaven! I did the Sports Medicine program (graduated 2011), so I can't offer any advice specific to Carolina's nursing program. The rest, on the other hand . . .

- Housing: for on-campus, i highly recommend Ram Village. It's away from the clamor of Franklin St to help with focusing on the essential study time and even more important sleep time (more on this later). Off-campus, I would recommend rent-sharing a house with students from programs of similar intensity (medical, nursing, biochemical, etc) who are more likely to respect your need for sleep at the oddest of hours and who can also be study partners.

- Parking: plan on it being hell, especially on game days. Don't drag your feet applying for Ram Village Parking Deck if that's your choice for housing. I was on the waitlist for 2 years, and a spot still hadn't opened up by the time I graduated. Otherwise, just hope and pray that parking will be available near your domicile. Public transportation, as mildly inconvenient as it may be, will quickly become your friend (BTW, it's free!).

- Going out on the town: like all college towns, no one is safe from becoming a victim of sexual violence. Get with and stay with a group every time you go out. QuickTip: It always helps to have at least one male body builder in this group, just sayin' :).

As far as general nursing school tips,

- Sleep. It will save your life, and by life I mean degree. Being so tired at clinical that a med error or safety breach is committed can easily get you kicked out of the program. Being so tired that you can't process a question your clinical instructor is asking will get you some low performance scores. Avoid all-nighters if you possibly can.

- Do your own research. If an instructor just is not getting through to you, don't feel bad or dumb. YouTube has some great resources that I used when I was tutoring nursing students such as SimpleNursing (aka Michael Linares), KahnAcademyMedicine, and MedCRAM. For comic relief or quick learning tools, check out ZDoggMD on YouTube and MightyNurse.com.

- Mobile is the new sexy. If you're allowed to have your smartphone or tablet with you during clinicals (my program actually required them as part of the "tools of the trade"), LabGear, Davis Drug Guide, and Taber Medical Dictionary are apps that will make your life and clinical experience sooooo much easier. PM me if you want a more comprehensive list of apps that I used.

- Make "useful acquaintances," not friends. This does not go to say that these acquaintances won't become friends down the line. Surround yourself with people who will build you up, and return the favor as often as possible. Don't take what anyone says about you personally, unless it's straight from your instructors.

- Be ready to sacrifice certain "quality times". Depending on your academic style, the demands of the program, and overall schedule, you may have to back out of family gatherings or special events. Nursing is unlike almost any other major - other students, family members, and significant others may have no idea how much energy nursing school takes or how some clinical experiences can drain you. Like having a massive trauma die on the table in front of you regardless of the trauma team's efforts to save him (personal experience). They may not be able to comprehend the type of day you've had because you're still "just a student."

- Commit to your future: It will be easy to think about giving up when the demands of the program seem ever more insurmountable. Keep in mind why you're doing what you're doing, what your 3-5 year goals are, and how you can best use your resources to your advantage.

- Have fun! Don't forget to take some "you time". Go out on the town every now and then to remind you life still goes on. If all you do is school, sleep, and work, you can't possibly hope to be a well-rounded nurse. Take some time to cultivate and expand your own unique personality.

From one Tar Heel and (former) nursing student to another, I whole-heartedly wish you the best of luck!

Parries6 · Mar 12, 2015

Thank you so much for the feedback! Your post was extremely helpful!!

I have been talking with a few friends that have gone to Carolina and they have all stayed at Chapel Ridge. One of them that is still there recommended me living with her! She is in the business school, so I'm assuming she will be as busy as me (or at least I hope). Parking is not a problem - there is plenty of space! That's definitely a plus, and it's free! :)

As far as going out, I'm assuming that will consist of going to school and then back to my apartment! I'm hoping that I will make great friends in my cohort and that we will all stick together most of the time (walking to class, eating in-between, and studying). When I find free time, I will probably hangout with my boyfriend (who is also in the business school). He will be my male body builder that you suggested earlier!

I hope that I can follow your tips for staying healthy!! If I don't get enough sleep, then my schoolwork pays for it (yes, I'm one of those people). My boyfriend can stay up all night and you would never know, but I'm the complete opposite. That scares me, so I'm hoping (if need be) that I can get accustom to staying up super late. - Note to self: make sure to bring caffeine pills! :)

Thank you so much for the resources!

When I do have downtime, what are some activities that you suggest?

I know there is at least one club to dance at on Franklin, and of course the normal parties (not really my scene), but I was curious if you had great experiences at other places!

I wish the best for you and your future endeavors!!

CamillusRN, BSN · Mar 13, 2015

Chapel Ridge is definitely a great place! And from my experience, the business school students are indeed very busy, but still know how to have a great time.

The Library is a really good club scene - when I was there it had some very talented bartenders (not that I'm encouraging under-age drinking, of course). Top of the Hill is a little pricey on a student budget, but their Back Bar is very refined and was one of the preferred places for some of my professors to present their research findings (both academic and alcoholic :roflmao: -good times!). I've always been kind of a yuppie, so catching rising artists at the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro was a frequent past-time. Just taking some to enjoy the scenery at CarrMill Mall's Weaver Street Market was very relaxing after a long day of clinical labs and lectures. Now look at me getting all nostalgic!

If coffee is not already your go-to, it very quickly will be! Do be careful with caffeine supplements tho; some of my coworkers have developed heart problems after popping caffeine during nursing school. To help avoid the potential staying-up-super-late problem, procastination must become a thing of the past. Work ahead if at all possible, and know when it's time to say no to a party.

Nursing school was one of the most exciting and challenging adventures I ever undertook (and am about to embark on again, this time for my MSN). Be proud of what you have committed to become and don't let anyone bring you down! If you need to vent on AN, though, changing your screen name to something more anonymous might be a good idea :yes: .

fifi13061 · Mar 14, 2015

Hey congrats on the acceptance!!!! Chapel hill is an amazing town! I am looking to transfer into the unc-ch nursing program from a different unc system school and you don't have to share this but I am wondering what my shots are so is there any way you could share some of your stats? Really just gpa so I know if I am close! Again congrat that is amazing you got in!thanks

foltemsi · Mar 15, 2015

Hi ! Congratulations! I also got accepted into the program as well. I was trying to look if i can get connected earlier with my class of 2017! Are you going to be at the Pre-orientation?

Parries6 · Mar 16, 2015

I'm hoping I can afford Chapel Ridge! It has a lot of great stuff, but we will see!

Thanks for all of the great places to go! I will definitely check them all out and try to experience everything! Like you said, I want to be a well-rounded nurse, so I need to do more than schoolwork, which I definitely will! :)

I will work on acquiring a taste for coffee! If it's not for me then I will be extra pre-cautious about how I take caffeine pills. I definitely wouldn't want to develop a health problem from it! Thanks for the heads up!

I'm not really the partying type (or have never been around it much - I'm from a very small town), so my main problem is procrastination. I hope if I go out and have a good time I will be more motivated to get work done.

Goodluck with going back to school, I'm sure you will do great!!

Parries6 · Mar 16, 2015

Fifi13061,

Thank you! I'm also a transfer student, so you are in the same boat as me. I have a 3.912 GPA. Also, don't forget about community service/volunteering. I have a ton of volunteer hours through founding a 5K benefiting a local not-for-profit organization, volunteering at my local hospital twice a week for 2-4hrs, and other past experiences this year that I'm no longer involved in. In total, I at least have 700 volunteer hours.

Carolina wants to see applicants that give back to the community, so if there is anything that you can do to get volunteer hours or have some type of leadership position, it will definitely increase your chances of admissions!

There is also another thread that I am going to attach that you may want to look at (if you haven't already). It has more input from accepted UNC SON students and their stats that may be able to give you more guidance!

https://allnurses.com/north-carolina-nursing/unc-bsn-program-973677-page2.html#post8394917

Goodluck!! If you have anymore questions, I am happy to help! :)

Parries6 · Mar 16, 2015

Foltemsi,

Congrats!! I have also been looking for others who have been accepted!! I have found 4 so far on here. I'm going to the pre-oriention session this Saturday from 2-4pm. How about you? :)

foltemsi · Mar 17, 2015

I am going to the pre-orientation session this Saturday also! You're the only one i've found so far though. You can text me on 7194529915. My name is Sarah. So when I see you on Saturday I can text you and meet you! Looking forward to that.