University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) MECN 2023

Published

Joe V

UCLA MECN 2024 can be found at https://allnurses.com/ucla-mecn-t756707/

Message added by Joe V

Hi! Just thought I would create a new topic for all of us applying to UCLA's MECN program this year ?

WannabeRN2023 said:

@KittyKatzHausIs there anything you could have or wish you had done before starting your first semester as a MECN (studying particular topics, brushing up on science, epidemiology...)?

 

Hello! Just pitching in as another MECN ? to be honest, you will learn everything when you come into the program. Personally, I studied beforehand to brush up on topics, but it wasn't particularly helpful. I definitely recommend relaxing and taking time for yourself since this program is A LOT!! Take some much-needed time to rest and relax before the quarter starts and come in with a fresh mind. Hope this helps!! 

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WannabeRN2023 said:

@KittyKatzHausIs there anything you could have or wish you had done before starting your first semester as a MECN (studying particular topics, brushing up on science, epidemiology...)?

 

I posted pretty much this exact question prior to admittance. If you're a type A personality, like I am, and refuse or have a hard time staying idol; I suggest brushing up on your physiology topics, basic micro/ and bio can be helpful but not absolutely necessary. This program is INTENSE, take some chill time to relax. You really won't get enough of it during the program. 

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I figured it would be intense based on what ppl say in general regarding nursing programs. Is it the work load, pace, or just complex overall if that makes sense? Thank you so much. Your input is much appreciated! 

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QueenE126 said:

I figured it would be intense based on what ppl say in general regarding nursing programs. Is it the work load, pace, or just complex overall if that makes sense? Thank you so much. Your input is much appreciated! 

I think the intensity is a mixture of having a LOT of information coming at you and how much we are required to learn. Thankfully, your cohort will not have 6 classes in one quarter like we currently do right now (thanks to previous cohorts and our cohort advocating for change.) Additionally, it feels like there is always something due. Each class will usually have a weekly assignment (quiz on Friday, lesson homework due each Thursday, etc...) which provides some structure, but is also something to keep in mind and be on top of.

The quarter system goes VERY fast and can be a shock if you are not used to it. My personal tip is to try and find/establish your routine, time management skills, and get ahead on work when you can! For some classes, the professor will release all assignments at the beginning,  so I would spend a weekend completely finishing most of the homework to get ahead. This helps tremendously and allows you to devote more time to studying for exams and whatnot. 

The material itself isn't too terrible and often gets repeated multiple times in many different classes. There are some tricky topics, but the professors are very knowledgable and helpful. There are some professors who don't provide much guidance on how to study for exams (*cough* Fundamentals of Nursing (N150A and B) *cough*) but other classes will have in-depth study guides which really help guide the learning. 

I'm not too sure of how things progress beyond the first two quarters, but I've heard that lecture material and coursework tend to stabilize and decline a bit as the # of clinical hours increases. 

Let me know if you have any other questions!

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QueenE126 said:

I figured it would be intense based on what ppl say in general regarding nursing programs. Is it the work load, pace, or just complex overall if that makes sense? Thank you so much. Your input is much appreciated! 

I concur with pretty much everything that Reikone mentioned. I'll break down the nitty gritty of what to expect. First quarter really isn't too difficult. Second quarter should be easier for you guys than it was for us. We have 6 classes, lab and clinicals. I believe you guys will only have 4, lab and clinicals. The majority of professors are great! Pharm is very in depth, I recommend supplementing pharm lectures with YouTube lectures from Dr. Fink. Clinical placements are at wonderful hospitals and from what I hear from other students that match my own experience, the nurses have been welcoming. A few cons to the program: they're raising tuition, our lab is very outdated despite what they say in the informational session (keep in mind the video is about 10 years old), equipment is broken, you will be sharing and in some groups of three if your lab mates are slow you won't get a chance to practice with equipment before testing and lastly you do get some conflicting information between classes as far as nursing priorities, lab ranges etc. just remember what you need to test per class and towards the end of the program they do a NCLEX review for NCLEX specific information.

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Specializes in CPT-1.

Thank you so much! Honestly, this is the best and most helpful insight I've received thus far. I so appreciate all of this info, it's extremely helpful. Thanks for taking the time out of your insane schedule to help out a fellow MECN. One last thing, did you guys actually start clinical first quarter?

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Specializes in CPT-1.

Thanks, guys! So you didn't do clinical first semester I see. Wow, outdated labs at UCLA, you don't say. Looking forward to the madness. 

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WannabeRN2023 said:

Thank you so much! Honestly, this is the best and most helpful insight I've received thus far. I so appreciate all of this info, it's extremely helpful. Thanks for taking the time out of your insane schedule to help out a fellow MECN. One last thing, did you guys actually start clinical first quarter?

Yes! You start clinical your 2nd quarter. We have 1 6-hour shift for 5 weeks. In the Spring quarter we have 1 12-hour shift for 5 weeks. Then we gradually continue to increase until immersion (Winter of 2nd year) which is 3, 12-hour shifts for the whole quarter. 

I think this was actually really helpful because we had our Physical Assessment and Funds labs in the first quarter which made me feel much more confident entering the clinical setting. I know some programs go straight into the hospital during their first semester/quarter. I personally prefer the way UCLA is doing it. I also agree with KittyKatzHaus in their reply. Personally, I think the pros outweigh the cons and that UCLA is doing a pretty good job of preparing us for the NCLEX and our nursing career. There are some AMAZING professors in the school, and there are some meh professors, but that will be common anywhere you go ? 

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WannabeRN2023 said:

Thank you so much! Honestly, this is the best and most helpful insight I've received thus far. I so appreciate all of this info, it's extremely helpful. Thanks for taking the time out of your insane schedule to help out a fellow MECN. One last thing, did you guys actually start clinical first quarter?

No. We started clinical 2nd quarter. No problem, I hope to be transparent so that people can know what to really expect. Some people really want that amazing clinical site, which UCLA has and some want an amazing lab experience, which UCLA lacks. 

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Specializes in CPT-1.

Got it Got it! A weight has been lifted. I've been overthinking every aspect of this program, it's the unknown and the waiting that's killing me, LOL. Wishing you all the best.  You, ladies, are well on your way.  ?

Sorry for assuming you guys are ladies, oops.

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WannabeRN2023 said:

Got it Got it! A weight has been lifted. I've been overthinking every aspect of this program, it's the unknown and the waiting that's killing me, LOL. Wishing you all the best.  You, ladies, are well on your way.  ?

Sorry for assuming you guys are ladies, oops.

Last bit of advice, once you're in the program lose the undergrad competitiveness. You're all in your desired program, number one spot isn't a big deal. Share information, tips, discuss topics and answers it's helpful. ??

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I agree! 

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