Watts School of Nursing ADN?

U.S.A. North Carolina

Published

I am elated to be in the application process for this school.

I wanted to ask others about their experience with Watts!

How are the graduates viewed in the workforce?

Do you feel the overall experience and quality of teaching is worth the extra money? (as opposed to community colleges)

How was the workload? (Of course challenging, but perhaps how many hours a night did you study)?

I am hoping to go into geriatrics and continue onto get my BSN and hopefully MSN. Can't wait to hear of other peoples experiences with this school!

How often do you have tests? What would you say is the most challenging part of the program?

Thanks :)

Specializes in PACU.
How often do you have tests? What would you say is the most challenging part of the program?

Thanks :)

Exams are every 2 weeks. First 2 semesters there are 5 exams, one final, and a HESI exam (that isnt worth a grade but you still have to take it). Third and forth semesters I believe there are 6 exams, 1 final, and an exit HESI exam in fourth.

Most challenging part I've heard from students by far is the exams. Each semester they get harder. My best advice would be to practice critical thinking skills now rather than later. It will help you once you get to first semester.

What sort of studying methods have you found to be most effective with the exams?

Have you enjoyed your Watts experience thus far?

I am sending off my application today, fingers crossed!

Watts students are very highly regarded by nurses in this area, in my experience. I've yet to come across a nurse with a negative opinion of a Watts student. The general consensus is that Watts students are disciplined, well prepared, and exceptionally well trained with regards to clinical skills upon graduation. :)

Specializes in PACU.
What sort of studying methods have you found to be most effective with the exams?

Have you enjoyed your Watts experience thus far?

I am sending off my application today, fingers crossed!

Each person is different. For one, I don't take long reading notes. I have my own note template that I use that helps me out a lot (especially second semester) but it might not work for everyone else. My notes for each lecture are one page. That's it. If I can't sum up the important stuff in one page, I need to go back because I haven't mastered it enough. I also do 10-20 NCLEX questions a day, no matter what. I also DO NOT study the day before an exam. Ever.

Watts is probably the best choice I've ever made. It is really, really difficult but they prepare you well. Their graduates are really well regarded and I'm almost positive every single graduate this semester had a job lined up before graduating, if not a significant amount of them.

Thank you so much for all of your feedback.

Just sent everything in for my application.

How competitive is the school to get into? Is there an average GPA, do you have any idea what may break or make an applicant? What do they really hold in high regard in applicants?

thanks!

Hey! I am a graduate of Watts, spring 2016. I had a job in January already lined up and I just took my NCLEX today (no results yet). Please let me know if you have any questions!!

Hi Rach! Best of luck with your NCLEX. I am sure you passed with flying colors :)

What did your studying schedule look like at Watts? How many hours on average did you spend studying a night?

I currently work 25 hours a week, and I am trying to get a feel of how many hours I could continue to work while at watts. Thanks in advance!

Hi! I was a lucky student as I only studied about 12 hours a week. I went to all lectures and spent maybe a half hour reviewing/homework a night. The rest I did on Sundays. I have 3 children and a husband who is always working. I would say that it might be beneficial to cut back on work hours (if you can) just to get a feel of how much you can work for the first semester and then reevaluate later. Lots of students hold down part time jobs.

Specializes in PACU.

I "pre-study" before lectures. That means, not only do I read everything assigned, but I have also started studying for the lecture so I am completely prepared. My class notes only consist of what I did not know or filling the gaps of my own notes. I'm also one of those few people that does not use my computer during class (unless we need to) or to take notes. Everything is by hand.

I also start studying for the next exam literally after each lecture. I also don't do reading notes. I think it's a waste of time and really takes away from understanding the content. I also read everything 3 times--1 time to get the content, 1 time to highlight important info, and 1 time to make my concept map. I want to say I devote around 10-15 hours a week studying and preparing for lecture. I also work 20-25 hours a week. This doesn't work for everyone, so my biggest recommendation during the pre-requisite portion of Watts is to find what works for you and what doesn't.

The important thing with Watts, and most nursing schools, is not studying harder, more, etc. but instead studying smarter. I don't study things I already know--what is the point? I already know it! I use lecture actively to help me focus on what I do need to study. I apply stuff in clinical (when I can). I am constantly studying throughout the unit that it really seems to take a lot of the pressure off when it comes to exams. I'm always doing the HESI case studies, I do at minimum 20 NCLEX questions a day to practice critical thinking skills and test-taking strategies, and I come up with my own case studies. I have a very strict schedule that I keep to, no matter what AND I devote 1 day a week to doing nothing nursing school related (to keep my sanity).

It's worked for the first 2 semesters, but we'll see how it works third semester (HA!).

Dressage, I just found out that I passed in 75 questions in 45 minutes :D

phew, you read everything assigned? I never found that was possible for me. It was just so much! Good for you!

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