Watts School of Nursing ADN?

Rach2610 · Jun 10, 2016

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!).

You may find it a little difficult to continue reading everything assigned going into 3rd. But then again, you may not! You'll have longer clinical days (until 3:30) and concept maps due on a patient a week. additionally, just a heads up the two classroom instructors both have very different teaching styles. A lot of people find that Mrs. P is hard to follow, so I suggest sitting up front if you don't already. I actually found her to be my favorite out of the two. Good luck, you'll do great! p.s. choose your project group VERY wisely!

Kelz128 · Jun 11, 2016

Hey everyone!

I'm about to start classes at UMO next week! I'm so excited.

But I was wondering what your first semester schedule looks like at Watts. I'm trying to determine how long I'm going to work. Right now, I'm thinking I'll probably just work during classes at UMO and then quit.

Just trying to plan ahead!

WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 11, 2016

You may find it a little difficult to continue reading everything assigned going into 3rd. But then again, you may not! You'll have longer clinical days (until 3:30) and concept maps due on a patient a week. additionally, just a heads up the two classroom instructors both have very different teaching styles. A lot of people find that Mrs. P is hard to follow, so I suggest sitting up front if you don't already. I actually found her to be my favorite out of the two. Good luck, you'll do great! p.s. choose your project group VERY wisely!

Yeah... we've learned from our last two groups. Both have been absolute nightmares so we're vetting our group closely for next semester!

Kelz, as for the schedule for 1st semester it's roughly 9-3 on Wednesday and Thursday, 7-12 for clinical on either Monday or Tuesday and I want to say 4 hours of lab on either Monday or Tuesday. There is 1 day of clinical and 1 day of lab.

Rach2610 · Jun 11, 2016

First semester:

Monday and Tuesday Lab and clinical. Lab is on one of those days and is 4 hours long, either 8-12, or 12-4. Clinical is one of those days and is from 7-12. Class is on wednesdays and thursdays, usually from 9-3 or 4. At the beginning of the semester you may have one or 2 classes on a Friday. During 1st, you are required to clock volunteer hours (they assign the place, but you can pick your top 3 choices from a list of approved places)- can't remember exactly howm any, but it was about 8 or 9 and I did my hours at meals on wheels. Tests are about every 2 weeks and those are usually on Wednesdays. There is also a dosage calc exam at the end of the semester (that might change to the beginning) where you must pass with 100% with 3 tries to get 100%. There is a group project/paper as well. You do not get to choose your group here. During first semester I needed to set aside about 10 hours a week to study. Most of those hours where on a Sunday for me.

Hey everyone!
I'm about to start classes at UMO next week! I'm so excited.
But I was wondering what your first semester schedule looks like at Watts. I'm trying to determine how long I'm going to work. Right now, I'm thinking I'll probably just work during classes at UMO and then quit.
Just trying to plan ahead!

DressageRN2b890 · Jun 18, 2016

Hi Kelz - How quickly after you got everything in did they accept you? I'm excited to start pre-requisites! What classes are you taking first?

Kelz128 · Jun 23, 2016

I received the background check form about 1 week after turning in the application and I got my acceptance email about 10 days later! This summer I'm taking HLH110 and PSY 240. This fall I'm taking BIO 253, HIS 223, PSY 200 and SOC 230. What about you??

Kelz128 · Aug 31, 2016

Hey! Not sure if you're still on here but when did you get your schedule for the first semester? Just wondering how far out I'll find out for work purposes....

DressageRN2b890 · Aug 31, 2016

Hi Kelz!

Somehow I didn't get my transcripts in for the June acceptance date, so now I am in the boat for the next August start date. I was actually about to email today as I haven't heard back for about a month. I'm hopeful though, I have good grades!

How are the pre-requisites going? When do your nursing classes start? Do you have to take chem?

Kelz128 · Aug 31, 2016

Prereqs are pretty good so far. Basically expect a bunch of papers for the online classes. The only in-person class I have is anatomy which just started yesterday. Nursing classes start Jan 9. No chem required!

WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Aug 31, 2016

Hey! Not sure if you're still on here but when did you get your schedule for the first semester? Just wondering how far out I'll find out for work purposes....

I got my schedule for first semester about 2 weeks before the semester started.

DressageRN2b890 · Oct 6, 2016

Just got my acceptance letter!

How much were you able to work during pre-requisites Kelz? How are you liking classes at Mount Olive?

Kelz128 · Oct 7, 2016

Congrats! The prerequisites aren't too bad. Just expect a bunch of papers. I'm halfway done with them and I can't wait to move on to the nursing courses in January!