What can I expect?

CorazonDeOro · Apr 3, 2010

I am pretty sure that I will be in the nursing program at MCC this fall 2010. Can anyone who is in the program tell me what I can expect my 1st semester? What is it like? How much homework? Any advice or helpful tips? I'd really appreciate it!

Do the reading don't fall behind on it, buy some NCLEX study guides and use them to get a feel for what exams are like, make some good supportive friends in your class, and have fun! :)

I am almost done with the first year and I am really enjoying it. Its a lot of work but I feel like they really prepare you for the boards, and I have had some great clinical instructors as well.

Have a fun summer before you start too, because you'll get bombarded with homework really quick!

shawnb · Apr 4, 2010

CoranzonDeoro - Thanks for the great advice. Where did you get the NCLEX study guides? Are they broken down by semester or is it an overall book for the entire program? Should I buy it to study this summer? What do you think? Thanks!

CorazonDeOro · Apr 4, 2010

CoranzonDeoro - Thanks for the great advice. Where did you get the NCLEX study guides? Are they broken down by semester or is it an overall book for the entire program? Should I buy it to study this summer? What do you think? Thanks!

They have a ton of NCLEX study guides at any bookstore...sometimes I go to bookstores to study and borrow their books! I got my study guides from a nurse that I know. The Saunders NCLEX review is my favorite. They are broken down by body system and speciality, so I am not sure how useful they would be to you before you start, except to familiarize yourself with the way NCLEX questions are written. You will be busy getting ready to start over the summer with your immunizations and supplies and such, so don't overwhelm yourself too much! Don't let them scare you at orientation either! They will tell you that you will have no time to have a life or a job but that isn't true at all.

shawnb · Apr 4, 2010

CorazonDeOro

Thanks so much for the helpful information. I will check out the Saunders NCLEX. I did already start my immunizations a few months ago. When you started your clinicals did you get to pick out the hospital that you wanted to work at or is it already chosen for you? Thanks and Happy Easter!

CorazonDeOro · Apr 4, 2010

CorazonDeOro
Thanks so much for the helpful information. I will check out the Saunders NCLEX. I did already start my immunizations a few months ago. When you started your clinicals did you get to pick out the hospital that you wanted to work at or is it already chosen for you? Thanks and Happy Easter!

You don't get to pick out any of your classes or clinicals, they are assigned.

SnowStar4 · Apr 4, 2010

Get the blue Saunder's NCLEX book for sure. Several instructors take questions right out of the book. Always look them over!

They assign clinicals but you can swap them with classmates.

shawnb · Apr 5, 2010

Thanks for everyones help. I appreciate it. :up:

Mzam2012 · Apr 10, 2010

I agree with what everyone else has said and I have just started. I bought the blue Saunders book, but on Amazon it says there is going to be a new one released this fall. I haven't used it much yet, but can see that is going to be a great resource. Apparently, the 2010-2011 group's cirriculum going to be slightly different, but I'm sure it will still be fine. Most of the people ahead of me say its a lot of work but they love it. I agree about the instructors. Good luck to you!!

shawnb · Apr 10, 2010

Mzam2012 Thanks for the helpful info. I can't wait to get my acceptance letter! I am so happy that my children will be in school full time this fall. That will be one less thing to worry about.