What should I do in my time off?

I would have this discussion with your academic advisor. Map out a plan that won't be overwhelming in that perhaps patho is a class that you would want to just take on its own. (and maybe is something that can be taken over the summer online??)

I would see how it goes before I would take 2 major classes at the same time. But see what your advisor suggests as your best course of action.

What classes are available during the summer semester? You should focus the most on patho, perhaps combine this with fundamentals. It is extremely important that you understand how the body works, Patho I usually is just an introduction to basic body systems. Patho II will be more intense and should also have a component of physiology with it which involves learning about how electrolytes cross paths and create various fluid shifts in the body,what the body parts are composed of that cause them to function etc. It is much more in depth and harder than path I. So, you need to be fully committed to learning path I. I would focus on the pathology and try to even branch off and study a little for path II. If at all possible, take these two classes without too many other heavy-duty classes. That way you have the ability to just focus on them and give them your complete attention without distractions from other classes. It may lengthen your career as a student but will be well worth it in the end. Better learning experience, better grades, better application to real life!! Good Luck!! Understand that the goals of your academic counselors are to get you to graduate, they may not look kindly on you extending your student career by lengthening your progress through the nursing program. Plus, I would imagine that you have to have certain classes done before you can progress further in the program, therefore you must be at a certain point before you can take clinicals or other required classes. I wish I had spent more time in path and physiology and be able to apply it better when I was a new nurse. It would have made things so much easier in the long run. Grades are important, but it is also important to be able to apply what you learn to real life situations!!