What to do while you wait?

tonyal · May 16, 2008

Since I am planning on going on for a BA and Masters I am taking classes that will transfer. Not only will I be done with my BA faster this way, but I also will be paying alot less in tuition. I have between 6 months and a year wait still and will have the full amount possible to transfer. I am also filling in with classes that are not required,but I feel will be helpful. Ex. patho, abnormal psych, more advanced chem.

coolpeach · May 16, 2008

I had a semester wait, and then the summer. I took a couple of classes I thought I would enjoy, and that would help me even though I didn't need them. I also quit smoking so that would be one less thing to deal with.

This summer I bought season passes to the waterpark for my son and I. We plan to lay out in the sun, float in the lazy river, and eat hot dogs until we pop. It's my last summer home full time with him so I am making the most of it.

tothepointeLVN, LVN · May 16, 2008

If you can afford it take some classes that would supplement your nursing career like other psych courses. Some community colleges offer pharmacoloy and drug calculation without being in the program.

benegesserit · May 20, 2008

The first semester, I'm continuing full-time school, taking classes that are either prerequisites for BSN programs, co-requisites for nursing school, or prerequisites for other ASN nursing programs (the prerequisites outside of the core sciences vary slightly at area schools). That will give me the option of applying to more schools if I don't get in spring semester. (Speech, Statistics, Pathophysiology, and Sociology)

I'll be applying only to schools I think I could reasonably commute to for spring semester.

If I don't get in Spring semester, I'll take Organic Chemistry (my last BSN prereq), and any other remaining prerequisites/corequisites (probably medical terminology). I'll likely end up going less than full time, and look for a medical-related job, CNA program, or something that can both get me some income while I wait and increase my chances of getting into a nursing program. I can apply to a wider range of programs for this semester, as our lease will be ending and we'll have more freedom to move if necessary.

Beyond that, I'll look into completing upper division GE requirements for a BSN and applying to schools further away, as well as continuing to work or look for a job.

DesertRoseAZ · May 20, 2008

If it's a long wait, I'll probably try to get my CNA or something.

l_wheat · May 23, 2008

Hi, If your school offers phramacology as a general allied health class before the nursing program I would take that DEFINITELY. Also if you have alot of time on your hands I would suggest keeping up on physiology, you will need that knowledge more than any pre-req course you will take. Keep on top of physiology, it will pay off in the end. Lloyd

SwtSangria · Jun 3, 2008

I'm applyin to two places. Since the wait is long..in the mean time I'll be working a lot as a waitress and paying off some debt...and also saving so that when I do get in I'll not have to work too many hrs. I'm thinking about phlebotomy, EMT course or just taking a medical terminology course. SIGH I really don't know. =(

anyone applying for spring 2009?

SwtSangria · Jun 3, 2008

I'm applyin to two places. Since the wait is long..in the mean time I'll be working a lot as a waitress and paying off some debt...and also saving so that when I do get in I'll not have to work too many hrs. I'm thinking about phlebotomy, EMT course or just taking a medical terminology course. SIGH I really don't know. =(

anyone applying spring 2009?

noviciate · Jun 4, 2008

I compared the requirements for the two year and four year programs, and made certain that my course selections covered both. I will be relocating for nursing school and plan to attend a BSN/MS program and return for a MBA upon completion. I

'm thinking long term and building upon my level of knowledge, influenced to some degree by the program requirements but also by my personal interests. I'm also attending CNA and ECG training classes. The courses provide employment options, exposure to patient care, and hands on experience that is always beneficial in nursing.

College is the last opportunity you will have to explore a wide variety of topics. Take advantage of it. Everything going forward is more specialized.

amjowens · Jun 4, 2008

I just finished my first semester of LPN school, and in summer semester.

During my semester-long wait, I did try to study ahead. Now, I wish I'd spent the time differently. It's almost like teaching a child to read sentences before learning the ABCs! The reading will come when you have the letters down!

If you are weak in basic math, that's the one thing I would recommend working on. If you are a CNA, you could work regularly, and challenge yourself with time management goals, etc. while working. Other than that, I'd focus on your "whole person" care. Make sure you are as emotionally and physically healthy as you can be.

Enjoy your "free" time!

tothepointeLVN, LVN · Jun 4, 2008

Also if your GPA needs boosting try taking a course your strong in to get an A. OF course this advice is based on attending a CA CC where tuition is $20 a unit (but getting into classes is tough)