Yep, you heard me right, one semester down, and only 6 more to go! So, there were a few changes that I had to make in order to get all of my semesters in line and in making those changes I went from 8 semesters to 7, which means instead of graduating December 2017, I'll now graduate in August of 2017. I know it's just one semester less, but that's 4 months sooner and that makes me excited.
So on to how this first semester was. First of all, I took two "easy" classes. I had Nursing Theory and Advanced Roles. While I disliked Theory very much, I felt ok about AR. Also, with summer being an abbreviated semester, it took a minute to get used to so many things being due all at once. Since my school is online there are discussion boards that have to be done every week. Usually there were 2-3 topics due each week where we had to post an initial discussion and then respond to at least 2 of the classmates postings. This was fine. The only real pain was that the postings had to be in APA format and we had to have citations for each one. With summer having only 2 months of classes there were a lot of DB posts, papers, and projects all due at the same time, but with my trusty calendar by my side I made it through with flying colors. That's right, straight A's baby! I mean it was only 2 classes I should have made all A's right?
So the next semester starts this Monday and I'm ready for it. I have decided that this semester I'm not going to stress myself out to the max. I can only do what I can do and what I can do is try my best and devote myself to getting the best grades I can. I'm taking Advanced Pharm and Research. Fortunately I've heard that pharm isn't "that" bad and that research all depends on the teacher. I am PRAYING for good teachers for both. I seriously can't afford any bad grades! Speaking of grades. Did you know that a C in graduate school is anything below an 83.5...I mean really?? That seriously scares the crap out of me, but again, I can only do my best.
You may be wondering how I'm liking online classes and I have to admit, I am LOVING it. While it is extremely time consuming and I feel like I am constantly glued to my computer, I still wouldn't trade it for on ground classes. Also, we have developed a FB group that's just for the students in our program and I love the interaction I am able to have with students in the different semesters. We are able to help each other, ask questions and cheer each other on. I'm loving connecting with all these future NP's!
All in all I have to say that I am loving NP school. I can't WAIT for clinicals to start, but alas that's not for another 3 semesters. So until then I'll just keep doing what I'm doing and pray for the best.
Pray for me too!
So on to how this first semester was. First of all, I took two "easy" classes. I had Nursing Theory and Advanced Roles. While I disliked Theory very much, I felt ok about AR. Also, with summer being an abbreviated semester, it took a minute to get used to so many things being due all at once. Since my school is online there are discussion boards that have to be done every week. Usually there were 2-3 topics due each week where we had to post an initial discussion and then respond to at least 2 of the classmates postings. This was fine. The only real pain was that the postings had to be in APA format and we had to have citations for each one. With summer having only 2 months of classes there were a lot of DB posts, papers, and projects all due at the same time, but with my trusty calendar by my side I made it through with flying colors. That's right, straight A's baby! I mean it was only 2 classes I should have made all A's right?
So the next semester starts this Monday and I'm ready for it. I have decided that this semester I'm not going to stress myself out to the max. I can only do what I can do and what I can do is try my best and devote myself to getting the best grades I can. I'm taking Advanced Pharm and Research. Fortunately I've heard that pharm isn't "that" bad and that research all depends on the teacher. I am PRAYING for good teachers for both. I seriously can't afford any bad grades! Speaking of grades. Did you know that a C in graduate school is anything below an 83.5...I mean really?? That seriously scares the crap out of me, but again, I can only do my best.
You may be wondering how I'm liking online classes and I have to admit, I am LOVING it. While it is extremely time consuming and I feel like I am constantly glued to my computer, I still wouldn't trade it for on ground classes. Also, we have developed a FB group that's just for the students in our program and I love the interaction I am able to have with students in the different semesters. We are able to help each other, ask questions and cheer each other on. I'm loving connecting with all these future NP's!
All in all I have to say that I am loving NP school. I can't WAIT for clinicals to start, but alas that's not for another 3 semesters. So until then I'll just keep doing what I'm doing and pray for the best.
Pray for me too!
Congratulations! Best wishes on your continued success.
ReplyDeleteHave you started lining up your preceptors for clinicals yet? I have many friends in NP school and they said that was the most difficult - finding NPs and doctors in all the areas for clinicals.
Congrats! I haven't been in the nursing blogs for a while so I am very out of the loop but wanted to wish you luck!
ReplyDeleteStart very early on lining up preceptors. Stay in touch with them on a regular basis or you will lose your spot. I also HATED nursing theory and thought it was a waste. Would rather have had a coding class in the Master's level instead. We need more disease process/differentials etc rather than busy work. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck Candi. I guess you are doing your fourth nursing semester!?
ReplyDeleteI know it's definitely not easy, but worth every bit of the efforts you are making