The Associate Degree Nursing Program at the Stanton Campus is demanding and fast paced. Excerpts from "Tips For Success", a booklet developed in conjunction with nursing students, may assist you as a prospective student in planning for completion of the program.

SUPPORT OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Support from your family and friends is your most important asset. Their encouragement will help you cope with the stress of the program. The strain of the program will require compromise from family and friends if you are to be successful. Family and friends may be surprised by the demands of the program and the amount of time required to meet those demands. It may be necessary to remind them of how important this is to you. Do not be afraid to ask for their help in meeting the outside demands of your life.

"Monday evenings are the most demanding. Plan a family activity on Sunday afternoon."

LECTURES
Lectures are held two hours each week for each course, usually on Wednesday and Fridays. Labs, seminars, and testing are frequently scheduled for Thursdays. A five-day commitment is required if you plan to take two clinical courses in a semester.

CLINICAL
Clinical days are Mondays and Tuesdays. Most clinical courses offer the option of a daytime (6:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.) or an evening (2:30 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.) clinical rotation.

Students have found the following book helpful with nursing program expectations: How to Survive and Maybe Even Love Nursing School by K.S. Dunham.

ABSENCES
It is expected that students will be present and on time for all scheduled activities. You will be expected to stay for the entire scheduled activity. It is impossible to make up missed clinical time, so learning experiences are lost if you are absent. Clinical absences may put you in jeopardy of failing.

UNIFORMS
Two good uniforms should last throughout the program. A good pair of white leather shoes should last throughout the program. Other required equipment includes a watch on which seconds may be counted, a stethoscope, bandage scissors, hemostats, a pen light, black pens, and protective eyewear.

EXPENSES
Expenses for the nursing program include: tuition, books, uniforms, equipment, and related miscellaneous expenses. Tuition is determined each year by the College Board of Trustees. An additional lab fee and technology fee are charged for each clinical course. All nursing and allied health students are charged a professional liability insurance fee by the College. Nursing students must also obtain CPR certification, criminal background checks, drug screening, and required immunizations.

Books are a large part of the expense of the program. Most of the necessary books are bought in the first and second semesters. These books may be used throughout the program. As you near graduation, licensure and graduation fees will also required.

Information about scholarships and financial aid is available from the Financial Aid Office at the College.

EMPLOYMENT
Clinical nursing courses are significantly more demanding than other college courses. The faculty strongly encourages students not to work. If employment is necessary, part time employment in health related settings would increase knowledge and skills. After completion of the first level nursing courses, you will be eligible to take the examination to become Certified Nursing Assistants. Many local hospitals offer students the opportunity to work as Student Nurse Externs after completion of the first level courses.

TIME MANAGEMENT
There are a variety of demands for students in the nursing program. Time management is an extremely important concept to master. Many students find it helpful to write down a schedule of what must be done on a calendar. Don't forget to schedule practice time and study time on a regular basis. It is also important to plan some time to rest and have fun. Be realistic about time requirements. If you are a slow reader, then you must plan for more study time. Remember a balance of study and relaxation time will be most productive.

"Do not put off reading assignments. Those completed ahead of schedule will free you up for studying at test time."

STUDENT NURSES ASSOCIATION
The SNA is a college-supported organization that promotes professional nursing, supports students and activities in the nursing program, and encourages participation in health promotional activities within the community. It provides opportunities to develop leadership skills and to develop supportive social relationships. Any student interested in the nursing program may attend meetings. Meeting dates are posted on the SNA bulletin board in the nursing wing and online.

GETTING HELP
Having questions and encountering problems is part of the learning experience. Do not wait until the last minute to get help. Instructors and advisors are available to help. Call and make an appointment to get assistance. Student Services also offers a variety of services to assist students. Descriptions of the services offered can be found in the Stanton/Wilmington Campus Student Handbook.

TIPS FROM STUDENTS
"Exchange the phone numbers of your clinical group to discuss assignments or any problem you may be having in a particular clinical setting."

"Nursing is one of the most noble professions. You should be proud of the choice you have made."

"Much of the material can be seen as building blocks, so create a strong foundation by understanding the material as you go along."

"It takes a long time to digest the material. You cannot be successful if you wait until the last second."

"Remember in your clinical day that you are caring for someone's loved one. What kind of nurse would you want caring for your loved ones? Be that kind of nurse."