Should I take summer classes?

     Going to school in the summer is recommended if you can do it.  It will make your semesters during the regular school year much easier.

 

Speaking of summer classes, do I have to take them when I am in the nursing program?

     Yes.  The nursing program is 5 consecutive semesters.  You may have to take classes 2 summers in a row for the program, depending on when you start the program.

 

How much are books in the nursing program?

     Books only get more expensive.  As you enter the nursing program (NUR 315), be ready to spend between $300 - $500 or more.

 

Do I need to keep my books?

   YES.  Save all of your nursing books and nutrition and pharmcology.  They are required texts when in the nursing program.  Also, your nursing books you will need semester to semester so you won't be able to sell them back.

 

When do I get all my nursing gear (uniform, stethoscope, etc)?

     Don't worry about purchasing a stethoscope, penlight, or uniform until you go to orientation for NUR 315.  GVSU goes through a representative company and we get everything at a discount price compared to buying it on your own.

 

Can I work during the nursing program?

     It is possible to work while in the nursing program.  However, nursing school is very time consuming, so if possible, we wouldn't suggest working much.  With the LEI program (which is assigned in NUR 315), it is hard to set a schedule at work because you have to meet with your LEI when it fits THEIR schedule.  Also, please do not feel obligated to work as a nurse's aide/assistant/tech.  Being a student nurse is a very different role compared to that and you learn a whole new aspect/perspective of health care.

 

Should I join SNA?

     YES!! (Like we would say no!!)  Once you get into the nursing program, you have the opportunity to join a program known as the SNA (Student Nurses Association).  We do a lot of volunteer work throughout the community, we travel to conferences around the United States, and we are the student life of GVSU nursing.  It costs $100.00 to join, which is your membership dues for the entire time you are in the nursing program.  You will get your application and all of the information you need at your NUR 315 orientation.

 

What happens if I fail a nursing class?

     You can only retake ONE nursing class throughout your entire college career (pre-requisites have a different rule about retakes).  Don't take NUR 120 or NUR 220 for granted. If you fail NUR 120 or NUR 220 (less than a C {73%}), you cannot retake any other NUR classes and they only get more difficult!!

 

I need to be full time for insurance purposes.  How can I ensure that?

     For most insurance companies, you have to be full time 2 semesters of the school year. Having 10 credits in the summer constitutes being full time by GVSU standards so you don't necessarily need to be full time all 3 semesters of the school year.

 

Please contact any one of the SNA board members if you have further questions.  As more questions arise, they will be added to this site.  You may also contact SNA at contactus.gvsusna@gmail.com  GOOD LUCK in your nursing school career!!