Do You Have What it Takes?

Last week I touched on the lovely TEAS V. The standardized test that is a requirement for applying to the Ivy Tech School of Nursing. This week I want to dive in a little deeper and share what it takes to be "considered" for the Nursing Program. I say "considered" because you can fulfill all the requirements to your best ability and still not be "accepted" into the Ivy Tech School of Nursing. Now don't get bummed already (trust me... I know it's a challenge) but the nursing program is a very competitive program to get into. You are literally competing with students all across Indiana for a shot at 1 of 30 positions to whichever location you're applying. Now that should justify a minor freak out session.

Say whaaaatt??!! My face at the moment.

 


So back to the point of this post, the pre-admission requirements for the nursing program. In 2014 Ivy Tech made changes to the  admissions prerequisite courses that took effect Spring 2015. Potential applicants need to complete the following general education courses: Anatomy and Physiology 1, English Composition, Introduction to Psychology, as well as a Math course of MATH 123 or Higher. In addition to completing those courses and taking the TEAS V there is a whole application process you must complete. The application process includes: a signed "Application Information Sheet", "Nursing Application Acknowledgement" form, copy of High School Transcript, TEAS V test results, unofficial Ivy Tech transcript, and All other college transcripts. 
The Admissions department takes the information you provide in your application packet and awards you points based on their point system to decide if you are eligible for the program. This means that just completing or passing the required courses isn't good enough. You need to get an A in each of the required general education courses and score high on your TEAS V test. The point system is awarded based on grade received in each course and score of each section of the TEAS V. An A in APHY 101= 30 points, while a B=20 points that's a 10 point difference which is huge. Obviously you want to get awarded the most points possible if you want to be a competitive and eligible applicant, which you do. 
To get a more detailed idea of what it takes to be able to apply to the School of Nursing at Ivy Tech and what all the nursing program entails please refer to the Overview and Application Process Booklet. Then ask yourself as I have myself many times, "Do you have what it takes?" My answer, "ABSOLUTELY! Now, lets do this thing!" 

Believe you can and you will!

The TEAS is a TEASE

I am beginning to prepare to take the TEAS test. I've heard a lot of different stories from those who've gone before me. Some of those stories ended well while more than a handful did not which can be intimidating. I've been told the TEAS test is a "tease" not only for the nursing programs but also for the nursing board exams. TEAS literally stands for Test of Essential Academic Skills which is specifically designed for Nursing. The goal of administering the TEAS to a potential nursing student is to see if the student has the ability to think like a nurse and would be successful in a nursing program. The TEAS is an important part of the admission process for the nursing program at IVY TECH and most other schools.

The TEAS test is multiple-choice and includes the following subjects: science, mathematics, reading, English, and language usage. Given that there are 5 different subjects you will be tested on it is highly recommended that you properly prepare and study for the exam. There are a number of resources you can use to find good study guides and practice exams. The TEAS V Study Guide 2015: Test Prep and Practice Questions for the Teas Version 5 is one study guide that has been highly recommended to me as well as Study Manual for the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), Version V / Edition 1. These two study guides along with other resources from ATI is how I plan to prepare to tackle the TEAS. I also recommend talking to your advisor and anyone you may know that has already taken the TEAS. 

So here I go. It's time to buckle up buttercup. Wish me luck! :)

Study, study, study... 

You Go On

When you just want to give up you go on. You simply go on, you have a quick cry session or melt down, vent, eat some ice-cream, donuts, or whatever tickles your fancy and then you pick yourself up and go on. You move forward. The road is never always smooth and straight, there are potholes that about take you out, hills that seem impossible to climb, curves where you can't see the other side, tunnels that leave you in the dark, and  bumps that knock you off course. My point is this, every journey you take will have obstacles and it will not be easy. But it's not the obstacles that will define your success or failure it's how you choose to respond to those obstacles. Will you choose to rise above them or will you let them defeat you? So, when you just want to give up and quit think about how choosing to fight and to continue to work hard to achieve your goal will only make your success sweeter and more rewarding. 

That's the pep talk I have to give myself when it comes to working to achieve my goals and becoming a nurse. The schooling alone to get into the nursing program is no joke and right now I can't imagine how much more difficult it will be in the actual program. But I must remain focused on the task at hand, take it one day at a time, breathe, and remember that it will all be worth it. 

Here's an article I found that gives some advice to new nursing students. I found it to be helpful. It's nice to know you're not the only one going through this. 

Do what Dory says and "just keep swimming!"