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Rating: 
Summary: Poor AND Paranoid!
Review: After shelling out $25 for the book (plus $12 for Amazon's "expedited" overseas shipping) I was expecting something more than a book telling me mostly what I already knew...that nursing admissions are competitive, that nursing is a demanding profession that isn't right for everyone, and that college is hard (having already completed a BA, I know how "hard" college is). Well...DUH! The book seems to be talking down to a teenager's level instead of to the average nursing student, who is just as likely to be in his or her 20s or 30s (as I am).
I also got the feeling reading the book that the author found school terribly difficult and warned the reader that the same would happen to them. I actually did not like being told over and over that it's the "hardest thing I'll ever do." All it does is make me paranoid; it doesn't psyche me up to succeed!
The book does have solid (and largely correct) advice in many areas, so I would recommend it to someone considering nursing school; but I would tell them to take some of the author's editorializing with a grain of salt.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent & Full of Info for Students of ALL Ages
Review: At first I thought, hmmm...this is kinda skinny for 25 bucks. But now my only complaint is,
WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG, STEPH? This book answered every question you'd ever want to ask
but probably couldn't find the answer to in one place.It is great! If you don't have much experience in healthcare, and want to be a nurse, this is the book to
get! There are a few others out there, but this one is straight to the point, gives concrete ideas, even
talks about going the LPN route. Even if you have an idea of what it's like to go to college, or know the classes you'll be taking, the
hoops you have to jump thru, etc., Stephanie actually tells you what'll be like when you have your first
clinical day. She tells you seemingly inconsequential details like the supplies you might be expected to
buy before you actually start your clinicals. That may be a small thing, but if you're tight on a budget
and just approaching your pre-reqs, isn't that a handy thing to know? She spells out what a big time
commitment it will be, how hard it is, etc., but also tells you that you can do it if you just get
FOCUSED. And she tells you how to focus, gives study strategies, note taking tips, how to use study groups. I plan
on reading this section to my son who just began high school and needs help with his study habits. We
will both benefit from committing this one to memory. She also explains what different specialties of nursing means. Didn't you always wonder what Nursing
Informatics was all about (obviously something about information, but what kind?). She tells you what
the classes that are usually standard in most schools of nursing are about (like what the hec is
"Foundations in Nursing"? Is it the beginning of nursing? The history, or what? It is actually just the
"basics"). Financial Aid is covered in this book not so much as to tell you where to go and what to do (altho some of this is there) because truly, as the book advises, your school will steer you in the right direction and it lists some places you can try for additional help. But did you know some grants, loans and scholarships can help with your living expenses? Important information to know if you're a single parent who is wondering how they will go to school, feed the family and have time to study. Taking the NCLEX is spelled out in detail as well as what to do if you don't pass the first time....or the
second. You can't go wrong with this book and I can't say enough good things about it. Everything from
making your application to the school and what they're looking for to going on to graduate studies is
included in this volume. Plus everything in between. If you are either a traditional high school student
who wonders what the whole education process of a nurse is, or you're a 50-something wanna-be
nurse going back to school after 30 years, you will profit from this book immensely. Absolutely worth
$... and then some! It will keep you from tossing and turning and agonizing over things Stephanie has
thoroughly spelled out in this terrific book!
Rating:
Summary: Just what you need!
Review: I wanted to know all the inner workings of applying and getting into nursing school. AND, I wanted to know how to actually make it through once I got in. This book has it all! From the reality of whether or not nurisng is for me to how to "get in." Plus, study tips, a specific breakdown of what to expect in school and very detailed advice on how to succed in it. I'm talking about details like how to prepare for tests, how to make the most of clinical experiences, and even how to get financial aid! Also,this book explains all about preparing for the licensing exam, and even how to write a "cover letter" and handle job interviews. THOROUGH! Vey thorough. I will refer to it for years to come.
Rating:
Summary: Just what you need!
Review: I wanted to know all the inner workings of applying and getting into nursing school. AND, I wanted to know how to actually make it through once I got in. This book has it all! From the reality of whether or not nurisng is for me to how to "get in." Plus, study tips, a specific breakdown of what to expect in school and very detailed advice on how to succed in it. I'm talking about details like how to prepare for tests, how to make the most of clinical experiences, and even how to get financial aid! Also,this book explains all about preparing for the licensing exam, and even how to write a "cover letter" and handle job interviews. THOROUGH! Vey thorough. I will refer to it for years to come.
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