Saddleback students - a few questions about your program...

2lroberts:

I graduated with my BS in Health Care Administration last August. I've been working in the medical field (doctor's office and an alternative medical office) since I was a senior in high school. I also received my phlebotomy license while I was waiting to get into physiology (the class was full and I was unable to crash it.

I did all of my pre-reqs right out of high school. Then, I got stuck in the dreaded waiting list group. I applied to Saddleback's program for the first time in 2005. It was the last semester that they had a waiting list, so instead of sitting around and applying to various ADN programs over and over again, I transferred to Long Beach State.

Long story short, I was unhappy at my current job and new that I really wanted to be a nurse and that it would be one of my life's biggest regrets. I decided to give it one more shot (mostly because my pre-reqs were going to expire and I really wasn't about to start from scratch.) So, I applied to CSUN's Accelerated BSN program (they accepted 18 out of 350 applicants.) I didn't get in. I also applied at College of the Canyons & GoldenWest College and didn't get into either of their ADN programs. I opened Saddleback's letter a month ago and started bawling my eyes out. I was pretty hysterical. I just happened to be on the phone with my mom at the time and she was like "WHAT?!?! What does it say???" My response: "I don't know. All I read was Congratulations!"

I was going to move home to my parents' house if I got into College of the Canyons or CSUN. I just started dating this really great guy & I would have been 2 hours away from all of my friends. It would have been a total life-changer, but I'm glad that things worked out the way that they did. I get to keep my independence...and my friends (oh, and that really great boyfriend.)

So, long story short, I definitely know what desperation feels like. Don't give up, just keep applying & applying.

PS: Jessie, sorry that I totally hijacked your post! I promise to let you know how it goes in the next few months!

Okay, well I have an update about Saddleback's program. I attended a "paperwork session" this week. It is pretty much a mini-orientation.

Anyways, a few pointers: take gerontology & pharmacology before starting the program (and any General Education classes that you need to take.)

My schedule for my first semester is (just with the N170 & N171 classes):
Wednesday: 7:30am - 2:00pm (Lecture)
Thursday: 6:30am - 4:00pm (Clinical)
Friday: 6:30am - 4:00pm (Clinical)

The schedule isn't terrible, because it will allow me to work on Monday/Tuesday/Saturday...but I'm going to be super busy (and super stressed, I'm sure.)

Oh, and even though I get out a little early on Wednesday, I have to drive to the hospital & do all of the paperwork on my patient for Thursday/Friday. In between all of this, there is a skills lab, where you have to log in for a minimum of 12 hours throughout the semester (which shouldn't be very hard to do.)

Required items:
Liability insurance - $20
Background check - $50
Physical exam & vaccinations (you can do them through the student health center, no earlier than 3 months prior to the start of the semester)
Uniforms (you have to buy them through the school) - $80/set
Stethescope
Blood pressure cuff
Watch with second hand
Bandage scissors


We have an all day orientation at the end of July...I'm sure it will be another intimidating day!

I hope that this helps a little

Jessie:

I apologize for not writing back sooner!!

What other programs did you apply to?

Good luck...hopefully I'll be seeing you on campus next spring!

Hello! I'm a Saddleback nursing student!

1. What semester are you in? I'm going into 3rd this August!

2. What do you like about the program? Everyone is supportive...faculty, students, etc. Saddleback also has a pretty good reputation. My nurses always seem happy to have a Saddleback student which is nice! I hear from other people....on this site and elsewhere....that the instructors are mean & try to fail you. The instructors I've come across at Saddleback are very encouraging....it's refreshing.

3. What do you dislike about the program? / What do you think should be changed? Nothing in particular.....I mean it's nursing school, it's tough no matter where you go!

4. When comparing Saddleback to what you've heard of other programs, are there things that you believe Saddleback does better than other programs? (aside from producing high NCLEX pass rates) Very supportive & encouraging. They really want you to pass your boards & become a great nurse.

5. To the A-hunters among you who entered the program with A's in all classes: Do you think you'll manage to graduate with A's in all your nursing classes as well? Haven't gotten anything but A's so far.....with hard work, A's are definitely possible.

6. Do you work? How much? I actually quit my full-time job when I entered the program based on advice from others who said it was possible but harder. Luckily, I saved money & was able to do so. If you don't have to work, it's nice to be able to focus on nursing full time....I wouldn't change anything. If you're someone who has to work, there are lots of people who continue to do so & do just fine.

7. Is there anything you wish you had known before you entered the program? I always knew I wanted to be an RN so I wouldn't let little things get in my way. Be prepared to get organized & be ready to put lots of time into your first semester. There's lots to read, videos to watch, & 3 weeks of skills lab which can be a bit overwhelming - just so many new things to learn!!!

I'll actually be at the July orientation/BBQ......w/ CNSA!

Congrats to those who made it in....it's definitely competitive

Well, I did quit my job when I entered the program so I've gotten A's without working.....but it is doable. Yes, I was finished with all my general ed classes before the nursing program. I didn't get in my first time so it gave me more time to finish up everything....I think I have a couple of more classes to finish but it's only to transfer...not to graduate. I also had some medical experience....I was a medical assistant for almost 10 years.

After attending the orientation...I have to say that I am really impressed with the program. They have a great support system set up. My friend's BSN orientation consisted of a tour of the school. Saddleback's orientation was a little of everything, including what to expect over the next two years. I am a lot more confident going into this program, knowing that there are people there who actually seem to care!

I am really excited...but really nervous too.