culture of bsn programs?

U.S.A. Florida

Published

Hi there,

hopefully I can state my question understandably so that you knowledgable folks can clue me in. I am researching programs at UCF, FAU, UF for both accelerated BSN (I already hold a BA in psych) and NP grad programs. I will take my remaining pre-reqs this summer and fall and begin applying to accelerated BSN progs in the fall.

My question is this: what is the philosophy or "culture" of the programs at these schools? FAU is pretty explicit on their website and allows wonderful access to information on faculty and their publications, clearly they have a holistic leaning. UCF is not as informative, more formal first impression and even more so with UF. Certainly there are many approaches to educating new BSNs and NPs and wondered if anyone can share--within their comfort level--what the culture of their program is like: from faculty, pedagogy, and student relationships, to level of support, access to and responsiveness of administration? Are any of these colleges more of the "eating their young" types that I have been reading about on these boards with so much chagrin?

Anything you can share is most appreciated!

Thanks everyone!

Luzia

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Specializes in Surgical ICU, Anesthesia.

I've included a link to the UCF College of Nursing handbook. It's available on their website, but you just needed to dig a little deeper to find it. Hopefully, it'll answer some of your questions regarding philosophy, mission, etc. For a student perspective, I have experienced only one "bad" faculty member; fortunately, other faculty members possess a strong and diverse background i.e., intensive care, maternal-infant, pediatric, psych, neuro, community, etc. As a result, I've been able to draw on their varied experiences for more of a well-rounded nursing education. In addition, all of the faculty members are accessible to students if you have questions after or before class. Regarding administration, I haven't had any need to seek their support, but I consider that a good thing. Pedagogy includes lecture, lab, clinical time, virtual simulators, online, etc. Does UCF eat their young? No, however. The first semester (Summer) is the most difficult because of the quantity of information being presented in a short amount of time. The second semester (Fall) is the most difficult content wise. I'm in the third semester (Spring) and I'm really enjoying it so far. It's not too bad when compared to the first two semesters. We lost about 10 +/- a few during the first two semesters, but it wasn't to "weed" them out. UCF wants you to pass, but some people find out that nursing isn't what they thought it was or maybe it's too difficult. Student relationships are what you could imagine for 60 people coming from various backgrounds. You'll meet some people and like them and others not so much, however. The student body as a whole is very supportive of each other. Also, the administration breaks up clinicals each semester with the hope that you'll have been able to spend time with each member of your class in a clinical by the time you graduate. Also, I've included a link to current research being conducted by UCF faculty members. In my opinion, I would do UCF's program again without a question. I've really enjoyed it, met a lot of good people and they've helped me secure a nursing position for after I graduate and I still have five months to go. Anyway, good luck in your path to nursing.

CON Handbook: http://nursing.ucf.edu/images/pdf/08-09%20ug%20handbook.pdf

Research: http://www.nursing.ucf.edu/research/index.asp (click the link within this link to see additional research too)

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Thanks so much OrlandoNurse2B! That is very solid information, and you reminded me that I did download the undergrad handbook--now I just need to go over it in more detail. :up:

If there is anyone else attending UCF, UF or FAU, I would enjoy hearing your perspectives as well.

Thanks,

Luzia

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