FSCJ Summer 2013 Nursing Students

U.S.A. Florida

Published

Hi everyone, well I'm starting this convo so we all can get an idea of who, what, when, and where with FSCJ. Good topics would include testing materials, the average ranking of points for the upcoming term, and any other useful ideas that will help us all get into to this crazy hard nursing program! :) So, lets see if we can help each other out....and it's kinda fun to talk about nursing as well :)

Hi guys, just wanted to stop by and say hello! I was accepted for Spring 2013 and we just had orientation Monday and Tuesday! I'm so excited!

I have some advice:

1. Don't stress over the NAT. Sure, refresh yourself on everything, but don't stress when the time comes to take the test. Relax, and do the best you can. PRACTICE YOUR SPEED! The test goes by really fast. If you realize time is running out, go back to all the questions you did not answer for that section, pick a letter, and mark all the unanswered questions with that letter. You don't get penalized for wrong answers so what's the worst that could happen?

2. If you're transferring from another school, send your transcripts to FSCJ as soon as possible so that the classes you took at the other school will appear on your FSCJ transcript by the time you apply.

3. Get your CPR certification BEFORE you apply. They're requiring it now, but I know on some people's applications, it does not say that. Save yourself a world of trouble and get it done before submitting your application. They only accept American Heart Association.

4. If you think you may have a good chance of getting accepted, start saving money NOW. Once you get your acceptance packet, you will only have a few weeks to get everything done and it costs money (especially if you will not be using insurance to get your medical things done). You have to get a background check, fingerprints, drug test, lab work (titers for Hep B, Varicella & MMR), a physical, flu shot, TB screen and passport photo. Not to mention, you'll have to buy uniforms, shoes (if you already don't have them), a stethoscope, BP cuff, and other items.

5. Also, if you think you have a good chance of getting accepted, start thinking about Worksource--especially if you do not receive grants and scholarships. If you qualify, they'll pay for tuition, fees, and required books. Most people qualify. I believe you just have to make less than $25 or be unemployed. There are more rules than that, but you should check with them. Check the Learn, Return & Earn section. They'll require you to take a few assessments, then do an intake with them where they make you submit a lot of paperwork.

I also wanted to let you guys know that FSCJ (the entire college... not just the Nursing program) is moving to a 12-week summer session. The dean told us during orientation. :madface: So, where summers used to be 16 weeks, there will only be 12 weeks. Meaning you will have the same amount of work, but less time to do it all. Just wanted to make sure that you guys are aware, because it could mean that Term 1 will be tougher than it already is! I'm also not sure if they will be offering nights/weekends for the Summer term. You may want to call the nursing office and find out.

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I'm applying next month. I need my grades for this semester on my transcript. I took the NAT on Monday. It wasn't bad at all. I was nervous but, came through pleasantly surprised. I'm doing the CPR next week. Does anybody know the best place to get the physical without having insurance?

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I'm applying next month. I need my grades for this semester on my transcript. I took the NAT on Monday. It wasn't bad at all. I was nervous but, came through pleasantly surprised. I'm doing the CPR next week. Does anybody know the best place to get the physical without having insurance?
A lot of people went to Care Spot. They say it's very reasonable if you have no insurance.
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Hi guys, just wanted to stop by and say hello! I was accepted for Spring 2013 and we just had orientation Monday and Tuesday! I'm so excited!

I have some advice:

1. Don't stress over the NAT. Sure, refresh yourself on everything, but don't stress when the time comes to take the test. Relax, and do the best you can. PRACTICE YOUR SPEED! The test goes by really fast. If you realize time is running out, go back to all the questions you did not answer for that section, pick a letter, and mark all the unanswered questions with that letter. You don't get penalized for wrong answers so what's the worst that could happen?

2. If you're transferring from another school, send your transcripts to FSCJ as soon as possible so that the classes you took at the other school will appear on your FSCJ transcript by the time you apply.

3. Get your CPR certification BEFORE you apply. They're requiring it now, but I know on some people's applications, it does not say that. Save yourself a world of trouble and get it done before submitting your application. They only accept American Heart Association.

4. If you think you may have a good chance of getting accepted, start saving money NOW. Once you get your acceptance packet, you will only have a few weeks to get everything done and it costs money (especially if you will not be using insurance to get your medical things done). You have to get a background check, fingerprints, drug test, lab work (titers for Hep B, Varicella & MMR), a physical, flu shot, TB screen and passport photo. Not to mention, you'll have to buy uniforms, shoes (if you already don't have them), a stethoscope, BP cuff, and other items.

5. Also, if you think you have a good chance of getting accepted, start thinking about Worksource--especially if you do not receive grants and scholarships. If you qualify, they'll pay for tuition, fees, and required books. Most people qualify. I believe you just have to make less than $25 or be unemployed. There are more rules than that, but you should check with them. Check the Learn, Return & Earn section. They'll require you to take a few assessments, then do an intake with them where they make you submit a lot of paperwork.

I also wanted to let you guys know that FSCJ (the entire college... not just the Nursing program) is moving to a 12-week summer session. The dean told us during orientation. :madface: So, where summers used to be 16 weeks, there will only be 12 weeks. Meaning you will have the same amount of work, but less time to do it all. Just wanted to make sure that you guys are aware, because it could mean that Term 1 will be tougher than it already is! I'm also not sure if they will be offering nights/weekends for the Summer term. You may want to call the nursing office and find out.

Wow thanks for all the info! Especially with the CPR stuff. I've already got mine but I'm sure others were going to wait until after being accepted. And my Christmas list consists of money and nurse stuff...really wanted a new iPhone BUT. :) Now I think I'm good with all my shots ( I work as a nurse tech at mayo, so it's required) I've just got to take the NAT, in two weeks. :) I do have micro left to take, but I'm hoping to get in to the summer program, so I don't have any breaks. Also.....For anyone interested in a nurse fellowship program, the mayo clinic does have one. It's a year long, and paid w/ benefits. :) If your a good nurse.....then after the year is up your pretty much guaranteed a job. I'm just throwing that out there because mayo is expanding the hospital by 6 floors, so they'll need lots of nurses! But they require a BSN. You can start with just an ASN, but acquire your BSN within 3-6 years I think. But if anyone needs anymore info on that I would be glad to help if I can :)

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@abpeeler this is great info, Do you have to work at Mayo in order to be accepted into this program?

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@abpeeler this is great info, Do you have to work at Mayo in order to be accepted into this program?

No you don't have to work there, but You do have to be accepted into the program tho. It's kinda like applying to fscj. But you can't apply until you've got your RN license. Basically, you'll be working around the entire hospital, interning and so forth.

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Hi I'm a long way from where u ladies are I just became interested in being a nurse and also hard just started college. I was just curious did you all take all your pre reqs in one semester or one at a time and what did u major in while waiting to be accepted. Thanks!!

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Hi I'm a long way from where u ladies are I just became interested in being a nurse and also hard just started college. I was just curious did you all take all your pre reqs in one semester or one at a time and what did u major in while waiting to be accepted. Thanks!!

Hi there and welcome! Unfortunately, I think it's impossible to take all of the prerequisites in one semester due to some of them being pre reqs for the next ( A&P I-A&PII. CHM-Micro). Take chem and micro last because you can apply to the program while currently enrolled in micro. And if you want to double major, that's cool, it's just by the time you get your second major done you'll be starting the nursing program, and Ive heard its very tough. I have a degree from up north and I don't use it. :( I have a job at hospital as a nurse tech so I get excellent experience and also be guaranteed a job :) Maybe look into medical assistant or CNA classes? That way you would get your "in". :)

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I started with my A.A. and took all my nursing pre-reqs while obtaining that degree. I then got my B.S. in business management. I have my cna license but I work @ shands as a referral coordinator.

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Does anyone have an application they could email to me?

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Does anyone have an application they could email to me?

No sorry I don't ...thought I did. But email Cheryl James at fscj and she'll send you a copy via email. :) I'm still looking in my emails tho. I may find it

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No sorry I don't ...thought I did. But email Cheryl James at fscj and she'll send you a copy via email. :) I'm still looking in my emails tho. I may find it

Thanks a bunch! I emailed her yesterday and also left a message. Still waiting to hear back.

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