FSCJ Summer 2014 Hopefuls

KymmieKym · Aug 24, 2015

Hello FSCJ Nursing (LPN) Students! I was reading your threads and wanted to touch basis. No one has posted for quite some time and it's close to graduation for your class. Could someone respond regarding the LPN program. I was accepted into the program; however, their are NUMEROUS red flags that have made me VERY reluctant to register.

FSCJ LPN program DOES NOT have a Director of Nursing. The orientation session was poorly presented by administrators from their perspective departments.
The program is seemingly on life support funded by Financial Aid. Its highly recommended that students order all books, kits, uniforms, supplies and register immediately without an assigned instructor, before background screenings are confirmed and clearance is granted for offsite clinicals.
All communication is through one Advisor whom only responds to "questions related to registration" and responses are in excess of 3-4 weeks after several attempts via phone calls and/or emails.
Contrary to publications (website & application packet), it was verbally communicated that a HESI exit examination (with a passing score) would be required BEFORE "... (student) names would be submitted to the Florida Board of Nursing for state testing ... it breaks my heart that so many have not pass the HESI ... I have a long list and pile of students that have not pass the HESI, so I can not submit their names to the board ... pray they (FSCJ executives) change their minds because its (HESI exam) not required by the state ... "
According to Florida statutes and Florida Board of Nursing, the ONLY requirements for LPN state testing are "The professional or practical nursing curriculum must document clinical experience and theoretical instruction in medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric and geriatric nursing. Each curriculum plan must document clinical training experience in appropriate settings that include, but are not limited to, acute care, long-term care and community settings." Meaning, if a student can present proof that they SUCCESSFULLY completed and passed all coursework and clinicals, they are permitted BY LAW to test for state certification!
FSCJ LPN program was "probationary status" for several years. Seemingly, if only students that pass the HESI (FSCJ internal test) are submitted for state testing FSCJ overall ranking (successful candidate percentages) improves, and probationary status will be amended at the student's expense.
Paying $95, potentially 6 times (3 attempts for entrance & exit exams) is expensive, time consuming and unfair to the student, especially when all coursework was successful.
Students whom may have passed their state testing are discouraged and ultimately left with the impression that if "FSCJ does not submit the students name for state testing ... the student CAN NOT test" ... which is not necessarily true. A student can submit documentation to the board (grades, curriculum, transcripts, etc.) to determine eligibility for testing. If FSCJ administrators refuse to complete and submit the form required to confirm eligibility, it is highly recommended that the student(s) file formal complaints with the Florida Board of Nursing.
Finally, three business days before class begins, an instructor was assigned. Only 12 students have registered. After much research, the instructor IS NOT in the medical field, i.e., CNA, LPN, RN, ARNP ... nothing! The instructor is listed as an "adjunct instructor" which typically means, contracted. The instructor's name "is not found" at the Florida Board of Nursing license search. In fairness, maybe a name change was not submitted to the Board of Nursing? Nonetheless, FSCJ website fails to list the instructor credentials as well. ALSO, a search for other medical vocational program instructors revealed only ONE instructor is listed (for the current semester), a technician! No offense to medical techs!
Seemingly, only students with prior medical experience that are self driven, determined, motivated and perhaps capable of teaching themselves will be adequately prepared to test after an FSCJ class setting. Most of these attributes many medical students possess. However, funding a cash cow with no milk in return is frustrating and disappointing at best!

The concerns addressed ARE NOT intended to demean FSCJ as a college but the nursing program seems to be a cash cow on life support funded by financial aid students. The staff is seemingly overworked, underpaid and have forgotten their mission, THE STUDENTS ... THE STUDENTS ARE IN FACT CUSTOMERS!

So, can anyone put all these concerns to rest? Was your class successful? Did at least 50% (12 out of 24) of your classmates pass their state exam and/or HESI exit exam?

... if not, consideration for other LPN programs seems appropriate. Thusfar, only time and money were wasted for screenings. Fortunately, that's better than $6000 (cash not federally funded financial aid or loans) for a program that may prohibit state testing, when students are qualified.

bluegemRN · Aug 20, 2016

Chemistry is not replacing Sociology, Chemistry has always been a prereq for an ADN or BSN curriculum.