2015 Ivy Tech Nursing - program questions

[karbs]

Hi All: I'm looking for some up-to-date information (since most of the threads that deal with this topic are no longer valid - from 2008, etc). I've been taking my prerequisites at Ivy Tech and was about to apply to the nursing program (because I had a very flexible schedule). Unfortunately I had to take a new full time job to avoid having to relocate to another state. The hours are more traditional . . . which means I cannot take the nursing classes because I have to work full time to support a large family. My thoughts are to take all the classes that I will need (All the AP classes so I won't need to take those when I do take the nursing classes). I'm done with all the other prerequisites. Has anyone out there done the nursing program part time? Is it possible to only do it one or two days a week so that you can continue to work? I'm thinking I might be able to negotiate 4 - 10 hour days and maybe I could take one Nursing class at a time one day a week??

I don't know. I just want to know what my options are. We make too much to qualify for aid and at the same time we would not be able to make it without me working full time. So I will have to make some really tough decisions if I can't figure something out.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Most nursing classes have a lecture portion that is 2-3 days per week (MWF or TuTh) in addition to a clinical portion that is separate from the lecture times.

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

I'm pretty sure none of the campuses have the option of PT classes.

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

No. They do not offer PT. I am prn CI there and asked. Doesn't exist. Sorry

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

I am currently in the program and no, you cannot do it part time. Each semester is different. First and second semesters between lecture, clinical, and lab, we were there 4 days a week. This semester is my third and we have a 4 hour lecture one day a week and then depending on your clinical schedule you can be at something 2 days a week or 4 days a week. No one week is the same.

You say you have your most of your prereqs done, but what about the coreqs? The program is designed that people can fit in a couple of coreqs this semester which many of my classmates are doing. I had all of mine completed before entering the program so my schedule is lighter. They lowered the prereq requirements so if you don't get them done ahead of time it is difficult. All coreqs must be done before the final semester. Lots of my classmates were scrambling over the summer to get everything done by January.

It is also my understanding they are making the RN program 3 semesters, instead of 4. I have classmates that work, but only part time and most are PCTs in a hospital and work weekends and night shift. Not one person in my cohort works full time and don't see how it would be possible. Our clinical hours are different every week and we go to different places every week. We had a clinical assignment where we went to a large store and observed people looking for nursing diagnosis. We were at the store for an hour making observations, then the school for an hour. Then the assignment itself took me 12 hours of at home work to do. It was very difficult. We were credited with 8 clinical hours. This week I have sim lab. Some weeks I have two days in the hospital, a case study, and lecture. Or 2 days in the hospital, lecture, and sim lab. They all have home assignments and I have to get study time in for lecture. I could not imagine having to do Advanced Physiology or Microbiology along with this class.

Our schedules are wonky and you are not allowed to miss any clinical or lecture hours. I had to have missing a Friday to go to my sister's wedding approved ahead of time. It's a great program but strict on attendance. You may have to wait a while.