Barnes Jewish college question

[Marie97]

I was wondering if anyone knows what pre-reqs you have to have to apply to the school (Barnes)? I have an associates degree (Paralegal studies) from Patricia Stevens College, but thats about it. Will I need to get my associates degree in some other field (like nursing or science) to be eligible for the accelerated nuring program?

Thanks for any help

[PreggersRN, BSN, RN]

I attended GSON----when it was Jewish College of Nursing for my ASN and then was the first class of GSON for my BSN.

I enjoyed attending the college. I found the professors to be helpful. I can't speak for the clinicals for the BSN program. But, I had plenty of clinical hours in the ASN program. Many of those same professors are still at GSON.

It was a top notch education. As someone who has been working in nursing for almost 5 years now, I can say the education I got at GSON was definitely worth it.

It prepares you to work in a hospital if you so choose, but also prepares you to work outside the hospital as well.

I say give it a try.

Also, know people who went to SLU, UMSL, Maryville U, Chamberlain, Lutheran, and Saint Louis Community College.They were all great nurses to work with and really knew their stuff.

Education is also what you make of it. Just go in with the focus that you want to be the best nurse you can be. With that attitude you will make the most of your education no matter what school you go to.

Hope this helps!

[saymo82]

Almost every teacher I have had there has been friendly and supportive of students. Yes, not all of the instructors are great instructors, but there are some that are excellent, and overall with good or bad instructors I feel like I have gotten a pretty good education and I am confident that I will pass the NCLEX exam on my first try. Also the workload is manageable, you just have to manage your time wisely, of course you are busy, it's an ACCELERATED program, that's kind of the sacrifice you make when you cram so much into 1 year. Not everyone is going to give a glowing endorsement of course, but know that a vast majority of the students at the school feel the way I do. It's a decent school and I know in the end I'll be just as prepared as anyone else who is a new graduate in nursing.

[RNmom7]

saymo82, I must disagree with you. There are inferior instructors at GSON. The program (upper division w/e classes) focuses on getting students to pass NCLEX, not preparation for nursing. In my cohort we had instructors tell us '"read the book" when we asked questions. If I've read the book repeatedly and still don't grasp a concept it is the instructors responsibility to TEACH and NOT read a powerpoint slide prepared by someone else 5 or more years ago.

One point I will agree with you on is when you said to work as a tech.

[RNmom7]

Did we graduate together, lol?

[RNmom7]

I would not mind having a tech job ahead of time, but just do not see that happening. I have 4 kids, married, and school is difficult enough without throwing a job in there. I have no idea when I would even have time to work!

JustDeena, I was a single mom and attended GSON and had a baby while attending too. I chose not to work for the same reasons you stated. Big mistake. Get in there asap as a tech then when you start NS cut back your hours to part-time. Many of my classmates worked 1 day a week, some even 2 shifts/month, but the kept there foot in the door this way. This gave these students an edge as nurses and as desirable employees.

Good luck to you and might I suggest Lutheran School of Nursing I think believe it better prepares you as a nurse.

[RN9742]

WOW... I have not been able to find much about GSON till now, and seems most of it is negative. Maybe I should stick with Chamberlain!

As for getting a tech job, I honestly have no time for that currently. Being here for my kids is a my number 1 priority, they keep me quite busy with all their activities and such. I realize once nursing school starts some sacrifices in that area will need to be made, and I also understand when I start working as a nurse the same will happen. I personally feel no reason to rush those sacrifices and be anymore stressed about things than necessary. This is what is best for me and my family at this time. I am blessed in that I do not have to work since my husband's job provides for our family's needs, going back to school now is something I chose to do with my daughter starting school full time in the fall. If that means it will take me longer to find a job in the end, than that will just be the price I pay. I think the rewards for putting family first will outweigh that however.

[roselavender]

If you are considering BJ GSON, run as far away as possible. The instructors are incompetent and the clinicals are a waste of time. The only thing you get from this school is the nice spot on your resume. If you want to actually learn to be a good nurse, do not attend this school. If you do, keep your head down, do not complain. The Deans do not care about what students think and will always side with the teachers no matter what.

[navalorange2]

I'm a student at GSoN, and I really like it! I'm not ashamed to say that I go there, a vast majority of my professors genuinely care and are nice. It has its ups and downs (all schools do), and scheduling can be hectic, but all in all I enjoy the college and cannot wait to graduate in April! Just do your homework, make sure you evaluate all of the options and commit!