accelerated bsn program at njcu in jersey city, nj

2011gradbsn · Jul 18, 2011

Hey,

I'm finishing up the NJCU program in a few weeks (jersey city cohort)! The program is a bit disorganized, and some of the clinical faculty isn't the greatest, so you really need to be on your A game before beginning the program. The curriculum, classes, etc are pretty good and overall, the program gets u out in 1 year with a BSN, which is HIGHLY needed these days.... we had a recruiter come a few weeks ago and they said they really aren't hiring Associate degree RN anymore, and things aren't looking better in the future, since there is a push to get as many people as possible with a bachelors degree..... I would recommend it if you have a pretty good head on your shoulder and can get your work done without much babying..... we lost about 4 people this year and it was mainly do to slacking off.....

east-westRN · Jul 18, 2011

Hi 2011grad,

I am starting at NJCU this fall in Jersey city and I have some questions I am hoping you can answer. I am super excited to become an RN and even happier that I will have a BSN which will help me find work next fall as you mentioned in your post.

1. How is the campus as far as safety goes? It is in a scary area? Where do you park? I am commuting not living there.

2. What is your weekly schedule like? How many days a week are you in JC? How many are you in the hospital?

3. Is the amount of homework totally unbearable or is it manageable if you are organized?

4. Are there winter and spring breaks? If so how long is winter break and when does the semester start up in January again?

I cant thank you enough for helping me out!! :)

K

2011gradbsn · Jul 18, 2011

Hi,

congrats! It will fly by trust me.... as far as your questions:

Its jersey city, so for those of you that are not from here... its not as bad as other parts of town, but I wouldn't leave your car unlocked... I usually park in the school garages, or on shorter days on the street since its free.... be careful though bc several of the students have gotten their cars booted since you need permit parking after 3pm. I live about 30 min away and usually we are out between 1-4 depending on the classes, and traffic can go either way on most days

You will be in school 5 days a week... first semester its Monday through Fri... second semester u have one day during the week off and then clinicals on Saturdays.. EARLY.. so that sucks, but it goes by pretty quick. There is a 1 month long break from mid december through mid january, and then a week off in May between spring and Summer. Work Load is ALOT... even for some people that are very organized, the amount of work can be way to much... learn how to skim effectively and focus on the important things, because otherwsie you will sink. Also, forming study groups early is VERY beneficial... got alot of us through.

One thing I cannot recommend enough is preparing for HESI early... we just took our second attempt today (u get three tries) and a good portion of us who didn't take it seriously the first time had to retest and passed today... there are still some people who need to take it, and I'm sure you know that without passing it, you will not get your diploma. I would suggest starting to do just a few questions in the spring semester everyday, because what ended up happening to some people was that we were given 5 weeks to prep and it took some longer than others to understand the concept of HESI and the way the questions are worded.... it is harder than the NCLEX and is all about HOW you answer a question, as opposed to how much you know. At the end, you'll finish in mid August, and from what I hear we'll be able to take the NCLEX soon after which is great! The last semester, once HESI pressure is over is really smooth sailing with a few annoying assignments in the way of your summer.... hope this helps

east-westRN · Jul 18, 2011

Thank you so much for your answers!!

First semester you said there is school 5 days a week - What is your schedule like? Is it 9-5 in a classroom all 5 days/hospital? How is the week broken up? I am trying to get a handle on what my days will consist of. Just looking for a bit more detail. Sorry to ask so many queries!!

Thanks again!!

2011gradbsn · Jul 18, 2011

first semester 5 days @ jc, mostly 9-4 until Oct. when you will start going to the nursing home on Thurs or Fridays and the schedule for that varies.... you will also have a clinical test out at the end of semesters 1/2 where u have to partner up and actually complete an assessment and demonstrate your skills to the faculty... u get two tries to pass no one had any issues with it as far as I remember

east-westRN · Jul 21, 2011

Sounds reasonable. I mean you have to be tested on your skills and how to handle patients since that is so important. I guess I just have to hope for a good partner so they don't mess me up!

I heard about a medical dosage calculation test at the beginning of each semester and you need a passing grade each time. Are these really hard? What do they consist of? Basic math?

Thanks again so much!

Kristin

JustFiguringItOut · May 6, 2012

I was just accepted into the NJCU Fall 2012 start date accelerated JC cohort! So excited! I'd appreciate any advice from anyone who has completed the program or is currently in it. Thanks!

PrettyLady87 · May 9, 2012

Yes, anyone at all who has just finished the program this past year, if you would be so kind as to telling your story about how you survived the most stressful year of your life!! Thanks!!

east-westRN · May 29, 2012

I am finishing the program this August in the JC cohort.

The program is a 24/7 commitment for one year. It is not for anyone who is lazy or disorganized. Although you may have another degree, this program will not compare to your past studies. Stay focused, use your peers and have a support system at home or else you will go crazy.

PrettyLady87 · Jun 27, 2012

thanks for the tip!!