Ocean County Community College

I assume you got the same welcome package that I got... regarding health exam, uniforms, deposit, background check, etc? We apparently have orientation on Jan 8th (but you need to sign up for it). I thought I could wait until then for answers to my many questions, but I may seek out another advisor.

I don't even know which hospital we will be associated with, if any in the first semester. Lots of questions.

But I can't help with the online class question, sorry, haven't taken one.

Hey alpha,

I am in my 3rd semester at OCC. Call the nursing department if you need to find out who your advisor is, but realize they are finishing up this semester and getting ready for finals, so give them time if they don't respond right away. Make a list of your questions and take it to orientation, and if by the end, your questions aren't answered, then ask. Or, post them here and I'll ty to help you or at least point you in the right direction.

You will be in the hospitals every semester. My group tends to do med/surg at SOCH, but we had to go to other places for Psych and OB/Peds. Each group is different, you will find out where you will be going at your orientation.

Hope this helps!

Sorry it took me so long to respond - I'm writing a concept map and studying for a test!

This program moves very fast. Be prepared to be flexible. Go to orientation, look around, visit the lab and the great ladies who run the place.

Some other things to be aware of:

One thing I wasn't aware of going in, is that you (usually) need the night before class free for clinical research. So, basically, it's one day a week and the night before. Some professors don't require you to do clinical research, and rotations like psych, pedi, and ob don't require any clinical research. I'd try to make sure I have the night before class off, if possible.

Also, I didn't buy any of my books from the campus bookstore, I bought a lot of them used online. Don't spend a lot of money for books, most of the content is online.

Buy one uniform. You don't need anymore than that. Spend your money on other things.

Utilize the lab at school. Those ladies are the best! They can help you work through any issue you may encounter.

Good luck!

debanam or anyone else that this would pertain to---

did you go through OCTVS for the lpn program before continuing on for the RN??? I've applied and the lady said that i go for the entrance exam in March. How hard was that??? what do you recommend to study for it. She said that if i pass it i get in for fall 09!! yeah!!!! how difficult is the program??? where did you go for clinical?? sorry for all the questions just seeing what i will be up against.

I did go thru the OCVTS LPN program. It's a great program, but very hard. The enterance exam wasn't that hard. I didn't study for it, but from what I remember, it was a pretty generalized test. It's been so long since I took it that I really don't remember. Most of our clinicals were at Community Medical Center. Just be prepared, its a very, very intense program. You have to commit to it. You may have 2-3 tests per day, no time for yourself, no social life, nothing. This is nursing school in general, however. One thing to consider is that Ocean County College no longer lets LPN bridge to the RN, meaning you have to do all 4 semesters instead of just 2. If you need a program that is quick and has a good income at the end of it, go for the LPN. If you have the time, do the RN.

Let me know if you have any more questions:wink2:

if occ doesnt do a bridge why do then show it on their website and why did the advisor suggest it???? it really doesnt matter to me. For my personal situation doing the lpn first makes sense, i have about half of the pre reqs done for the rn. but wanted to get in the field a little quicker and i've heard the wait for occ is about 2yrs. dont want to wait that long. I have my a & p classes done so the lady at ocvts said i wont have to take their tests just sit in on the class. I figure going for the lpn will make me that much more prepared for the rn. thanks for your response

Anyone in the ODPW program, i'm curious how the exam works. Also I have a fundamentals of nursing book from someone it's 7th edition, the current edition they are selling at the bookstore is the 8th edition. Does it make a difference for the exams? Are they online, multiple choice, essay, are they timed?

Thanks

Hey Tsangia,

Regarding exams in the ODPW program, they are pencil and paper, multiple choice with some open ended questions. Usually they are 80-100 questions in length, final is longer. Only one professor gave us computerized multiple choice and open ended exams. There is a time limit, but very few people actually need the whole amount. You'll usually have four exams each semester, followed by a cumulative final. There will also be a medication calculation exam each semester that you must pass above a certain threshold to continue (75% in the first semester). The edition of the fundies book won't matter too much. Page numbers may be slightly different but the content is the same. I hope this helps, feel free to message me if you need anything. Good luck!!