Drexel...what you should know before deciding to go here.

There are definitely frustrating things about Drexel's nursing department, but I'm pretty sure that these issues aren't limited to just Drexel. I've met many people from other programs (including Penn and other schools in CA and AK) who have the same complaints of disorganization, bad teachers, sorry clinicals, etc (though the HESI complaints are uniquely Drexel). However, the ACE program does carry out its purpose of cranking out nursing graduates in an amazingly short period of time.

Because of this short period of time, though, I would recommend not buying too many textbooks or review books. You just don't have the time to adequately read all the material! Some people have recommended the review and rationales books, and I highly recommend them too, at least for the review questions. Of course,

Drexel's ACE program did its job of getting me my nursing license. As a result of the shortened program, I am working now as an RN while friends of mine who did prerequisite courses with me are just starting their 2+ years programs. Even though I had a few bad teachers from whom I learned nothing, I had a few teachers who really helped me establish a good nursing base which I am now building upon. Your learning really doesn't stop with graduation -- as one friend said, nursing school preps you for the NCLEX and then you really learn nursing at your job. Even more, I don't believe the ACE program ill-prepared me for my current job; all us new grads come with some knowledge but we're just now learning how to apply it. The ACE program is fast-paced and fairly intense, and it may not be for everyone. But for those who can deal with its nuances, you will get your license and most likely find a job (can't guarantee a job these days...but that's a separate topic).

Just another perspective from a recent grad...

I'm just curious how the classes are set up. I asked earlier. Are the courses huge lectures, or are there class options? If there are options, are the same people teaching each course, or are there "better" and "worse" professors that you can chose from while selecting classes?

I know admissions told me that we do not register - that we are automatically placed in our classes as a cohort which leads me to believe that it's more of a 'bundle' what you get is what you get.

Does anyone know about the orientation event prior to the start of class? I start spring and was told I will get information at orientation - however they did not have the date of orientation or when it would be released and since I am cross the country I'm trying to gauge the importance and approx date of the event..
v/r

I emailed asking about that.. As of Dec 8th, nothing is scheduled.

The response was:

"The orientation date has not yet, been determined it will take place sometime after March 1, 2009 your academic advisor will let you know the date."

I just started reading the Nursing Handbook for 2008-2009. Well, it's the co-op one, but I think the stuff applies to the ACE also.

I see they have a "no cell phones in class rooms or clincials" policy. Is that actually enforced (or just enforced in people that use them all the time?). I just ask because I'd be concerned with theft, and may not be driving (since I still haven't bought a car).

Also, how strict are they with earrings? I have multiple earrings. They are all small hoops with capture beads. Would I be able to just switch them all to studs (ouch?)?

How hard are the clinicals I see they are either satisfactory, or you fail the course. Has anyone had bad experiences in them or failed them? (How many people fail the clinicals in a class)?

And what about the stuff like criminal clearances and CPR? Are they going to give me significant warning to have those done (I do have CPR, expires in June)? Anyone done the online renewals?

Someone register all of your classes, so you don't have to worry about any of that. You don't have any choice in which cohort you get placed in, and what schedule you have. You are given a schedule, and you deal with it. You can't switch professors, most class have more than one professor who handles lecturing. And, yes, there are better and worse professors, but you honestly have no choice in the matter.

They will send you a letter about orientation in the mail, I wouldn't panic yet. I called toward the end of August for September's start, and orientation, their answer was we haven't figured it out yet, we'll let you know, but it will be the second week of Sept...so...you have awhile to wait yet. I would call sometime in February, when they have a better idea.

Turn your cell phone off or on vibrate while you are in class or clinical. How strictly it is enforced depend on the professor. Most will tell you, turning it on vibrate is okay with them, some want it OFF. But if you carry it on you, it should be fine.

Earings, NO hoops...Things can get caught in them and be yanked...painful. I would at least change them to studs. But keep in mind you are dealing with different population...so conservative is the way to go (according to most of my professors).

Clinicals vary...if you try and practice, practice, practice, and practice, you will pass. I have had many classmates who failed the pratical in meds and foly, but they were able to re-do them. Yes, you may re-test once...you may have to go to remediation, but you do get a second chance. If you fail the second time...generally you fail the practical. So far, I have heard of ONE student failing practical both times. First quarter, it is unlikely you will fail clinical (hospital portion), but not impossible.

They had us take classes for Healthcare Provide certificate and Heartsaver First Aid. I believe both are necessary. I don't believe you can renew them online. I think they gave me two months (I could be wrong) to go through the criminal clearance, CPR, drug test, immunizations, and whatnots.

Hoping you can help. I will be attending the ACE program in March 2009. Anyone have helpful material they are done with? I've read the review books are the way to go. Also any other suggestions are appreciated.
I live in phila and also drive so if someone is looking for a spot, we may be able to work something out.
Thanks and hoping to hear from you!!

Also if anyone has to take the Ethics course through Excelsior, I have some helpful information you can use.

I would love any info on the excelsior ethics exam ... i am currently signed up to take it in a week or so. Any last minute advice??
I'll also be starting in march ... can't wait to get started!

A friend of mine had all As and Bs in her ACE courses. But she failed the HESI exit exam twice. When she was getting ready to take it the third time, I thought she was going to have a nervous breakdown. She knew if she didn't pass it after a certain number of times she would be out, with no BSN, and no certification to take the NCLEX. Thank goodness she passed it on the third try. But she had to pay thousands of dollars in extra tuition while she "remediated". Ugh.