Thomas Jefferson FACT Program

U.S.A. Pennsylvania

Published

Hi.

I have been accepted into the TJU FACT program that begins in May but the orientation isn't until a week before classes begin and I would like to get a better idea of the scheduling. I know it's 5 days a week but does anyone have some more specific info? i have to arrange for child care and transportation and a general idea of the class/clinical hours would be helpful.

also...anyone else out there starting the program with me in May?

Hi Apoptotic!

My interview went well. It wasn't new for me, because I had interview with the same lady in February 2008. Dress code is not very strict, however you can not wear shorts or T-shirt, I guess. Nice pants and blouse or shirt would be fine. Questions during interview: she checked once again my GPA, all my prerequisites, experience and so on. She asked me about what, I think, can make me a good nurse, If I can grasp all material very quickly, since the program is going to be very intense. Also, she asked me, if she calls my references, what they might tell about me. Will I be able to communicate with people who have different beliefs, culture and so on. Stuff like that. Nothing very tricky. Just be yourseslf, opened and confident!!!!!!

I wish you good luck during your interview. Who knows, maybe we study with you next year!

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I don't recommend trying to find out the current list of books b/c I graduated and gave my old books to one of my friends and they change a lot of the books year after year so you have to buy the book bundle. It's not new editions but its a completely differnt book. Some of the books are the same like the Med/surg book but you never know. The program moves so fast that you want to make sure you have the books when the program starts.

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I don't recommend trying to find out the current list of books b/c I graduated and gave my old books to one of my friends and they change a lot of the books year after year so you have to buy the book bundle. It's not new editions but its a completely differnt book. Some of the books are the same like the Med/surg book but you never know. The program moves so fast that you want to make sure you have the books when the program starts.

Hi Soccer!

Thank you very much for your response and explanation about books.

I don't mind to buy the whole bundle of books from them, but, the trouble is, it is not available right now. They have a bundle for 2 years program now (Accelerated pathway to MSN), but not for FACT. The bundle for FACT might be available right before the program starts.

My purpose is not to get all books for the whole program. I would like to know, at least, titles for the first quarter like Farmacology, Pathology, Assesment, Medical Calculations, Acute and Chronic1. I think, if I read some theory before the program starts, it will be easier for me in the process. Even if they change anything, I am sure, the main idea will be the same. What do you think about it, soccer?

May I ask you one more question, if you don't mind? How did your clinical portion go? I mean, did they allow you to interact with patients and perform any procedures on them or you were practicing mostly on each other and on models?

I hope to hear from you soon, Soccer!

Thank you for your time!:specs:

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Honestly, I would just relax and not try and get ahead of yourself. Most people don't come from a medical background and are in the the same place as you. They do a good job at teaching you the information in class if you listen and take notes. The give you assigned readings to do so you might not have to read certain parts. I would just wait. I am at type A person and you are trying to get way too ahead.

The clinicals you do when you first start are on models and you practice certain skills before you get to the hospital. Once you have your first med/surg rotation your working with the patients but you will have a clinical instructor and or nurses to ask questions when your not sure what your doing. You will adjust just fine. Plus, you can't do certain procedure like hang IV's or blood draws. You wil be giving shots, bed baths, inserting urinary caths, wound changes, giving meds. However, you should always be supervised so its not like your going in there not knowing what the heck is going on. You will feel stupid sometimes b/c nurses forget they were new at one point and they think you should know how to do something but just let them know when you haven't done something. Its always better to be on the safe side. You will be fine. I didn't have a prior medical background and I felt like I came out alright.

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Thank you very much Soccer for your detailed explanation!!!!!! One more question, please....

Did you manage to find a job after graduation very easily?

If yes, what unit are you currently working?

Thank you very much again!!!!!!

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As far as finding a job, honestly, it was hard b/c there were a overflow of new grads in May. So I know Jefferson had a hiring freeze, but I heard they are now hiring new grads again right now. I am moving out of state and I know when I was looking out of state I found lots of nursing jobs. There are jobs out there but they may not be exactly what you want. I don't start until October b/c I am doing a residency program but I know a lot of people from my class didn't have a job after they graduated. It helped it you did a nurse externship, but Jeff highly recommends that you don't work so its kind of a lose/lose situation. You will end up getting a job but it may not be as soon as you graduate. Plus, I didn't take my boards until the beginning of July so you will graduate in the end of May but you may not get the ok to test until late June/early July. I would recommend taking the test before you start work.

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Thank you very much Soccer for your explanation!

It is kind of sad that you had troubles to find a job after graduation.

Yes, I also thought about externship, because after that It would be easier to find a job. I know that Eastern University (it is 30 minutes from Phily) has the same program, but it it 2 years like Accelerated Pathway in Thomas Jefferson, so they encourage their students to have externship after the first year of study. Actually, I applied there too, the price is the same as one year in Thomas Jefferson about 30.000$ for two years. It is only one thing that I don't like that it is 2 years of study and commuting every day. So, we will see....

I wish you good luck with you residency program and future job!!!!!!!! I am sure you will do just fine, Soccer!!!!!!

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As far as finding a job, honestly, it was hard b/c there were a overflow of new grads in May. So I know Jefferson had a hiring freeze, but I heard they are now hiring new grads again right now. I am moving out of state and I know when I was looking out of state I found lots of nursing jobs. There are jobs out there but they may not be exactly what you want. I don't start until October b/c I am doing a residency program but I know a lot of people from my class didn't have a job after they graduated. It helped it you did a nurse externship, but Jeff highly recommends that you don't work so its kind of a lose/lose situation. You will end up getting a job but it may not be as soon as you graduate. Plus, I didn't take my boards until the beginning of July so you will graduate in the end of May but you may not get the ok to test until late June/early July. I would recommend taking the test before you start work.

Hi Soccer... current FACT student here. I am really interested in nurse residency programs for new grads (and also moving out of state)... How was it getting accepted to one? Are they competitive? To me, it seems like such a better deal than being thrown right in to an RN position. Any info would be appreciated! Thanks : )

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Well when you get into the 3rd or beginning of the 4th quarter I recommend looking for places your interested in. I found most hospitals that have a residency program have set dates they start so I knew a lot started in June or early July. I knew I wouldn't have my boards done and I didn't want to risk moving and stressing about studying for the boards. Some would offer another round around October. I decided it was worth the wait. I interviewed with a hospital in Tucson but turned it down. I didn't get a good vibe from the manager on that floor. I also looked at places in Cali but they are competitive so I would contact the hospitals your really interested in and speak to the HR or nurse recruiters and see what you need to do.

Some make you type a little essay, get two references, etc. I am working in TX and I had a good experience from everyone I spoke with in the hospital. I will get 5 months of training. So hopefully I will be well prepared b/c I have spoke to others who feel like they are not prepared and only got like 6weeks of training. Its scary b/c that is your license on the line.

I hope this helps.

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Hello AtomicWoman!!!!

I read many of your comments. They are very helpful!!! As far as I understood, you are currently in the FACT program. I think, I am going to be there in 2009!

If you have a little free time, could you, please, tell me what books they require for Health Assesment and Medical Calculations classes? I would like to start reading theory right now in order not to be overwhelmed later.

Thank you for your time!:specs:

Actually, I'm not in the program quite yet. :) You are probably thinking of of Bailey728, who has answered all of my questions so patiently. My interview is tomorrow. I've been through this before, b/c I was accepted to another program at Jeff. But for a bunch of reasons, FACT makes the most sense for me at this point in my life. Whatever program, Jefferson has always been my #1 choice for a nursing school.

Once we all get our acceptance letters, we can help each other get ready. I told my family I am basically going to disappear for a year. LOL I can't wait!

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I think, if I read some theory before the program starts, it will be easier for me in the process. Even if they change anything, I am sure, the main idea will be the same. What do you think about it, soccer?

Accelerated, take a deep breath. Now exhale. Now inhale. Now exhale. :)

We might as well enjoy these months, because that 1 year is going to be intense. Besides, they may very well change the books between now and May. So relax. You're going to be fine!

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Actually, I'm not in the program quite yet. :) You are probably thinking of of Bailey728, who has answered all of my questions so patiently. My interview is tomorrow. I've been through this before, b/c I was accepted to another program at Jeff. But for a bunch of reasons, FACT makes the most sense for me at this point in my life. Whatever program, Jefferson has always been my #1 choice for a nursing school.

Once we all get our acceptance letters, we can help each other get ready. I told my family I am basically going to disappear for a year. LOL I can't wait!

Hello AtomicWoman!

I am sorry, I thought you were in the program! But it is fine! That's true, once we all get accepted we can help each other more! I can not wait either! I am very excited!!!!!

Good luck in your interview tomorrow!!!!!!!

I am sure, everything will be fine!!!!!:up:

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