Re: anyone go to UT-H or TWU-H?
You seem to have made your decision, but here's a bit more to chew on if others are lurking and weighing in on this decision. I go to TWU-Houston, and it has been fine. I've heard that UT has a slightly more "hands-on" approach in clinicals, but that is only rumor (I can't compare them realistically b/c, obviously, I'm not in their program!). However, the amount of 'hands-on' experience in clinical can depend heavily on the students themselves (their ambition, initative & confidence), the clinical instructor and the clinical site. So really take that with a grain of salt.
Yes, there are a lot of group projects. Ugh. I honestly don't know how we compare to other schools in this arena. The first semester we had one group project (a group pres.), the second semester 2 group projects (a long group paper and another group pres.), the third semester 2 group projects (another long group paper and different group pres--but that one is fun) and about a million different journal entry type-papers, and the fourth semester there are 2 group projects (both pres., I think one is like a senior II project worth a hefty portion of the final grade). I don't enjoy the group projects, but I kind of expected it as part of the whole BSN process. I do wish they were optional, as in, in lieu of a test if one is strong with projects than test taking. I'd be just fine and dandy with strictly a lecture/test format. I know, I should dream on, right?
It
is a lot of work, epsecially factoring in tests, clinicals and clinical paperwork. But, like I said, my experience has been generally quite positive. They have some really great instructors, for the most part. There are a couple that I have heard of or personally found a bit questionable, but the majority are great. We also have clinicals in the Med Center, but clinical sites are spread out all over the city. It depends what section you get. Many people really like the "distant" clinical sites b/c their are closer to their home.
Again, I do think TWU is a good school. I've also heard UT is a good school. I'm sure they both require a lot of hard work, so in the end, the differences may not be all that significant. Good luck to all NS candidates!
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