Tarrant County Fall 2011 Applicants

[Loly82]

Hello,

I'm applying to the fall nursing program in January. I'm super excited but I still have some unanswered questions. I tried calling the Nursing Dept at the South Campus and left a message but have not heard a response.

I'm trying to find out what teas version they are testing with in the spring for fall entry. I have read tons of threads from TCC for the past few semesters and it is nice to start a new one for nursing hopefuls like me.

I'm taking Micro in the fall and getting a math class knocked out for BSN. Anyway, hope to get some responses.

[The Dreamer]

Loly, don't let their negativity bring you down. There were some people that posted in the Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 threads that didn't think they had a chance at getting in, and yet they were accepted. My honest opinion is that WC is harder to get in to because their point system pretty much revolves around the TEAS test (that's where the majority of the points come from), and they accept less students. Keep your head up high!!

As for the shots/titer, my doctor's office is a royal pain to try and get in to. Not only that, but it is located about 30 minutes away from me. So that's why I chose to go the Health Department route (plus with my copay and the difference I would owe on the shots/tests vs. what insurance would cover, I would be out of pocket more than what I can afford). I finally got in touch with someone at one of the clinics that said if I come in first thing Monday morning they will get me taken care of. So, keep your fingers crossed for me!

[Loly82]

I try not to listen to everyone's comments. :)

Just got my results for the varicella titer and I'm immune to it. Happy that I'll never have to get another shot for chicken pox again.

[The Dreamer]

That's good to hear! After 3 hours at the Health Department this morning, I got my 2nd Hep B shot, my Tetorifice shot, my TB test/shot and bloodwork done for my Varicella titer. I have to go back on Wednesday to get my arm "read", and then my Varicella titer results should be back on Thursday or Friday. Soooooo glad to have all of that done! It makes all of this seem so much more real now.

After some counseling from my wonderful RN at the Health Department this morning, I will also be getting my Hep A series and the Meningitis vaccination as well, before entering clinicals. Just to protect myself even more.

[Loly82]

I know, it does make it seem so much more real. I had a real nice nurse too when I went in to get my titer for varicella. She was sooo informative and encouraging.

I just got back from my first hep b shot, MMR and TB screen but I realized I'll have to get it done again before entering the program because they are required annualy.

Quick question, my physician's office had me bring in the form that TCC requires with the shot information, do you think that this form will change from Fall Application to Spring Application?. I realize it is not big deal because hopefully they keep records but I don't want to have to update forms when it comes time to apply in the spring.

[The Dreamer]

I don't forsee the form needing to change for any reason. I've read through the application packet every semester for the past year and a half, and the shots/tests needed has not changed. So, I think you will be good.

[Loly82]

I'm here laughing because I thought I was the only psycho that has read the application every semester for a few semesters now. I guess I'm not the only one :) I do it mainly to keep me focused and to remind myself that this is really what I want. I know that you are getting ready to apply for the spring but are you taking any other classes this semester?

[The Dreamer]

That's funny! And I'm sure we're not alone either. I do it to make sure I stay on track, and keep on top of any changes that are made.

Yes, I will be dropping off my TCC application in a few weeks. I thought about taking the semester off because I have been going Spring/Summer/Fall since January 2008. However, I don't want to get lazy or lose my study habits if I were to get accepted to start Nursing School in January. So I am taking Medical Terminology and Pharmacology this semester. That way if I don't get in, I will have them on my application as bonus points next go around. And in the very least, if I do get accepted in January, then they will provide me with valuable information that I'm sure will come in handy in NS.

[cluman]

Loly82:

That is so wierd, because I called my insurance and they told me titers were covered...hope that is right. I am lucky to have no out of pocket costs for insurance except co-pays, so I better do some double checking!

For those of you who went to the health department, did you use med. insurance there as well, or is it all out of pocket?

[The Dreamer]

No, you do not use medical insurance at the Health Department. You have to sign a declaration stating along the lines that a.) you do not have medical insurance or b.) your medical coverage does not include vaccinations and/or the out of pocket expense would be too much for you to cover.

I paid $20 for my first Hep B shot, and $101 today ($20/Hep B(2), $20/Tetorifice, $20/TB skin test, and $41/Varicella titer). I know that seems like a lot, but when I checked with my insurance company, the vaccinations were going to cost me the same or more, and then I would also have a copay for my visit.

[The Dreamer]

:) Had my arm "read" yesterday, and will drop by tomorrow to pick up my titer results. Just a few more things I can mark off of my To Do list.

[Loly82]

I had my arm read today but it won't matter since I'll have to re-do it before next fall if I get accepted. I wish I was applying for the Spring but January will be here before I know it so I'll be happy to be eligible to apply then.

[Corkybabe12]

Hey guys, sorry for the delay!

As far as work goes, I actually work 2 jobs- one at a local hospital in the NICU (my DREAM RN job :) and another in retail (I know it is totally un-related, but it pays me very well lol). My hospital job is only (3) 5 hour shifts a week (some weeks more, depending on how our census is) and my retail job will be about 15 hours during the actual semester...I am working less this last semester so that I can plan my wedding that falls 2 days after we graduate, and, of course, study up for the NCLEX!

The first semster, in my opinion, was the most time-consuming because of the skills class, and having to get used to the whole concept of "nursing school" and the different testing styles. So far, I think that the second semester was the hardest test-wise though. You will have 2 6-hr clinicals your first semester, 4 hours of theory on 2 days a week, and then a 2 hour skills lab once a week. The rest of the program though, you will only have theory and clinical. You can sign up for 12 hour clinicals starting your second semester I believe, and then they all switch to 12 hours in your third semester.

I would advise you to always stay on top of your studying though! In my second semester, I went from bordering an A/B, to second-guessing some answers on the last test and coming out with a low C! It was a very frightening experience!

You will do great, and if you have any questions let me know!