Gateway Technical College (Kenosha) Students

soxgirl2008 · Apr 2, 2011

I'm not in their nursing program yet, I plan to petition in January. However, I work with many people who go to GTC. For the most part people seem to like it. The one complaint i can think of is that they require at least an 80% on their tests to pass, but have you doing all these other assignments that take away time from studying for your tests. Some teachers were good, some not so good I heard but that's how it goes with any program I suppose. I work with two SNI's in gateway's program, one is graduating this may and was just offered a position in our facility. For the most part I believe they liked the clinical rotation. I know they have clinicals at KMH, Aurora, and I think up in racine. I'm not sure where else though.

If there anything else specific you want to know let me know and I can ask my co workers!

nsg-student · Apr 3, 2011

Thanks so much for the reply. I too have heard stories about the 80% requirement for passing tests, I'm told that it is the requirement for all nursing programs in this state (WI). If you don't mind to ask your coworkers, will you ask them how many hours were they able to work as a full time nursing student and still be able to have ample study time. Thanks again I appreciate any insight they have to offer as I really don't know much about the instructors or what to look forward to. :)

luv2b_a_nurs · Apr 4, 2011

I went to GTC at the Burlington campus. Classes were intense with homework and studying if you go full time. It can be done. I did it taking the 4 classes at a time and did not fail any classes. I have 4 kids and only worked casual status as a CNA (VERY casual-like almost never the last 2 semesters lol.) They recommend you don't work very much as it is very difficult and there is a definite correlation between the students that have trouble and how many hours they work. The instructors at the Kenosha campus have been known to give harder tests than the ones at Burlington from what I heard and classmates' experiences when I was in the program. I don't know how much you have to study to do well. Everyone is different. I pick things up rather easily. I will say that out of 30 of us that started together, only about 6 made it all the way through without failing a class, though some students did drop down to part time or step out after LPN for a bit to work. Whatever you decide, good luck and if you aren't already and you are interested in working in a hospital as an RN, I recommend you get a very part time CNA job in a hospital to get your foot in the door. Worked for me and I got a job quite quickly and easily after I passed my boards:)

nsg-student · Apr 4, 2011

Thanks so much for the info. I appreciate it.

soxgirl2008 · Apr 5, 2011

I believe they work around 40 hours in a 2 week period (2 days one week, 3 days the next week usually) but I know some of them work every weekend instead of every other weekend so they don't have to work as much on the weekdays. If you don't mind me asking, how long were you on the waiting list before your petition was successful?

nsg-student · Apr 6, 2011

I have been on the waiting list since December 2008 and I will start the program this Fall (September 2011).

How does one become a Student Nurse Intern (SNI)? Do you know of any long-term care facilities or hospitals that will accept students just entering the program? I'm told that Manor Care in Kenosha will be a good place to work. What do you think?

soxgirl2008 · Apr 6, 2011

Yay that makes me feel better! lol I've been waiting since December 2009, and I'm hoping to start clinicals fall 2012. So we'll see.

United Hospital System has an SNI program. I believe you can apply during your first semester of clinicals if you have your CNA. Otherwise you can apply during your second semester. You need a 2.5 overall GPA and two letters of recommendation from clinical instructors. They have two options as far as working goes, you can either work 16 hours in a 2 week pay period or 40 hours in a 2 week pay period. I think All Saints up in racine has a SNI program too, but I'm not positive.

I haven't heard much either way about Manor Care sorry

luv2b_a_nurs · Apr 6, 2011

Aurora hires SNI as well. It is easier to get those positions if you already work in the hospital as a CNA or another position. That is a good place to start if you aren't already employed at a hospital. Great learning experience but the competition is tough! I work for Aurora and didn't get an intern position but I did get an RN job upon graduating and passing boards. Good luck!

ernurse2015 · Apr 6, 2011

I wil be starting this fall at Milwaukee School of Engineering for their nursing program. I would like any feedback I could get as far as the program and the school. Also for the SNI at United Hospital I know you can get paid working full-time or not paid for the part-time SNI program. Do you know what the starting pay is for that?

Thanks,

nsg-student · Apr 7, 2011

Thanks for the info, I will check it out.

nsg-student · Apr 7, 2011

2b a Nurse, I am not sure as to what the pay is for the SNI but if anyone can answer that, I'd like to know as well.