Anyone else apply to Sutter Extended Campus in Sacramento?

kwade84 · Oct 2, 2010

crutschm, what was the application process like? I've heard people talking about interviews and essays. Any info would be really helpful so I can prepare myself and be ready if they do accept for Spring. I read on their site that they hoped to accept for spring and for it to be open enrollment, but to check back often for updates. I really hope they do! How are the instructors? I took A&P at the building their this summer through ARC and everyone seemed really nice :-)

crutschmann · Oct 2, 2010

there is no interview or essay to do. if you've ever applied it's just like everywhere else accept you have to write a small paragraph on why you want to be a nurse and what your long term goals are going to be as an rn. if you work in healthcare already you will have an easier time getting in; no matter what anyone tells you. the instructors are all pretty nice and want you to succeed. although, it is very demanding and they do ask a lot of you. it is almost impossible to continue working while in the program. however, some people manage to continue to work part time. you want to start practicing medical abbreviations and dosage calculations now unless you're very savvy in those areas. you get three changes to pass their dosage calculation test at a 90% or better or you're booted from the program. also, you have to get 80% or better on the abbreviations or you're out too. they will not tolerate failure to live up to their standards. they also require you to pass with a 75% or better on your combined 7 tests for the 1st semester. if not your booted from the program! the test are all nclex based (all right answers and you pick the best one in that scenario) which is very difficult. you have to be a very good critical thinker. if you're not, learn how to now. i hope this info helps you and gives you insight to what lies ahead for you. don't hesitate to ask if you have any other questions.

-crutschm :)

kwade84 · Oct 3, 2010

When are the dosage calculations and abbreviation tests given? Is this during the semester or right at the beginning?

benegesserit · Oct 3, 2010

When are the dosage calculations and abbreviation tests given? Is this during the semester or right at the beginning?

Within the first few weeks of the semester. Not immediately - you'll get plenty of warning and study sessions and so on. I can't remember exactly how it was first semester.

Abbreviation, Sutter Extended has flashcards for the abbreviations if you want to get a head start. It isn't an up-to-date list, but I don't believe it contains anything actually misleading.

A drug calculation test actually takes place towards the beginning of every semester, getting progressively more difficult (though the math is all pretty straightforward). You do have to get 90% to pass, but you get three chances to pass with time for studying and tutoring in between, and I don't believe our class lost anyone as a result of the dosage calculation or abbreviation tests. So don't stress it too much :)

crutschmann · Oct 3, 2010

Within the first 3 weeks.

kwade84 · Oct 4, 2010

Thank you! I love these threads...everyone is so helpful! How long was the total application process? If any of you currently in the program hear any news about the upcoming semester please keep me posted :-)

kdun12 · Nov 5, 2011

Hi!! I got in for Spring 2012, can you tell me about the daily schedule of the program? Or at least what the first 16 weeks will be like? Thank you!

benegesserit · Nov 5, 2011

Hi!! I got in for Spring 2012, can you tell me about the daily schedule of the program? Or at least what the first 16 weeks will be like? Thank you!

For the first month of the program, you spend 4 days a week, 6-8 hours a day, in lecture/lab - usually morning lecture, afternoon lab. (With a handful of exceptions, we had Mondays off throughout the program)

After the first month, you start clinicals. At that point, you attend class for 4-8 hours on Tuesday, and 4ish on Wednesday. Then you prep for clinicals the day before your clinical time. This takes a few hours at the hospital. Clinicals are two days a week, 6-8 hours each. Most clinical groups are Thursday and Friday (with prep Wednesday), and there are day and evening groups. Some semesters had one or more Saturday/Sunday clinicals (with prep Friday). You don't get to choose your group, though extenuating circumstances are taken into account when making the assignment.

Other semesters are similar, but you jump into clinicals much sooner (after the first week or two). I think second semester only had class Tuesdays most of the time, but the rest followed roughly the same schedule as 1st semester.

There is no consistent schedule for classtime - sometimes class starts earlier, other times later. They'll give you a calendar for the full semester shortly before or within the first few days of the semester.

Can't promise that I'm remembering perfectly accurately, or that they won't change the details in some way!

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Nov 5, 2011

Hi!! I got in for Spring 2012, can you tell me about the daily schedule of the program? Or at least what the first 16 weeks will be like? Thank you!

I'm in the regular ADN program... but I imagine that the basic schedule won't be too far off, perhaps they actual clinical and didactic days, but...

I would expect that the first 5 weeks are all didactic/lab time. After that, you'll probably have 1 1/2 days lecture and 2 1/2 days lab & clinical time. They'll have a list of procedures and skills they want you to be able to do. Do not go beyond those without instructor's permission. They have a "sandbox" that they want you to play and grow in. Stay inside that or you risk trouble for the program, your clinical instructor, and yourself.

A regular semester is 18 weeks? The pace will be a bit faster than the regular program as they have to squeeze 18 weeks into 16. Don't fall behind. It'll be extremely difficult to catch up. The shorter term means longer daily class time and longer clinical time, so it's going to be much more difficult to work and keep up. 2nd Semester, if like mine's going to be, will likely be the semester that really taxes any ability to work and go to school at the same time.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Nov 5, 2011

For the first month of the program, you spend 4 days a week, 6-8 hours a day, in lecture/lab - usually morning lecture, afternoon lab. (With a handful of exceptions, we had Mondays off throughout the program)
After the first month, you start clinicals. At that point, you attend class for 4-8 hours on Tuesday, and 4ish on Wednesday. Then you prep for clinicals the day before your clinical time. This takes a few hours at the hospital. Clinicals are two days a week, 6-8 hours each. Most clinical groups are Thursday and Friday (with prep Wednesday), and there are day and evening groups. Some semesters had one or more Saturday/Sunday clinicals (with prep Friday). You don't get to choose your group, though extenuating circumstances are taken into account when making the assignment.
Other semesters are similar, but you jump into clinicals much sooner (after the first week or two). I think second semester only had class Tuesdays most of the time, but the rest followed roughly the same schedule as 1st semester.
There is no consistent schedule for classtime - sometimes class starts earlier, other times later. They'll give you a calendar for the full semester shortly before or within the first few days of the semester.
Can't promise that I'm remembering perfectly accurately, or that they won't change the details in some way!

This sounds a lot like the regular program, but the classroom and clinical hours are a little longer each day...

crutschmann · Nov 5, 2011

I am in my 4th semester with 6 weeks left at Extended Campus. The other posts were pretty right on with the schedule for 1st semester. We have always had Saturday-Monday off. Lecture on Tuesdays and half days on Wednesday- prep at the hospital the other half of Wednesday and clinicals Thursday and Fridays or Saturday and Sundays. You may be required to work nights or days and you don't get to pick. You will be going to only Sutter hospitals, which include: Sutter Roseville, Auburn Faith, Memorial, and General. You will possibly be switched each semester.

Now as for some advice, to do with as you please, I would recommend that you do not try to work during this program and if you have kids... get a good sitter and a back up sitter. The schedule sometimes changes at the last minute in 1st and 2nd semester and sometimes you may have to stay late without notice. The school also has a lot of mandatory work-shops that you have to attend, so you must be very open and flexible with your time. Just know that once you are in you are required to do what they ask of you and you must adjust to the schedule if you want to pass.

I hope this doesn't scare you, but you should be prepared! This is a wonderful program and I have heard nothing but great things about our school's graduates. It is hard as heck and you may not see your family or friends for the 16 months, but it will be worth it! They make sure you are prepared for the NCLEX but you have to give it everything you have- and more:). Good luck! If you have anymore questions just let me know and I will be glad to answer them.

kdun12 · Nov 5, 2011

Thank you for all the info, it is really helping me get prepared for what is ahead!! I do have kids, but great family and sitters!! SO you don't think it is a good idea to work? Yes, I know the sacrifice and I agree that it is worth it!! Any must have materials you recommend? As for clinicals, do they try to place you near your home? I know must of the other programs do, so I was just curious!! What are the mandatory work-shops like? Lastly, what should I be reviewing now, if you can remember, to be prepared for the first few weeks of school? Thank you and good luck in your soon to be career!!