Attn. ADN Concept Curriculum Instructors/Students

[soon2brnangel]

I am in my first semester of this "new" concept based curriculum that the NCBON is implementing across the state. My instructors are running around like chickens with their heads cut off and that this concept based thing is sooooo different that whatever was taught before. My fellow students and I have had just about enough of this guinea pig stuff. If the whole state has to be changed why isn't everyone playing in the same sandbox instead of attempting to recreate the wheel. I just wanted to get thoughts from anyone who has experienced it or taught it.

[NCphoenix]

I have not heard anything about this new concept ADN program. Can you elaborate on it? Where are you taking it? What's the benefit? It does not seem like it is working for you. But if it's something that will eventually be implemented throughout the state, I think I'd like to know what to expect.

I hope it gets better for you. Are you thinking of bailing and getting into another program elsewhere? Where would you go?

[soon2brnangel]

My understanding is that Concept Based or integrated, as others may call it teaching is to be implemented by Fall 2010 in all ADN programs in NC. We I am enrolled, so far, there is no more Pharmacology, medical terminology or Fundemental separate classes, its all together with lab and lecture portions with clinicals beginning after 3 weeks in class. As students we are not in the loop whatsoever. But from what I gather clinicals are supposed by body system and through the developmental lifespan. Not broken down into med-surg, peds, ob, psych, etc like normal. For those in my class who did not take A&P or Micro prior to acceptance are at a great disadvantage. By October we were giving injections, d/c ing IV's, hanging IV meds, and PO meds and IV's by the end of October. I think they just have ALOT of kinks to work out. We don't even have a "Concept Based" text, but instead a prepublished unedited portion of a book, a fundamentals book, a pharmacology book, a calculation book, various drug/medical terminology and reference books; most of which have conflicting information, and ATI books. It is QUITE frusterating for everyone, with last minute changes and VERY different teaching/testing styles among the 3 instructors for this 8 hour semester course (Introduction to Nursing Concepts), and so many books, my classmates and I have had just about enough and are stressed to the max. But then again it is our first semester and is by far the hardest thing I have ever done.

I plan on sticking with it as long as my grades allow. The only non-ADN program in the area is at a small private university, which for me is not an option because I already have a pile of student loans from a previous BS degree. I probably didn't answer all of your questions but the basic answer is noone knows what to expect and if you are considering a ADN program make sure they have all the curriculum kinks worked out first and that everything but nursing courses have been taken. Thanks for the encouragement! Best of Luck:nurse: