Barnes Jewish College

U.S.A. Missouri

Published

Okay, current and/or former students and rejectees:

Has anyone been rejected due to their gpa? Was the gpa less than 3.2. I'm afraid that with their competivness, I won't get accepted.

I finished up the accelerated BSN a few months ago. My class started with 75 people and about 50 graduated. Of the 25 that didn't, 3 or 4 quit or dropped down to the slower upper division program The rest failed. Most of the students who failed were foreign students--approximately 85% of the foreign students didn't make it past semester 1. I think this has a lot to do with the school policy of 1 minute per test question. (A lot of questions are long, muti-paragraph questions.)

I didn't enjoy the school and felt that while the facility was top notch, utilization of the facility by staff was very poor. Having said that, I realize that trying to cram a BSN into 1 year means a sacrifice as far as what you can really get out of your education.

Other things to know going in:

1. You'll probably get one great teacher per semester. The rest of your classes will involve you 'teaching yourself.' Interestingly enough, the best instructor there is the only one who is not a nurse.

2. Grading scale--no rounding and you need a 94 to get an A. I had classmates who got 4.0s at top ten schools that couldn't get all A's at Barnes. You need a 78 exam average to pass.

3. Working is possible but you'll sacrifice GPA and retained knowledge. You will have class 5 days a week. You'll only get about 5 weeks to do a 180 hour preceptorship in your final semester (and you'll still have finals and exam review sessions during this time too) so the only way you can work and precept is if your job will rearrange your hours or give you time off. You're not allowed to precept where you work as a tech. You have no say over if you get nights, days, 8 hour shifts, 12 hour shifts, etc for your preceptor. And you will not know your schedule until the very last minute.

4. My class's #1 complaint was that our skills lab was too crowded to be useful. There were times students had to move chairs in from other rooms and take tests on their laps. The school's response to this was to accept an even bigger class for the following term. I hear they are up to 100+ students per class now. Do they care more about $$ than education? You decide.

5. You may be sent 25+ miles away and assigned 3-11 shift for your clinicals, while some of your classmates may do all 7-3 shifts at BJH. No attempt is made to even out the shifts or drive time.

6. 3 math tests all requiring 100% to pass. You do get 3 chances. All skills check-offs/quizzes must be passed. You get 2 chances. There were students failed from class for not performing skills check-offs correctly, but usually instructors will cut you some slack if they feel like you are trying and prepared prior to check-off.

7. Apply for the institutional scholarship if you get accepted. Most students get between 2000 and 4500 scholarship.

8. You will not get any exposure to an OR or ICU, and you will not get a critical care lecture class.

9. Most of my classmates did not do more than 2-3 IVs and foleys throughout the whole program. My clinical group only got to give meds 2 or 3 times all year.

10. Pass rate has been 100% for some past classes but it now something like 93%.

I think I'll be a good RN, but I credit that to 60% me, 35% my final preceptor who was amazing, and 5% Barnes. That said, I've heard a lot of other schools aren't much better. And as I keep hearing over and over, "Nursing is all about on the job training."

L

Are the math tests the same as dosage tests? And is there any preparation for them??

Darn,

I thought I was done having to worry about math.

Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.
Darn, I thought I was done having to worry about math.

No. You are totally kidding yourself and better figure out some way to stay on top of those math skills. They are VITAL to what you will be doing when you are an RN who has to give 3mg of morphine from a 5mg vial. Never mind getting through school taking dosage math calculation tests each semester and possibly having questions on each test.

It's not calculus by any means, but you'd better know how to do some basic algebra equations for sure.

Is there prep for this at school or is there something I should be doing now before it starts? Would be really great to be prepared for these tests since it's been a while since I have had to do any real math either.

No kidding,

I've taken about every collegiate level math course there is, but that was a long time ago. Maybe I'll have to take a basic algebra class to refresh my memory.

No kidding,

I've taken about every collegiate level math course there is, but that was a long time ago. Maybe I'll have to take a basic algebra class to refresh my memory.

Hey mhmo9804, I just found out through another forum on here about a nursing math class offered through SLCC. It's called NRSG 704, through the continuing education department. It's a 4 week class that meets once a week. It's only $29. As far as I could tell they offer it at FP, Meramec, and Flo Valley.

I just signed up for the April class at Forest Park, and am very glad I did!

Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

Saymo & mhmo:

The dosage class is a great refresher for basic dosage skills and is very useful for anyone who needs to pass the test for STLCC's wait list.

I would also suggest if one doesn't want to invest the time in that class, that you pick up a dosage calc book such as the one we used for that class (back in my day a few years ago anyway): "Calculate with Confidence". You can work it in small chapters at a time, they move all the way from basic Roman numerals information through to IV calculations which probably won't come along until much later in your nursing classes.

I found the book pretty easy to follow and use. I have seen other books recommended on this site and if you use Amazon.com, they used to have user recommendations that might have other thoughts on books you can use.

I can highly recommend the dosage classes on the STLCC campuses however. As one who had never used metrics before and was not math-strong by any means, the classes made it a breeze to think through most dosage problems. I would not waste a semester back in an algebra class for this information.

Best wishes!!

saymo82,

I'll probably sign up for one of those classes as well. Thanks for letting me know about it.

WDWpixieRN,

Yes, I'd rather not spend the time and money on a basic algebra class.

Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.
Yes, I'd rather not spend the time and money on a basic algebra class.

And there's absolutely no sense in doing so. Hopefully you'll enjoy the class as much as I did. I ended up taking it at both FP and Meramec (my first test expired) and both campuses had excellent instructors who break it down in a very understandable format.

I guarantee the information will be the foundation for all math to come and will not be a waste of your time at twice the price!

I completely agree with expo4u 's post. I have two BA's. 3.4 GPA. I was in the ASN program at BJC before they changed it to the Accelerated BSN program. I felt that the program was really unfair and the teachers were so disorganized. In one class, I had six teachers, all seemingly doing their own thing. I saw that they were flunking like half of the students. I thought many of the teachers were completely rude and mean. They were judgmental and seemed to pick favorites. I felt so sad for many of my classmates who I think were trying their best. I think the school is terrible and hope they consider getting better, more inspiring teachers. But then again, look at BJC hospital and the factory-like business they operate. I wouldn't expect an inspiring education. But of course, some people will bear it and make it through. I will be going to U of M instead.

But of course, some people will bear it and make it through. I will be going to U of M instead.

I'm confused - Did you still make it through Barnes' ASN program? What program will you be joining at U of M?

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