Bellevue College 2011 hopefuls

[sltenbroeck]

Thought I would put this thread up for those of us who have applied to BC RN program.

I know we won't find out until mid-April if we made it or not, but how did everyone do on the TEAS test???? I have heard alot of horror stories about test scores.

[lacp]

Still waiting! Just wanted to point out that it now says on the nursing dept. website that obtaining the WA CNA before starting the program is no longer required "but strongly recommended." That is a change from what they were saying at the info session I attended last spring.

[grownuprosie]

Still waiting! Just wanted to point out that it now says on the nursing dept. website that obtaining the WA CNA before starting the program is no longer required "but strongly recommended." That is a change from what they were saying at the info session I attended last spring.

Keep in mind though that refers to the CNA License! you must still complete the training and get a certificate, but you no longer have to take the state licensing exam. it is worded funny on the page, but the Program director clarified this at the info session that i attended.

[lacp]

Ack! Thanks for the clarification. Just what I need.

[lacp]

Is anyone registered for the CNA course at BC? Do you know the schedule? Of course it doesn't say on the web site.

[grownuprosie]

At least not having to take the state test saves you $107 and a really stressful experience! I took mine yesterday and about passed out. the RN testing proctor kept saying "Are you sure you are done with that skill?" so, i was convinced that i missed a ton of steps, but i Passed! There is a place in Shoreline that you can do the classes in 10 sessions (Evenings if needed) including CPR renewal and 7 hr HIV/ AIDS education. it is about $700.

[lacp]

Thanks for the info. It looks like there are several programs in the area where you can do evenings or weekends. It's a little less time than I was thinking too. Phew!

Got the mail, nothing...

[Shrub1997]

I did my CNA last year at Shorline Nursing Assistant Training Institute. It was inexpensive, far less time than Bellevue and worked really well for me. I took the state exam in September and have been working as a CNA since December while I wait to find out about school. The state exam was stressful, but I'm glad to have taken it. I wanted to have some job experience in healthcare before finishing nursing school too.

Our mail came today, no letter here yet.

[cstatic]

Ditto on nothing in the mail. Ditto on needing the training for CNA plus hiv etc before starting the program, just not the actual state license. DOUBLE ditto on not doing it at Bellevue since they are more expensive and unless something has changed, they were ONLY doing it nights. That is a no go for me, I have a 4 year old in daycare. Most other places are going to run about a grand after you add the uniform, stethoscope, belt, and other materials. though initial tuition is just 700-750. Still cheaper than at BC though.

[Bandaide, ASN]

Another word of advice from someone in the program - many students in our class that took some of the shorter classes offered in the area felt that they were not as well prepared as those of us who took the class at Bellevue. They didn't have some of the knowledge that you are tested on that first week of nursing school. I don't remember what the topics were, because I took it at Bellevue. It may be a case of getting what you pay for.

[lacp]

Bandaide do you remember how long the BC course is and what the hours were?

[Bandaide, ASN]

I can't remember if it was a full quarter or part of one, but I think it was late afternoon into evening. I think one of the differences was that we did clinicals in both a LTC facility and in the hospital, where some of my classmates didn't get to go into the hospital. I would definitely ask where clinicals are held. It may not matter if you only wanted a job in a LTC, but for nursing school I would want to get into the hospital.

[Strawberrygirl2]

When I was in the nursing assistant program at BC I think I had classes most evening out of the week, like 4 pm to 8 pm or something and then a 4 hour class on Saturday morning. The course was just slightly shorter than a full quarter. At the end we did our clinicals. Four days at a SNF (day or evening shift, 8 hrs) then four days at a hospital (day or evening, 8 hrs). The program is really great, I definitely recommend it. But you have to be strict about your attendance. The instructors are great, the program is great, and the clinical experience is a wonderful pathway into the front lines of bedside nursing. You really get a feel for the nursing environment, especially if you haven't had much health care experience before.