I was just accepted into Bergenn CC's Nursing Day program for Fall 07. I was just wondering about a few things, so anybody that has been or is currently in their program your help would be greatly appreciated.
So I know there is an orientation late August, but I would like to find out some things sooner. Besides the Criminal Background check, is there definitely a drug screening? Is that needed to register for classes as well or is that done later on?
Also, what types of materials did you need to purchase? Does the program allow PDA's and if so did you use them often?
I was just wondering are any of you planning on joining the National Student Nurse's Assoc.? (NSNA) I'm very interesting in joining it and heard it is very beneficial and well worth it, they also seem to have discounts that would be nice to use for buying some of the supplies we need...but I know some schools already include a membership to it and everything...so I guess I'll wait a bit.
I believe we are required to join the BCC Nursing Student Association, and encouraged to join the National. Well, I guess I should join the National one, and since I'm online now.....
Oh, ok...by the looks of the description in the course catalog it seems like the school is just the New Jersey state chapter of the NSNA. I know when you join the National, you're automatically enrolled in your state's as well...So I wasn't sure if I should just sign up now.
the schools is separate. i believe nj and national are combined, but they are separate from the school.
last years handbook stated:
students are expected to join the bcc nursing student association (nsa), is open to all students enrolled in the nursing program. students are eligible and encouraged to join the state and national nursing student organizations, that is, the new jersey nursing students (njns) and national student nurse association (nsna), respectively. membership information for the njns and nsna will be distributed at orientation.
so, i did not join online last night, i will wait for orientation.
Did you read the benefits? The malpractice ins. is the same price whether you are a member or not. I already am a Barnes & Bobles member so I get a bigger discount than they offer.
Other than that - nothing seemed very enticing as far as material benefits. But, you have the benefit of belonging to a professional organization tailored to a nursing students needs, and it will look nice on a resume.
Yea, I read the benefits, the NJ site has a few more listed...Yea, the only thing with the malpractice insurance is that you won't get a discount until you graduate in which you get 50% off the first year. I do like the fact that you get discounts off magazines that I would like to subscribe to and some supply places like AllHeart and some books and study tools that people said have been pretty useful. But overall, it does look good to employers and on your resume.
I went to the uniform store today. Mine has to be altered (the legs were very long). They supply the uniforms for many schools in our area, so I would advise you to go sooner rather than later so they have time to do the alteration. Unless yo are 6 feet tall, your legs will probably need to be shortened also. (I am 5'5" and they have to take off at least 6"). There was only one other woman there for a fitting at the time, but it will be busier as school gets closer.
Congrats to all! I am going into second year nights at Bergen. You need to buy a stethescope, it is not included in the kit, the BP cuff is optional, but make sure it is manual, not digital, they are cheap, under $20 at Walgreen's and other drugstores. Uniforms are needed for clinicals, not the first day of class, so don't stress if they don't arrive before school. I think they are more flexible than they let on, with due dates for stuff, and I don't think they will give your spot away, but try and get them everything they want ASAP. Also, the health forms need to be done before clinicals, not before you register. Good luck, I know exactly how you feel, and it will be great fun and alot of work. Make friends fast, and get a study group.
SweetGrL397
46 Posts
Ok, so I'm assuming all the major supplies we need are the kit, BP cuff, and stethoscope?