Bluegrass BCTCS Nursing Students

Neoma · Jul 13, 2008

Thank you both. I knew we had to do the 120 last semester, but I didn't realize about the 120 after. Although, that's a good thing in my opinion. That was one of the things that was tickling the back of my mind and worrying me; would we just be thrown out by ourselves right after we graduate. That was a scary thought for me.

The only things they've told us so far is which uniforms and supplies we had to have; which immunizations or titers we had to have proof of, and what the estimated costs were for each semester. That was included with our acceptance/welcome packet. I received that towards the end of April. It mentions that we'll be receiving another packet with more information that would also include our orientation day, but I haven't heard anything. So at this point, I've bought my insurance, bought my uniforms and supplies, ordered my books although they aren't here yet, and gotten my titers done.

I don't know if you know or not, but in the packet it says we have to have had a TB test done within six weeks, but I had to have one for my CNA class too. I just finished it Thursday. When I went to have it done, they asked what I was getting it for and told me I had to have the two dose series, which I did. They told me I wouldn't need another one for a year. I don't know if they'll accept that, or if I need to go ahead and get another one done before classes start. I'm leaning toward getting another just to cover my assets. lol

Thanks for all the help and advice.

Maryann

Serendipity318 · Jul 13, 2008

You're fine with your TB test. As long as you have proof it was done, within the past year that is all you will need. You don't need to have another one done. I used to work for a dr's office in lex which required a yearly TB skin test be done so I used that for school.

As far as after you graduate, no place will just "throw you to the wolves." Most hosptials require you do at least 6-12 weeks of orientation before you are allowed to have your own patients (and not be under the supervision of an another nurse). You will get a lot of experience during your clinical rotations so you'll have an idea of what it's like to work in a hospital after graduation. Do you plan to stay in lexington after you graduate???

Also as far as completing your 120 hours and taking boards: it use to be required that you complete the hours before you can even take NCLEX, which was a bad idea b/c the questions on NCLEX are text book questions and are different than the "real world" experience you will get working your 120 hours. They just changed it the week after I graduated this May that you can take NCLEX anytime now and don't have to wait to finish your hours. They did this b/c so many people were failing the test b/c they had been working and forgotten the text book stuff. I highly recommend you study for NCLEX and take it fairly soon after graduating, like a month or 2 after graduation. That way you can get it out of the way and don't have to worry about it interferring with your hours. Also if you fail NCLEX and have already started your hours, they make you start them over. Just a suggestion :)

Neoma · Jul 14, 2008

Thank you for all the advice. I guess I'm just getting nervous the closer it gets. :) I'd really like to work at UK when I graduate - I know that's probably a bit premature to even really think of at this point, but I like to plan things out when possible. UK or St Joe. Those are the only two hospitals I've had an experience with - one grandchild was born at St Joe, and the other at UK. I really liked the way they both took care of the mommas and babies.

I'll definitely keep in mind what you said about taking the NCLEX soon after graduation. I had thought along those lines anyway in that it seems as if you'd have a better chance with everything fresh in your mind.

Good luck with your new job! I really appreciate your posts and answers.

Maryann

You're fine with your TB test. As long as you have proof it was done, within the past year that is all you will need. You don't need to have another one done. I used to work for a dr's office in lex which required a yearly TB skin test be done so I used that for school.
As far as after you graduate, no place will just "throw you to the wolves." Most hosptials require you do at least 6-12 weeks of orientation before you are allowed to have your own patients (and not be under the supervision of an another nurse). You will get a lot of experience during your clinical rotations so you'll have an idea of what it's like to work in a hospital after graduation. Do you plan to stay in lexington after you graduate???
Also as far as completing your 120 hours and taking boards: it use to be required that you complete the hours before you can even take NCLEX, which was a bad idea b/c the questions on NCLEX are text book questions and are different than the "real world" experience you will get working your 120 hours. They just changed it the week after I graduated this May that you can take NCLEX anytime now and don't have to wait to finish your hours. They did this b/c so many people were failing the test b/c they had been working and forgotten the text book stuff. I highly recommend you study for NCLEX and take it fairly soon after graduating, like a month or 2 after graduation. That way you can get it out of the way and don't have to worry about it interferring with your hours. Also if you fail NCLEX and have already started your hours, they make you start them over. Just a suggestion :)

aeron · Aug 22, 2008

I never thought an Internet thread forum could be so beautiful. I am not even in the nursing program at BCTCS, yet, nor have I even applied for it. At this point, I don't even have my CNA license, yet. Still.............this is great information to me to know. It is great to hear other Kentuckians on here, and to know other BCTCS'ians. Basically, all the healthcare experience I have is 5 months working as a CNA back in 1997. Over the years I have entertained the thought of going to school to be a nurse (went and got a 2 year IT degree, instead, that didn't do anything for me on any level), but always backed away from those plans because I was hearing impaired and some people told me that I was *too caring* to work in the healthcare field, that my emotions would get in the way. I'm planning on getting my CNA license and working (not sure if I want to work in a nursing home again) to save up for school and applying to take classes next fall semester. Maybe I'll take classes this upcoming spring semester. :nurse:

Hugs,

Aeron

Serendipity318 · Aug 22, 2008

I don't think there is such a thing as being "too caring" in the nursing field. In fact I think you have to have a certain level of caring and empathy to work with and help sick people. So don't let what other people have said to you in the past hold you back. Even though I'm new to nursing (just graduated from BCTC in May and have worked at UK hospital for 2 months) I definitely think I made the right choice and love my job (even if it's really hard and nerveracking at times)!!!! Nursing is a great field to get into and can be very rewarding so if you think that's what you want to do...don't hold back. Good luck :)

GCTMT · Oct 3, 2008

I am hoping to get in to BCTC Nursing Fall, '09.

GCTMT · Feb 16, 2009

Well good news, and not so good news. I took my PAX-RN exam, and did well, I scored in the 86th percentile.

LuckyinKY · Aug 17, 2009

Bumping this up from the depths. I am a mother of two looking to change careers and about to try to get into BCTCS. I have a BS from UK already in animal sciences and took alot of nursing pre-reqs before graduating. I am taking Microbiology this semester since I took the class last back in 2001.

I am a UK employee and hoping to work while attending since I am in research and have a flexible work schedule that allows me to study while I work. Plus this allows me to have 6 free credits a semester.

Will have a BS give me a leg up despite a crappy GPA (2.87)? I screwed up in my earlier college years and dropped a whole semester, but all of my college work from returning to school to finish my degree was good. I am hoping they can answer some questions at the orientation since they were not helpful in responding to my emails other then to tell me to go to orientation.