Brookdale Community College Nursing 2014

Just graduated... What questions do you have?

Just graduated... What questions do you have?

I just wanted to know how was the program overall? How long did it take u? I'm a LPN so I know there are a few semesters I can challenge out of but I know I need classes such as A&p 1&2 etc.... Also if your a LPN, did U feel it helped you while getting your RN license ?

As an LPN you can challenge into I believe the 3rd semester of the program. I hear the exam to challenge is difficult so make sure you study. I did not go in as an LPN but I had many classmates that did. It helps being experienced as you will be familiar with a lot of concepts.... however many LPNs think that they will come in and no everything (especially the ones with years of experience) Yes they do know a lot but they find out really fast that there is a big difference between how LPNs are trained to think and how RNs are trained to think. Everything turns into much more critical thinking while apply more in depth detail. Overall the Brookdale program is very challenging but very rewarding.

Thanks so much for your replies you have been so helpful!!! I think as a Lpn you have to take the hesi , and depending on what you score on the hesi determines where they will place you in the program? As I said I still need my pre reqs so It will probably take me awhile. I think I need about 6 or 7 classes........., and wow the program is that hard?? I guess that's why their nclex pass rate is 100%

Hey I just got into the fall 2014 program and was wondering what we had to do next. I've been checking the mail everyday to see if they would send us new info lol the wait is driving me crazy !

Was wondering if anyone could give me tips or advice on what to expect.

You might want to specify if you are referring to Bergen or Burlington county. Both are often referred to as BCC

Burlington county college sorry I thought u put it in the title but I didn't

LOL. BCC is also Brookdale Community College

Hi samantha2174,

I went into the BCC nursing program as an LPN last summer. You need to complete all your prereqs before they even put you on the list for the advanced placement, I had to take A&P, Micro and a few others, I started in 2011 and had previously completed some other prereqs at OCC years before. I finally got to take the HESI A2 to enter the program after completing the prereqs. You should get a study guide specifically for this exam. I studied it and did very well. It's basic math, science and vocab. Study up on your maternity and pedi, you'll need to have a basic knowledge for the advanced placement HESI. So, after you complete the A2 you get accepted into the advanced placement. It is all online, except for a few mandatory days. It's all about nursing diagnoses and care plans...fun fun. You get several scenereos to discuss online and determine what their care plans and diagnoses should be. The text they use is Doenges, they sell it in most book stores. The advanced placement I took was in May I think and was about a month long. After the online portion, you will take another HESI. This one will focus on pedi and maternity, with some other stuff mixed in. If you test out well you will skip maternity and all that and go right into the final year of the program. I started the nursing program in Sept. 2013. The LPN experience is defiantly helpful, but you will learn A LOT, that you already thought you knew, trust me. I believe we started with respiratory and cardiac. Use every resource they give you, including ATI. Use an array of study guides and study in groups, it helps. Several of the students that failed out did not participate in study groups. I became a member of the student nurse association and tutored lower class students, that was also helpful to me, but at the same time...I felt bad if I said no, and sometimes it was to a fault. Be selfish when it comes to your own study time. If you feel like you can tutor, do it..but if not, then its ok to say no. The final semester of the program is very intense and challenging so be prepared. It will be very difficult to maintain a full time job during this time. I recommend working at a home health agency if you don't already, it allows you the time to study..mainly if you work nights. That is how I was able to work and study without feeling overwhelmed. The other thing that I feel like I should have done is to try to get a job with a company you want to work for when you graduate if you can. For example, I really want to work at Jersey Shore, I could have gotten a job with any meridian facility or meridian at home, and been in the system. These places hire from within before they look outwards for staff. I enjoy helping others and would love to help you through your journey through the program. PM me if you're interested! Good luck!

BTW I dont think the NCLEX pass rate is 100% but its close. Its not that hard, but it is challenging. You have to prepare yourself. If you can get in at a year, the time flys!

There are several other posts about the BCC nursing program on the boards, I just wrote crazy long replies lol so look for them. I have so much to tell you guys but its hard to type it all! I am graduating next week and I tutored the lower class students and enjoy helping out so if you want to talk pm me! Good luck!

I applied in 2011 and took the challenge course may 2013. They would not let me on the list until all my prereqs were completed. It takes about 2-3 years.