Brookhaven- Spring 2011

bethamber · Nov 9, 2010

Hey y'all! I have applied for the Spring '11 program at BHC, as well. I'm so nervous and I know all of you are too! Here's wishing the best of luck to us!

kickymarcia · Nov 12, 2010

2.5 more weeks to go.....

NurseDuCoeur · Nov 13, 2010

I'm about to graduate Brookhaven's program. I don't want to talk negatively about this program at all. I think there are instructors who I have learned a ton of information from, however, I'm in my last semester, I've been applying since August and still have not found an internship. Word is, El Centro and Collin College (Quad C) place their students. I had clinical with a nurse that graduated from Quad C's program a few years ago and she told me that the first couple months of their last semester was just filled with resumes and finding placement. Brookhaven is a good school with a good reputation, but remember to keep your grades up, too. With so many applicants out there, hospitals are being picky and looking at grades. UT Southwestern won't even interview you if you have more than 2 C's in RNSG courses. Remember, this is just FYI, and letting you know if you don't get into Brookhaven, there are other options.

Alum08 · Nov 13, 2010

This is also true of BSN programs. Before dropping out of the BSN program at Tech I remember that there was a summer course that was required. In that class resumes were built and edited.

Also, don't stress too much right now. For the majority of the population - job hunting is not easy. Three months is not that bad. Plus you don't have the degree yet. Some hospitals may not even look at students who haven't graduated - whereas some do.

Good luck to you!

NurseDuCoeur · Nov 14, 2010

thanks for that, alum08. how did you like the BSN program at Tech? Brookhaven has an articulation agreement with them and UTA so I was just wondering which one to go to. I've already finished pre-reqs for both schools but probably won't apply to start until spring '11. and you're right, the job market is hard on everyone right now. it also doesn't help that in one of my RNSG courses my 89 was considered a C on my official transcript (which is why i couldn't get an interview at UT Southwestern) because my dosage teacher had different standards of a grading system, and one of my clinical instructors after numerous emails still hasn't given me her letter of rec after telling me she would have it to me within a week. oh well, just gotta keep my head up and keep pushing on, right? at least this gives me more time to try and focus on HESI and NCLEX!

diamond350 · Nov 15, 2010

In regards to job search, I have always heard that it is best to take a job as a tech while you going to school. Your chances of getting on at a hospital increase tenfold as you already have a foot in the door. In fact, El Centro encourages their students to work part time as a tech after they complete their first semester. This notion of not working that Brookhaven preaches is sort of ridiculous. How else does one gain experience? I guess I can only speak for myself, but I will be taking that job as a tech as soon as I can.

Alum08 · Nov 15, 2010

Personally - I loved Texas Tech. I hated the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (different campus). The instructors got way too involved in peoples personal lives. For example, having students babysit their children. From what I have heard and read about the school - there are new faculty and staff.

I won't lie - Tech is a great school though. Lots of respect. Up to date technology. Not to mention - lots of chances for young single girls to meet single med students. haha :)

I know UTA is highly respected too. If it were up to me I would pick UTA, just because it's in the UT system. UT schools are much more focused on academics... that's just my two cents though.

kickymarcia · Nov 16, 2010

Madein84, did you work when in the Brookhaven program? My plans are to work 24 hours a week as a pct when I get in the program. I know lots of other pcts who are at TWU and work part time.

NurseDuCoeur · Nov 17, 2010

i worked full time in a clinic for the first three semesters. just before my last semester started i quit so i could focus and try to find a job in a hospital. if i could do it all over again, i would get a job as a tech or unit secretary in a hospital. this will totally pay off once you finish the program because 1. you'll have hospital experience and 2. you'll have an established relationship with a hospital so you can get first peek at apps for internships.

kickymarcia · Nov 18, 2010

I was worried I wouldn't be able to work part time during the program. That's good to know that its do-able.

I currently work at UTSW and plan on staying there after I get my RN. Unless another hospital seems a better fit. Does Brookhaven having a student nurses association? I know El Centro/North Lake have them.

ktosch · Nov 21, 2010

I'm glad I found this thread! I have applied and am very anxiously awaiting the news. I have 36 something points, so like sweetpea I am pretty confident that I will make it in! I applied last semester with 32 something points and wasn't accepted but I only had half of the support courses finished. I am so excited and Nov. 30th can't come quick enough! Do you really think they might send the letters earlier than that? also, when is the success camp usually held? January? I looked at the bookstore online and the package we need to buy for first semester is like $700 dollars! I was shocked, do any of you know what that is all about and what is included in it? I have so many questions..... Good luck to everyone! only 9.5 more days, lol!

ktosch · Nov 21, 2010

whoops! I meant that I applied with 31.23 points and didn't make it in!