Broward College Nursing May 2015

MetteDalgaard · Mar 1, 2015

Hey everybody :)

I didn't apply yet, but gonna take the application in in next week. Just finished my math class, and taking the health core class on Sheridan now, besides that class I need the Hesi, and it freaks me out... I'm not from US and my gramma is not so good, especially not on a test :angrybird5: What did you all think about the hesi? Any good advice? I borrowed a bunch of practice books from the library, but kinda scared to schedule it... I see some of you applied in December and January, didn't think you could apply so early, but hopefully my chances are still ok, so I can meet you all in May

dolfanjenny · Mar 1, 2015

Hi Mette!! Welcome! All I can say about the HESI is practice practice practice. Honestly i think you should schedule it so u have a date so u can really push yourself to study. Take the test worse that can happen is that u don't pass all the sections but at least you'll know what to expect next time around and you can concentrate on the sections that you need to retake. Take a sweater with u cause it's cold in there! Oh and use the bathroom before u go in!!! NO bathroom breaks! Good luck! Don't worry it's not that bad! :up:

future ARNP · Mar 1, 2015

future ARNP-Best of luck with what you decide. Does your teacher use the book or notes? I can try to help you by emailing you my notes if you think that will help- PM me if you want. My teacher is Dr. O at Central and we take very detailed notes off his lecture. I do have a book, but it's just for fun :) I also have a copy of all the slides for lab if you think that will help you on the final. The slides and lab procedure are available on the PC in the tutoring centre. Let me know what you decide...just don't want you to go through the pain of this class again! :) Good luck.

Thank u that will be so helpful I'm going to study so hard thanks guys

future ARNP · Mar 1, 2015

Just finished chemistry with a B, I'll take that.....it was challenging. Now on to microbiology...here is to hoping the teacher at BC is better than at FAU. Fingers crossed. Hope everyone is having a good week....I just started working out like crazy.. and I am going to Puerto Rico next week for a little vacation time before all the craziness starts. Cant wait guys!!

Hey when do you start micro

semjohns · Mar 3, 2015

Hey I'm pretty new to this.* I have been following this thread for a while very encouraging and informative I must add.* I was trying to complete my HSC Courses to get a head start on the courses. I went through ceufast.com but I'm noticing that it expires within a couple of months.* Would it be ok to still use that or go through Broward?

futurenurse832 · Mar 3, 2015

Hello! I am new to this website. I recently started looking into nursing at BC and I have found these threads very helpful. I graduated from UM last year and I am super interested in doing an Accelerated BSN.

I have read horrible things about Broward College but all of the threads seem to be from 2010-2012 so I decided to write in one of the most recent ones and try to seek some help.

Does anybody have any information regarding this program? Their website does not seem to have a lot of info either.

Thanks

dolfanjenny · Mar 3, 2015

Welcome semjohns! I believe you are reading that wrong on the CEUfast website. If you're referring to the "expiration dates" that just means that's how long the course is available on the site. The certificates themselves I believe are good for 2 years. Hope this helps!

dolfanjenny · Mar 3, 2015

Welcome futurenurse832! If you read through our thread and other recent ones u will find people who are currently in the program giving insight on their experience. You'll still hear a horror story here and there but some of them are just that "stories". I think it's something that is really going to challenge us and push us to our limits but if you 're passionate about it and know this something you want to do those that have made it through say it's all worth it in the end and they feel that they received the best possible education when it comes to nursing and feel completely prepared to start their nursing careers. So I guess in the end it's up to you! Good luck in your decision :)

semjohns · Mar 3, 2015

Thanks for the clarification:wideyed::)

LondonFog, BSN · Mar 3, 2015

Welcome new RNs to be, glad you're here. We are a happy and helpful bunch of people. This week might seem a little less responsive due to Spring break, but we're really a very supportive group of people. Good luck everyone :)

dolfanjenny · Mar 3, 2015

No prob semjohns! Also FYI u can do all certificates on CEUfast website except one which is the CAE0644. That one can only be done on the broward site but I believe we have to wait for spring registration to open up to sign up for course.

dolfanjenny · Mar 4, 2015

Hey everybody! I was just posting with a few people over in the January thread that are currently in the program that were giving out some great advice and tips so I'm going to share it for those of you who are not signed in with the Jan 2015 thread so you guys can read it:

This is from cyn_kawaii

Hi everyone! Just wanted to give you guys an update and feel for the program.

First and foremost, I wanted to tell everyone that all the negative comments people say is, for the most part, hearsay. Like everyone in this board, I was terrified that the program was going to be extremely unfair and hard, the professors mean, etc etc.

I am pleased to say the program is very fair. The syllabus given reflects the classes. The classes are challenging--you need a lot of time to read the plethora of chapters given. However, all exam questions reflect the reading. There are no surprises. The program, I felt, is a little unorganized in the sense that the syllabus doesn't provide chapters, just CONCEPTS. It is your responsibility to look up the chapters that correspond to the concepts. The first orientation, we were given our syllabus and I matched up all the chapters that day. It takes a whole 2 days just to organize yourself. Once you get that out of the way, it's really easy to organize your day.

As far as return demo goes, if you read over the skills, watch the videos, and do what is being asked of you, passing is obtainable. Our return demo was 5-8 skills plus the physical assessment in 45 mins. I suggest you don't try to learn this prior to the class starting as each professor has their own way of doing it and they want you to learn it their way. After all, they're the ones grading you. You have the lab to practice in, I suggest you use it to your full advantage. Saturdays is the least busiest of times. Email your professor with questions you might have. My professor answered them no problem. Most professors don't have issues with questions. Remember to be respectful and they will respect you :)

Lecture is the chunk that will consume most of your time. You have about 7-9 chapters per test. From what I have heard from the upperclass, these vary in order per semester so don't start studying yet until you get the syllabus. The Davis q&a for fundamentals of nursing is a big help. If you can buy it in amazon its definitely worth it. It gets you used to the format for the questions. As far as studying, everyone has their own way. I read all chapters only once, make some notes from the syllabus given, study that, and then do q's and a's all the way until the night before the exam. The exam night and day I read my notes again and call it a day. The exams are very very VERY fair. If you take your time reading and figuring out what the question is actually asking you, you will be more than fine. It's 50 questions in an hour.

Pharmacology is from the powerpoints. It is the only class, besides math, that is very spit back. Memorize and try to understand the slides, you will see the meds in process two. This class is more than fair. The pharm professor I got was extremely nice. He is very understanding. Again, any questions is through email. Literally your D2L and college email is going to be your friend.

Math is conversions and drop factors. I went the first day of class and didn't go after. If you're not good in math, don't skip! It's 10 questions in one hour no calculator. You can only miss one question. I thought it was more than fair. Double and triple check your work and the rounding rules and you will be fine. Follow the rounding rules to the tee. A lot of people are retaking the exam off of simple mistakes, like not following the rounding rules.

Words of advice:

1. Stay away from the drama: You will soon realize that nursing school is very much like High School. Everyone talks. Everyone gossips. Everyone is in cliques. People are constantly looking for the easy way. Don't get caught in that! Do you and work on what works for you. I personally do better in study groups so I meet with them 3x a week. No more because I need to read on my own and do my notes.

2. Remember to eat/sleep/rest well: I can't tell you how many times I've realized its 7pm and all I had was a large coffee and a bagel. You get way too overwhelmed and tired and its just not good. Eat. Sleep is your friend. My grades shot tremendously after I decided that I was going to sleep at least 8 hours a day.

3. Take some time to study alone: Pretty much self explanatory

4. Don't try to take shortcuts: A lot of people tried to read parts, only boxes, only summaries, only what's on the syllabus, etc etc. Don't put yourself at a disadvantage. You need to know the material and really understand it. If you're looking for JVD on the neck, ask yourself WHY it's important. The why's of everything is your critical thinking. Without it, that one hour test will be the worst hour of your life. Always read ahead. I love to diagram in whiteboards. I try to connect all concepts together so it sticks. Find something that works for you. Nursing is dynamic and you kind of have to go with it.

Good luck guys! Don't stress :)

And also:

Time is very limited in the first semester. The first week for sure you will not have time to breathe! I would read everything I need to (you'll get the topics for the 1st test at orientation) prior to. It's goingg I save you lots of time.

first week:

lecture twice a week (mon and fri 9-12 but it usually ran to 1)

clinical twice a week (8am-6pm but again it ran over)

math (1:30-4:30pm once a week)

pharm (5-7pm once a week)

in between you have to fit reading for lecture AND lab (which are LONG chapters), practicing math, taking care of kids/fam, washing your uniforms, and doing the STAT homework (you'll be entertained with that for a bit). Oh and note taking. And organizing yourself (printing out forms etc etc)

second week has the same schedule but only one day of clinicals

After return demo (and passing math) there's a bit more time. Don't let it fool you though. We had our final and exam

three in the same week. So be prepared for that.

I work 25 hours a week (but I make my own hours) and have a family (husband, kids) and survived so it's doable. It will not be an easy transition if you're not super organized though

And finally:

this is from: bfernandez143

I wanted to add to the previous comment about the schedule. During the first 4 weeks or so (before Return Demo) you spend most of your time in the Nursing Lab practicing skills. This is hours spent on your own time. For me, I was in school everyday except Wednesdays and Sunday's during the first 4-5 weeks including Saturday's until 4. Taking the time to practice in the lab is very useful and beneficial to pass return demo.

I am not very good with math, so I went to every class (only about 4 classes including the test day). I found it helpful and I passed with a 100% the first time around.

I have to admit the program is time consuming, and I recommend not working; however, it is not impossible. If you have great time management skills than you should be okay. I do not work, but I do find time to cook/clean and be a wife. After return demo it becomes a little easier but yes that last week was very difficult with two tests. On a good note, I know a few people who did not so good on 1/2 tests but came through on the last 2 tests and are now going to Process 2. Never give up! :) I'm also on Central campus!

Hope this answers a lot of your questions and concerns I know it did for me!