~* Can someone please give me info on the NOVA Medical Campus Nursing Programs

Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Oct 1, 2009

I graduated from the RN program last May. And I know the program has changed a lot since then, so I cant really comment on the actual classes. Didn't even know they had a LPN program! I belive one has to attend an orientation session, one can either do that in person, or watch it online (look at step 2 on the below link)

http://www.nvcc.edu/campuses-and-centers/medical/academic-divisions/nursing/apply.html

No, they offer no actual job placement. But during the last semester of the program, some get a chance to do a preceptorship (where ya work 1 on with a RN) and some get job offers that way. If your lucky one of ur clinical instructors may be a manager of a unit and pass on your name to other dept managers! But no actual job placement that I know of.

It is a good program, and it is competitive to get in. Best of luck

terrahm09 · Oct 1, 2009

Thanks for the help :)

This is a job I've always wanted to do because I LOVE and get the greatest joy out of helping others and anyone in need, but I was just wondering what is the pay like as a RN.. right when you're finished?

Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Oct 1, 2009

In the DC area, new grads start out around $24-25 an hour +shift differential!

terrahm09 · Oct 1, 2009

Oh okay I live right around there too! So thanks alot I appreciate the help!

whynotx · Oct 5, 2009

graduate of the progam last may... any reason you want LPN first and not RN, you see some similar test material/information on both NCLEX why not just study once and pass the boards and get it over with?

Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Oct 5, 2009

http://www.nvcc.edu/campuses-and-centers/medical/academic-divisions/nursing/

Looking at NVCC's nursing page, I do not see a LPN course. There is a LPN to RN bridge program, but one has to already be a LPN. If i were you, i would just go the RN route.

DHoward12Fan · Oct 10, 2009

I also graduated from the RN program last May. They do not offer any type of job placement, and several of us New Grads still have yet to find a job due to hiring freezes in the area. Very frustrating, but not much we can do about it! From what I can tell, the majority of us passed our NCLEX on the first try (Many of us in only 75 questions!) and therefore we're clearly taught very well. My only complaint is the lack of organization in the actual program. Noone seems to really know what's going on in any given department and it's hard to get any information out of anyone.

I've heard that the program has gotten tougher to get into and now uses GPA as a leverage tool. We never had to deal with that, so I don't really know how competitive it actually is to get in.

Overall, I think it's a good program. I agree with the others that you should skip the LPN and go for your RN (unless you're already an LPN and want to do the bridge courses... not sure if that's what you meant or not!)... after you graduate, if you have your Gen. Ed degree too, you can go to any university in virginia (guaranteed admission) and continue with your studies to earn your bachelors or masters in a year!

I enjoyed the actual classes and met a lot of people who are now good friends of mine. It's a LOT of work, but it's worth it in the end and you REALLY learn your stuff!! Good luck!

GretchenT · Oct 11, 2009

I've just started my prereqs at NOVA and I learned a lot by just watching the orientation sessions online. Go to the NOVA homepage, and look up the nursing programs, and there should be links for the orientations on there. If I remember correctly, they don't actually do an in person orientation. I also went in for counseling during the walk-in hours, and actually got a lot of help.

They do make it clear during the orientation that your grades (GPA) on your prereqs are part of what will determine your acceptance into the program...I think they are calling it 'competitive application process'.