The University of Alberta?

[Dezy]

Is there anyone else out there that will be going to this program in the fall or that is already going there?

I'm so grateful for finally having gotten into this program but now I'm a little concerned. The U of A is a huge place and I do hear from time to time people complaining about it, although other than huge classes, i don't think I have heard anything else. I really need some more imput from others, and if there are others out there on here, maybe we can help each other out!

[Bisco]

I am presently a student in the AD program at the U of A. I do agree that CBL could be time consuming and tiring. However, after one semester, I am beginning to see how everything does come together and help one think critically. Sure, I would prefer the traditional lecture but I will endure all of CBL to graduate in 2 years with a BSCN. And the program is not bad. The first semester of the program, we have 4 hours of clinical each week at a long term residence. For the second semester it is 3 days of clinical per week in a hospital ( 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off). After one semester, I can say that the program is tough, time consuming, seminars could be tiring (it is all talking, but YOU LEARN A LOT TOO), labs are practical and you get hands on experience. Classes are very large (for lectures or FRS as they are called), 150- 220 students; professors are the same as every where, some are fabulous, others are to put it kindly inadequate. One thing for sure, get ready to do plenty of studying and do not expect to be spoon-fed. Concerning the amount of time you have to spend studying, doing research to write your different handouts for seminar and all the rest, although I have a postgraduate degree in another field, I did find it quite challenging but DOABLE. And with time one adjusts to the whole CBL process and it does not seem as stressful, at least for me. I think any person who gets into nursing should expect to see plenty of bodily fluid, poop etc. I certainly expect to see that and I am sure a lot of students in my cohort do too. Practical (clinical) experience? I do not see a problem if you are committed to wanting to learn, are humble enough to admit you do not know and are willing to ask for help. For those considering the program, I say ``go for it.``

[shopaholicRN]

Reading this thread was quite disheartening. I cannot speak for anyone else's experience, but I am currently in the 4 year collaborative program at the U of A, and I have had an overall positive experience.

I know that they're changing the program beginning Fall 2014 by removing CBL altogether and changing the sequence of clinicals, which I think is quite similar to what MacEwan already has.

However, I have enjoyed my time here. This is not to say that it was easy and that I did not struggle with it in my first year, which I did. I was not used to the self-teaching methods, but like anything else, I learned it and now appreciate it. I can understand why many dislike it. But for myself, it has vastly improved my critical thinking skills and I can see the entire picture better. It's a different method of teaching and one may feel as if they are lacking information due to insufficient research from their peers. However, CBL classes provide you with "learning goals" with each scenario, which is the list of topics that you must know for the final. I admit that I felt quite lost in first year, but now when I study, I go right to the learning goals, and if there are lacks in information in others' research, it is easy to note and look it up myself (which should be done anyways).

I had horrible instructors my entire first year and almost dropped the entire program (not because of CBL or clinical hours, but because my tutors were just terrible people). Many of these problems that are discussed will not be an issue anymore, as the entire program is getting a makeover. So that is a plus for the people who are considering the pros and cons between the two programs. Now, I guess we wait and see how this new program goes :)

*p.s to anyone considering the U of A, it is a fantastic school and the nursing faculty staff is great!

[candi06]

Have they changed the program already from CBL? I have applied to the AD program in this Sept.

[enzohu]

There were several comments in the forum about ADP not preparing students for standard NCLEX exam and nursing profession i general. Does any know the passing rate of ADP and the passing rate of RN exams who graduated from ADP?

Somehow CARNA doesn't have an annual report on these stats.

[ocean_waves]

Can someone tell me how they found the U of A nursing program?