Commonwealth Nursing Program

OldPhatMC · Feb 24, 2007

I'm a CNP student in the Germanna cohort. I started in the first class; we're known as the "guinea pig" group. It has been colorful at times.

As an LPN with experience you'll fit in well. My group has three other EMTs and a CNA/CMA.

Be warned it is NOT easy and the workload in the last two semesters is as miserable as a conventional program. But the best part is you get really excellent clinical experience because you work full shifts and have you're not in a big crowd.

On the other hand, the online didactic (old school nurse word if there ever was one :-) ) has been very disorganized. Instructors are being borrowed from other programs and they've been overworked, poorly organized, and in some cases churlish or worse.

Frankly, this may be the only way a working person can become a nurse, but its really not built for working people. Because of this, I am reviewing my support of the program.

Make friends with your PDA; you will need it. You'll also be really smart to get a laptop.

OldPhatMC

SleeplessNVa · Jul 12, 2009

Do you know if they cancelled the VCCS CNP program at Germanna, and if so, why?

OldPhatMC · Jul 13, 2009

Do you know if they cancelled the VCCS CNP program at Germanna, and if so, why?

The only hard fact I can cite: the new Fall schedule makes no mention of CNP.

Rumor mill: What I've heard is that the CNP was more resource intensive than Germanna could handle. That sounds reasonable. I've also heard a less credible rumor that GCC is planning their own on-line program. In that Northern Virginia Community College opted to run their own alternative program instead of partner with the CNP, this theory appears ambulatory. The only flaw with that possibility is that a new program is ... you guessed it ... resource intensive.

Other factors that have been hinted at include shortages of clinical sites, the aspirations of the GCC president (when it comes to Community Colleges, size does matter); our old friend "nursing faculty shortages", and the usual issues covered under the phrase "Polly Ticks". I haven't heard "alien abduction" used yet, but give it time ...

If you can figure out this PM stuff, drop me a line. If I can figure it out, I might even be able to reply. :Crash:

sunflowersrose · Jul 13, 2009

I was really interested in this program, I am a current JTCC student and tired of their RN waiting list. I waisted a semester taking pre-reqs for the CN program to learn that they got the NLNAC accrediting taken away. I was upset!!!!

I am not sure about the program for this fall.

OldPhatMC · Jul 13, 2009

As I recall the CNP hadn't actually been eligible for NLNAC accreditation, so you might want to check that point out with whomever told you that. The program has to have a certain number of graduates in order to be accredited. Regardless of the flaws in the program, I can tell you that the instruction was always first-rate. It's just that the delivery system was unpolished. A CNP graduate is a well educated nurse.

Don't give up on your dream. The right path for you will appear.

SleeplessNVa · Jul 13, 2009

Dear OldPhatMC, Thank you so much for your reply, I really appreciate it. I am glad you had a good experience at Germanna. Congratulations for making it, and for not having a stroke yet! I can't PM you just yet, because I haven't posted 15 messages; that's okay, I am used to silly rules. Maybe I will post some cookie recipes or gardening tips! I promise I will let you know what I decide, I am so happy to know someone who's been there. I still have some time, but I think I am leaning towards Germanna. I could go to NOVA, Lord Fairfax, or Germanna, since I live nearly the same distance from all three. When I can finally send you a message maybe we can talk shop and that will help me decide. My main decision I have right now is what class to take this fall. NOVA wants NAS161-162, and Germanna and Lord Fairfax want BIO141-142. I have to make up my mind within the next couple of weeks to be sure to get a spot in an ELI course. Germanna told me that as of this fall nursing students can't take the NAS161-162. It's always something! :)

tiffdeandre · Jul 14, 2009

For the online RN program at JTCC, what are the clinical hours? i am here in Richmond

OldPhatMC · Jul 14, 2009

... ... NOVA wants NAS161-162, and Germanna and Lord Fairfax want BIO141-142. I have to make up my mind within the next couple of weeks to be sure to get a spot in an ELI course. Germanna told me that as of this fall nursing students can't take the NAS161-162. It's always something! :)

I think we're getting into thread creep here, but my short answer is that BIO 141/142/205 is a better choice than NAS 161/162. As well taught as NAS161/162 can be -- I strongly recommend taking the class at NVCC Woodbridge -- I believe that spreading the material over three semesters works a lot better. I don't see it as a serious expense mostly because you do use the material in the rest of the program; if you don't have the fundamentals cold you'll find trying to participate in an online program to be challenging.

BTW NOVA will take the BIO 141-142-205 combo as a substitute (with a secret sigh of relief).

SleeplessNVa · Jul 15, 2009

Thanks again for your help, and sorry to creep. I sure wish I could PM you; I guess I am 1 post closer now!

saharamichael · Jul 15, 2009

I got the email today about the CNP. If you applied for spring 2010, you should have received it as well. Its crazy whats going on now. We wont know til Sept. :crying2: , and there is no CNP, its JTCC Online Hybrid Track Program ( can't remember exact name). Its all through JTCC now. At least that is how I understood it from the email they sent to the 50+ applicants.

OldPhatMC · Jul 15, 2009

I got the email today about the CNP. If you applied for spring 2010, you should have received it as well. Its crazy whats going on now. We wont know til Sept. , and there is no CNP, its JTCC Online Hybrid Track Program ( can't remember exact name). Its all through JTCC now. At least that is how I understood it from the email they sent to the 50+ applicants.

I'm not surprised but I am saddened to hear this. I think that ultimately it's going to be hard for JTCC to service online students over a wide area and they will give first preference to students in their service area.

Students in the other service areas will either need to go to their community college's conventional programs, or hopefully the community colleges will bring their own online progams into being.

CNP was a great idea; I'm sorry to see that the schools couldn't work together.