Curious about GPC

sheri_u2 · Jun 27, 2005

I was reading some of the discussions and was wondering if we had anyone here who actually graduated from GPC? What is so wrong with that program? I am trying to decide where to apply this spring and am ready to scratch GPC off my list but wanted to get some facts from those of you out there who had actually gotten through the program.
Cass

Good luck. I've been at it for months now trying to get positive feedback :uhoh3: . For every one positive comment I get 10 terrible ones. I'm trying to focus on the positive cause I'm starting the program this fall. From the many posts I've read and the private messages I've received (have a couple people from my pre-reqs in the program too)..........................to sum it up, there is not much "handholding" or concern from the professors about your success. However, if you "really apply yourself" and don't have to work or have a family.......people can make it through...... I hope.

HisTreasure, BSN, RN · Jun 27, 2005

I sure hope GPC is doable. My s-i-l just started at GPC for her RN!

abmsam · Jun 28, 2005

I was reading some of the discussions and was wondering if we had anyone here who actually graduated from GPC? What is so wrong with that program? I am trying to decide where to apply this spring and am ready to scratch GPC off my list but wanted to get some facts from those of you out there who had actually gotten through the program.
Cass

The problem is simple....not many people actually graduate. If you have a choice, please go elsewhere. I would guess that less than 20% of those who begin the program actually graduate. I made it through the first part of the program, but dropped mid 2nd semester. Students were "dropping like flies" and I wanted to change schools before I was in too deep. "Hand-holding" is not what I was looking for in the program. A little bit of concern would have been nice, but not available from most professors. I know I sound bitter, but having worked my tail off for years trying to get into the program with a 3.9 GPA, I am upset that the program is such a failure for most.

Feel free to PM me with more specific questions.

NurseBunky · Jun 29, 2005

The problem is simple....not many people actually graduate. If you have a choice, please go elsewhere. I would guess that less than 20% of those who begin the program actually graduate. I made it through the first part of the program, but dropped mid 2nd semester. Students were "dropping like flies" and I wanted to change schools before I was in too deep. "Hand-holding" is not what I was looking for in the program. A little bit of concern would have been nice, but not available from most professors. I know I sound bitter, but having worked my tail off for years trying to get into the program with a 3.9 GPA, I am upset that the program is such a failure for most.
Feel free to PM me with more specific questions.

Congradulations on starting a new program. I withdrew from Perimeter's nursing program too. They had me thinking there was something wrong with me. My self esteem plummeted and I actually believed that I wasnt meant to be a nurse. Luckily my mother (who is a nurse) brought me back to reality. I applied to another school and am happy to say I am going into my second year. I graduate May 2006. When I attended GPC' nursing program (Fall 2004) it was horribly disorganized and the professors didn't seem like they cared. I heard (somewhere on this site) that only 9 people out of the class I started with actually graduated. That's sad. I didn't need my handheld either when I went there but it would've been nice to be taught in layman's terms. (ie don't expect that I've done a lot of skills that are required to be a nurse) I just felt that their program was geared more toward people already working in the field. We watched a lot of videos and practiced skills. Sometimes we were told to ask an LPN in the class on how to do something. I remember coming home crying because I couldn't take a classmate's BP b/c I couldnt hear the sounds. (Turns out I had the stethescope in wrong) No one told me and I've never used one before so how was I suppose to know I had them in wrong. Thankfully I got out when I did. For those of you attending this fall good luck. Everyone has to find out things on their own and hopefully their program has gotten better since I went there.

kimtab · Jun 30, 2005

It's not a "lack of handholding", it's a complete disregard for the success of your students at best, and at worst it's open hostility toward students. Sure you can make it through. I did. But if I had it to do over I'd go somewhere else anyway. Get a BSN instead, you won't spend that much longer in school and you'll have a bachelor's to show for it.

GPC won't give you accurate numbers for attrition. By my estimation, the number of students I graduated with represented around 30% of the total students who started. I think it's a fairly accurate estimation even though it ain't scientific, several other former students have confirmed it for me.

Of course, nursing school is hard. plenty of people who drop just can't cut it. You expect that of course. GPC is hard for all the wrong reasons though. It's like nursing school "Survivor". Form an alliance and learn how to play the game. Good luck.

Edited to add that if you plan to start the nursing program here, save yourself some stress and go ahead and obtain a prescription for an antidepressant. You'll wind up on one by second year anyway.

abmsam · Jun 30, 2005

kimtab,

Thanks for confirming my thoughts of GPC's program, even though you made it through. Congratulations, by the way. At the end of the 2nd semester (which I dropped at midpoint), there were about 20 of the 80 students left. I've never seen such a disregard for students. I pray that it will not be this way at the institution where I begin my 2nd semester again in January. Surely, GPC is not a representation of every ADN program. God help me if it is!

I dropped in February, and for three solid months, I was in a severe state of depression. I've never worked so hard for something, only to be forced to withdraw to save my GPA. I'm not accustomed to failure. Finally, I realized that my GPC experience is not a true representation of my abilities as a student or a nurse. I found my resolve, and decided to pursue nursing elsewhere. Sadly, many of my fellow classmates who also left chose to give it up. They just couldn't imagine putting themselves through it again, even at a new school.

Thanks for adding your comments.

southerngirl · Jul 5, 2005

I was reading some of the discussions and was wondering if we had anyone here who actually graduated from GPC? What is so wrong with that program? I am trying to decide where to apply this spring and am ready to scratch GPC off my list but wanted to get some facts from those of you out there who had actually gotten through the program.
Cass

First I just want to say that GPC's program is fast paced. If you have worked in the field you may be ok. I know that this spring they had about 20 complete the program, that is out of about 165. They often tell students get meds because you will need them. It is sink or swim from day 1. If you decide on GPC start reading NOW!! This program works for some not everyone.

There are several programs in the area that are more geared to the students. It might be worth taking some time and looking into other programs, you may not regret it. Sometimes when cost is a factor, "You get what you pay for."

Good luck to you! PM if you need more information.

malarwen · Oct 8, 2005

Guys, you have really scared me. I'm starting the nursing program at GPC this spring and I'm really freaking out. I'll do whatever it takes to make it! Do you have any suggestions what could make it little bit easier for me?

kimtab · Oct 8, 2005

Guys, you have really scared me. I'm starting the nursing program at GPC this spring and I'm really freaking out. I'll do whatever it takes to make it! Do you have any suggestions what could make it little bit easier for me?

If you aren't in a class right now, go ahead and get your fundamentals and your med surg book and start reading. Try to cover the basics before you start class. Cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, would be good things to cover ahead of time. Also, get familiar with the nursing process and care plans. What I finally figured out worked for me was to outline the chapters as I went through them. The writing helped me to retain things and when I was done I had a study guide.

I was a big fan of buying extra books as well. The Incredibly Easy series does a good job of explaining things in simple terms and without a whole lot of superfluous language. Pathophysiology Made Incredibly Easy was a big help in the second semester for me.

Make yourself a template that looks like the one GPC gives you and do ALL of your careplans on the computer. You'll thank me when you're doing your umpteenth plan for Gas exchange, impaired or Infection, risk for and you don't have to start from scratch because you have one saved that you can just edit.

When encountered with a test question which seems to have multiple correct answers, remember it all goes back to ABC. What is the immediate need? When encountered with a test question that seems to be written by someone with little command of the English language and a less than solid grasp of reality; try the ABC thing first. If you don't get your answer that way, you may need to channel the particular faculty member who wrote it ( "I know the RIGHT answer, but what would Ms. Soandso be thinking?")

All humans are fallible and GPC faculty are human through and through, though it may not be obvious. Therefore, when they write a test question that simply makes no sense, and you have a case for why your answer was more correct than theirs, please make your case in a diplomatic and non-threatening manner, but do make it. They have been known to listen to reason, and you may wish you had those two points some day in the future.

If you are committed to entering the program, do yourself the favor of going into it with the attitude that you will succeed. Conduct yourself as a professional at all times and no one will have any excuse to single you out.

Feel free to PM me if you have any more questions.

abmsam · Oct 8, 2005

Guys, you have really scared me. I'm starting the nursing program at GPC this spring and I'm really freaking out. I'll do whatever it takes to make it! Do you have any suggestions what could make it little bit easier for me?

I only took my first semester at GPC, so I can only donate a bit of advice. Buy lots of NCLEX test question books. Answer all the questions that you can get your hands on. Nursing questions are unlike any other test questions you've had. It's a game, and you need to figure out how to play it successfully...... fast. Make friends with your favorite instructor. There are two or three who actually care about your success, and they will do help you as much as they can. I still correspond via email with one instructor, who I love so much. She's still rooting for me!

I wish you the best of luck. The first semester is eye-opening, but for me the second semester is most definitely the more difficult of the two.

malarwen · Oct 8, 2005

If you aren't in a class right now, go ahead and get your fundamentals and your med surg book and start reading. Try to cover the basics before you start class. Cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, would be good things to cover ahead of time. Also, get familiar with the nursing process and care plans. What I finally figured out worked for me was to outline the chapters as I went through them. The writing helped me to retain things and when I was done I had a study guide.
I was a big fan of buying extra books as well. The Incredibly Easy series does a good job of explaining things in simple terms and without a whole lot of superfluous language. Pathophysiology Made Incredibly Easy was a big help in the second semester for me.
Make yourself a template that looks like the one GPC gives you and do ALL of your careplans on the computer. You'll thank me when you're doing your umpteenth plan for Gas exchange, impaired or Infection, risk for and you don't have to start from scratch because you have one saved that you can just edit.
When encountered with a test question which seems to have multiple correct answers, remember it all goes back to ABC. What is the immediate need? When encountered with a test question that seems to be written by someone with little command of the English language and a less than solid grasp of reality; try the ABC thing first. If you don't get your answer that way, you may need to channel the particular faculty member who wrote it ( "I know the RIGHT answer, but what would Ms. Soandso be thinking?")
All humans are fallible and GPC faculty are human through and through, though it may not be obvious. Therefore, when they write a test question that simply makes no sense, and you have a case for why your answer was more correct than theirs, please make your case in a diplomatic and non-threatening manner, but do make it. They have been known to listen to reason, and you may wish you had those two points some day in the future.
If you are committed to entering the program, do yourself the favor of going into it with the attitude that you will succeed. Conduct yourself as a professional at all times and no one will have any excuse to single you out.
Feel free to PM me if you have any more questions.

Thank you, I hope all of this will help.