Current Drexel ACE'rs

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Hi everyone. I'm just curious how the folks in the Drexel ACE program are doing so far. I'm accepted and starting in fall 2008. I was wondering how your program schedules work. How often are classes and when (and how many hours/day) are you doing clinicals? I would appreciate any feedback! Good luck to you all.

Buy uniform early, when I started in Sept, a lot of the students ordered late and didn't have uniform until the third week of class...not a good first impression.

The books...are readily available, if you don't mind paying the bookstore price...Otherwise, once you get settled, you can order them online, in the meantime use the library's.

Uniform wise, they will tell you to buy a lab coat...(you can...it's NOT required). They will tell you to buy bandage scissors as a part of the uniform list...I haven't used mine this quarter at all, unless you can get one cheap...I'd hold off on that. They will also tell you to buy goggles...that's up to you, so far I haven't used mine this year. Name tag seems to be optional, but that depends on you clinical faculty. The school will tell you where to get your uniform, so do go out there to buy it now, except the shoes, you are on your own there.

Other than that, not much. BUT, if you are not great at math...Drexel does require you to pass a med math test your first quarter in, and by passing it's 90%...so, if you are not great at it...go get the "Calculate with Confidence" 4th edition by Deborah Gray Morris and start working on it. (I wouldn't buy it, your local college library should have it if they have a nursing/medical program... or some other kind of book similar to it) That is the one Drexel uses...and it's actually pretty easy to work through.

Other than all that, a sense of adventure, a willingness to learn, and ability to go with the flow. Anything else, just ask.

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thanks xlford...

how about a computer recommendation? Is the nursing campus wireless or ether jacks in class - or is this something that is even used by students while in class?

Any recommendations for what is needed for the PDA? Do you need a computer to update PDA or can you use the schools?

The reason I ask is I have an older macbook I plan to bring down - but it's not Microsoft compatible so i'm trying to gauge whether this is a viable solution.. ty!!!

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There are students who have Mac, and they seems okay with it. There were some problems with certain videos we had to view prior to lab that wasn't working on a Mac. So, the answer is, you can make do with a Mac.

The PDA is Microsoft XP compatible, there are special software you can download or install if you use Vista or a Mac, but do-able. All of the campuses computers are XP, so worst come to worst, you can use the library's computer to do most of your things...though I have to warn you, all of the Powerpoints for classes comes in Microsoft 2003 version. But software can solve that problem too.

The center city campus IS wireless, so is any of the academic buildings. You have to register it first, but otherwise, it's okay. Some students uses computer to take notes in class...the most of us prefer pen and paper. You can use the school's computer to update your PDA, just do a guest partnership. But like I said, you can get a software for your Mac, and use it on there. The computer lab people are VERY helpful with that.

I hope that answers your question.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

Hmm, now I worry about the PDA thing since my desktop at home is running windows 2000 (though, I have a laptop running xp). I was wondering if the professors allow students to record the lectures? I tried it once before and wasn't too in to it, but maybe I'd feel inclined to try again.

I can't believe I'm so excited about going back to school. It's still TWENTY weeks away! I guess we can't be too prepared.

Where did you guys end up getting your private loans? So far, I think the PNC medical loans program has the best interest rates. (2.5 or 2.75% + LIBOR - a variable rate that is currently about 2.5%). I still haven't worried about a car, and since we don't have clinicals the first quarter, I may not buy one until just before the 2nd.

When do you find out about clinical placements (like a week before the quarter, or what)? There should be a FAQ!

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Loner.. i'm in the same boat.. or similar boat...

I think I'm going to bring my old 'apple OS' down to campus and will plan on begging/borrowing fellow students or drexel computer lab should a 'windows xp' environment be required to install or update the PDAs... I'm also bringing a voice recorder..however with the schedule.. i don't see the actual time I could spend going over the 7 hours of class ;)

I understand the first quarter clinicals are at the same location we attend classes - at center campus - so am not worried either... but I am planning on bringing a car.

What did you decide on living arrangements?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

I live in Bryn Mawr, which is about 12 miles west of Center City. I'm not planning on moving, just complaining because the commute is a pain. I'd like to do mostly bike commuting (I do a lot now), but the trains may just make more sense. I live right next to a trolley that runs regularly and goes to 69th St, where I'd catch the El. The R5 isn't terribly far (but it's not directly across the street). I just worry about getting places early enough.

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WHOA, not so fast.

You actually DO get a clinical assignment first quarter. You will have to go there about 4 times out of the entire quarter, so it's not exactly guaranteed in center city. They place you ALL over the tri-state region, anywhere from Delaware county (Main Line hospital systems), to northern Delaware, south Jersey, and Northeast Philly, so do be prepared. Almost all of them are near public transportation. I personally have to drive an hour and twenty minutes to get to my clinical site, and having to BE there by 6:45AM is NOT fun. You do not find out your clinical site until the Wednesday before the start of the quarter. Oh, you can't change clinical placements and you can't swap with anyone. Once you are assigned, you are stuck with it.

Most of the professors will let you record the lectures, just ask, I don't recall anyone saying no. For your first quarter you'll have time to go over it. There are actually some free time built into the schedule.

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XL, in the following quarters do you know if students typically have the same clinical site often or is it always a 'new' clinical site...

thanks!

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From what I understand, you are NEVER at the same floor in the same hospital twice. Now, I haven't heard whether it will be at the same hospital or not...there is a chance, but very slim from what I understand. They try to give you a VERY wide range of experience, so they try to never place you at the same place twice.

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XL, can you give me the manufacturer / model of the PDA drexel provides?

Thanks!!

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I believe it is HP iPaq 210...I don't remember where I put the box. You really don't have to know anything about it, there will be PDA labs and help to get you set up and teaches you how to play with it.

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Loner- have you tried to get a loan from PNC yet? I've been hearing buzz about it being harder to get private student loans, which makes me nervous. I don't have the best credit (I'm 4 years in to working on repair though) but have a cosignor, but.....you know, the economy and all. You're starting in the Fall 2009 semester, right?

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