Domican College Graduate?

NirvanaRN · Jan 11, 2010

I am a graduate of the day accelerated program. I do not know if I could be of any help to you.

be26373 · Jan 11, 2010

You might be able to. I've heard the day and weekend program are very similar. Both are very intense. But I'm also looking for feedback on the school, the teachers, the administration, the hospitals where you did clinicals. Anything really to learn more about the school. Thanks!

NirvanaRN · Jan 22, 2010

Sorry, I took a long time to reply. I was having toruble with the website.

How hellish was the time commitment?

Getting accustomed to length of the classes and the courseload was difficult at the beginning of the program. The first couple of months were intense but as time passed things got a little easier after developing a routine. There was so much to accomplish in a short amount of time. My typical week was as follows: class for about 6-8hrs twice a week; then I had to spend extra time outside of class the lab to get certified for certain procedures, which was needed in order to actively participate in clinicals; and finally clinicals three times per week. The accelerated day program required that lab certifications be completed within the first couple of months and once completed there was more time to focus my efforts on other things.

Did you work while attending?

I was lucky, because I was able to work on an as needed basis throughout the program. Some of my other classmates were able to work and others could not because they had families. I once spoke with a woman in the weekend program and she chose the program because she had a family and needed to work during the week.

Did you have a life?

MOST DEFINITELY! I could not have gotten through the program if I did not have a social life. When the program began I told myself that I would have to cut down on going out and keep my head in the books. When there was work to be done I got it done, but there were times when my family and friends had to pry the books out of my hands, and I am glad they were able to save me from myself.

Are they accepting of people having children while in the program?

Yes. Most of the students in the accelerated programs are married and have children.

I am not familiar with the professors or other staff members from the weekend program. From my own experience every professor and clinical instructor had a different way teaching, and there had been times when a professor's style of teaching made understanding the material a little harder. You have to be a quick learner due to the nature of the program and at times I felt like some professors sped through explaining the material. It was important to seek clarification, because the material will show up on exams and in clinicals.

I honestly would not feel comfortable listing the names of clinical sites on the forum. However, I can tell you that I was able to get experience in a variety of settings such as, acute care, long term care, hospice and home care. On another note, it was absolutely important that I attend every clinical day, and being late was not tolerated.

The program was not easy, but it was not impossible to get through. At first, I was overwhelmed, however, those feeling subsided and confidence stepped in and and I completed the program. Please make no mistake I had to make many sacrifices but I found a balance. You have to be prepared to have your world turned upside down, but it is all worth it in the end.

I hope I was helpful. Please let me know, if there is something that I did not cover completely.

Gwill,RN