FIU Fall 2011?

Brownie3085 · Jul 17, 2010

Hello,

I recently graduated this past Spring (April 2010) from FIUs generic BSN program. In response to your post:

There wasnt anything specifc about FIU that stood above the rest aside from the fact that it was in my home town (I started my degree in Boca at FAU, and quickly realized I could not afford to stay there a second year, so I came back hone). Aside from that the program is extremely organized and is incorporating new technology into the program, such as the requirement for all students to have clicker (like the ones used in game shows) for interavtive case studies in class.
I transfered to FIU from FAU after completing 25 credits, with a 3.9 GPA. After taking Chem and MicroBio, my GPA dropped to a 3.3. I was accepted with this GPA into the nursing program. It has gotten a lot more competitive as they are now admitting fewer students per semester and they have cut out summer term admission.
The essay is the tip of the iceberg. Now FIU conducts interviews (like med school) to determine if you are an ideal candidate for the program. So regardless if you have all they asks for, you still may not get accepted if you do not WOW them in your interview. I fortunately did not have to go through that, but i know people who didnt make it because of their interview.
HESI-A2...I believe thats the admission test, I too did not have to take this as they have recently changed/or added it as a prereq to admission. In my day, we had to take the NET which was pretty basic high school grammar, reading & mathematics. But if its anything like the HESI exit exam that is required to get your degree, then it must be extremely difficult!!!!!
I left my managerial job a few weeks before the program (may 08), because i originally started the program n Fall 06 when I was pregnant with my daughter (the worst morning, afternoon and night sickness the ENTIRE pregnancy) and working Full-time, and i could not keep up with the curriculum. On the first week of class, I had to read 12 chapters between my three classes (which is how the program was set up the first semester)!!! And they were NOT short "walk in the park" chapters. To make matters worst, at that time FIU assigned your class schedule and you did not have a preference for time slots. So i got a scedule that was all over the place...from classes that started at 8am to classes that started at 5pm all in the same day, so it really butchered my wok schedule. I had friends who worked part-time during the program and they managed, but i guess its a trade off (either u raise a child and go through with the program or you work and go through with the program. My sister who also graduated in May 10 with her AS in nursing from BCC, did all three (work, go to school and raise FOUR boys!!!!!!). I personally would not have been able to do it, but everyone is different. If you can afford not to work during the program, then i highly advise it since you have to keep a minimum of a 3.0 to be in good standing in the program. Also if you are looking into masters programs in the future, many if not all requires a minimum undergrad high GPA.
FIU offers several scholarships. Disadvantage scholarship, North Broward Scholarship and some that were specific to nursing students. FIU has ALOT of money to give away! I personally received the ones i mentioned in addition to the Memorial Regional Scholarship ($12,000), but now Im faced with them having difficulties placing me, as there is no open "New grad RN" positions.
Honestly, the PDA wasnt strictly enforced. I know many of my classmates who went through the program without it, but it is EXTREMELY helpful in the clinical setting both during school and in your profession afterwards. I fortunately already had a Palm phone, so all i had to do was buy the software for about $180, the pda + software can be purchased through the company as well. You will also have to buy a clicker as previously mentioned for about $30. I have one for sale if interested. DO NOT BUY BOOKS FROM FIUs BOOKSTORE, unless you have a burning desire to do so. Use the bookstores website to figure out wich txtbooks will be required for the class atleast a month in advance of the start of class, and then visit ebay, half.com, alibris.com or any of those txtbook sites to get them WAAAAY cheaper! FYI, you really dont need to buy the books that are "RECOMMENDED" as you rarely, if not, never use them (i.e. the workbooks). You can get all your books each semester for about $200 if you go this route. If not, prepare to spend $300-$500 in the bookstore each semester.
Unfortunately, after your first semester, you will not have a choice of professors as there will most likely be only one teaching that subject or two who co-instruct that course. The professors really arent that bad, except that some of them are an acquired taste and take some getting used to. Professor ******** (teaches skills, fundamentals and med math) is the BEST, although her exams can be difficult. Professor ***** (teaches psych) is sassy, but you gota love her...her exams are out of this world. Professor ******** is soooo nice (Med surg I/II), her exams werent that bad if you thoroughly covered her review that she gives. Professor ** *** ****** (Pharm/ Community) is RIDICULOUS!!!!! She's a nice lady but her exams i felt were on a PhD student level (especially pharm). Dr ******** (program administrator/OB/Synthesis) is edgy and can sometimes be a drag...but she knows her stuff and you WILL learn! Professor ********* (Peds)....i like her...her class was interesting, but her exams were tooooo thorough (like, what does the third page, second paragraph, 5th word by the comma says?) But she's nice (everyone was in tears after her final...literally!). You will take her in your 5th semester together with OB, and this is where you will lose A LOT of your clasmmates. This is one of the most rigorous semesters in the program. DO NOT fall behind on your reading...it may be the death of you!
Inter-racial communication is an interesting course, not too hard. Intro to nursing was a little difficult for me, because that was when you first learn that all the answers will be correct, but you have to chose the BEST one. Once you understands this concept and master it, then nursing school will be a little easier to stomach. I graduated Cum Laud with a 3.56, was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and was on the dean's list every semester while in the program...all while raising a two year old (terrible two's is NOT a myth) and dealing with personal issues. So you can do it too if you put not just your mind, but your heart into it as well.
Just a heads up...as i mentioned, FIU DOES require you to pass the HESI exit exam in order to be awarded your degree. It is considered the final exam for your synthesis course (final semester), and if you fail the final, then you fail the course and have to retake it the following semester. (you have two attempts to take the test the first time you take synthesis). The second time you take synthesis, it will be crunch time!!!! You will have another two chances to take the exit and if you fail on your fourth attempt, they WILL kick you out of the program and you will have to go he LPN route (as no other school will take you)!!!!! 50% of the graduating class before mine failed and ended up in my class. Thankfully, they all passed the 3rd time they took it and only two people from my original class failed and has to repeat synthesis in the Fall 10. The requirement is to pass with an 850, and they may bump it higher since a majority of my classmates (including myself) passed in the 1000s. If you think this may be a challenge for you, then consider a school that uses HESI a a diagnostic tool only, and not as a prereq to your degree.
FIU did something right in preparing me and my classmates to think critically and pass the NCLEX. I passed first time around with 75 questions, and a majority of my classmates has already taken it and passed as well, except for two that i know of. Just remember that Nursing school ONLY prepares you to think critically, but being a nurse will teach you how to be a nurse. Textbook and clinical experience are two totally different things, so dont feel cheated of an education at the end. I dont.

Sorry for the essay, i tried to answer your questions as thoroughly as i could. Good luck in all your endeavors!!!!

on eagles wings, ASN, RN · Jul 18, 2010

Wow, if I could give you ten kudos, I would! Thank you sooo much for all the time you have put into writing back. I was beginning to think no one from FIU goes on here. Thanks so much for all this info. I guess FIU has been really changing its requirements at a fast pace. I am a little nervous about the Hesi A2 and I didn't know there was a Hesi exit! It sounds absolutely dreadful, but if the school you the way you said it does, I am sure I can do it!

I also didn't know about the interview, but thank you so much for giving the heads up. I guess they must ask typical questions, like Why did you choose FIU, why do you want to be a nurse, etc. I am glad you mention that FIU has a lot of money to give. :) I sure hope I get a little bit of their change, hehe. If you can, can you tell me about that Memorial Regional Scholarship? I definitely have to get by with one of the heftier scholarships so I won't have to work.

If the FIU bookstore is anything like the MDC one, then I learned the hard way about not buying at the bookstore. I hope they give booklists a good time before school starts so I can check out for some deals. And thanks about the advice about the workbooks. I guess there is so much reading involved there is no time for them?

For the NUR class, did you use any books to reinforce your learning, especially on test taking? Like I hear a lot of people on this site talk about "Test Taking Skills" by Nugent I think it was, and some Fundamentals Success or something. Is it relevant at all to this? I'm taking that class with the COM class and two other classes at MDC, so I want to get all the help I can get in that one. Especially if it will help me in the Nursing program.

Wow again thank you so much. Your reply was very eye-opening to the seriousness of this program and this career. It definitely sounds like you have a passion for nursing and I am encouraged about FIU's program. I actually used to hear a lot that FIU was awful, and I applied to other programs and didn't even look at FIU because I believed those rumors. Now due to financial issues I am forced to go to FIU. But the more I learn about the school and its students, the better I feel about it and wish I had decided to go to FIU sooner!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

Brownie3085 · Jul 18, 2010

You're very welcomed!!!

The bookstore DOES have a booklist that is available all semester long, you can access it as we speak by visiting their website at http://fiu.bncollege.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TBWizardView?catalogId=10001&storeId=21551&langId=-1 . All you will need is the semester you plan to take the course, the department (NUR) the course number (eg. 3535) and the section (optional), and it will give you a list of the books for that particular class. It's usually accurate as far as which textbook the professor will require. FYI, the course i gave you in this example is for psych.

The only time i remember using my workbook was in my assessment lab class, and even then, we rarely used it. If you can manage to get yourself to find time to complete the workbook, then go for it, otherwise, dont waste your money.

With all honesty, i didnt supplement my knowledge with anything besides the textbooks for the course. I simply read before class (somtimes) and took notes during class. A lot of the professors are really into powerpoint presentations and the usually post them on blackboad, so that you can print them out (3 to a page with the right side for notes) and bring them to class, and jot down "important" things. What i did find that could have been extremely helpful in reinforcing my education was the Saunder Comprehensive NCLEX review. I used this to study for NCLEX and it is wonderful!!!!! It outlines the MAIN points in diseases, labs, procedures etc. It has sections for EVERY subject (peds, psych, post partum, intrapartum, peripeurium...everything! It is awesome. "Pathophysiology made incredibly easy" is also pretty good. I NEVER read a test taking strategy book until i decided to prepare for NCLEX. I guess depending on your self evaluation of your strengths and weakness, you can determine wether or not you will need to purchase it. I could have sold you the most updated kaplan strategy book for dirt cheap had i met you earlier, but i recently sold it on half.com.

What i really wish i did while in nursing school, that can really help you a lot, is to start reading your textbooks during the break! Atleast read the first 3 chapters for each class, as most likely, that will be the topic covered the first week in class. From that point, you will always be a step ahead of the game. DO NOT slack on patho or med surg, this will be the foundation for everyhing afterwards. If you fail to learn the disease process, you will find yourself semesters down the road, still referencing your patho book everytime a subject comes up.

The Memorial Regional Nursing Scholarship is given my memorial regional hospital to nursing students who have completed atleast one semester of clinicals and have a 2.5 GPA (i believe), in exchange for a one year commitment to work for them for every $6k they give you (up to $12k). The information was once online at the memorial website (mhs.net) but it is no longer available since they stop issuing them immediately after i received mine (which was my second semester into the program). I guess that was a smart move, since they are having difficulties placing us on units as there are no positions. But you can check into baptist hospital, HCA, the versant program at delray medical center and palm beach medical center, as well as UM. they all offer similar scholarship programs. But most require that you already be in a nursing program with a certain GPA.

FIU has a high firt-time pass rate for NCLEX, so that is suppose to reflect how well the nursing program prepares you. i would recommend FIU. HESI is extremely scary, but then again FIU tries to provide you with the tools to pass (such as free online access to case studies and contents by evolve, a 3 day in person content review by the actual HESI people, and the synthesis course (which is mainly in class case studies, specialty specific individual HESI's, as well as resume building)). Ultimately it is up to you on the effort you put in. But i am glad that you are considering FIU, they also have a brand spanking new Nursing building with an entire sim family in the lab (maniquins that have heart attack, have babies, listen to their breath sounds, etc.). You can access it at your leisure as long as you are wearing your clinical uniform (navy scrubs, w/ fiu logo). All in all, i dont regret having attended nursing school at FIU. It is Miami's #1 research institute and as you know or will learn, nusing is "evidence based practice" grounded in research! Good luck :)

on eagles wings, ASN, RN · Jul 24, 2010

Thank you so much for writing back. It took me a while to get back here. I am so nervous about this process. I am waiting for my transient student application to get approved so I can take the NUR and COM classes. Meanwhile, I purchased a Nursing Entrance Exam book to study this summer break. I heard the HESI A2 has a bunch of stuff so might as well start reviewing now.

Its good to know its possible to succeed in NS without having a million study guides. Your posts are really encouraging to me and I cannot wait to start at FIU.

NightNurse876 · Aug 5, 2010

I am also a recent graduate from FIUs BSN program...And actually Brownie's classmate (Hi Brownie) I agree with everything she says but would like to add a few things.

If you can pass the entrance exam that should be a good indicator of your possible success at FIU. I suggest getting a review book, sauders, mosby, etc because they give good reviews of systems and diseases. Classes are long and the content is A LOT, sometimes professors have to rush through so you dont get a good understanding of the material. A review book helps to solidify and pin point important areas to remember. Also each call has a hesi exam which is 10% of your final grade so being able to answer hesi style questions is important. There is a website (evolve) that you will have access to in the program...do as many of those case studies as possible.

Another suggestion regardless of what school you do attend it to make lasting contacts during clinical rotations with your instructors and the nurse managers. It will be helpful in the end when trying to find a job, get letters of recommendation, etc.

I worked the entire time I was in nursing school. But it depends on the person, many of my classmates didnt have a job but had other responsibilities. Also some ppl can handle more work/stress than others. Some find having to go to work hard while others find taking care of kids hard, etc. It is more than possible to work and do nursing school, its difficult but doable.

Also some changes are occuring within the nursing program. The nursing students will be working more closely with the Med students, some courses have been move around in terms of which semester the course is offered. And some have been added (where they found the space, I dont know)

FIU has a great pass rate tho it may not be easy to pass. I know of some who went to 'easy schools' and couldnt pass the NCLEX but you passing your boards kinda weighs a bit more on you and how you prepare.

The best advice is, it may seen hard at times and you just want to get by but learn your concepts...It makes life that much easier when you have to put critical thinking in the mix. Hope this helps : )

NightNurse876 · Aug 6, 2010

Another thing community work helps you in your professional life more than helping you to get into nursing school. They do want to see if you are involved, etc however the system of accepting students is based on points and there are no points for community work but it may be a great discussion piece during your interview.

Also some scholarships (ie disadvantaged) are based on your parents' tax return, just a heads up. I was dead broke, hence why I needed to work and that meant nothing. If your parents make more than a certain amount, even if they dont suport you, forget it.

on eagles wings, ASN, RN · Oct 18, 2010

I am sorry I haven't replied NightNurse876-- been so busy at home and then I couldn't remember where I posted this post lol. I appreciate the time you put into helping me! This is all great and encouraging information. Thanks again. I can't wait to see if I get accepted or not. I am studying when I have free time so I can challenge the CNA exam. I think it will help me in nursing school at least for the first semester, and it may even be nice to speak about during the interview like you said!!!! And duh the money, even if its a bit. :)

The school def seems hard.... but I cannot wait to finally be in Thanks again. BTW did you get a job soon after graduation, may I ask? I would imagine hospitals would love to hire FIU students. The more I look into the program, the more I see how great it must prepare you for real world nursing.

Thanks =)

NightNurse876 · Oct 19, 2010

The school def seems hard.... but I cannot wait to finally be in Thanks again. BTW did you get a job soon after graduation, may I ask? I would imagine hospitals would love to hire FIU students. The more I look into the program, the more I see how great it must prepare you for real world nursing.
Thanks =)

Well...I passed my boards July 31st and started applying soon after...like days after (I found out officially on Aug 2nd) and well honestly after at least 70 or so apps I only got 2 calls one for a hospital in WPB and one for a hospital in Texas. I interviewed in WPB and 2 weeks later (they had a hard time deciding between the 4 candidates I was told) I was hired. Just signed my contract yesterday in fact and I start Nov 1st...totally excited!! But wait I had to...for months and months...save up b4 graduation from nursing school for the exam and your lisence...its like $404 in FL right now, it may change by the time ur finished...I didnt have the money so I had to wait until I did so it delayed my testing date. But everything happens for a reason, I believe and my time just took longer to come than some but I know a few whose time hasnt come as yet either :)

on eagles wings, ASN, RN · Oct 26, 2010

Congrats! I plan on saving up a few thousand to last me during NS. I can't wait. Let me know how the hospital is going for you. Good luck!

Lostnursetobe · Nov 16, 2010

Hi everyone sorry to butt in but i found this thread to have the information that i need so i decided to post my questions on here too. I go to FIU, and im a sophomore. Last year, as a freshman I took pre-med classes (bio 1, bio 2, chem 1, etc) but this year i decided to go with nursing so im currently taking the very basic pre-reqs (microbiology, physiology, stats). I spoke with the advisor today and found out that FIU's nursing school admission is now only accepting by spring...meaning my application and pre-reqs have to be done by May 15 to get in by next fall. BUT I wont be done with the pre-reqs for another two semesters, meaning that I would have to apply for the nursing school NEXT spring (2011) so i would have from now until next year practically just waiting and taking other classes. Now I have that option orrr I can apply to other nursing schools, such as Miami Dade's or Barry or Nova or etc...im 18 and live with my family so of course im not going to move anywhere else. And Barry and Nova are way more expensinve than FIU. FIU is closer to me, and its cheaper, and i hate the idea of probably going to miami dade's nursing program because then why did i do my two years at fiu if i would end up in dade? Im not saying Dade is bad or undermining it, its just not exactly my first choice.

But, with what i've heard FIU's nursing school is not at all bad. Is it?

I dont know what to do, i had no idea that i only had one semester left to complete the pre reqs in order to apply for next year. Its impossible for that to happen now because im missing 29 credits, i feel so dumb and naive for not researching and asking more about this. All of you have experience on this area, so could you please tell me what you would do in my shoes or any advice that would help???

- Thank you so much! and sorry this was sooo long

on eagles wings, ASN, RN · Nov 16, 2010

I totally know what you are going through. The same thing happened with me & UM a whiiiiiile back. Don't feel stupid. There are so many options, sometimes they just take a little more time.

I can't really answer all your questions, because I don't know a lot myself. I am taking 9 credits in the Spring, and I am finishing my pre-reqs in the summer. I don't know who you spoke to, but the website says you can finish in the summer before your first semester which would be Fall 2011.

I will double check tomorrow myself about the information you were given. I'll post tomorrow or Wednesday what they told me.