Miami Dade College

U.S.A. Florida

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hi, i wanted to know are there any mdc students who know any information on the nursing program. i have all my requirements and all i need is chemistry. i am trying to apply to the accelerated program and would like to know if anyone here can give me a guide on my chances of getting in. any info will be greatly appreciated!:smiletea:

Oops! I also had a question to anyone who has done the BRIDGE program in the past! The NRG 051 Nursing Update Skills Course...must it be completed by the time you apply, or before you begin the program. does anyone know if it is possible to complete it during your first semester? Hmmm

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Specializes in Operating Room.
Oops! I also had a question to anyone who has done the BRIDGE program in the past! The NRG 051 Nursing Update Skills Course...must it be completed by the time you apply, or before you begin the program. does anyone know if it is possible to complete it during your first semester? Hmmm

I believe that with the new changes (as of August 2007), NRG 051 has to be taken and completed before you can apply for the nursing program. A letter was sent out last year explaining this. However, these "rules" seem to change so you should definately speak with an advisor to find out.

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Specializes in Operating Room.
Hi Nips,

I noticed you got accepted to the bridge program, that is what I am applying to get into. They said I needed to take a NACE exam and the grade was a big deal to get in. Did you take this test? If so, was it anything to worry about & what to sudy? I am transitioning from the Paramedic program.

Hello HealthJunkie,

I did not take the NACE, I took the Hesi exam last July. It seems as though they change the entrance exam each year! I am not sure what the NACE is composed of, but the Hesi included science (chemistry, anatomy, biology), english, reading and math. It was not a bad test to take and we had two chances to take it. This test also had a study guide. If the NACE has a study guide, I suggest you buy/look at it to gauge the type of questions that might be asked. If it is anything like the Hesi (basic subjects) then your pre-req courses will prepare you for the test. I hope this helps you.

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You get three chances to get to the 90th percentile. If you don't pass the exam on the first attempt, you will retake it again in one week. If you still don't pass you have to take a focused remedial class..then take it again. If, after three attempts, you will need to retake Professional Nursing Leadership.

It isn't as bad as it sounds. You will be given a list of practice ATI exams with their assessment numbers and passwords. They are all "non-proctored" practice exams. At the end of each section you will be taking a "proctored" ATI exam that is focused on the section you just completed. By the time you get to the comprehensive exit exam, you will very adept at taking ATI exams. No Worries!!

akspudus

That sounds so much better. Now the ATI exam sounds like a walk in the park! I can not wait to get my ATI books already. I want to start studying. STUDY STUDY STUDY!!!!!:chuckle

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For lab, you need a lab coat. You can use a plain white one if you want. You will also need your lab coat when you go in for pre-assignment. As you can imagine, you really won't make much of an impression at the hospital if you show up with a shabby old stained lab coat. I went ahead and got an MDC lab coat. They aren't that expensive, and you will get a lot of use out of it while your in school Its high quality (much better than the scrub top)...so when you press it, it looks real nice when you go to pre-assignment. remember, when you go to pre-assignment, you might be making an impression with a future employer. The more professional you look and act, the more receptive the hospital staff will be to help you out.

akspudus

PS...When you iron your uniform and lab coat, get the spray starch that has a stain blocker in it. It will help keep those whites...white.

What is pre-assignment? When do you do the pre-assignments? One more question, aside from the books I need, what else do I need for nursing school?

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For lab, you need a lab coat. You can use a plain white one if you want. You will also need your lab coat when you go in for pre-assignment. As you can imagine, you really won't make much of an impression at the hospital if you show up with a shabby old stained lab coat. I went ahead and got an MDC lab coat. They aren't that expensive, and you will get a lot of use out of it while your in school Its high quality (much better than the scrub top)...so when you press it, it looks real nice when you go to pre-assignment. remember, when you go to pre-assignment, you might be making an impression with a future employer. The more professional you look and act, the more receptive the hospital staff will be to help you out.

akspudus

PS...When you iron your uniform and lab coat, get the spray starch that has a stain blocker in it. It will help keep those whites...white.

Good Day All,

First of all, I'd like to thank those of you that bring real-word advice to this forum. I am currently stationed in Baghdad, Iraq so I turn to this forum to get the information that is not offered on the MDC site. So many times you turn to these forum sites and get nothing but a bunch of whining and complaining on how hard something is. I try to not pay attention to any of this, simply because everyone is so different. What may be hard to one student, may be "business-as-usual" to another.

I have applied for the Spring Bridge program at MDC. I am also transitioning from being a paramedic. I am very excited and have high hopes on getting accepted. I have had nothing but wonderful assistance from the Nursing advisement staff. They have bent over backwards to assist me via email with all my questions, doubts and worries. This is mind-blowing considering the experience I have had with MDC staff in the past has been abysmal. I have been done with my pre-reqs for a while and just finished my NLN-NACE exam and passed. For those of you medics wondering how you're going to take a test on something you know nothing about, relax! You will do fine if rely on what you have learned about patient assessment through medic school. There were also a lot of questions which pertain to the "nursing process" study that before taking the exam and perhaps you will score better than I did. They state you only need to pass with a 65 to fulfill the requirement. They do not factor your score as a basis of admittance. So basically its "you passed or you didnt".

Now, for some of that real word advice.

I still have a couple of months in Iraq and at least until Nov until I know if I'm accepted. At any rate, I would like to know if any one has any advice on what kind of supplies I need and the best places to buy them. I understand books change from semester to semester, so I guess we'll leave that until orientation (fingers-crossed)!

Would someone be so kind as to walk me through on what to expect from orientation?

When does it take place if my program starts in January.

What are the uniforms like?

Any tricks of the trade any of you possess will be helpful.

Are PDAs helpful while being a student at MDC?

Any other study techniques that will get the job done?

What kind of shoes are required?

Any day-to-day advice will be welcomed!

Thank you in advance! :typing

Good luck on the entrance. You are going into the transitional right? I am sorry I can not help you. I am doing the generic, and I am has lost as anyone starting for the first time LOL! I can only relate to you on the subject of being nervous about getting in! Wow that waiting is so hard, and sometimes difficult to deal with. I mean I was so nervous. For two months that is all I could think about, and now all I can think about is doing good in school. I just can not wait to start and see how I do.

I am so sure that you will get in. Good luck to you again, and please keep us informed, you are going to do great! You will see.

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Hello guys, I have to take a class at Jackson Plaza, MJH. Could smoebody tell me where this class is located? Because I asked at the students life center and they told me: "across the street," and that' it!!!!!Has anyone bought the stethoscope? and which color is the best ? Any advice?

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My dad bought my stes...I won't say its the best but it was pink LOL! I think the color should fit you. I don't really think there is a best color.

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Thank you, I am going to buy it tomorrow...

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Specializes in New Graduate Nurse.

Hey folks....sorry I sort of disappeared on you. I was on vacation at my parents house and they live in an area where broadband is unavailable. (yes there are still such places in America)

Anyhow, classes start soon. I wish you all well. You have gotten far enough to be accepted by the school...so you know you can do it.

If you have any outstanding questions. Feel free to drop me a line...I would be happy to aid any fellow aspiring nurses at MDC (or anywhere else for that matter) in any way.

akspudus

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When you get into school You will be given a box of ATI books. These books are pretty good review books. You will be taking ATI exams at the end of each semester..and to graduate you will need to place above the 90th percentile on the ATI exit exam. Use your ATI books and DVD's to help with that. ATI also has online practice exams..make sure you do those.

I also use the "Made incredibly easy" books. I bought medical surgical nursing and pharmacology made incredibly easy. Well worth the investment. As for NCLEX question...I use Saunder's Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination. Not only does it also have some outlined review..but it has lots of area specific NCLEX review questions.

When ever you do practice questions...read the rationales as to why each answer is correct and why the others are incorrect. Make sure you understand those rationales.

Also,..the success center computers have a program called "Test Taking Strategies for Nursing Students". Go and do that tutorial at the beginning of each semester..just to brush up on you NCLEX skills.

akspudus

Hello akspudus,

Thanks for the insight above. Ever since i first read this post, Ive been purchasing the books you mentioned to get some early reading done. I am still stationed overseas so I have plenty of time to read as the days drag on.

I was wondering about these ATI books... What exactly are they and are they "given" to you or do they come at a hefty price? Are they made by MDC or can they be purchased/searched on the web for a cheaper price. I am a bargain hunter and hate to pay full textbook price and rarely ever do. Are there any other book/supplies etc that MDC "obligate" you to purchase through them? I know scrub tops are mandatory (how much do they run?) .Since I have so much time on my hands to search, would you mind giving me more names of books that you found helpful?

Thank you so very much!

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Thank you so much! I can not believe classes are going to start soon. I am very excited and yet a bit apprehensive. Just a little scared, I am sure everyone is a bit scared too. So good luck to everyone of course, and I hope we keep everyone updated on progress in MDC.

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