Tampa/W. Coast Students Roll Call!

MB37 · Apr 3, 2007

I thought we just had to have the BLS before classes (or clinicals?) started, so I haven't signed up for one yet. I hoped they'd give us more info at orientation...I got everything else out of the way so I could register immed following orientation though. And yeah, the health center told me to come pick up my form last Tuesday, so I spent 30 min each way driving out here, and it was the day of the "health fair," so they were closed. And I had an online exam to take and was wasting study time...still did fine though, but I was a little miffed at the time!

RBlucky · Apr 3, 2007

I'm starting USF's Accelerated BSN in May. Just about a month to go. I can't wait!

MB37 · Apr 3, 2007

Me neither! I want to get orientation over with so I can start planning everything and know what my schedule will look like exactly.

RBlucky · Apr 4, 2007

oh my gosh, you sound just like I do. I really want to register so I can't start planning (I'm such a nerd, man!) I haven't received my packet yet, so I had to call the CON and get all my info together for orientation, so let me ask you: did they say what to wear to orientation? Business casual or just regular clothes? It's such a little detail but I hate showing up over or under dressed, you know?

-Renee

MB37 · Apr 8, 2007

I hadn't even thought about that...I haev class 8:30-11:30 Tues morning too, so I have to leave early, and then another class at 3:30 so I hope it's over by then...maybe I'll wear something in the middle - i.e. jeans and a nice shirt, or a jean skirt even maybe, but not really dress up. Maybe avoid the PJ bottoms and old holey T-shirt?

RBlucky · Apr 9, 2007

Good idea. I'm thinking that if they didn't mention it, then there isn't a particular dress code. So jeans and a nice top is a safe bet.

chickapin · May 6, 2007

Hi, new USF nursing students! I just finished semester 2/3 of the accelerated program. I remember how excited I was to go to orientation and then for classes to actually start. Good luck guys!

Journey_On, BSN, RN · Nov 6, 2007

I will be starting the Accelerated BSN program at USF in January!

I apologize for digging up an old thread, but I had a question and some concerns about the TB test and the CPR certification.

I am not (and will not be) in the USF area until early January. I am aware that I need to get my TB test and CPR certification completed by the time classes start.

My orientation is next week on November 15th, but I found this out on October 23rd.

My next day off of work is this coming Monday, and I cannot get off of work any more days until the 15th - can I just do the chest x-ray for the TB test? Also, I was told that for the CPR certification, I either need to have completed or be enrolled in a class by the time of orientation - is this correct? Like if I were signed up for a class in December, would that be okay? How long is the class (e.g., one day)?

Thanks in advance.

JTwin · Nov 6, 2007

Hi, and congratulations =) I am currently in their upper division program and I got the acceptance packet 2 or 3 days before the intent to enroll form was due! Then I had a week to get the TB test and immunizations out of the way -- I got the TB test and shots done the very next morning and had it read first thing the following morning before getting on a plane! The scariest part was the varicella titer, because if it came back negative, I'd have had to get those vaccines ($70+) and there was no way that was going to happen before orientation.

Apparently, they do this to every incoming class.

I would call the admissions office with questions. They will allow it, as long as you bring proof of enrollment to orientation. The cheapest, most frequently offered CPR/BLS course I could find is the one offered at St. Joseph's for $35 to $38. I think they have one every week, or every other week. You can find the info and register at their website (http://www.sjbhealth.org/body.cfm?id=617).

Good luck =)

chickapin · Nov 6, 2007

Hey. I remember rushing to try and get the stuff done before orientation but it really wasn't necessary. A lot of people hadn't even started getting their stuff done by the time orientation came around. You can always call and double-check but I think there's really no need for them to have your PPD results or CPR card until the semester starts.

And I think the CPR certification is about 4 hours. My class ran at a fast pace and I think we finished in under 3.

MB37 · Nov 6, 2007

Congrats! Yeah, I rushed to get all my immunizations done before orientation in May, and they weren't required. Call the admissions office to make sure they haven't changed that, but as long as you have an appointment before classes start you should be OK. You don't need to pay for a chest x-ray when all you need is the PPD. Also, if you need Hep B, you only need to have started the series since it takes 6 months. They have never asked for my CPR (BLS) card, but it's in my wallet if they ever do. I also drove halfway across town to make sure I had it before classes started, and you definitely don't need it until clinicals start (2nd semester unless they've changed the program again). It took me one morning (8-11 or 12). I went to a lady in Town and Country. Just go to the American Heart Association website, and if you type in your zip code, a list of classes in your area will pop up. Then you have to call them all and find one that fits your schedule - some only offer one class a month. The sooner you get started the better, but no worries if you haven't finished everything by orientation.

Journey_On, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2007

Thank you JTwin, chickapin, and MB37! Your replies were very helpful and reassuring.

At least I know I'm not the only one rushing around to do stuff. I have been stressed out the past couple of days trying to make sure everything gets done!

It looks like I will be able to get my TB skin test done at a local walk-in clinic here, since they are open late hours (I have work all day). Hopefully I will be doing the CPR class sometime in early December, they have to get back to me to let me know exactly which date it is.

I have to go home to get some blood work regarding the titer(?). I got an email today from my advisor noting that I had a hold on my record from Student Health Services. She said they won't let me register for classes yet until I get that done. Hopefully getting the blood work done will take care of that.

I visited USF on Monday, got my student ID, parking pass (for orientation day), and turned in my intent to enroll form. I also signed a lease for an apartment. Can't believe the orientation is next week!