Gateway CC LPN Cohort Fall 2016

Dasdamo4 RN · Jul 16, 2017

I do have all the power points but the packets they give I don't have them anymore haha. The PowerPoints can be overwhelming with all the information on them so there is a reason why they unlock each module when you finally get to it.

I'll tell you what though, for Block 2, it's pretty much all med-surg with OB and peds the last few weeks of the semester. Recall any information given in Block 1 and be ready to apply it in Block 2. I would invest in buying Med-Surg Success by Colgrove. Review everything you did for lab in Block 1 and as well as med calculations. You'll need it for when you start IV med calculations. You'll start IVs the first week or second week. I would continue to do adaptive quizzing as it's really helpful. Try to do a little bit everyday if you can on study mode. It'll help prepare you for the Hesi PN at the end of the semester.

2nd Block is nothing like Block 1. I'll be honest: it's harder, more time consuming, and somewhat of a pain in the ass. People say to sign up for the 104 class. I didn't because I didn't have the money to but I would if you can. Personally I don't agree with it because some of the test answers are given in the 104 course and it wasn't fair to me because I couldn't afford the class. I still ended up getting help from friends in the class who were taking it. The 104 class was easy in the first Block but it seems to add more of a benefit in the 2nd Block. You'll have either 6 or 8 weeks or med-surg clinicals depending on where you go. I would highly recommend choosing MIHS if you can. I got all 5 of my IVs, Trach care, and central line dressing change there in the first two weeks. If you have Susan Lijan, she is a great instructor, stern but always willing and helpful. You'll have 3 peds clinicals but they arent true clinicals as they aren't in a healthcare facility but rather in the schools. Then the last two will be for OB. Jeri will teach OB. Record the lectures for OB as she will have all test questions from OB lecture on her tests. She is fast and speedy but incredibly in-depth and passionate, and knows exactly what she's doing. You'll have 2 simulation days which are actually really fun so enjoy and take everything you can from it.

Going back to everything, cardiovascular will be the first test. It's difficult and you will NEED to study for it. Don't take it lightly or you won't be successful most likely. You'll need to know everything from the difference b/e veins and arteries to what to look for when assessing a client/pt with left/right sided heart failure. Meds become more of a thing so really know meds and side effects. There really isn't any extra credit either. I know we were all pissed. They don't baby you in Block 2. In adddtion, nursing interventions are hearvlily weighted so know them really well. S. Clifford loves nursing interventions! She also loves the urinary system so makes to study that too. Really just study everything. They take a lot from the slides but make sure to read the chapters too. I had to at least.

OVERALL, my experience was positive and they prepare you well. I take my NCLEX on Monday and I'm studying everything over. Just know, you know more than you think you do.

featheredavenger · Jul 16, 2017

Oh good luck on your nclex and I hope you do well! That's a lot to cover, would you mind emailing me PowerPoints please?

nursemama13, LPN · Apr 11, 2018

Hi! Can anyone who attended the program recently tell me what your schedule looked like for the day time program? I was just accepted and was hoping to get an idea of what my schedule will be like.. Thanks!

Dasdamo4 RN · May 4, 2018

It all depends on the semester but I think they try to maintain the same schedule as much as they can from semesters prior. I had days while in the PN program and it was Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-4 roughly but many times we only stayed till 12. If it's evenings then I could say for sure but most likely will be 4 hour long class three days a week not including clinicals. I am finishing up block 3 evenings in the RN program and it sucks... To elaborate, I prefer day classes over evening classes.

nursemama13, LPN · May 4, 2018

Thank you for your reply! I actually had an attachment in my emails with the schedule that I wasn't able to see from my Mac. I work night shift so I am just hoping I can get my schedules to mesh well. It looks like the first few weeks are fairly intense with 1 class and 2 lab days for day cohort.

Congrats on finishing up 3rd semester! Such an accomplishment!

Dasdamo4 RN · Nov 15, 2020

It's amazing to look back at this now and think that in a few short months I'll have been an RN of 2 years already. From first posting this, I was a pre-nursing student on the waitlist to become an LPN and then finally accepted and finished, only to be admitted to the RN program. Now 5 years since making this thread, I can't believe where I'm at now. I've worked in critical care, travel nursing, and now considering making a permanent move across the country into a brand new arena. I can't wait for what the future holds!