GCU 2014 Summer

ryleea1, BSN · Nov 21, 2013

To be completely honest, I think preparing for the TEAS is slightly overrated. It's really not that difficult. Maybe if you need some brushing up on topics that's understandable but from experience I went in and winged it and after taking it a second time w/ study material I raised one score by 3 pts.

ryleea1, BSN · Nov 21, 2013

Hey I would love to talk to you about the program! I am planning on doing st joes fast track starting in the summer.

ICULINDA · Nov 23, 2013

Sure:) what kind of questions do you have?

ryleea1, BSN · Nov 28, 2013

What program did you do? Reg/fasttrack and where at? How's the workload? Teachers?

ICULINDA · Nov 28, 2013

What program did you do? Reg/fasttrack and where at? How's the workload? Teachers?

I did the fast track program which at that time was 20 months in Tucson. The workload was intense. I also worked part time (24-30 hrs a wk). I had awesome teachers that were willing to help with anything we didn't understand. We had great clinical experience with tons of hands on in the hospital. We also did SIMS labs every block. We used ATI as well to help us prepare for boards. We had to do ATI tests after each block to see where we were at on passing NCLEX this really did help. I know things have changed since May. The program is now 15 months and the majority of teachers have changed. My friend is in the program right now. They no longer use ATI and the classes are now 6 week blocks instead of 8. We started clinicals in the first semester which they no longer do. We had tons of papers to write as well. I'm not sure how they are preparing students for NCLEX since they no longer use ATI. You'll have online classes to do with regular classes. Clinicals were 12 hour shifts once a week. Overall I learned a lot was able to pass my boards the first time and got a ICU job after graduation. You have to have good time management and priority skills otherwise you'll always be behind. I had a great mentor during the program. The SNA will assign you a student mentor from another cohort ahead of you to help. I still mentor 2 students that haven't graduated yet. I was able to be VP and president of the SNA and on the board for state. With school,work and family I was busy but it was worth every minute. I got to meet a lot of nurses and get great recommendations. I love mentoring and helping other students get through school. Hope this helps and if you have any other questions please feel free to ask.

ryleea1, BSN · Dec 3, 2013

Sounds awesome. I'm (hopefully) doing the st joes fast track. Fingers crossed. Sounds like everything went really well for you.

ryleea1, BSN · Dec 3, 2013

Where did you get an ICU job at? I would love to work neuro ICU. I would love to work at Mayo but thats a long shot but I do have connections. Also is it true that after first block you can work as a CNA? How was boards? Did you feel prepared?

ICULINDA · Dec 4, 2013

I work for UAMC. From what I hear the program has changed a bit. After you complete medsurg which is second semester you can apply for a PCT job not sure about CNA after first semester. Boards were nerve wrecking! I would do 100 plus questions a day to study. I don't think I ever felt 100% ok lol but we did a lot of ATI comp test in school that helped. Once I sat down I felt better about taking them. It's just nerve wrecking no matter what. When will you find out about st joes? I say apply for ever new grad program out there. If you can get mayo that would be awesome!

toy85 · Dec 4, 2013

Sorry to butt in guys but I'm in the program at Boswell. (Level 1) We are able to take the exam to become a cna once the first level is completed & I "heard" lpn after level 2. We no longer use ATI. We do however have HESI case studies to practice with but I'm guessing we will be using HESI to prepare for the nclex since GCU is switching to the HESI A2 for their entrance exam. Program is awesome, love it so far! I live hearing from new grads or someone who previously completed the program from GCU! Always positive feedback, gives me great hope thanks!!!

ICULINDA · Dec 5, 2013

Sorry to butt in guys but I'm in the program at Boswell. (Level 1) We are able to take the exam to become a cna once the first level is completed & I "heard" lpn after level 2. We no longer use ATI. We do however have HESI case studies to practice with but I'm guessing we will be using HESI to prepare for the nclex since GCU is switching to the HESI A2 for their entrance exam. Program is awesome love it so far! I live hearing from new grads or someone who previously completed the program from GCU! Always positive feedback, gives me great hope thanks!!![/quote']
Your not butting in at all! I had no clue you might be able to do LPN. Wonder how that works since they gotta take NCLEX also. If it's true I would've done that lol. GCU does have great passing rates and from what I've been told by other RNs and from other facilities is GCU nurses really do know real world nursing and are great hands on. Woooohoooo!

hkstaley23 · Dec 5, 2013

I am thinking of applying as well, I am retaking BIO 202 currently, but my science GPA is really low, so I am hesistant on applying because I don't think I will get in. I have taken the TEAS, have my fingerprint clearance and cpr and all pre reqs done though...

ryleea1, BSN · Dec 5, 2013

I've seen people get in with some pretty low gaps and borderline teas scores. Summer/spring is less competitive.