GMU Accelerated BSN Fall 2016

kayemaech · Apr 10, 2016

Yes, I think that would help answer a lot of questions! Another admitted student/friend emailed and the nursing department said there was a tour scheduled last Friday. I don't think that was publicized, but must mean they give tours! It was, however, at 1:30 pm. It would be great to do a tour at like 5:30 after work, or even 4:30 so I can get there... I would be happy to email and see if we can schedule something, or let me know if you do. I think the lab is at Fairfax, so that is what I would want to see, but also just to talk to the department. It would be nice to see the PW campus as well.

greenbean74 · Apr 11, 2016

So, here's the deal right now. (As I've mentioned before, there is a new CHHS building under construction, so some of this is subject to change depending on when that building is complete.)

All lecture classes are at PW. They use modern lecture halls that can easily accommodate the entire class of 50-60 students.

All labs are at Fairfax. NOT all labs are in the Sim lab. As a matter of fact, the Sim lab doesn't really get much use. We used it once in the Fall semester and once in the Spring semester. It is a neat sim lab, and it has a lot of potential, but it isn't very big, and it seems to be used more as a novelty than anything. I too received the tour and info session at GW, and I was pretty impressed by their facility. But based on my experience at Mason, I wonder how much they truly use their sim lab over there.

However, in my opinion, the use of the sim lab is not necessary to learn the skills that we need to learn. In the fall, we had an assessment lab (where we mostly practiced on each other) and a skills lab (where we practiced on mannequins). The Sim lab could be helpful in tying all the pieces together, but in terms of learning the skills, mannequins in the labs served the purpose just fine.

As far as feeling like I sacrificed anything by choosing Mason, I really can't say, because I don't know what it would have been like at GW. I've had an overall good experience at GMU. I feel like I've learned a ton, and I feel like I will learn a ton more in my first year as a nurse. I've found that some professors are awesome, and some are not. But I think you'll find that anywhere.

greenbean74 · Apr 11, 2016

Also, consider that your clinical experience is really where you put together the learning that you get from your assessment and skills labs. Clinicals start right from day 1, so everything you learn in lab during the fall semester you get to put to use pretty soon after in the clinical setting. We learned physical assessment skills in lab, and we applied those skills in clinical. We learned to give meds and shots in lab, and we applied those skills in clinical (under the direct supervision of our clinical instructors).

So, from that perspective, the clinical environment seems to give us all the opportunity we need to apply the nursing skills that we learn - with actual patients.

greenbean74 · Apr 11, 2016

You will start getting information from the SON during the summer about orientation/boot camp week, uniform requirements, clinical placements, and whatnot. You'll need to get a stethoscope, and it doesn't need to be fancy! As long as you can hear a heartbeat through it, it's good enough. And you'll have to get white shoes that can easily be cleaned (sneakers are ok as long as they are all leather and don't have any canvas or mesh).

They will tell you everything else you need for clinicals, but I have a few things to add!

I used this clipboard in my clinicals, and I love it! Nursing

To protect patient privacy, you never want to leave patient information laying around where someone can see it, and with this clipboard, you can just fold everything up inside it. Also, it fits in the pocket of your scrub top and in any cargo pockets of your scrub pants.

pleaseacceptme · Apr 15, 2016

Why did you pick GMU over VCU?! I currently am a VCU student, but am originally from NOVA and I still can't pick between GMU and VCU

greenbean74 · Apr 16, 2016

I didn't even apply to VCU. GMU was my first choice because I live in Fairfax, the location was convenient, and I completed all the GMU prerequisites before completing other courses that would have been required for other schools (such as Marymount).

Morjayne4 · Apr 22, 2016

I was accepted to VCU. I chose GMU over VCU for my own personal reasons. I wouldn't have to move and find a place which would have cost more $. Also, VCU is a year and a half program and I was able to take a leave of absence from my current job for up to a year so GMU would fit in to that. I have a full-time salaried job waiting for me when this program is done which is important because it will take a few months for me to study/pass NCLEX/ begin a new job and then finally get a paycheck. GMU's program is technically 11 months and 1 week and was just more cost effective for me. I went to visit VCU and the facility is awesome and the program seems very comprehensive and interesting but for me, an independent student who doesn't have help from my parents or spouse, I decided on GMU because of the cost and time. I am not trying to boast about myself but I can handle a shorter program because for some reason I thrive when under pressure and honestly I haven't been overwhelmed with GMU's program. Everyone needs to reflect on their learning style and needs and what type of length and pace you feel you can manage. So these are my reasons for choosing GMU over VCU and GW. I hope this has been helpful.

NeuroICURN17, BSN · May 5, 2016

Hey all! I figured I would update anyone who has not been to orientation yet so they have the latest information. First off, if you can go to the evening transfer orientation - do it. I would say 70% of the general orientation was not necessary, unless you prefer to hear lectures on GMU codes of conduct and campus safety :).

Luckily we were able to get tid bits of info regarding scheduling (at least for the first semester) as well as short, but eye-opening meet n greet with some of the current nursing students.

It looks as though the 1st semester will be Mondays and Wednesdays for lecture at Prince William Campus from 10:30-4:30. Lab or Clinicals will be Tuesdays or Thursdays. So, if you have lab on a Tuesday, you will have clinical on a Thursday. Labs are 4 hours (1/2 being tech related, the other half being health assessment related). I believe the times for that were 8:30-10:30 and 11-1. Clinicals will be day shift (6:30am - 6:30pm) so be ready!! It looks as though we will be hitting the ground running. It should also be noted that these aren't 'shadow-a-nurse' clinicals; it will be very hands on. Fridays we have off for studying! YAY!

Be sure to practice your basic skills as we will be regularly tested on this. I was told to focus on ratios and proportions. A math for nursing book was suggested, called Calculating with Confidence. I would hold off any purchasing until a more detailed textbook list comes out by gmu email.

As the other cohort had mentioned, we will need: white leather shoes (no fabric or mesh), a stethoscope, hunter green (George Mason green) scrub tops, an apple red scrub top (for when we go to any of the Inova Hospitals), and khaki scrub bottoms (technically they said it didn't have to be scrub material, but, hey, we're going to be nurses so I'm ready to embrace the comfy and we need to be able to bend and move easily in them). will also need GMU patches for our scrubs. I think I'm going to buy one and velcro it on whatever scrub set I use.

Some of the courses will be online, including the winter mini-mester which I believe I was told begins the 1st Monday of the new year. It will be an in-class test however. We will have Labor Day off and Columbus day. We will have Wednesday - Friday off for Thanksgiving and a winter break off. We will also have a Spring Break come spring semester.

Should there be inclement weather baring us from class, and/or clinicals, a notification via text/or email will be sent out (hopefully by 5-5:30 am informing us whether we need to be there or not. I believe we will need to sign up online for this (not something to worry about yet)

We will need a general parking pass if we wish to park at either campus. It is good for both Fairfax and PWC. Unfortunately, it's $370 (carpool anyone?) There is a school shuttle that runs every 1/2 hr between the 2 campuses and the ride (I was told) is about 45 minutes).

Nursing boot camp will be the week before the official classes begin. August 22 - August 26 (but I THINK they said it would online be for 3 days instead of the full week).

That is all of the information I have for now. I hope this information helped. I'm sure I missed a couple of things but at least we have an idea of what to expect now. :)

Also, should we make a FB group to better communicate? It's a bit of a drag posting on here.

greenbean74 · May 5, 2016

Sounds like your fall semester will be just like ours was. The Calculate With Confidence book is the required textbook for lab, so you might as well get it and start practicing. I found it to be entirely too big and cumbersome (when I'm doing math, I prefer simple explanations), so I would suggest you check out the website DosageHelp.com - Helping Nursing Students Learn Dosage Calculations. It covers everything you need to know about med math and nothing more. :)

I think somebody in your group already started a FB group. Go back and read through this thread to find the link or details.

I'm crossing my fingers for all of you!

greenbean74 · May 5, 2016

Re: Your class FB group. I thought I had read it here, but it is posted in this other discussion: https://allnurses.com/virginia-nursing/gmu-accelerated-second-1043202.html

NeuroICURN17, BSN · May 6, 2016

Oh lord, all that typing for nothing! Lol. I'm curious too- I was looking at white leather shoes. Any recommendations???

Trhl09 · May 7, 2016

Thanks, danishep! This info. is really helpful as I'm not planning to join the fb group just yet, and I haven't signed up for orientation, either...

My mom is a nurse, so I'm getting some of her hand-me-downs like her old Littman stethoscope and a pair of white leather shoes. They're skechers work shoes and seem really comfortable, similar to this:

Buy SKECHERS Work: Relaxed Fit - Sure TrackSKECHERS Relaxed Fit Shoes only $69.