Goldenwest College Fall 2013 Questions--Current or Former Students Please Help!

shaynadawn · Mar 19, 2013

Hi Chelsea! I just graduated from the Golden West College Nursing Program last December. From what I remember, the first two weeks of first semester you are at the nursing building at school from like 8-5, Monday through Friday. During those two weeks, they teach you a lot of the basic skills you will need for when you go to the hospitals. Once you start going to the hospital, you'll have a four day a week schedule. Two days of class and skills lab time, and two days of hospital time. During first semester, they split the clinical days into two days so instead of having one 12 hour clinical, its two six hour clinicals (6-8, can't exactly remember how many hours they were). Class and skills lab days were usually about 5-6 hours. First semester, I remember always being home by dinner time... if that helps. It is exciting and terrifying but you can do it, the instructors are amazing they want you to succeed! I was also planning my wedding during first semester so at times I broke down with my clinical instructor, she was so helpful and always encouraged me to keep trying and to not give up. I hope I helped! Good luck in the Fall!! :up:

chelseaandnoah · Mar 19, 2013

Thank you so much!!!! That was EXACTLY the info I was looking for...Now I can start making some tentative childcare plans---what a relief :) Any good tips that helped you survive the first semester (and beyond)? Thanks again for you time!!

--Chelsea

shaynadawn · Mar 20, 2013

Hmm. I'd buy the recommended books even though they're not required. One of them (it was like a small green and purple one) helped me SO MUCH during first semester and I even would reference it during the other semesters. Try and find a study group because it really helped with remembering all the info you need to learn. Create a little file cabinet full of every certificate, every copy of basically anything you do for school (like the tb test, background check) because in fourth semester you create a portfolio and it's way easier to accomplish that if you stay organized from the beginning. Plus fourth semester goes so fast and there is so much to do in so little time, so that it just one way to ease the stress. Third semester medsurg instructors are tough, but know that they're being tough to toughen you up. (That semester was the biggest growing experience for me). Make sure you have a good printer because each semester you probably about 2-3 ink cartridges and use a a whole tree worth of papers. Treat yourself and buy a great stethoscope! I think that's all I got for now. Oh and also another great book that helped a lot of students is the Saunders NCLEX-RN book. It could help along the way too, while helping you prepare for NCLEX... so its like killing two birds with one stone. Okay, now I think thats all I got. I hope I helped, its hard to remember first but first was like the foundation that you build off of. It lays down the basics, which helps you build off of with the other semesters ahead. (I hope I didn't overwhelm you!)

chelseaandnoah · Mar 20, 2013

Thank You!! Great advice...all your suggestions are very helpful and I appreciate your time so much :) I feel much LESS overwhelmed with a few tips from someone who has been there before! Thanks again for your support :)

--Chelsea

Jessica12345 · May 7, 2013

Hi chelseaandnoah and everyone,

I'm also accepted to the nursing program in GWC for fall 2013.

I would like to know which clinical facilities will be assigned.

Thank you in advance :)

Jessica

RN_Mo · May 22, 2013

Shaynadawn how did you like Golden West? Were things you loved/hated? I'm trying to get a picture of their program because I might have a choice between there and Saddleback. Thank you!

Luvinmylife70 · May 30, 2013

I just finished my first semester at Goldenwest. The first three weeks are non stop 5 days a week. Once clinicals start you will do one 12 hour shift a week as well as going to the hospital the day before to research your patient. My schedule was lecture mon lab and lecture on tues. hospital research thurs and clinical from 7-7 fri. Sites are OCM fountain valley, kaiser irvine, Lakewood, and Los alamitos hospitals. You get what you are assigned.

J81007 · Jun 1, 2013

how long does/did it take to get accepted to golden west college's nursing program? how long is the waiting list?

J81007 · Jun 1, 2013

how long does/did it take to get accepted to golden west college's nursing program(after finishing the the pre-reqs)?

how long is the waiting list?

Jessica12345 · Jun 3, 2013

I just finished my first semester at Goldenwest. The first three weeks are non stop 5 days a week. Once clinicals start you will do one 12 hour shift a week as well as going to the hospital the day before to research your patient. My schedule was lecture mon lab and lecture on tues. hospital research thurs and clinical from 7-7 fri. Sites are OCM fountain valley, kaiser irvine, Lakewood, and Los alamitos hospitals. You get what you are assigned.

Hi Luvinmylife70,

Thank you for your information.

I appreciate it :)

Which sites are which days of the week during your first semester?

I know that the schedule won't be the exactly same with fall 2013, but I would like to know since I have to turn a document in.

I asked a staff in the nursing school but didn't get the answer.

Thank you in advance :)

Liz1982 · Jun 14, 2013

I just wanted to say hi to everyone. I will also be in the Fall class. I am excited to meet everyone. I also have two little ones. My oldest is in Kindergarten. It's great to know there will be other parents in the class :) I will be attending my CPR certification class this Saturday in Laguna Hills. If anyone still needs their certification it would be great to have you join me and get to start knowing my classmates otherwise I can't wait to meet everyone in a couple of weeks.