Graduates of Previous Jeff State-Shelby Campus Cohorts...please advise!

Published

So I have gotten past the initial hurdles so far....passing the TEAS, applying and being accepted! I've completed my background check and am all set for orientation...anxiously waiting for next week.

While waiting, I have been looking at previous threads and keep seeing posts that the Shelby campus is more difficult than the Jefferson campus? I'm a little confused! I know they are different campuses but it's still the same school...right? With the same program requirements...right? So why such a disparity?

Is the coursework not the same?

Are the instructors not equally qaulified?

Are Shelby campus instructors less available for help?

Or is it simply perception?

I am beginning to get nervous that I may have selected the wrong campus :cautious:

I would kindly appreciate feedback from any in the Bham area but especially from those who have attended the Shelby campus. Even if you attended and didn't successfully complete the program I think your comments would be helpful.

Thanks Much!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't know the difference between the two campuses...i don't know anyone that went to Jefferson. I myself went to Shelby the evening/weekend program. I wouldn't get caught up in which campus is harder. The curriculums should pretty much be the same. Of course the instructors can make a lot of difference, but really it comes to down to the individual applying themselves and doing whatever it is they need to do to learn the material. Nursing school is hard in general, but it is not impossible to make it at the Shelby campus. I wish you well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for your input. Maybe it will be better for me then that I passed on my full time spot in the 2014 Summer program and reapplied for part time in the Fall. I have seen more positive feedback regarding the n/w program than the full time one.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The n/a program is not easy by any means, but I think the way the classes are split up as opposed to how they are in the full time program helps. I still worked my full time job, while being the evening/weekend program and I made it all the way through the first time around, by God's grace. It can be done. Stay on top of what you know you need to do, STUDY, ask questions, take practice tests, and stay on top of your dosage calculations bc u have that test on the first day of every semester and if you fail three times you are out of the program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have to add that I'm in the n/w program, and I love it so far! Granted, I haven't made it to med-surg yet. I hear that's the hardest class for the n/w program. It isn't an easy program, but the instructors are encouraging! Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wowza! Really...so are you tested on the same information each semester or different components? So I guess that's what leads to remediation? I've seen a few posts about that too. Well I think I 'll be ready. I have a dosage calculations book and plan to start seriously practicing just as soon as I know I'm accepted. Thanks for the valuable info MTAC0915:up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was at Jeff State for the Full time program in the Summer and I think it was hard for me because of the time crunch. There was 1 teacher that wasn't very friendly either. I ended up failing the dosage calculations. I really wanted to finish what I started so I applied again, this time at Shelby n/w. Teachers were great, but the number of students was overwhelming (99). My job wasn't working with me, so I was late and that means your at the very back of the class & the teachers didn't have alot of time to cater to everyones questions. Instead of failing again I withdrew. I sent you a message back but I'm not sure if it went through. I'm new to this site. I'm praying 3rd times a charm!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac and OR.

Zoija, I am speaking from the perspective of the NW program regarding dosage calc. 1st Semester, you get an overview of dosage calculations. You then take 3 tests in pharm, each adding to the previous one. Thereafter, you take a calc test at the beginning of each semester to ensure that you have maintained the knowledge, and they tend to get a bit more difficult in regard to peds calculations, critical care calculations, etc. They take calculations seriously. I know several people who were dropped from the program due to failing 3 calc tests at the beginning of a semester. I recommend "Calculate with Confidence"; learn conversions and then just work your way through. Regarding the other aspects of nursing school, I agree with MTAC0915. it is tough, but very doable. Classes are different and there won't be any spoon feeding of information, and tests are WAY different. Get used to seeing "choose the most correct answer". Good luck on your adventure.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I have to add that I'm in the n/w program, and I love it so far! Granted, I haven't made it to med-surg yet. I hear that's the hardest class for the n/w program. It isn't an easy program, but the instructors are encouraging! Good luck!

I'm in the n/w program now. Med Surg is hard but I don't think it's harder than any other class. I actually did really well in that class. And don't believe the lie that it gets easier after Med Surg.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion