GTC 2011?

kimberlyac2012 · May 17, 2011

Unfortunately, the textbook bundle is used for Foundations only. It includes the textbook, and a workbook. I forgot, there is also a skills dvd set and skills checklist you'll need. Neither of those are included in the bundle. Sorry You will use part of the Foundations book later in the program, but you will also be buying books for Med/Surg (3 quarters of use...woo-hoo), Psych, mother/child and Leadership.

The shoes have to be all white. That is about the only requirement. The can be tennis shoes, but the HAVE to be ALL white I got a very reasonable pair or nursing shoes at the scrubs store at Discover Mills. They are made by Landeau.

I think that's everything...

Kim C.

blueharlequin · May 17, 2011

Oh, cool, so I can get plain white New Balance tennis shoes? I have a really hard time finding shoes that don't cut into my feet around the heel (on top of having large, flat, and wide feet), so that would be awesome. New Balance always has plain white tennis shoes.

And that's still not too bad about the cost of books. What type of psych will we be learning?

JKCharles, ASN, RN · May 17, 2011

I really wish they would give us the list. I really need to start making preparations and spread out the costs of items...

busylife4me · May 18, 2011

I wish they would give us the list and process my financial aid application. I really don't know what the hold-up is this year with financial aid, but it's making me worry.

busylife4me · May 18, 2011

Kimberly and anyone else who is currently in GTC's program, particularly those who are about to graduate:

Now that you're almost done with the program, have you started looking for jobs at local hospitals (or even other places like rehab centers)? Have employers expressed an interest in hiring GTC graduates? Every time I read posts on this board, it seems like most of the posters complain about nurses with ADN degrees cannot find jobs, or if they do, it will only be in nursing homes or hospice centers. Very disheartening to read all that, and I was wondering if you-all know what the outlook in our area is. Feel free to e-mail me directly if you do not want to post.

blueharlequin · May 18, 2011

Kimberly and anyone else who is currently in GTC's program, particularly those who are about to graduate:
Now that you're almost done with the program, have you started looking for jobs at local hospitals (or even other places like rehab centers)? Have employers expressed an interest in hiring GTC graduates? Every time I read posts on this board, it seems like most of the posters complain about nurses with ADN degrees cannot find jobs, or if they do, it will only be in nursing homes or hospice centers. Very disheartening to read all that, and I was wondering if you-all know what the outlook in our area is. Feel free to e-mail me directly if you do not want to post.

I've been wondering this myself, actually. If you all don't post it on this forum, can you email me as well? Well, more than wondering, I've been a bit worried about hearing these accounts. So a little more clarity would be really beneficial.

kimberlyac2012 · May 18, 2011

A reply to a couple of posts...

If you can find wide, all white NB tennis shoes, please let me know where. I had a hard time finding comfortable ones that did not need breaking in. The NB store had all leather and they were STIIFF! 12 hours on your feet is not the time to be wearing stiff shoes.

As for finding work....I am not a senior, but we were at a meeting with the seniors yesterday. About 1/2 of the class had found jobs. I know at least one who is not looking because she wants to work at Grady and they will not even consider you until you have passed the NCLEX. It is true that hospitals like BS degrees. The staff will continue to encourage you to continue your education past an ADN. I personally am planning on working a year and then bridging to a Masters.

One of the seniors said that GTC students have become very welcomed at clinical sites. They like us!

Financial aid...I had to stop there yesterday. She said they are processing 10,000 financial aid applications and said they are "working their little fingers to the bone" to get them processed. I suspect the new nursing program has really increased the number of applicants applying to GTC.

As for sending you info to space it out, they will give you plenty of time to get it done. I can tell you now to start saving for it. You can begin your vaccines any time. You'll need a HepB series...that is a long process. You may want to get your 1st shot NOW, because they are spaced. You can get your stethoscope, shoes, HepB, Tabers and an NCLEX study guide now. Those are safe purchases. Littman makes a nice, reasonably priced "lightweight" series scope.

Good Luck. I can tell you, our class is so excited to meet each of you.

Kim

kimberlyac2012 · May 18, 2011

Kimberly and anyone else who is currently in GTC's program, particularly those who are about to graduate:
Now that you're almost done with the program, have you started looking for jobs at local hospitals (or even other places like rehab centers)? Have employers expressed an interest in hiring GTC graduates? Every time I read posts on this board, it seems like most of the posters complain about nurses with ADN degrees cannot find jobs, or if they do, it will only be in nursing homes or hospice centers. Very disheartening to read all that, and I was wondering if you-all know what the outlook in our area is. Feel free to e-mail me directly if you do not want to post.

I know the program does not recommend that anyone works, but I don't know if that's strictly because of course load or if that's because they want you available for whenever clinicals are scheduled or a combination of both. I heard that some are working and some are not. I think it depends on the type of job you hold and any family commitments. All along, I had planned on not working as it's been tough for me to work part-time, take two classes and get A's, and take care of my family. And honestly, when the kids were off for summer and I was in A & P II and spent all that time in the lab, I did not work so that I could concentrate on school and make sure the kids were taken care of (and I spent more time studying than taking care of the kids or house). If I had a low stress job, one that did not require a lot of thinking or deadlines, then I might consider working. However, with my job, I can go in one day and they can be talking about something completely foreign and new and then want me to stay up all night to prepare a transcript. If I end up feeling like I have extra time on my hands (like the first semester since I heard there are no clinicals then -- or at least part of the semester) or feel like putting more stress on myself, then I may work some but probably will ask for the type of cases that I am familiar with. They usually pay less, but there won't be any surprises as far as deadlines and terminology and there would be less stress involved.
I don't know about a meeting, but I would think that would be logical. And I am still overdue for a celebration on getting in! Haven't planned one yet as I've been too busy with school, work, and my daughter's upcoming graduation "stuff."

Busy Life,

There is no "extra time" LOL. Also, there will be clinicals during the 1st semester once you pass your skills check-offs. I think the reason they suggest you do not work is so you are not overloaded. Probably almost 1/2 of our class works, to some degree. I work 1 day a week, others are working full time, with children, then there are others who work 12 hour shifts on the weekend only. If you can handle a full platter (rather than full plate), you might be able to work. I know me, and more than 1 day would stress me out. I do however understand that there are people who need to work. It can be done...

Kim

blueharlequin · May 18, 2011

A reply to a couple of posts...
If you can find wide, all white NB tennis shoes, please let me know where. I had a hard time finding comfortable ones that did not need breaking in. The NB store had all leather and they were STIIFF! 12 hours on your feet is not the time to be wearing stiff shoes.

There was a New Balance shoe store at a shopping mall (called The Forum, I think) in Norcross (I'm not sure if it's a Norcross address, but we always went down Peachtree Ind. toward Norcross to get there). The last time I was there was 1-2 years ago, but I can't imagine the store closing since it had already been there several years. I got my white tennis shoes there (I think I ended up getting an 11 wide based on fit) and my jogging shoes. They had the 11 wides in the white shoes, but I had to get men's jogging shoes because they didn't have the right length in women's. If I remember correctly, the women's length ran small but the width was normal to large. I'm 6'1" and have a really wide, flat foot, so shoes are REALLY difficult for me to find/fit into. I guess that's why a lot of shoes cut my heals, but I don't know. NB works really well for me, but I know a lot of people who don't like them at all. What works for one person doesn't necessarily work for the next, so oh well.

busylife4me · May 19, 2011

I never have "extra time" in my life because I'm always working on a full platter with maybe slight periods of going to a full plate, but I guess I was hopeful. Since I just finished the SCT 100 class, and the last I looked, they had that listed as a class to take the first quarter/semester, then I thought maybe the time I will save not being in that class and not having clinicals that first quarter/semester/few months, then maybe I could work.

You'll have to let me know how the AD to MSN class works out once you get there. I would like to do that too, but the one I looked into says you have to be working at least a year before doing the AD to MSN, and I hate to enroll in a bridge to BSN if I'm planning on MSN but then don't want someone not to hire me because I'm not immediately enrolled in another program upon graduation from the ADN. I know -- I'm getting way ahead of myself. Wish I could just shut the brain off sometimes!

kimberlyac2012 · May 19, 2011

You'll have to let me know how the AD to MSN class works out once you get there. I would like to do that too, but the one I looked into says you have to be working at least a year before doing the AD to MSN, and I hate to enroll in a bridge to BSN if I'm planning on MSN but then don't want someone not to hire me because I'm not immediately enrolled in another program upon graduation from the ADN. I know -- I'm getting way ahead of myself. Wish I could just shut the brain off sometimes!

I know how you feel about doing BSN if MSN is in the cards, but here is my thought on that...I can work for a year and chip away at classes, one or two at a time. Then, when I get to my MSN, I'll have less "filler" classes to take. Trying to look at the glass as half-full :)

Kim

blueharlequin · May 19, 2011

I think comparing an AD to MSN versus an AD to BSN has a number of factors involved. Without doing any research into it, I would probably say just go for the MSN. A higher degree typically qualifies a person for higher pay and gives a person an edge while looking for a job. If you have a specific school you want to go to that doesn't offer a straight to MSN program, then it may be worth it to get the BSN. I've seen numerous posts about Emory versus GSU (and debated, unfortunately not always ending nicely, with people about that) regarding name. In my experience, it doesn't make a difference (I got my undergrad degree from a place that supposedly had a name that got people jobs regardless of their major...I graduated as the economy started pit-falling and none of the places I applied that had a preference for grads from my school even took a second look at my resume). Another reason I would probably lean toward just getting an MSN. Of course cost is also weighed in there (I would also probably lean toward cheaper after going to an expensive undergrad college). But name could be different in the RN field. Since doctors are considered a profession and careers under that classification traditionally (stereotypically?) look at college affiliations, it could be similar when hiring RN's. From my understanding, an HR person is typically required to hire a person that fits a certain profile. The question is whether or not college affiliation plays a role in the profile. I would imagine not for most places, but who knows. It's something to research in weighing that decision (if name is an issue...well, also if BSN or MSN is preferred).

But don't get too upset by anything I've said. Most of it is just speculation (and I am more than welcome to be told I'm wrong if I am). While I'd probably like to get a higher degree eventually, I'm just focused on getting my Associate's for now. If I spread myself to thin with thinking about possibilities, I just get overwhelmed and distracted. And I'm just happy I got in at GTC. I didn't want to go anywhere else.