HACC Nursing Clinical Input Please!

Strwbrywne · Aug 21, 2010

I begin clinicals at the Harrisburg campus is January 2011. I have "heard" many horror stories about the HACC program, and have talked to many students from the different locations. It seemed like the more I asked, the more confused I became. I was informed that if I lived closer to Gettysburg, go there because the classes are smaller and the instructors are better. When I did talk to a student from Gettysburg, she laughed and said she heard Harrisburg was better. I know a student who failed out of the Lancaster program 2x and she thinks the program is impossible. Another friend goes to Harrisburg and finished her first semester with an A. So who knows???

I've come to the conclusion that if I put my mind to it and I want to do well in the program, I will. I can't base my decisions on "the wind". I do know that HACC prepares their Nurses to be successful and the pass rate for the NCLEX is high. When I was doing my pre-req's at HACC everyone talked about how competitive it was to get in to the program and I've known a few people to apply 2 and 3 times to get in. I have never been an A student, but I put forth the effort to do well in the science classes and held my breath when I submitted my application. I was 5 points over the cut off. Actually, I was kinda shocked that you could of had 2 C's in the sciences and still got in???? I would not call that competitive. Point being, I think you hear all the bad rumors from the people who do not do well. Those that have completed the program will tell you it is tough, but it can be done. Two people that I currently know in the program are moms, have kids, one of them works.....and they are doing just fine.

Don't sweat what everyone else is telling you. If you want to be a Nurse, I think HACC is a good program. And, as far as Lancaster General (I saw your other post) I personally would not pay nearly 3 times more for the same education. I looked into their program as well, and the pass rate was not as high as HACC.

There is my 2 cents. :)

rookie1 · Aug 23, 2010

thanks strwbrywne for your input...i really appreciate it. not so great to hear about lancaster since that is where i will be applying to, to the full time program yikes! my concern is that the clinical students who i have been able to get a hold of are bright and they're hard working, so when they tell me how difficult the program is compared to lancaster general, it's something to think about. it's a legitimate concern - lancaster is a private college so of course you get more support, heard hacc is very disorganized...and what if i fail out, then i'm really "screwed". again, i'm not afraid of hard work, i am a serious student but i don't want a program that's set up to antagonize students into failing, you know. is it possible for you to get more input from your friends that have families and what they think. i am seriously at a major crossroads in my life and with my application going in this spring, i want to make the most educated decision for me and my family. thanks and i hope to hear from anyone else on this soon!

annaedRN, RN · Aug 25, 2010

I am a mom of a special needs child, worked part time, and usually an A student. Graduated from HACC 3 1/2 yrs ago. Class started with 25, graduated 18..which is about average for any good nursing program. Worked my butt off- had no problems with instructors, had a solid B average with a few Cs at times. HACC is tough but if you are serious and make it a priority- it can be done.

There are always a few horror stories, those certain instructors, etc. Nursing students in general anywhere tend to have a "woe is me, this is so hard, I think they are out to get me" attitude. Please keep in mind that nursing school is HARD!! and it should be given the gravity of what you are to learn over a few short semesters. I heard the same complaints that are posted here while I was in school - always hearing "most of our class is failing" or so-and-so instructor is unfair"...yet the people who studied hard, got their assignments done CORRECTLY, and came prepared never seemed to have those problems. The ones that said they did those things..usually didn't. Not always mind you...just usually. Most of the instructors are willing to help IF you come to them wanting to help yourself, not just wanting them to help you. Come to them with legitimate questions and concerns...not whining. And remember, it is a self-driven program. You HAVE to do the readings, questions, paperwork, studying on your own time...if not, you wont make it.

If HACC was really that terrible, it would not still be around, have a waiting list and be turning out very well prepared nursing students. I for one, am glad I went through a tough program. I find myself more knowledgeable than most BSN prepared new nurses. Much of the horror stories are from the students that did not make it. I am not saying there are not bad instructors or decisions...but if you are serious about it, HACC is a good school. Just my opinion. Good luck to you

Oh - I passed boards easily with 75 questions...barely had to study. And then took a pathophysiology course for my BSN...which I was so well perpared for I barely studied for that!!

mnmcbm · Sep 2, 2010

Hmmm...I can tell you there is no way you will get into clinicals at HACC with two c's in sciences. Yea, I know they say you can but you cant. In fact, there were a few people in my A&P class that got a C and had to repeat it before they were allowed to continue on to A&P2. Just do really well in your pre-reqs and especially in your A&P and micro and you will get in.

lmw4105 · Sep 28, 2010

I am a pre-nursing major @ hacc and my advisor told me nothing lower than a B in any class. I have heard that clinicals are extremely difficult, but wouldn't you want something that will be challenging rather than something you can breeze through. Not all situations in hospitals are easy. I personally feel that since HAAC has a higher NCLEX pass rate than LGH School of Nursing speaks to the excellence of the nursing program.

MrsBradyMom · Oct 8, 2010

I am a HACC LPN grad and am currently in RN clinicals. I am raising 4 kids and I work as an LPN every weekend. The program is very hard, very demanding, but also very good. I have limited time for anything but studying/paperwork Tuesdays-Thursdays, but usually the weekends are my own (unless I take a few hours to study for tests). I have talked to a few nursing recruiters that will not hire a new grad unless they graduated from HACC. I don't think instructors are "out to get you". The "toughest" instructors I have are the ones I learn the most from.

If you want an easy program, go someplace else. If you want a solid foundation in nursing and in a program that constantly challenges you to be the best nurse you can be, then go to HACC.

Days and times of clinicals and theory vary by campus. Do a search in HACC Web for N103 for fall and that should give you a good idea of days and times. No, you do not get to pick your theory/clinical instructors. A week's vacation in the summer may be doable. I do not believe you have any classes over the summer (I jumped into N205).

mnmcbm · Oct 13, 2010

I just checked the schedule for Nur 103 for Jan and it looks like lecture is M & W from 12-2:30 and clinical is T & TH from 7am -9 PM! That is one long ass day. Is that correct? Are we on the floor working the entire time or does that include instruction time? I am concerned. I know as a nurse you may work 12 hour shifts and actually kind of like the idea of it but that is 14 hours and when you add in 1 hour each way commute that is quite a lot. I also see that Nur 104 has clinical twice a week from 7am -10pm. Someone please tell me this is not correct? I am wondering if those are the hours you may be required to be in clinical not that you will be there that long. ANy input? :eek:

Strwbrywne · Oct 13, 2010

I just checked the schedule for Nur 103 for Jan and it looks like lecture is M & W from 12-2:30 and clinical is T & TH from 7am -9 PM! That is one long ass day. Is that correct? Are we on the floor working the entire time or does that include instruction time? I am concerned. I know as a nurse you may work 12 hour shifts and actually kind of like the idea of it but that is 14 hours and when you add in 1 hour each way commute that is quite a lot. I also see that Nur 104 has clinical twice a week from 7am -10pm. Someone please tell me this is not correct? I am wondering if those are the hours you may be required to be in clinical not that you will be there that long. ANy input?

You must be at the Lancaster campus? I am pretty sure you will not be there the entire clinical time. I think it is a worse case scenario. I am looking forward to orientation in November to get alot of these questions answered...

Good Luck to you...

mnmcbm · Oct 13, 2010

Yes, Lancaster campus. I am also looking forward to orientation. I just want to get on with it!

MrsBradyMom · Oct 18, 2010

Calm Down!!!! LOL

No, you are not expected to be at clinical 14 hours. They just want you to block out the entire day because not every clinical will be dayshift. For example, you may have dayshift in med-surg (7am - 2pm) the first third of the semester, your 2nd clinical rotation may be oncology (3pm - 9:30 pm), and the last third of the semester may be back to dayshift in psych. These are just examples, but you get the idea. Each clinical day is about 6.5 hours, including lunch & post-conference.

Your theory days are usually spent 2.5 hours in lecture.

In addition, especially 1st semester, you will have many skills to check off on in the lab. Plan to spend many hours practicing and be kind to your lab staff

Mondays are usually off. They can schedule tests at their discretion (and do so), so never plan to work a Monday. Plan this day for study/lab time.

Couple of tips:

1. The first few weeks are crazy. You will feel unorganized and overwhelmed. This too shall pass and you will find yourself in a "groove" soon enough. Take one day at a time and micro-manage yourself.

2. You don't need more than 2 uniforms. And the pants don't fit right. Most of us bought white scrub pants elsewhere.....just make sure the white matches and the material is close.

3. Talk to upper level students before purchasing books. You can buy second-hand at a cheaper cost and get the same info (except Davis's Drug Guide).

4. Get yourself organized. A calendar is a must as there will be plenty of due dates.

5. Invest in a decent stethoscope if you can. I bought a Littman for about $80. The clarity made it easier to hear sounds when I was first learning.

Hope this helps you. Good Luck!

mnmcbm · Oct 18, 2010

Thanks for all of the tips! I did figure that the hours must have been just the hours we could possilby be required to work but I have to admit I was worried at first.