I graduated HF in May 2013. I hope the following information helps someone out there...
Entrance Exam:
Exam has 3 parts reading, math and nursing questions (computerized). In addition they have a writing portion (essay- usually opinion based). You can find out the same day if you passed the computerized exam (4 hours later I believe). Given you pass both exams you are then moved to a Chemistry and Math class. They have recently added a nursing skills class (for zero credits). Once you finish all that, then you are officially in the nursing program.
You can CLEP the general ed. courses before the start date of the nursing classes. I would recommend you do so, just because it can make your course work easier to deal with and not to mention you save a lot of money.
Program:
There are a total of 5 nursing classes to complete (one for the first three semesters and then two in the last semester). The nursing course work is hard but doable. Do not listen to the negative comments but be prepared to work hard. I suggest doing NCLEX type questions from the very beginning. It will help with answering the test questions and not to mention it prepares you for the biggest test you will take after graduation. Make use of the library. They have plenty of NCLEX style review books and the computer has NCLEX 4000 installed so in between classes I would try to do questions. You can read the textbook all you want but the real test is to know what is priority- what is really, really, really important to know about a given disease/ drug/ procedure (the textbook will tell you everything is important but the questions narrow down what is really important to what is semi-important). Take advantage of having these books available for free.
At the beginning of each semester look over the syllables and write down what's due when into a calendar and then just follow it. Know the chapters and content of what's being tested. Don't wait for the professors to go over the content and then study for it. Beat them to the punch and learn it regardless (things taught and not taught in class will be on the test... follow the syllabus). Most clinical professors are helpful. Ask them for guidance. Most of them know the theory professors well so they have a real good idea of what will be tested. Care plans were long and stressful but again doable. Each clinical professor determines how many goals and interventions he/she wants so follow the directions they give. Each care plan is in APA form so make sure you know how to put in your references properly.
Be careful to do really well on the tests before the final because it's the people that need a >80% on the final that end up failing (more often than not). Take every test seriously; you have no wiggle room to "mess up". Again you can pass but the stress will drain you. In order to move on, you have to earn 78% or above, earn any less and you fail that class. You have to wait at least 3 months to retake any class (not every class is given every semester). This is how people end up in the school for 3 years. If you pass your classes then you don't have to worry about that.
Certain general ed. courses are required before you move on to the next one. For example: You cannot move on to Nsg 222 if you Fail A&P 1 (because A&P 1 is a prerequisite to Nsg 222 and A&P 2 is a co-requisite to Nsg 222). This is why people recommend you finish your gereral ed courses. At the end of all of it I paid about $22,000 in tuition and books.
I did not fail any classes and I completed it in a year. Yes it's a lot of money but it was worth it. I was able to finish and pass the NCLEx-RN on my first try.
I suggest the 12-month program to those that have support at home and those that do not need to work full time. Overall I think the 18-month program is best because it's in the goldilocks zone lol (not too fast and not too slow).
Did I have a life during that year? No, I did not. I made it my priority to not only pass but also get the best grade I could. I remember we had a big pediatric test right after the winter (Christmas) break. I spent Christmas in the house (alone) with my books going over the growth and development and cardiology for pediatric pts. It was not fun but it had to be done. I did not get to see my friends. I had to skip on vacations and many movie dates with my husband to make it through. I was one of the lucky ones that had support at home so I was always fed and tucked in when I fell asleep on the couch after studying. So do I hate the school for that? No. I was able to be an RN because I was challenged. My body, my spirit and my heart were challenged. If your goal is to be a RN... then you will be challenged.
Overall, I think this school is fit for people who understand that it is a school for hard workers. No it does not have the most fabulous professors or an amazing library or even an amazing lecture hall. But it's a place where you can get your stuff done and get out. You want a LPN to RN program... well here it is. If any one needs additional information please free to contact me =)
Getting in to the program is not much of a bigge its the med surg. Pls past successful student what kind of nclex review book would u recommend for me.
Hi, where you able to get anymore information? I am currently planning to attend this school. I am also working on prerequisites but it seems as though they are now built into the program itself. Please share anything that you have in regards to this. Thank you
Am planning to go to Helene field.can anyone tell me the name of the chemistry book they use? I want to have some preps ahead of the class!please help me out
smartnurse1982
1,775 Posts
All depends on your professor.