Hillsborough Community College RN program fall 2013

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Hello,

I plan to attend to HCC's 2013 fall evening nursing program (applying in Jan). I am curious to see what people people's GPA is going in. I hear spring's is lower than fall's.

Thanks!

Please fill us in on the first semester. What did you like or not like? What surprised you and what should we focus on reviewing over the summer. Any info would be sooooo appreciated.

Thanks

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Going into the first semester I was excited, scared, and nervous, just because I didn't know what to expect. It is very challenging as everyone has told me before I started the semester. Simply because its a lot of information you have to retain in a short amount of time, you have to get use to thinking a certain way (they call it critical thinking), a lot of reading and the grading scale is slightly different. Anything under an 80 is considered failing.

For my class going into the first semester we were told to concentrate on dosage calculations before the semester. Because the professors do not teach this. We were tested on dosage calculations 2 and 1/2 weeks after the semester started and who ever didn't pass would have the opportunity to try 1 more time. However they would not be able to administer meds to the patients in the hospital until they passed.

A couple of the other campus professors posted what they wanted you to read over the break. Which gave them a heads up on the reading and allow them to be slightly ahead. Unfortunately my professor didn't do that and we all felt like we were playing catch up with the reading.

What helped our class was getting together in study groups several times during the week to study.

Well Congrats to everyone that got accepted. Fingers crossed for those that are on the alternate list. Rest and enjoy your summer. Try not to stress so much over the summer, you will have enough time for that during the semester.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask hopefully I can answer them.

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Thanks Rblewis

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I have a question Rblewis. Where are the dosage calculations? (any particular book) And, did you already start clinicals? What campus are you at?

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La1717. The calculations book (clinical calculations 7th ed by Joyce Kee & Sally Marshall) will be in the package/box of books that you will have the option to purchase. But that will be explained to you at orientation. If you decide not to buy the package/box of books since it is kinda pricey then you probably will be able to purchase the book separately. Some of us went on Amazon and ordered "dosage calculations made incredibly easy" which kind of explains calculations in an easier way.

The first semester ended yesterday for us and yes we did have clinicals. I was assigned to South Shore campus.

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Specializes in Neuro ICU.

Just finished my first semester also in the NW class. Well, I will have after our final clinical on Saturday. It is tough, but doable if you're committed to making it through. Just make sure you know the material and get a good knowledge base. If you are struggling, reach out to your instructor early as most of them truly care about helping you success.

The best advise I can give is to enjoy your summer break and not stress too much. You will have 2 semesters in a row and by Christmas time you will understand why I am saying to relax and just enjoy your summer. That said, I know how eager you are. So, if you must get ahead, spend time learning your medication calculations (except for IV meds). You can get the basics from dosagehelp.com, or the text if you buy it early. You can also spend a "little" time making sure you know your cardiovascular and respiratory systems well. This will help when it come to learning your heart and lung sounds, as you'll understand what you're listening for. Otherwise, enjoy your free time while you have it, you'll have the entire fall and spring semesters to study and will appreciate the time to relax.

Good luck!

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Has anyone gotten the letter yet telling us which campus we will be taking the classes? I need to be fulltime, so I need an extra class and I'd like to sign up! It's driving me crazy not knowing.

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Has anyone gotten the letter yet telling us which campus we will be taking the classes? I need to be fulltime, so I need an extra class and I'd like to sign up! It's driving me crazy not knowing.

No. I haven't received anything. I was wondering the same thing. Does anyone know when we will find out about our campus assignments?

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I haven't received anything either. I imagine they are waiting to assign campuses after they have the final list of those that will be attending (alternates included)?

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Yes! That makes sense!

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Hi all, what are the orientation dates?

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Hi all, what are the orientation dates?

June 25th & 26th from 8-5, both days.

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