I'm so freaked out right now!!!

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Specializes in Psych.

I go to NSC's accelerated program and everything was going great this week. Then one of our instructors hit us with a bombshell. You know those ATI tests that you have to take, and pass, for each class in order to pass the class? Well, you used to get three tries to pass them. If you didn't pass it the first time, you get extra tutoring one on one with an instructor, same thing if you don't pass it the second time, but if you don't pass it the third time you fail the class. They changed it to a you must pass the first time or fail the course. You could have an A in the class, and still fail it if you don't pass the test. :uhoh3: And by pass that means whatever percentage they deem as passing for each course. I think they all need to be in the high 70's %. Most programs don't do this. They at least give you one time to screw up a bit. It would be devastating if I failed a test. For example, if I fail the ATI pharmacology test then I would fail the class and since it is a prerequisite for the semester 2 classes I would not be able to advance. :o I quit my job to go to this school! I could have gone to a couple of other colleges that had more reasonable ATI goals. And I would have if I had known this.I mean I know people in last years program who didn't pass a test or two. They just graduated. They were given the time to figure out their weaknesses, address them, study harder, and pass the test on their second try. I do think that three tries may be a bit much but at least give the option of having one retest. Don't just fail people. I'm kinda scared. We are taking 22 credits this semester, 19 next semester, and finishing up over the summer. This sucks.

Dee

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

that is horrible... i would freak out if it were me.. why did they suddenly change their policy? someone at work told me that NSC had some trouble w/ students passing boards ? probably not true... but why are they make it so darn hard to pass? they will loose many students this way.. and who has the money to keep repeating these classes? unbelievable.. and so unfair....

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Specializes in Psych.
that is horrible... i would freak out if it were me.. why did they suddenly change their policy? someone at work told me that NSC had some trouble w/ students passing boards ? probably not true... but why are they make it so darn hard to pass? they will loose many students this way.. and who has the money to keep repeating these classes? unbelievable.. and so unfair....

No. There were no problems with pass rates the last couple of classes (they were in the 80%'s). I have no idea why they would do this. We are all freaked out here. Our instructors are encouraging us to talk to the DON about it to try to come up with a solution. I think I'll be ok this semester (there are only 2 ATI's) but next semester we will have 4.

Dee

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

ooh thats why they changed it.. still unfair... you will be fine i am sure... i never had to take ati's thank goodness... keep me posted .. you can do this !!!!

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Wow,

It really does suck to have to find out like that. Thanks for the heads up, because I am applying to both CSN and NSC and I was going to whatever school called me first. This helps helps narrow my decision.

If you start thinking you are going to fail, you will, so don't stress about it too much. You'll do just fine. Good luck.

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Specializes in Peds, PICU, Home health, Dialysis.

That really stinks Dee!! Even though NSC board pass rates have improved, schools will sometimes make drastic changes to improve board scores. UNLV implemented a few changes this semester as well to hopefully help improve board scores as well. I would definitely push for answers from the staff though.

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Specializes in Psych.

Thanks all for the support. I kinda understand their logic. This way they will have the best students finishing and passing (hopefully) the NCLEX with high rates. Their rates aren't bad right now. They are now over the 80% mark but I'm sure they want to improve this. Actually many of my fellow students say they are not worried because this change was not announced and not placeg in the handbook so they'll have a hard time enforcing it. Some think its a scare tactic. All I can do is study study study.

D:uhoh3:

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I just graduated in May from the regular track program at NSC. My class is definitely under the 80% pass rate. That is probably why they are getting tough. If they continue on with poor NCLEX pass rates they will lose there accredidation. The class before me was also under 80%.

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Specializes in Psych.
I just graduated in May from the regular track program at NSC. My class is definitely under the 80% pass rate. That is probably why they are getting tough. If they continue on with poor NCLEX pass rates they will lose there accredidation. The class before me was also under 80%.

Oh, I get it now. I know the past couple of accelerated classes have done ok. I guess they have to have the same rules for both programs. It just sucks. Alot of my class is from California. They pay alot of tuition just to go to NSC. Can you imagine uprooting your life to move to the desert and be failed in you first semester for not passing a test with no chance to retake? This just sucks.

D

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Specializes in Lactation Ed, Pp, MS, Hospice, Agency.

Dee,

don't freak... you will do fine. I managed to pass them all & I am an average B student & have been through the accelerated program @ NSC... they threatened us too, & we all managed to pass. A good hint: start reading the study guide books & watch the DVD's that come with them. Also, study & take the practice tests they give you for the online practice. The most difficult test for everyone was the pharm test. PM me & we can talk more... I am ADD & still passed, as can you! I suggest investing in an NCLEX study book or the flash cards (whatever works for you). I have loads of great study tips if you look here you will find them or we can talk.

TTFN,

MJ

YOU CAN DO THIS! Now BREATHE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This program is great & u r lucky to have gotten in! {BTW: Dr. C used to threaten us & scare us too}.

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Specializes in Lactation Ed, Pp, MS, Hospice, Agency.

"For example, if I fail the ATI pharmacology test then I would fail the class and since it is a prerequisite for the semester 2 classes I would not be able to advance."

BTW: only 4 people managed to pass the pharm test 1st time in my class... Connie would have had egg on her face!! (Now that I think about it that would have been funny!!!). I see she still freaks out...

**I was one of the 4, & felt proud. There were the A/Honor students that did re-takes on pharm.***

1 student that had to retake ATI predictor 2x @ the end of NS passed NCLEX the 1st time! (Goes to show you that these "predictor" tests aren't always right.

~MJ

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Specializes in Psych.

Thanks for the encouragement. I've ordered the ATI stuff. We all just want to get done and get outta here.

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