IRSC RN program Fall 2012

U.S.A. Florida

Published

Hey! I'm applying for the Indian River State college's RN program for fall 2012. Anyone else applying this semester?

I forgot Spring break will add a week.. Grrrr!!! :doh:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When I applied last spring for Fall 11 the letters came the first week of April. I think they arrived on a Friday too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Way to get those scores up Tiffany. That was a good increase. I am sure you will get in with a 243. I would be more confident if my score were like Fuzzy's... ;)-...I'm guessing we will know by a week from Friday.

Does anybody know what the attire will be for classes & clinicals? I'm assuming all white scrubs for clinicals and some color of polo & khaki's for classes? How many days per weeks are classes usually during the first semester?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

For the RN program you wear any white pant or skirt and blue polo from the bookstore. Currently, fundamentals lecture is on Monday and tests Friday. For the first eight weeks lab is on Tuesday and open lab is Thursday (optional but I went most weeks). After the first 8 weeks you go M & F to class start clinical rotations in LTC and the hospitals, that may be one or two days T/W/TH. For clinicals you buy the white zip front scrub top from any local uniform shop and install a patch from the bookstore on the sleeve.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for the info! pc2801, Are you finding the program to be really challenging so far? (assuming you are in the program right now)...

I wanted to start ahead in getting what I needed if I get an acceptance letter. I was accepted last semester for the LPN and started getting the white scrubs & lab coat, but I decided to wait one more semester to see if I can get into the RN. I was still taking Micro & A&P II last semester. I know they will have everyone running around like a chicken with their head cut off, so I figured wardrobe and books are something I should have lined up. I checked the book list currently on the IRSC bookstore website and am wondering how much it will change for the fall, if any.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can't tell you the books won't change, I do know several of them are 2011 or newer so I wouldn't expect those to change. The drug guide is 2010, so I would wait in case that changes since they are typically published every 2 years. I did not buy any optional books, but did win a book called Test Success (Nugent) in a raffle at orientation and it has been really helpful. The other book that is highly recommended is called Fundamentals Success (Nugent). I borrowed Fundamentals Success from a friend and the content does overlap some. The Student Nursing Association had raffle tickets for $1 at orientation and several classmates won several of the books needed for the program or supplemental texts.

I did find the program exhausting the first month since I was driving to campus 4x a week and I live about 30-35 miles away. It is challenging, but I was prepared for that. They say you don't have to be an A student and that is true, but it is possible to get an A. Most important is keep up with the readings. I wouldn't recommend reading ahead of the start of class since they jump around but as soon as you get the syllabus make a plan to get all your reading done on time. The CDs of the lecture for sale at the bookstore are a good resource if you are an audio learner. My friend is a slow reader bought them and it helps reinforce the material for her if she can hear it over again. You can listen to all the lecturers online as a traditional student, but I find it very time consuming even with fast internet connection the streaming is slow. If you take the online option, you can still go to the traditional lectures too. The faculty is really supportive and helpful.

Make a few friends and form a study group, I can't tell you how many times I heard this said. Your study buddys will be more than people to study with for a test, you will end up pushing one another forward, consoling one another after a difficult test, cheering one anothers successes and listening/supporting one another with problems outside school so that you can focus on school. I keep reminding myself that nursing school is only short-term, the RN will be for the rest of my life. When the spouse, house, whatever are pulling you away, tell them leave you alone until (the weekend, school break, whatever) graduation!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

pc2801, thank you for all of the encouraging words! I am so glad I found this forum...I try to conquer the world by myself and am finding that the support of a site like this is so helpful when you find others who are going through the same things. Thanks again!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with sooplm, the encouraging words do help. Sometimes, conquering the world alone does stink..

I was told about the internet option and I think it might be a good route since I also have to drive about 35 miles (45 minutes) to get to school. It might be a good option just in case I can't get there that day. And I would probably go to the campus most lecture days, but the option might be nice.

Pc2801, can you tell me what the policy on wearing Crocs. I saw some girls wearing them at school, but can they be worn in clinicals? Or should I get some "real" shoes? LOl

Fingers are Crossed for all of us!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm pretty sure no crocs for clinicals. When I went to orientation for LPN they were adament that the shoe had to cover your foot completely with no holes, and not even a canvas shoe that could absorb blood. I think they said you can do crocs for lecture if it has the strap on the back, but not for clinicals. The ideal shoe for clinical was a K Swiss leather shoe (not canvas). Like I said, this was just from my LPN orientation, but I'm sure pc2801 has better and more up to date information as she is in the RN program now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Letters are arriving today!! Someone I know just got hers. I'm still waiting on the mail man.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you Tiffany for letting me know!! I heard the mail man down the street and wanted to meet him before he even made it to my house, LOL!!! I made it!!! Good luck to all!!!! :nurse: :redbeathe

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for posting! I called my daughter to check the mail...and I got in!!!!!!!! I am SO excited!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment