Just got my letter from HACC! What should I expect?

merky · Jun 27, 2010

From what I heard they are, well, how do I say it...b*ll breakers? My friend was in their program and her grandfather died and she had to go to the funeral, missed a clinical day and thus failed her clinical assignment for the semester and had to wait and entire YEAR to retake it so she could graduate. She appealed and gave her reasoning and everything. Do not try to reason with them or argue with them, just play the game. Expect 0% sympathy or understanding..it's like boot camp!

MrsBradyMom · Jul 6, 2010

They have a 3 strikes rule PER semester. Tardies and absences to clinicals for any reason count and the third one gets you booted. So, to the OP, your friend must have already been tardy or absent before.

I graduated from their PN program in '08 and start their bridge program tomorrow. HACC is tough, but after all, it should be...you are dealing with lives. Yes, they will hold you accountable for everything you say and do. Punctuality, studying, and a strong commitment are expected, no excuses will be tolerated. If you are serious about becoming a nurse, you have nothing to worry about.

Expect to spend hours per week in the sim lab in addition to your class & clinical time. Plan on 1-2 hours of studing/homework per evening. Go to every clinical completely prepared. Keep your mouth shut and do what you are told and you'll be just fine. I made it through an entire year (3 semesters non-stop) without a tardy, absence, or failure. I also graduated with a great GPA. I am no spring chicken and have 6 kids at home....so, if I can make it, so can YOU!

Good luck!

hopefornursing · Jul 23, 2010

The ADN program at Hacc is rigorous. You can expect by the second or third semester to be spending ten to twelve hours per care plan from Tues. clinicals which is due Thurs. morning. Plan ahead for tests, and you will definitely be spending more than an hour or two per day on work at home. If you have a family prepare them now that life will not be the same while school is in session. Your house will get messy, if you have kids, they will be alot more on their own for homework. There is not enough time in your day once it starts in full swing. I say this to not scare you but prepare you.

That being said, I have found all of the full time staff to be wonderful. And almost all of the adjunct clinical instructors have been great , with a rare exception. Just keep your nose down, do as you are told, exhibit a professional manner and good attidtude towards learning and exude confidence. A weak student is usually noticed and once you make a mistake, it can either snowball and then the instructor may be watching your every tiny move. Or you pul it together and show near perfection. It can and has gone either way for many students before you.

Well, good luck!