Lone Star Fall 2012 ADN Applicants

KnightGal · May 27, 2012

For those of you who have not yet gotten any of your textbooks, I found a good website, www.directtextbook.com, where you can compare prices at different websites. I purchased the three books we were told about at LSC-Montgomery orientation (the Potter & Perry package (Nursing Skills/Nursing Skills Online), Fundamentals of Nursing, and Med-Surg Nursing), and saved about $40.00 by applying the coupons they offer. Not a lot, but better than nothing.

ShockEmRN, BSN · May 28, 2012

Yeah PCT jobs at a hospital are hard to come by. Hospitals are always in need of them but trying to get hired on as one isn't always the easiest thing. I currently work as a PCT at Tomball Hospital. Before I got hired I probably sent in I think around 35 applications at hospitals all over Houston and no luck, just rejection email after rejection email.

My friend worked at the hospital I'm currently at and was able to help set me up an interview there. I hate that most of the time it's not what you know it's who you know. Anyways I currently work in the float pool unit (they float me to whatever unit of the hospital they need me for that day. It does mean I'm PRN but I'm able to set up my own schedule for whatever days I want to work each week and whatever hours, which will help out tremendously during nursing school).

But yeah being a PCT while in nursing school is extremely helpful. I work side by side with the nurses all day so I constantly get to see what they do and what their job is like, plus they help me with any questions I have and teach me quite a few other things as well. I highly recommend this job to anyone considering nursing school.

Stephalump · May 29, 2012

When I finished my CNA program in 2005, Tomball was the only hospital that called me for an interview. I couldn't take the job because it turned out to be a night position, but even back when nursing jobs were plentiful, it was tough to get into a hospital without getting experience in a nursing home.

So I can only imagine it's even more tough now. Glad you got a job, though! I haven't gotten to the point of asking people to try to get me an interview yet, but you're right...that almost necessary nowadays. And working in a hospital is almost necessary before you graduate from an ADN program. I was talking to my mother in law who graduated from NH at the beginning of the month, and the only people in her class who have jobs were already working during school.

She got her LVN license between her first and second year, worked at a nursing home, and they basically just raised her pay from $22/hr to $28/hr to do the same job. So she got lucky, but zero calls from hospitals so far.

Which is why all my BSN prereqs are going to be done. I need to just keep going to school!

Ckfomby · May 30, 2012

Orentation tomorrow! Wooohooo!

kalisefer · May 30, 2012

I will be there too! I am a bit excited, don't know if I will sleep well tonight. I am going to soak in a hot tub, hope that relaxes me enough.

kalisefer · May 30, 2012

Has NH finished their orientation? Weren't there a few dates to choose from, or something like that?!?

Candie116 · May 30, 2012

There were two dates for NH one has past, the one I went to, and the other is June 6 I believe.

Ckfomby · May 30, 2012

Orentation was today for Tomball. I didn't have questions until I got home! She did tell us we needed to buy our books before the fall but didnt say what if anything we needed to be studying. She also never mentioned a stethoscope. I was a little upset about the class enrollments bc we couldn't pick what class. I was planning on taking Pharm the summer 2 but now the P.M rnsg 1105 I was given interfers. I am going to call her about that and see what I can do. I really dont want to take pharm during fall if I can help it. I think changing clinical sites every semester is only fair. Also did I hear her right when she said Tomball nursing has a 10% graduation rate????? GOD I hope not bc that is only 5 out of 50 students! I love being in our own lil building. We wont have to fight for parking. I am super excited!!! I can't wait for class to start :)))

browneyes414 · May 30, 2012

I did not get to attend the orientation today(family issues). I was an alternate. Just curious if anyone knows how many alternates will be accepted at Tomball. I will have to apply again next admission period. I wish everyone the best.

Stephalump · May 30, 2012

I did not get to attend the orientation today(family issues). I was an alternate. Just curious if anyone knows how many alternates will be accepted at Tomball. I will have to apply again next admission period. I wish everyone the best.

Good luck with the application cycle next time! I don't believe anyone can predict how many alternates will be called...it's based on how many people drop out before the first day.

kalisefer · May 31, 2012

Ckfomby,

I did not hear what she said the graduation rate was. I thought she did say that we would receive an email from our instructor about any assignments!?!

kalisefer · May 31, 2012

Orentation was today for Tomball. I didn't have questions until I got home! She did tell us we needed to buy our books before the fall but didnt say what if anything we needed to be studying. She also never mentioned a stethoscope. I was a little upset about the class enrollments bc we couldn't pick what class. I was planning on taking Pharm the summer 2 but now the P.M rnsg 1105 I was given interfers. I am going to call her about that and see what I can do. I really dont want to take pharm during fall if I can help it. I think changing clinical sites every semester is only fair. Also did I hear her right when she said Tomball nursing has a 10% graduation rate????? GOD I hope not bc that is only 5 out of 50 students! I love being in our own lil building. We wont have to fight for parking. I am super excited!!! I can't wait for class to start :)))

In 2011 42 out of 45 passed the NCLEX-RN7. That is right around 93%, not 10%.