LPN to BSN @ Indiana State U...here is the info i got!!!

Pigskin_RN,BSN · Nov 12, 2009

We will soon know if it is really possible to complete the ISU program in Chicago area. I have too much time, money, energy invested in this program to give up. I am going to do everything possible to set up clinicals and then will report on here exactly what happened. ISU wants students in their program, otherwise they would not be using TCN to market their distance program, so I have to assume they will do everything to help set up clinicals. How would it benefit them if they get students, but do not end up collecting tuition, because all the students drop the program? Any other Chicago applicants on here looking to start Spring 2010... keep in touch so we can help eachother please.

Good luck!! You will find a clinical and preceptor, and ISU's nursing dept should be aware of anything required by your state nursing board. In CA, they have made sure that all students know what is required, for example, only 1 clinical class is allowed for 200 & 300 level nursing courses. It took me 6 months to find a clinical site but I was determined and it all worked out! Many times people get out what they put in! Best wishes!

LindaGib · Nov 12, 2009

The link I posted was from ISU's web site..not from TCN. I don't represent TCN..just using web info trying to get accurate info out to those looking for clinical sites. I don't think (moderator edit of name) is at ISU any more...at least no one listed as their employee on http://www.indstate.edu/nursing/personnel/personnel.htm by the name of (moderator edit of name).

If as you said you "trying to get accurate info out to those looking for clinical sites,” is the concern here, I doubt you are really addressing the issue(s). The issue is not finding a clinical site, the issue is fulfilling the clinical requirements as per required by the state BON, for which the student resides.

My sister got an email from (moderator edit of name), in 2007 with the approved clinical sites for IL. Whether (moderator edit of name) is listed TODAY (2009), IS IRRELEVANT! TCN at the time DID NOT have such a list. TCN made it seem like the clinical portion of the program was all set, with the so called “approved sites” they sent via email. Whereas, ISU lets the student know you are responsible for setting up your own clinical site & finding a preceptor….but here's a list of "approved sites" for your state.

Your posting a link for ISU personnel seems rather irrelevant. You seem to want to discredit my statements here on this thread. You have said you are not in the ISU program & not a representative of TCN. Well, the ISU program for the LPN-BSN track at the time (2007) my sister applied was fairly new then. My input on this thread is based on my sister’s experience in 2007, now whether those problems still exists today is a matter for any student going through that track in the state of IL should present.

mitczak · Nov 12, 2009

If as you said you "trying to get accurate info out to those looking for clinical sites,” is the concern here, I doubt you are really addressing the issue(s). The issue is not finding a clinical site, the issue is fulfilling the clinical requirements as per required by the state BON, for which the student resides.
My sister got an email from (moderator edit of name), in 2007 with the approved clinical sites for IL. Whether (moderator edit of name) is listed TODAY (2009), IS IRRELEVANT! TCN at the time DID NOT have such a list. TCN made it seem like the clinical portion of the program was all set, with the so called “approved sites” they sent via email. Whereas, ISU lets the student know you are responsible for setting up your own clinical site & finding a preceptor….but here's a list of "approved sites" for your state.
Your posting a link for ISU personnel seems rather irrelevant. You seem to want to discredit my statements here on this thread. You have said you are not in the ISU program & not a representative of TCN. Well, the ISU program for the LPN-BSN track at the time (2007) my sister applied was fairly new then. My input on this thread is based on my sister’s experience in 2007, now whether those problems still exists today is a matter for any student going through that track in the state of IL should present.

Not trying to discredit your comments nor your sister's experience. . . just want those who might be considering this option today to know what the process is today. . . and what the clinical list is today. . . and to remember (as others have often said on this and other threads) . . if there is a question, contact ISU, as the degree granting institution is ISU NOT TCN. . . so even though "TCN made it seem . . ." that may not be the way ISU's system / program works.

nursenow · Nov 12, 2009

ISU has an exclusive contract with The College Network SO AS TO PROVIDE the study guides for the initial phase of the program. There are three phases to the LPN-BSN Track.

That was a couple years ago but I have a hard time believing a University would actually use that phrase in a form letter.

I recently contacted ISU and they highly recommended Ivy Tech and made minor mention of TLC as a possiblility.

sparkle823tami · Nov 18, 2009

It IS possible to find a preceptor in Chicago! I just contacted one of the clinical sites listed on the ISU information as approved sites and the nursing education coordinator at the hospital said it would be no problem, she asked what department I was looking to do my clinicals and said she currently has an ISU student coming in January to do her psyche clinical. She expressed that it does take some time ( ferw weeks) to do paperwork, fingerprinting, etc. But no problem in helping to assign a preceptor! I am so relieved. ISU is an amazing program, especially for people like me who have a family with little kids and have to keep a job, while still being able to complete a nursing degree program.

novavida · Nov 20, 2009

Sparkle823tami,

Congratulations in find a preceptor! Do you mind to share the name of the facility? I am in the Community College right now, but I am having a hard time to go to School 4 days a week and still working. A lot people in my class are failing. I am tying to keep 80% average, but is very hard. I can not afford to quit my job and I feel there I am negleting my kids. I know a Nurse practicioner who works as a School (health clinic) and I asked her about been a preceptor, she said that she could not go with me, but maybe I could go there ( I think for one of the ISU courses, you have to complete in a clinic). It is very far from my house, about 1 hour and 40 min. Thanks

sparkle823tami · Nov 20, 2009

http://www.indstate.edu/nhhs/contracts/agencylist.asp#current-contracts

Just use this web site and you can print out the names of the agencies and the contact person's phone number. I only contacted one so far and that is the Jesse Brown VA hospital. I am still awaiting final acceptance into the program at ISU, should hear any day now.

riethomas82 · Nov 23, 2009

Hey

Is anyone in Raleigh,NC doing r done the Lpn-RN ISU distant track program??? If So please give me the low-down on it about clinical sites in NC RDU area. FYI I am NOT doing TCN im going to my local community college for the GE course. And whats up with the preq nursing course b4 entering the program and how hard is the Teas test? What can I do to make sure I pass it?

sparkle823tami · Nov 25, 2009

Officially admitted into the ISU/College of Nursing, Health, and Human Services, Distance Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program!

Only a few semesters to go to BSN.

Any other accepted students in Chicago area?

riderd · Jan 15, 2010

Has anyone completed the challenge exams? Any advice on 224?

Thanks

sparkle823tami · Jan 15, 2010

I was able to study like crazy and pass all 4 in time to meet the deadline for Spring 2010 admission. The only advise is to study and make flash cards for the must know material. I read through each book twice and made sure I memorized important facts. For me writing it down helps to put the material in long term memory. The material was a review of everything learned in LPN school. Good luck!

I just started Nursing 304 Health assessment and Nursing 208 transition from the LPN role to the BSN this week. Feeling a bit overwhelmed as I read through the due dates and assignments. Just trying to take it one week at a time.

chaxanmom · Jan 16, 2010

I was able to study like crazy and pass all 4 in time to meet the deadline for Spring 2010 admission. The only advise is to study and make flash cards for the must know material. I read through each book twice and made sure I memorized important facts. For me writing it down helps to put the material in long term memory. The material was a review of everything learned in LPN school. Good luck!
I just started Nursing 304 Health assessment and Nursing 208 transition from the LPN role to the BSN this week. Feeling a bit overwhelmed as I read through the due dates and assignments. Just trying to take it one week at a time.

Health assessment is no problem. Fairly easy until you get to that videotaped head-to-toe. :uhoh3: Scary (for me anyway, I hate cameras) but she grades really easy on it so you'll be ok.

Transitions is easy for the most part but the pharmacology review moves QUICK! If you haven't been out of LPN school very long it will be easier. I had been out of nursing for 10 years so I was sweating big time in that class. lol! I got A's in both classes though!