Merritt College ADN program?

I got in for this fall too, and having read all the article and thread about how bad it is I was freaking out. But then discussing it with people who have finished nursing school, it seems like there are a lot of programs that are horrible in the first semester. Remember, those are the only people who are talking about all the horrible things, those from 1st semester last year. Yes, maybe it was particularly hard, and maybe they did over enroll more than other programs, but some people DID pass, so you just have to convince yourself that you can be the best.

I've been applying for 2 years now, ,and this was my first acceptance. I'm not turning it down. If you are in a different position maybe you have more options.

I attended Merritt College in Fall 2008! That school is all bad. I consider myself a very driven person. My GPA is 3.8. Anyways this school have ruined my life. They accepted 103 students and only 37 makes it to the second semester. WHOAH!!! the teacher are not supportive. They say one thing and turn around and switch it on the test. VERY unorganized. I studied day and night for this program yet I fell short on the third test. 74% (must have 75% to continue after third test). I must have read the book two times and still can't manage to pass. WHY you may ask? well first test was 20 chapters in 2 in a half week. Test materials does not coincide with lecture. This school is all bad. Just make sure you apply to other school for SPRING just in case Merritt don't work out. My advice is stay away from Merritt if possible. plus if you failed it follows you. NOT GOOD!

I've been recently accepted as alternate into merritt fall 2009 nursing program. Does anyone know how this works? I tried to ask questions but the department won't give me answers. I also read so many horror stories about the program at merritt. I guess if you failed at one nursing school, it will follow you with every new nursing school you apply to. But how does this alternate thing work? Does anyone know? Is this something recent?

Yes I believe that is new regarding the alternate. They did not do that last year. Perhaps they are accepting less students this time around. Just be sure you know merritt is going some changes. With changes comes complication and fustration! Just be careful and be aware that getting a 75% is not as easy as one may think.

Good Grief . That is awlful. I am glad I applied to varies nursing schools. One school I am staying away from is MERRITT.

merritt also has very very low passing rates for the NCLEX, which is not what you want in a nursing school.

As for Merritt, I have heard in their clinicals that the Merritt student nurses cannot touch the patients. Meaning ya'll can't start IV's, put in foleys or anything like that. I am not sure if you can take vital signs. Again, this is something I have heard. I went to CCSF so I don't know.

You might want to check out just what is allowed in clinicals. A lot of nursing is touching so not being able to really get in there and "get your hands dirty" might not be in your favor.

I saw them in clinicals on Saturdays at the hospital. That might be the only clinical day? I'm not sure about this either, but I never saw them other than a Saturday.

Good luck with it all no matter what you choose.

b

I am a May 2009 Merritt Graduate. I would like to correct some of the statements made here. Yes the first semester and the program are hard. All associate degree programs are. Yes the first test was on 20 chapters, but I studied like I really wanted to pass and landed a 93 on the first test. Yes 74% is not passing, just like almost all other nursing programs in Ca. In clinicals I was able to do many things: Care for vent patients extensively, IVs, Foley, NG tubes, IV push meds and on and on. I think the only thing I did not do by graduation was a Foley cath on a male pt. Our Nclex pass rate was 95% last year and I believe 85% the year before. Check the BRN website for the figures of all schools instead of relying on word of mouth.

This is a program that requires dedication, hard work, strong study habits, organization and time management. When speaking to other students in surrounding programs I was a bit suprised by what they had not done by graduation. With any school you will have to work. Good luck to you, and if you want any additional information send me a message with any question.

Hey. I am attending the same program come aug 20th, too. I've talked to a couple of the people who just finished the first year and they say it's hard but doable. They've agreed that there seems to be a general lack of support from staff, so it's a do-it-yourself kinda program. I've already started reading the fundamentals book to try to get a head-start. It's certainly going to be overwhelming, but I think we can do it! Can't hurt to have a positive attitude. :wink2: Good luck and probably see you soon!

That is a good way of putting it, its hard but doable. I began reading the fundamentals book during the summer. For tests I read each chapter 3 times and did the learning objectives and got a study guide/ nclex questions book to practice with. As soon as you can form a good study group, this will help tremedously. I wish you both luck! I believe Merritt college produces excellent nurses and so far everyone in our 2009 class is passing boards, many of us with 75 questions. And Mr.B, Ms. Kelly and Ms. Barrios are some of the best teachers i have had in my life. Again best of luck and study hard.

Marylanding,

I just got accepted as an alternate for Fall 2010. Would you mind telling me how the alternate system works? Did you get into the Merritt program?

Thanks SOOOO much!

SheilaM

I'd like to ask all of those who are now 1 yr into the Merritt program, please alleviate my concerns as i just got accepted and I'm getting that tingly anxiety feeling, deep in my stomach. I've read post after post of negative comments of the program, only to be defended by 1 or 2 people. How has your 2009 year been? please elaborate on as much as you can as I'm in the dark here.

thank you