Midlands Technical College Nursing Student

oneblessed · Jan 28, 2010

It's good to hear from MTC students. I am enjoying both of my classes so far. Had my first test in Med Term last night; think I did pretty good. I'm now studying for tomorrow's Psy test. Both instructors are great!

Monik Sims, can you please keep me informed on the evening clinicals. Will there be evening and weekend clinicals? Being that I work fulltime, 8-4, that was one concern I had coming into the program.

Katie803, thanks for the helpful information on Bio and micro. Good luck to all - I love this forum!

Barbie1981 · Mar 20, 2010

Hello All,

Let me first begin that I am new to this forum and has found it very informative thus far. I, too, am a nursing student at MTC begin my clinicals (101-Fundamentals) this coming August. I am nervous well maybe I should say apprehensive because I have been told it is alot of work. I, unfortunately, do not have the priviledge of just attending school so I will attend school as well as work fulltime. I quit my previous job because it was too much of a "nusiance" to work CRAZY hours and take day classes. I plan on like some other on the forum, to do the evening/weekend route of taking clinicals. I have heard (not confirmed) that evening clinicals are offered 2 a week (weekend was not mentioned) from 5:30PM - 9:30PM. This would so be a God send if it was true. I DO know that a mailer is sent with a checkbox for those who are interested in evening clinicals. I was supposed to start clinicals in Jan 2010 but pushed back to Aug. I at the time was trying to work at my previous employment and do school and QUICKLY realized that would not be possible.

Sorry to write a book. LOL. Just wanted to introduce myself.

Thanks....Barbie:)

Katie803 · Mar 20, 2010

Barbie,

First of all, while this is a program that you will work hard to get your degree, it is worth it. You will have to study a lot and I would highly reccommend reducing your work hours. I know that's a difficult decision to make, school or food, but if your job will work with you then I suggest you take it. And don't let them freak you out like they did me when I went to my second orientation. I do study a lot and have been working hard, but it's not as terrible as I expected. My biggest thing going for me is that i only work about 8 hours a week because my husband makes enough money to support us. I do have a little girl and I think my inability to be mommy 24/7 is a little hard on her, but it will be worth it when I can afford to give her the lifestyle that she deserves when I am making good money. Don't get me wrong, I went into this because it has always been a dream of mine, but the money is definitely not a hinderance on my decision lol. I don't know too much about evening/weekend courses, but you could definitely talk to mrs. boufawaz and get her advice. by the way, 101 teachers (the ones i know of anyway) are as follows: mrs horn is probably the sweetest woman on the planet. she is very helpful and wants you to learn and is so incredibly nice and understanding. mrs. mays is pretty cool, shes a little more laid back, but encourages you to study and practice practice practice. she is also really good at explaining things in a way anybody could understand. Ms. murrray is a good teacher, but she is retired military so she expects your best and is a little strict, but you will know your stuff when it is time to do clinicals. just don't let her military ways of doing things intimidate you. she expects you to ask if you don't know and does not offer a whole lot because she will assume if you dont ask that you already know what to do. she will definitely help you out with anything and while sometimes she can make you feel a little silly for not understanding something she sees as basic (because shes been doing it for like a hundred years) its not intentional, she just has a different sense of humor than most. Mrs. Ruff is super cool, she is the youngest and really laid back and fun, but you have to stay on top of things in her class because sometimes she may forget that you are doing stuff for the first time (a flaw a lot of teachers have due to their years of experience) and also assume that you know something if you dont ask. Mrs. Kennedy I don't think is a 101 teacher, but she does all the make-up stuff and helps with the coordination of things and while she is actually very nice she expects the best from you and may come off a little sharper than she means, but like i said she is really very nice and doesn't mean to make anyone feel bad. Good luck, let me know if you need anything else!

sahm02 · Mar 20, 2010

I did the first evening wkd class when it first started at MTC. Classes are either 2-3 days a wk clinicals all day Sat, and then Sat/Sun in 265. Most of us in it work either stay at home moms, or those who had to work full time. you do not get the normal day instructors as the other students, there are a select few that stay with this class until the end of the LPN program then you transfer to the day program to finish the last two semesters. It is a great option. good luck!

Monik Sims · Mar 20, 2010

Thanks for the insightful post Katie803 and Sahm02.

Barbie1981 · Mar 20, 2010

Thanks Katie803 and Sahm02. This was very helpful and unfortunately I must work fulltime. My mortgage must be paid and though I have a significant other (fiance) he is not able to tackle his bills as well as my mortgage. Which I dont mind working hard, I received a Master's degree in 1 year while working full time (though this seems to be far more challenging).

Katie: Yes I heard Ms. Horne was a total sweetheart and if at all possible try to get her, and thanks for the information with the other professers as well.

Sahm02: I do intend to go the evening/wknd route for as long as possible. I am seeking my ADN/RN so me working nights will come into play with the last 2 clinicals.

It is so refreshing to speak with someone who has gone thru the footsteps that I am about to walk through. Thanks for being so willingly to help another Fantastic Nurse (I believe MTC makes only Fantastic Nurses).

Barbie

Monik Sims · Mar 22, 2010

Barbie,

I just spoke with Judy Jones and she said the interest card for the Fall 2010 Evening/Weekend Clinicals will go out in the mail soon. Can you let me know when you receive your interest card and I will do the same?

Thanks!

Monik

Barbie1981 · Mar 22, 2010

I sure will Monik and thanks for the update I really appreciate it.

Thank you again, Barbie

Barbie1981 · Mar 26, 2010

Sahm02,

I know you stated that you did your first clinical the evening/weekend. So for Fundamentals the clincial was all day on every Sat. Asking because I am trying to work out somethings on my end. What hours was the lecture and clinical when you took Fund of Nursing? I am sorry to be a pester but just trying to be prepared.

Thanking you in advance

Barbie1981 · Apr 1, 2010

Monik,

Hello hope all is going well for you. Just wanted to let you know I received the Evening/Wknd notice in the mail today. Just an FYI.

Barbie

Monik Sims · Apr 1, 2010

Monik,
Hello hope all is going well for you. Just wanted to let you know I received the Evening/Wknd notice in the mail today. Just an FYI.
Barbie

Thanks Barbie! I received mine today as well. I see that Fall 2010 clinical students have first priority. My clinical start date is not until August 2011.

Monik

Barbie1981 · Apr 13, 2010

Thanks Barbie! I received mine today as well. I see that Fall 2010 clinical students have first priority. My clinical start date is not until August 2011.
Monik

Monik,

Sorry for delay. I was not aware that clinical start date would be a factor but it does make since. I would still attend if I were you to get any questions answered that you may have as well as general information. I personally know of a few people who will not be starting their clincial in Fall 2010 but still will be attending the informational session.

Wishing you the best of luck,

Barbie