need info on FSU

twarlik · Jan 20, 2005

HI
Im just wondering if any one here has graduated from FSU'S Nursing Program or knows anyone who has. I will be applying in the summer for the Spring 06 semester and im just wondering exactly how hard it is to get in.
I know they only except somewhere around 60 students each semester!! Whats a good GPA to be going in with and what would you recommend doing to increase my chances i.e. volunteer work, job experience. I heard that just having good grades is not enough unfortunately !! THANKS A BUNCH !
Alli

I graduate from the FSU School of Nursing this April. A lot has changed since I was admitted, but I'll try to share what I know.

They admit about 60-70 people every fall and spring. I have heard rumors that they are going to start requiring an entrance exam of some sort and that they are going to be looking much closer at grades in science courses. There has also been talk of looking at the number of times someone has taken a science course in order to receive a better grade. I was talking to a professor today and she told me that admissions are going to be very selective in the future. I don't have any idea if volunteer work or job experience will improve your chances. I would suggest you call the school and ask to speak with one of the academic advisors. They can answer a lot of your questions.

NCLEX pass rates at FSU have been pretty low over the past couple of years and they are actively trying to improve this. The passing grade for all classes is now a 75% (it used to be 70%), and you can only fail two course before you are asked to leave the program. They have also started incorporating HESI tests (a set standardized tests for nursing schools) into just about every course. They are suppose to be good indicators of NLCEX success and also good preparation for the exam itself.

Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.

Almc12 · Jan 20, 2005

I graduate from the FSU School of Nursing this April. A lot has changed since I was admitted, but I'll try to share what I know.
They admit about 60-70 people every fall and spring. I have heard rumors that they are going to start requiring an entrance exam of some sort and that they are going to be looking much closer at grades in science courses. There has also been talk of looking at the number of times someone has taken a science course in order to receive a better grade. I was talking to a professor today and she told me that admissions are going to be very selective in the future. I don't have any idea if volunteer work or job experience will improve your chances. I would suggest you call the school and ask to speak with one of the academic advisors. They can answer a lot of your questions.
NCLEX pass rates at FSU have been pretty low over the past couple of years and they are actively trying to improve this. The passing grade for all classes is now a 75% (it used to be 70%), and you can only fail two course before you are asked to leave the program. They have also started incorporating HESI tests (a set standardized tests for nursing schools) into just about every course. They are suppose to be good indicators of NLCEX success and also good preparation for the exam itself.
Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.

i've heard good and bad things about FSU'S Nursing Program. How do you feel? MY science grades are all A's right now so hopefully thats a plus. I've tried to get in touch with the advisors but they are not very good about getting back to you. You've given me more info so far - Thank you !

twarlik · Jan 20, 2005

i've heard good and bad things about FSU'S Nursing Program. How do you feel? MY science grades are all A's right now so hopefully thats a plus. I've tried to get in touch with the advisors but they are not very good about getting back to you. You've given me more info so far - Thank you !

The A's in your science classes will definitely help.

Like I said, I have really mixed feelings about the program. You do a LOT of writing (papers, projects, care plans), most of which is completely worthless. NCLEX pass rates are pretty low right now, but they are actively trying to improve them. I truly believe that the Dean and much of the faculty wants to make the school better and that they are working hard to make it happen. What sort of good/bad things have you heard? I can confirm or deny whatever you may have heard.

Almc12 · Jan 21, 2005

The A's in your science classes will definitely help.
Like I said, I have really mixed feelings about the program. You do a LOT of writing (papers, projects, care plans), most of which is completely worthless. NCLEX pass rates are pretty low right now, but they are actively trying to improve them. I truly believe that the Dean and much of the faculty wants to make the school better and that they are working hard to make it happen. What sort of good/bad things have you heard? I can confirm or deny whatever you may have heard.

I heard that there is alot of traveling out of Tallahassee involved. im guessing that this is probably during the senior year. I was speaking with a girl a few months back who really had nothing positive to say about the program. ( not quite sure why she is still there if so unhappy) but im sure it cant be all that bad. She mostly mentioned alot of weekend travel and very long clinic hours which never stuck to the schedule. I know there are going to bad and good things about any school. Lets just hope I get in first right! Even though it was a while back- do u remember what kind of information you gave on your application when it comes to work experience

twarlik · Jan 21, 2005

I heard that there is alot of traveling out of Tallahassee involved. im guessing that this is probably during the senior year. I was speaking with a girl a few months back who really had nothing positive to say about the program. ( not quite sure why she is still there if so unhappy) but im sure it cant be all that bad. She mostly mentioned alot of weekend travel and very long clinic hours which never stuck to the schedule. I know there are going to bad and good things about any school. Lets just hope I get in first right! Even though it was a while back- do u remember what kind of information you gave on your application when it comes to work experience

There is quite a bit of out of town travel during later terms (usually the third or fourth term). Everyone is required to travel to Jacksonville for the pediatrics rotation at Wolfson Children's Hospital. You spend 2 or 3 weekends there and you have to pay for your lodging. It can be a little expensive, but it is a great experience and well worth it. For critical care in term 4, you have the option of traveling to Orlando and doing an ICU rotation at Florida Hospital. If you choose to go to Orlando, Florida Hospital will pay for your hotel room. It's really nice and also a great experience. If you don't want to drive to Orlando, you can do you critical care rotation in Thomasville, GA (about 45 minutes from Tallahassee). In term 5 you do a four week internship. They have contracts with hospitals all over the state and you can do it anywhere you want. You can also choose to stay in Tallahassee and do your internship at one of the local hospitals.

Clinical hours are long (8 to 12 hour shifts), but I don't really think that's unique to FSU. As for not sticking to the schedule, that has not been my experience at all. I have always known when my clinical hours were going to be and had ample time to plan.

Let me know if you have any more questions. Happy to help! :)