Ocean County Community College

Asklepios-

yeah, it was 32 students who didn't finish that semester (some withdrew, some just left, a few failed out). Those students were from the class that graduated in May. My class started out with 90 students, and I think we're down about 15 or so going into our second year (third semester) It's a bit daunting, but no matter what, I'm getting myself through the program...my motto is "failure is not an option". I'm not being hard on myself, and even if I don't get a satisfactory grade and have to repeat the semester, I'm going to do what it takes. So long as I've given it my best, I won't fail. A's or C's, both get me through the program. :Crash:

I went thru the Ocean county Vo-Tech LPN program, and we lost half our class. 50 started and 25 graduated. Many nurses from many different schools have told me the fail rate is very high in nursing school. RN's and LPN's. You need to be dedicated to the program. I really don't think some students understand what nursing is all about. But believe me, for all the bs you put up with as a nurse, it's worth it.

Wow! first two days of the new semester are over...for those in Nursing 3, only 8 months and 12 days left before graduation! (haven't figured it out for Nursing 1 yet...still working on it for ya :typing)

Yes, I'm thinking positive! I'm ready for this semester. I know its going to be tough, but like dbanam said, for all the bs you put up with, it is definitely going to be worth it. I believe its all in the attitude. Don't get discouraged, getting into the program itself is an accomplishment, and you can't fail if you try!

Good luck to everyone, no matter how far along the journey you are!

:nurse:

I made it through the first day! Lots of newbies with "deer caught in the headlights" looks. Met my clinical instructor, she seems very nice. She's new too. So far, so good. Prof. White seems really nice too. Only how many days to graduation? (lol)

deb,

I know this reply is a little old, but I am just completing my LPN program at OCVTS in 2 months and applying to OCC for the fall. I have quite a bit of prereq's to complete and I will be working while attending. Did you stay with the SOCH program? If so do you like it? Is it available to anyone and is it much harder one day a week?

Going through OCVTS was pure hell and I'm not sure I want another program that intense which is what I'm imagining one day a week to be. I'd appreciate your comments. Thanks..

The big problem with the OCC program is that they no longer let us challange out the first two semesters, which means 2 full years instead of one. All in all, the one day a week for an LPN is a breeze. I got an A in nursing 1 without studying. Nursing 2 isn't challenging, either. You'll have no problem in the program. For those with no prior experience, this program is very difficult. It should be limited to those with hand on healthcare experience.

Brookdale still lets LPNs challenge out the first two semesters. The other thing I can recommend is sending your information to Excelsior and see what they give you.

If you go the OCC route and have lots of pre-reqs, I'd do it because by the time you get into the RN program, they may have reinstated the bridge program. Also, go to the Kean at Ocean link on the OCC website, print out the RN-BSN syllabus, and plan your courses from that. That way, you can get right into the BSN program. Every class I take now is geared to getting my future BSN as well as my current RN.

The Vo-tech is hell, much harder than OCC. My motto is, "I made it thru the Vo-tech, I can make it thru anything."

Good luck!

Wow, I can't thank you enough for all the useful information you have given me. :icon_hug:I never thought to look ahead at the Kean program so I would be prepared for BSN I was so worried about just making it through the ADN. I keep imagining it to be like OCVTS. I am studying right now for our 5th test in 5 days on Psych that we are being taught in 6 days. We have to know the entire book, I guess that's all I have to base school on so I'm imagining college to be even worse.

It doesn't seem fair to me that OCC will not accept our credits and doesn't offer a bridge program. I was thinking of Brookdale but it is a lot of travel time back and forth that I could be studying and of course it would be more expensive out of county and then there is the fact that all clinicals would be very far away also. Sigh, sometimes things work out and sometimes they don't.

I forgot are you in your 3rd or 4th semester. Are they difficult? I get a little scared by everyone's warnings of just how hard the RN program is, I forget that a lot of the people that think so have not done the accelerated LPN first. I can't wait until my first semester of prereq's so I can see just how much time is needed for school and then I can figure out how much time I can work also.

You must get a little bored sitting there all day long in class. We just finished clinical rotation and one week of being back in class all day and I'm going bonkers.:selfbonk:

I'm at the end of my second semester, doing psych rotation. Snooze, been there done that. I chose OCC because it's closer to home also, I'm 10 minutes from the college. My program goes to SOCH in Manahawkin for clinicals, takes about 35mins to get there. Go to Jersey Shore in Nepture for psych clinicals. Takes about 35 minutes to get there. To go once a week is lots better than traveling every day, which is why I decided against Brookdale. Can't do the hour traveling every day.

The vo-tech is a million times harder than the RN program, don't let anyone tell you differently. A doctor where I work asked where I went to school and complemented me, saying I was very well trained and on top of everything. He turned to a tech and told her to go to my school. Wow!

Good luck! You'll get inundated with job offers!:nuke:

Hello,

I have a question for you!! I just got accepted into the ODPW program for Spring of '09. I have never taken any online classes before. How will I know what I am supposed to do and when? Do I contact the professor or will she contact me? Just a little confused!?

I assume you got the same welcome package that I got... regarding health exam, uniforms, deposit, background check, etc? We apparently have orientation on Jan 8th (but you need to sign up for it). I thought I could wait until then for answers to my many questions, but I may seek out another advisor.

I don't even know which hospital we will be associated with, if any in the first semester. Lots of questions.

But I can't help with the online class question, sorry, haven't taken one.

Well I was told that I had to register as soon as possible. In the acceptance package it tells you according to your last name who your nursing advisor is. You need to make an appt. with her/him, they sign your registration form and then you can go register. So I chose Professor ******. From what I understand she is associated with SOCH(Southern Ocean County Hospital). I have everything else done except my physical and blood work. Believe it or not I had a hard time getting an appt. with my doctor for this. Doesn't really make sense to me, but I am all registered and feeling very nervous about the whole thing!! Best of Luck to you!!

Hello,

I have a question for you!! I just got accepted into the ODPW program for Spring of '09. I have never taken any online classes before. How will I know what I am supposed to do and when? Do I contact the professor or will she contact me? Just a little confused!?

Hey Numby,

I am in my 3rd semester in the ODPW program and wouldn't have it any other way! Just like a classroom class, you will get a syllabus. Also, you will use the WebCt to do your readings online, as well as get the chapters for book readings. You should have gotten a welcome letter that tells you when to go for orientation. My advice is to make a list of all your questions and take it with you. Whatever isn't answered by the end of orientation, ask. It can be a little hectic, but the program has worked out a lot of the kinks and I think you'll find you enjoy it. However, if you don't, there is sometimes the option of switching to the traditional day or evening programs. If you have any other questions feel free to message me. Deep breath, you'll be fine :)