Norfolk State University

RN 4 U · Dec 9, 2006

I know a few people have said the same thing that you are saying about Hampton. I have heard that ODU is competitive, since you are already enrolled at HU it might be best for you to go ahead and hang in there like i did with NSU and make the best of it. Good Luck 2 U.

fuerza757 · Dec 11, 2006

Hi Guys,

I think you should stay at HU too, the entry rate is pretty competitive at ODU. If your in the program try to work with what you have, that's what I have decided to do. If you read my previous postings I was very unhappy at NSU, I had high expectations and was disappointed, my first year of instruction was less than impressive, but I have had time to reflect and think of my situation logically.

I am returning to NSU this semester. I hate the thought of going off and beginning all over else where. So I am giving it another go. At least this time I know what to expect. My friend is finishing up in May BSN, and she has many of the same concerns as most do. Lack of organization, clinicals and no real guidance. I am still in prenursing courses so I don't have that much to lose, once I have completed my prereqs I will have more choices whether to stay or go. What do you think ?

RN 4 U · Dec 11, 2006

I have heard that TCC has a really good reputation as well. They are more organized and the instruction is very good. I know someone who graduated from the program, but keep in mind that TCC only offers a Assoc. degree not a BS to move up you want to have a least a BSN that is why i ultimately decided to stay put at NSU and make the best of it. It all worked out. Assoc. is ok for those who do not want to progress or to just work as an RN, if want to go higher a BSN is required and I cannot imagine going back to Nursing school for anything. It was really tough and a experience i would never want to relive. I am just glad it is over. The other schools are competitive, NSU isn't so competitive like they once were.

fuerza757 · Dec 11, 2006

You are right I have friends that have gone through TCC and did very well. As you know today an Associates doesn't give the creditials you need to move up into advance practice or health management areas. I spent 2 years at TCC ( part-time) and then transfered to NSU. I need my BSN so I can go on for my Masters. My long term goal is to teach, what did you do after graduating ?

Are you a second degree grad. This is a first for me, however I am a LPN with seven years experience.

RN 4 U · Dec 12, 2006

Yes, I am a new graduate, graduated this past summer and just started working recently. I'm probably going to do hospital nursing for maybe 2-3 years and move on to another area in nursing besides bedside nursing. BUt right now I"m in the learning mode and trying to feel competent after that I'm probably going to get a PRN or part time job working for a dialysis company. I've got some student loans to pay off so I know I am going to be working like a dog for the next 5 years at least and then I'll eventually slow down. Where are you at right now in your nursing?

fuerza757 · Dec 12, 2006

That sounds like a good plan. You know you can begin your career in dialysis. I have a friend that did it right out of school and she loves it. They gave her an excellent training orientation and she is still there 6 yrs later. She said after grad from NSU she had no desire to work in an acute hosp.

My background has primarily been long-term geriatrics. I have also done

sub-acute, ambulatory-Primary care, rehabilitation, home-health, nurse manager and facitility administrator. Currently I have just taken a job in Spinal Cord Injury with the Government at the Veterans Medical Center and I love it. I am working with a totally different population, it is considered Long-term, but they do a lot of short-term respite. Besides the fact that our patients may come and go - it still functions very much like the rest of the hosp. It's a nice change from the Nursing home setting. I think it is a good choice for me right now. I really regret not getting any acute experience but LPN's aren't as popular in acute hospitals these days. Since I am now in the Govn't system at the Medical Center, I may have the opprotunity to transition to a medical floor.

GraceBaBez · Oct 18, 2008

I wanted t oknow if it was hard to get into the nursing program at norfolk sate? and what is the gpa that they start to accept you? also how was the experience there? did u feel like it was a good nursing school?:)

2bnurseforce1 · Oct 24, 2008

i got accepted into NSU. and turned in my app. for the nursing program registred for classes and everything. I went to new student orientation and the next day got my letter from TCC nursing program and got accepted. I got my letter on July 8th this summer so i start classes in March.