Accepted in Drexels ACE Program Spring 2009

U.S.A. Pennsylvania

Published

I just got my letter Wednesday that I have been accepted :yeah:to 's ACE program for Spring 2009, I am excited:lol2:, scared:scrying:, nervous and anxious. I have been readying the boards everyday for a month before I joined, I have found so much useful information:bowingpur. If anyway has word of wisdom, encouragment, I welcome them with open arms.

August,

Computer Labs:

Do the computer labs enable you to do all the PDA interactions that are required for the informatics program?

Info for New Students:

Did you ever receive information on what to purchase (like uniforms, stethoscope, etc) prior to start of program?

Orientation:

Was this helpful - any thoughts on this? They haven't announced the orientation so I'm not sure if I will be able to attend or not and trying to gauge how necessary this is for a successful start.

First Aid / CPR:

Is this required prior to starting the program or something that you do concurrent with the program in the 1st quarter... once again something I'm hoping to receive information on.

Thanks!

v/r

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august,

computer labs:

do the computer labs enable you to do all the pda interactions that are required for the informatics program?

yes, i've actually never synched my pda to my computer, always done it during lab time as needed.

info for new students:

did you ever receive information on what to purchase (like uniforms, stethoscope, etc) prior to start of program?

you'll get a big packet full of info for clinical compliance about 8 weeks before classes begin. drexel uses central uniforms--i believe you can purchase online if it's easier, but wait until you get the list. i'd suggest two pairs of scrubs and one lab coat for the first quarter, so you won't have to do laundry until the weekend. you need bandage scissors and goggles, which are available at central uniforms but can be purchased anywhere. the program provides you with a stethoscope, but it's not so great. i have a littmann and love it. the rest of the supplies (foley kit, bp cuff, etc) will be issued to you on your first day of lab.

orientation:

was this helpful - any thoughts on this? they haven't announced the orientation so i'm not sure if i will be able to attend or not and trying to gauge how necessary this is for a successful start.

we were actually told that orientation was mandatory, so i'd check on that before deciding not to go. it was a little redundant, but we did get our pdas that day. i think i got the date in july for september.

first aid / cpr:

is this required prior to starting the program or something that you do concurrent with the program in the 1st quarter... once again something i'm hoping to receive information on.

this is something that will come in your compliance packet (along with instructions for your criminal & child abuse background checks & drug test). it is required before beginning the program, the recommended courses are american heart association bls healthcare provider and american red cross cpr/aed for the professional rescuer. make sure that you end up with two certification cards, one for first aid and one for cpr. it seems like a lot when you first get the packet, but it wasn't too bad.

thanks!

v/r

my answers in blue above.

also, a good tip i got from a student ahead of me was to make copies of everything you submit--it can be disorganized at times, but as long as you have a copy, you won't have a problem. turned out to be a good rule in general.

if you're looking to do something while you wait for the program to start, pick up a copy of calculate with confidence and start working through it. don't worry about getting nclex books, etc until after you start classes and look through a few to find out what will work best for you--until you actually get started, they're more likely to frustrate you than help you. take this time to get organized and relax. there will be plenty of work once the quarter starts and there's really only so much you can do before then anyway.

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August - awesome, thanks - great info!

I'll plan on waiting for 8 weeks out for orientation date as well as attending... pda info very helpful... thanks a bunch for the recommendations!

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Just a side note, starting with the Fall 2008 class, the stethescope is actually decent, and you do not have to spend money to get a new one. But if you have a birthday coming up...it wouldn't hurt to put it on your wish list for a Littmann.

I would also say not only make a copy of everything you submit, bring them (especially the package that need you to fill out, ie: immunization records, CPR/First aid information) with you to orientation. I submitted all of mine in one package, but managed to receive it all except my First aid/CPR certification, go figure.

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Specializes in women's health.

Hey all -

Its been a while since i posted, but i was wondering if anyone has received any further information regarding when the orientation is going to be. Trying to plan a last vacation before our 11 months of hardcore school.

Also, has anyone taken the Excelsior exam for bioethics? I am taking it to pass out of the prereq for ethics, since I didnt have time to take an actual class. It seems pretty straight forward, but if anyone has any experience with it (or other excelsior exams) i'd love to hear from you.

I can't believe how fast March 30th is approaching - looking forward to meeting everyone soon!

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No new info received here.... .

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Specializes in women's health.

Damn... would be nice to have that information soon. Also, I plan on being in Philly March 10 - if anyone is interested in meeting up before school starts, let me know. I'll be moving from California for this program and would love to get know people.

- Mackenzie

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I think that would be great and it is awesome that we what to go into the same area of nursing. Can u pm me with a number or email address so we can stay in touch*Keya*

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Hi Everyone!! I am currently a student at University in the ACE program and I am heading into the 3 quarter.. First of all, CONGRATS on your acceptance into the program.. YAY!! Just to give you guys a heads up: I was really glad when I got accepted in Drexel because all of the reasons for attending Drexel sound great. But I have asked myself on numerous occassions why did I come. I would definitely check out other schools if possible and let Drexel be a last resort. There are too many hidden problems with the ACE program that Drexel covers up nicely.. Drexel is a very expensive school, for this reason you would expect the program to be in order and running smoothly. It's a lot of money to pay especially when you have to teach yourself the information. Grant it, there are some instructors that I would love to carry with me throughout the reminder of the program but unfortunately I can not.. Anyways, enough said about that.. Bottom line: just make sure you explore all your options first. Why am I still attending Drexel? because I have already invested at least 25,000 if not more.

The next thing is that, if any of you guys decide to attend Drexel in the Spring of 2009.. I still have books that I would sell; cheaper then the used book at the bookstore. If interested, just hit me up.. Good luck to you all in your choice of school.

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While I agree that the ACE program isn't for everyone and that it's important to explore all of your options regardless of where you decide to go, I have to say that if it is a good fit for you, ACE can be a great experience. I can't speak to the "hidden problems" that Blessed refers to, as I'm not clear on the specifics, but I do know that 1) there is no perfect program and 2) nursing school is difficult and stressful, and we'd probably complain no matter what.

The program hasn't been easy by any means, but I'm learning a lot, have made some very good friends, and am overall having a positive experience. Just thought I'd offer another perspective from someone in the same boat. Good luck to those of you beginning ACE or still in the decision making process, and Blessed, I hope you enjoy 3rd quarter more than you did this one!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

great, i packed everything except my information packet, which is neatly organized on my desk at home. can someone remind me what chapters are going to be quizzed on during orientation (thanks for the head's up on calculate with confidence, btw). also, orientation starts at 8 or 8:30 and what room and building? i am in boston and will end up taking a redeye train in on sun/mon for orientation. it may also be time to add drexel to my firefox dictionary. also incorrect are "btw" (caps is correct) and "redeye".

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Hey Loner - I can't help you with the when & where, but I can tell you that at our orientation, we ran out of time and never took the quiz. So I wouldn't stress over it, it's just to give you a preview of what the math is like (and they usually post practice problems at the beginning of the quarter anyway). Relax, have fun, and let us know how is goes!

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