Pasadena City College RN program

peekabust · Jun 21, 2012

wollowita,

Thank you for that information, funny enough I just picked up the packet. Did you already register for classes?

peekabust · Jun 22, 2012

Hi SoCalCrystal,

I was wondering if you were accepted in to the RN Spring program? If so, I was wondering if you can give us a little info, on what to expect. I was accepted to the 2012 cohort and very nervous. Any info(preference of instructor's, homework, time required to study, work possibilities etc.)will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much!

You can also email me at [email protected].

willowita, ADN, RN · Jun 22, 2012

peekabust,

we can't register for classes until the nursing department sends the list of students to the admissions office. They'll do it after they receive the TEAS scores for the people that took it this past Tuesday. Unfortunately, they won't let us know when that will be. So we'll just have to keep registering until we get in.

Plus, my registration date is on July 31st so I have to wait until then. When is your date?

willowita, ADN, RN · Jun 22, 2012

Hi blue jeans,

You definitely have to apply to more than one school. Even if you are a good student there aren't enough seats compared to all the applications they get at every school. A counselor told me that 4 is the minimum you should apply, but I think the more the better.

Your grades are great. So you don't need to worry about that. It'll just be a matter of having your number picked in the lottery. I'm not sure where you live but other schools to look into are Cerritos, Glendale, Citrus, LA County, LACC, Rio Hondo, ELAC, College of the Canyons, LA Valley just to name a few. Most schools have the same pre-reqs but some require additional courses like chem, psych 101, and developmental psych. So you'll have to check out the requirements of each school.

PCC costs about $576 per semester ($46 per unit). That's not factoring books and stuff we need for the program. Most community colleges are at about the same rate. But you can qualify for financial aid and the BOG fee waiver. So it may not cost you that much in the end.

peekabust · Jun 22, 2012

Blue jeans,Yes, only PCC, until last year December-I ventured to try National university's BSN program. I took three of their classes before getting my acceptance to PCC. Stats: all A's only 2 B's(Micro & English 1A), no repeats, and did extremely poorly on my TEAS compare to all the scores disclosed on this forum.

peekabust · Jun 22, 2012

Willowita,I've been going to PCC probably before you were even in grammar school( sorry for the assumption), therefore, have priority registration;). In a nutshell, I'm an old fart;/ I've heard some positive comments about hyatt- I think I'm going to take her for N50,N50s and Berg for all the rest;). Do you have any suggestions. All their RN instructors are very highly regarded;we are in good hands:)

peekabust · Jun 22, 2012

Blue Jeans, Thank you!

stelon · Jun 22, 2012

Blue Jeans, currently one of my friends (the one who graduated Spring 2011) has still not found a job. The market for new grads is unfortunately grim, but she's hoping to apply for more positions with the next crop of new grad jobs that open up various places. I'm also giving her resume to the nursing manager at my work. Hopefully this will help her get past the initial HR processing.

My other friend who just graduated has done the same as I have--we've both been working at our hospital for several years now as CNAs. Because of this, it looks like she has a very good chance of getting hired with the small group of new grads they're taking in the next couple months. Having a foot in the door and being a hard worker (so that management WANTS to keep you) are extremely beneficial in this kind of job market.

I'm hoping things work out similarly for me when I finish. :)

Other than that, try to make and keep good relationships with people you meet during clinical. The usual new grads that have not been working at my hospital who get hired tend to be students who did clinicals with us that the nurses on the unit particularly liked. Our manager has been known to come out to the units and ask around about new grads who apply and had clinicals with us.

willowita, ADN, RN · Jun 22, 2012

So as it turns out, I will not be going to PCC after all. I was debating between PCC and LA County's program and after attending both orientations, I think the County program is best for me. It was a tough decision because I really liked PCC. But I hope an alternate here has a chance now. Good luck everyone!

blue_jeans · Jun 22, 2012

Wilowita,

Thanks for the reply! I currently qualify for BOG fee waiver at PCC. It's more of the books and other related supplies that I'm wondering how much they'll end up adding up to...

Peekabust,

Good luck with your 1st semester! Hopefully you'll keep in touch through the message boards to let the rest of us nursing hopefuls know what to expect and offer advice. :specs:

blue_jeans · Jun 22, 2012

Hi stelon,

Thanks for the reply :) I was actually looking into doing the CNA program at PCC but it wasn't offered this Summer Intersession. Hopefully it will be offered during Winter Intersession. Are you going to continue working as a CNA during your last 2 semesters? I noticed under Huntington Hospital's job listings that there are Patient Care Associate positions available part- time and per-diem for either CNA's or or students in RN programs. Hopefully, you wont go through any trouble getting hired once you graduate! I think your many years as a CNA should give you that extra edge

blue_jeans · Jun 22, 2012

Hi SoCalCrystal,

I was looking at some of your previous posts and noticed you're in GCC's RN program. I was wondering what advice you can give to those of that weren't accepted this time around. Are there any particular classes you recommend taking? Also, are there maybe any books you recommend buying that we can start reading to prepare us for that tough 1st semester? Thanks!