Pensacola Junior College?

josh1968 · Nov 2, 2009

Yes. I should be getting in soon. It looks like a good program and that is it accredited but like everyone else, I don't want to give it my all when the school may only be after my money. I am calling an old friend of mine who dropped out of the program last year,I think it was her 3rd or 4th RN semester and see why see dropped out. Also, another guy at my church dropped out during his 2nd RN semester but he wasn't a very good student, only looking to get a 'C' in all his classes. Apparently if your GPA drops below a certain level, they can drop you from the program. I think he was borderline GPA going in and he really only wanted to be a RN b/c his ex-wife was one. However, my landlord's daughter graduated from PJC RN about 10 yrs ago and works at the new Naval Hosp in Pensacola and makes @$90k. Granted she did finish her BSN just last year but still no matter what you see on the net, if you study hard and do the work, you will pass the program.

Noel1221 · Nov 2, 2009

Yes, There has been many bad things said about the structure of the the program. Most everyone has said that the Clinicals are great though, it is just the lectures that are not very good. Have you finished your pre-reqs? When are you looking to start the program? I am hoping for a fall 2010 start date! I still have to take Micro, A&P2, and Nutrition, though so it will be tough trying to get most of those done before the program starts. Please let me know what your friend says about the program, I would love to hear any information I can get! I agree, hard work and dedication, can really get you a long ways! But I would love to have some great guidance along the way in the program!

josh1968 · Nov 3, 2009

I actually start this Jan and I'm done all my pre-reqs. I just spoke with my friend and she says that the lectures given don't match the tests they give. On one of her tests, the class average was 62.Her advice was to study the NCLEX book that you can find in Border's or BAM as the tests are written out of those texts. It just hits me as funny as to why a school with a 70% + dropout rate has not changed their administration. Obviously, the more students you have, the more $$$ the school makes. My advice is to complete all your pre-reqs before starting any RN courses as to lighten up your load as much as you can. She also stated that PJC has a high % rate of those who do graduate the program pass the NCLEX test so if you can make to that point than you should be good. The majority of blogs I see confirm all that I say but if you are anywhere near Brewton, you may want to consider Jefferson Davis as that is where most bloggers look like they end up going to graduate.

myty23 · Nov 11, 2009

I'm starting in January too...I was really worried about this program. A lot of people flunk out...BUT, there are people that graduate so it can be done. I try to see it as "if she/he can do it, so can I". I am prepared for it to be absolutely horrible!!! I'm prepared to study my butt off, have no life, and give it 110% of effort. If I do that and I still don't pass....then I will try again (or find a new dream!)

From what I hear from people who are successfull in this program, the main thing is to never fall behind. Stay on top of things, stay organized, and study like 15-20 hours per week. I plan on having a study schedule mapped out, just like your class schedule, you should have specific study times and stick to it. Granted things do happen, but I think if you have a schedule you are more likely to stick to it. I think the orientation was pretty good in that they were very honest as to how hard it is going to be and how much we will have to sacrifice to graduate, but it will all be worth it in the end.

I also plan on getting in a good study group...one that actually studies! I've heard that some groups will split up reading assignments then make concept maps on the subjects and then get together and share the info...my friend says this works really well, she's in 3rd semester and seems to be doing really well.

myty23 · Nov 11, 2009

I actually start this Jan and I'm done all my pre-reqs. I just spoke with my friend and she says that the lectures given don't match the tests they give. On one of her tests, the class average was 62.Her advice was to study the NCLEX book that you can find in Border's or BAM as the tests are written out of those texts. It just hits me as funny as to why a school with a 70% + dropout rate has not changed their administration. Obviously, the more students you have, the more $$$ the school makes. My advice is to complete all your pre-reqs before starting any RN courses as to lighten up your load as much as you can. She also stated that PJC has a high % rate of those who do graduate the program pass the NCLEX test so if you can make to that point than you should be good. The majority of blogs I see confirm all that I say but if you are anywhere near Brewton, you may want to consider Jefferson Davis as that is where most bloggers look like they end up going to graduate.

yeah, I don't know why they don't model after JDCC, everyone that comes out of JDCC only says good things about that program. Can't say the same for PJC.

Also, the administration did change recently. I think about 2 years ago they got the director that they have now and I've heard that she's changed things for the better. I did notice from the pictures on the wall of the graduates that it seems like more and more students have graduated in recent years compared to some earlier years, so that's a good sign.

Noel1221 · Nov 11, 2009

Myty23,

I am with you. I want to defiently get together a great study group. I am all about giving up a year and half of my life to graduate, and be happy in the end. I really hope there are other people in the program that want to get together and study for at least 2-3 hours each day! Study groups really help me with learning material! I like your idea of setting aside a couple hours everyday to study and read the next chapters. I think that sounds like the best way to stay prepared! Thanks for the post! When are you looking to start??

myty23 · Nov 11, 2009

I'm starting in January!

myty23 · Nov 14, 2009

Noel, I'm not sure if you know about this yet or not. But I was on the PJC website today and looking through the nursing program information packet and I noticed that it now says entry into the program requires a passing score on the HESI test math and science portion and it had no mention of the nln at all. I guess they changed their requirements. It also didn't say anything about the Health related math test. Thought I'd let you know since you are planning on going...you might want to check with the school to find out what you need to do if you've already taken the nln...

myty23 · Nov 14, 2009

I meant to write math and reading, not math and science...

Noel1221 · Nov 16, 2009

Myty23,

I called them and they told me since I already signed up to take it, that I would be grandfathered in, under the old requirements. I actually took it this weekend (NLN) and passed!! So just need to do the HRME and I should be ready! This weekend was my first time on the campus. Did notice the small amount of graduating students, from the pictures on the wall.. I am hoping for the best!

dianastephens · Nov 26, 2009

I'm signed up for the required Hesi-a2 exam for admission. They only test you on math and reading/verbal though. Study guide available at the bookstore.

LYDIABTUCKER · Nov 29, 2009

I have heard all these horror stories about PJC and that is why i want to apply to UWF for a BSN. I had been accepted to PCC but felt it wasnt the right fit for me. Anybody have imput on UWF? I know it is highly competitive, but i feel good about my chances with a 29 on my ACT. Thanks for your comments.

Lydia Tucker