PHCC Fall 2014 hopefuls!

Nushca · May 30, 2014

The orientation for west and porter campus is usually at the west campus. During that day they'll register you for the first semester too. The acceptance letter which you will receive (or maybe in the package you receive a week later?) it is indicated which campus you're going to be located. However, at the orientation day, there are a few students who wish to change the campus and can fill in the necessary papers and do so, they're kind of flexible (but only a few, not many). Last semester we ended up with 48 at west and about 24 in porter.

During the orientation each student stands up for a brief introduction as to name, age, occupation, # of children, etc...

We had students from 19 years old to 55, so guys relax, age is not a big issue (I'm going to be 40 on 1st of Sept. too!!), lol

ScarletJones · May 30, 2014

Nuscha - what was your first semester like? How much homework is involved? Tell us about clinicals.

If you feel like it...not trying to go all Barbara Walters on you, but your posts have been very helpful!

Nushca · May 30, 2014

ScarletJones,

I do not mind sharing my experience, I remember last year there was nobody to give my any type of information when I was applying and I had to educate myself! So ask anything you need to know about.

Actually the first semester was kind of difficult, but is doable. For the lecture you have one Perry & Potter book to read, chapters are long and boring, 30-60 pages with fine prints, and the powerpoints during the lecture. There are 4 tests in total and the last one is cumulative. There are so many chapters assigned for each test plus the LAP chapters. The LAP chapters are from the same book but since the time is too short, these chapters are not taught at the class but you are responsible to read and learn (there are questions from LAPs on each test). The only thing which is kind of frustrating is that even after you read all the chapters and you think you're ready for the test, You're going to be disappointed after the test since you do not get the grade you expected. Sometimes it feels like the test had nothing to do with what you learned from the lectures. Welcome to "Critical Thinking", lol. Students who have hospital experience usually do better on the test. But do not get discouraged, it is doable.

As to the clinicals, you'll feel very overwhelmed at the beginning(first 4-5 weeks) since there is a lot to do and learn at the campus lab before actually going to the hospital. The due dates and the list of assignments look too much at the start, but just keep practicing and stay focused, you'll get through this. The first day of clinical at the campus lab you'll get your temporary ID (you have to go to the library to get your RN ID which looks exactly like your student ID, except it says RN student) with a color circle. Each color represents a clinical site (hospital). I assume since you will be 36, there will be 3 different colors for 3 groups of 12 students, that's how you know who will be in your clinical group going to the same hospital. I found the hospital part easier and more interesting, you just have to get through the first 5 weeks.

Even though we had drop-outs and failed students, most of the class finished with a B in lecture and A in clinical.

But we were warned at the end of semester that those who are working will probably end up reducing their working time in order to get through the rest of the program. We will still have one lecture day and 2 clinical (Thursday-Friday) for the 2nd semester but I guess as of the 3rd semester that's gonna change to 4 days and you basically end up doing a full shift of 12 hours for the last semester including the night shift, those are not flexible, you just have to do it.

If I got through this having additional classes of college algebra and Eng. Comp I (got A in both) with English being my 3rd language, I've no doubt you can do it too!

ScarletJones · May 30, 2014

Thank you so much for all that info....very helpful and comforting to know somewhat of what I'm getting into.

I hope you dont mind if I pick your brain a little more.

Probably a dumb question, but does LAP stand for ?

Aside from tests, did you have a lot of homework(research papers etc.)?

How many students are in a lecture class?

What sort of stuff did you learn in the first few weeks in lab before going to clinicals?

I'm thinking of taking micro online in the fall with SPC and wonder if that would be too much with core classes and kids.

Again, thank you so much for all your help and info!

Nushca · May 30, 2014

LAP stands for "Learning Activity Package"

There is no research paper for lecture. For clinical however there are couple of papers which are different from the usual papers. You'll need to do one on the community health. But you have to submit a report for each clinical week, besides you need to prepare DCG (data cluster guide) which is a 14-page form-sheet you need to fill in for each patient you have. That includes all your physical assessment, finding, diagnosis, planning and implementation, etc.., usually one per week (2 clinical days) which is always due within 3-4 days. DCG will be graded. The good thing is that you continue doing this every week until you are satisfied with your grade, after that you'll need to do only a short 2-3 page form-sheet.

Once you are accepted, you will register on the ATI-testing website. This is the same website you took your teas test on. You'll be on it until you graduate. There are practice tests, proctored tests and learning packages which include many video modules you have to watch for different skills, etc.. Some tests on ATI have due dates too. Except for couple of tests, the rest is for your clinical part.

We started with 48 in Spring, 2 dropped out, 2 took August leave since they are pregnant and will deliver in Fall, and couple of students failed too (not sure how many, 1 I am sure of).

During the first few weeks you need to learn basic skills like assessment, vital signs, catheters, wound care, enema, tube feeding, naso-gastric suction and feeding, safety, hygiene, ambulation of patients, etc..

If you can get the micro out of the way online, I suggest you do it. If you have taken A&P II and do not take the micro online, I highly suggest you take the micro in Fall since the 2nd semester will be much more difficult.

I hope this helps!

ScarletJones · May 30, 2014

Wow, I cant thank you enough for providing all those details..I mean really, thank you sweetie!

I'm taking A&P II right now as a summer course and was thinking of taking micro online in the fall...I think I might just do that. I'll have to figure out the whole transient student thing though since PHSC doesnt offer it online and SPC does.

I'm getting so excited (and a little ahead of myself)!!!!

Nushca · May 30, 2014

You're welcome!

I know the feeling, just wait for your anxiety level in the next 2 weeks!

I think my acceptance letter was the last one mailed, lol, it took almost a week after the first ones were received!

RachelP_CRNA2B, BSN, RN · May 31, 2014

I really like that we are all NOT fresh out of high school! Since moving down here from South Dakota, I've had the worst time trying to "fit in" with people my age (and actually haven't at all!) Partying, giggling, boys...yahhh, not my thing! I've got bills to pay and a future to create! Hearing you all's stories makes me even more excited to meet everyone!!! :-)

able2012 · May 31, 2014

Cnamarieg, thank you lady. I pray we do aswell.

able2012 · May 31, 2014

Nushca, thank you for sharing your experience; I feel like I have a good idea of what to expect. Thanks a lot!

Nushca · Jun 1, 2014

able2012, you're welcome.

Good luck!

Gabby92 · Jun 2, 2014

The suspense is killing me. I am slightly relieved that the application period is closed, so now they will be meeting soon! Now it's just a matter of waiting for letters. I'm excited! I'm wondering when it will be acceptable to start harassing the postman if they're delivering letters from PHSC. Lol.