Prince Georges Community College Lpn to Rn

I finished the program in Dec 2015. However, I was not a LPN prior to entering the program. So, I can't really help you as far as the transition. I have not been back since I graduated though. I don't know if any of my instructors are still there. I can tell you that this was the hardest and most stressful 2 years of my entire life. To make matters worse, you have to test in and out of the program now. We didn't have to do that. Imagine working hard for 2 years and passing all your classes, but can't get your degree because you can't pass the exit exam. You will see some of your classmates left behind due to missing a passing score by 2 points. You will feel the stress of those damn SATA questions. I freakin hate those!!! The clinicals can be good or a waste of time depending on what facility you go to and the nurse they stick you with. I unfortunately had to do 3 semesters at Doctor's Community Hospital. I worked there as a PCT prior to going to school. So, I already knew what to expect. They did not disappoint. Most of the nurses did not want to be bothered with you. My instructor worked for the hospital. So, we couldn't find her sometimes cause she was "working". Talk about a hustle lol. They didn't allow us to pass meds or chart. All we could do was assessments. Sometimes you got lucky and got placed with a nurse who let you do things like meds and chart, but it wasn't often. My 1st clinical site was PGH. We were allowed to give meds there and saw a lot (teaching hospital). I heard Southern Maryland was great, but I never got assigned there. You don't really get to choose your instructors or clinical sites. You enter in "the lottery" and pray your number is called before your desired section fills up. You would do well to look over each section and decide which section works best for your schedule. I worked full time as a night shift unit clerk/nurse tech. It was a rough 2 years. I made it through, but just barely. I didn't pass Peds and had to repeat it. It was hard seeing the classmates I had become so close to move on without me, but I didn't let it get me down. I was determined to graduate. I did finish. I was told that I probably wouldn't pass the NCLEX as a result of me not passing a class, but I passed the NCLEX on the 1st try.

My advice to you is to read, read and then read it again. Don't worry about the A+ student or even being a C student. The "A" student will be the 1st ones lost when they hit "the floor". Many can be book smart, but not handle the actual "work". Luckily, you already have that experience. So, you can concentrate on your school work. I started as a CNA in 1996. So, clinicals weren't hard. Working full time and going to school full time was hard and my grades sometimes suffered as a result. Factor in the stresses of regular life and you're always on the brink of a nervous breakdown LOL. Get in with a good group of fellow students. The ladies in my 1st clinical group became my nursing school BFFs and we're still tight to this very day. As a matter of fact, we're all getting together next month for a baby shower celebrating the bundle of joy one of my classmates is carrying. Can't wait to see them. 3 of us work at the same hospital and the other 2 work in different facilities. We studied together and we ate together. We cried together. I don't think I could have made it through without them. Just keep in mind that most of your school work will focus on passing the NCLEX. This is a business and nothing ruins their business like students who can't pass the NCLEX. As you know, most of what you learn will be on the job. They do provide you with a pretty good foundation. I'm still standing and I haven't killed anyone yet. Good luck with everything. Take deep breaths and long walks. Listen to music and do one thing you love at least once a week even if it's just eating your favorite candy bar. You have to be committed and focused, but don't forget to show yourself some love. You'll do great. Be blessed.....

Hi! I'm applying for the Spring 2019 Nursing Program (I'm currently in Nur 1010) and I'm glad I found this thread. The person who responded pretty much said what I've heard from several other nurses, but I enjoyed reading about her clinical experience. Sad that nurses would rather avoid the newbies then teach, but I'm glad I've been forewarned about that part. Thanks for the post. I'll be following to see if anyone else provides insight.

Just had my pinning ceremony yesterday for PGCC. Thank God I'm outta there!!!! So for the new cohort coming in, things are changing. We now use ATI (it was used as a practice run this semester, & it helped us out because it gave us extra credit) Next semester they may start using it as an exit exam. All of the Med Surg professors were awesome except for one, which will by your 1040... *ML* is all I will say, you'll figure it out when the time approaches..lol Psych by far was the worst subject for my graduating class, out of 64 only 23 were pinned, mainly because of psych. So I cannot stress how important it is to make sure you build on your 1020 foundation. Take that class very seriously along with Med 2 because they will save you. Read your materials and always remember that you're not studying to memorize, you're studying to understand. My clinical sections always worked in my favor, I was always able to get the sections I wanted. Also if you're not an organized person, you might want to change that cause it will save you as well. Get a calendar, use it, make it your bible. Invest in outside sources such as Saunders, Youtube videos etc. You can only fail one class and at this point the program has become a "weed out" so don't be afraid to reach out when you need help or don't understand something. Study with individuals who are doing better than you !!! Say hi to other nursing individuals, esp those in a higher class because they can always give you the scoop. Form a tight and useful study group... I think that's all for now. Oh & Passing is 80% & up. So you can only get a B's or A's in the program.