RN2BENAUSTIN

kcasualidad, I think they hired 3 ED graduate nurses this past cohort. Its very competitive and I was told you pretty much need to know someone to get a spot in the ED. But, you have to try or you never know! Just mark it as your number 1 interest and keep your fingers crossed! I went to the open house but felt like it was useless. Sounds like others had a better experience than me. I just felt like there was so many people swarming the managers, it was hard to get any time with them. Maybe they have changed the setup since I went or maybe it was just a busy time when I was there. Basically, managers are standing around in large rooms and you wait in a long lines and get 1-2 minutes to make a lasting impression. Very important - you must follow up to make sure your versant application is moving along. I know they lost several applications this last cohort. I have a friend that worked in the versant department and was responsible for hiring. She said this happens alot, my application was lost for a while. Just make sure to call and stay on top of it.

I am currently in the Versant program, we will be done in June. There are 2 class days per week - wed and thur. We are there from 8-2:30 - but I think that may be changing with the next cohort. In fact, I hear there will be several changes which is a good thing. Right now, the class days are basically a review of nursing school with boring lectures and very little hands skills training. I hear they are going to incorporate the lectures with the skills lab which will encourage more interaction. The class days taper off by the 12th week in the program, it runs 18-22 weeks depending on what floor you are hired on for. Someone mentioned that you get to self schedule, this is not really the case. Your floor educator will have to assign you a preceptor and then the educator has the difficult job of meshing your versant requirements with a preceptors schedule. You will also have to "loop" to other departments in the hospital you are hired in, for example I am looping to PACU and endo this week. There are only a handful of looping or hospital training classes. Versant is not hard academically, but it will make for a long week. I work a 12 hour tonight and tomorrow night, then class on Wed and then loop Thur and Fri. The class and looping are days shifts, the looping days are only 7-12 but I only have one day off, which will be spent sleeping to make up for the two night shifts before I start my day shifts. Just an example of a typical week in versant.

chelsmarie15.. Thank you for asking..I passed :) We had a 100% pass rate and hire rate for our cohort. I am in currently in the Seton Versant program (week 3 of 18) and its going well. Now, more than ever I realize that the Tech program did an EXCELLENT job at preparing us to be competent and confident as new nurses. All of us feel fully prepared, which is rare from what I am seeing in other new nurses. I have met several other Versant students that have never worked a 12 hour shift in nursing school, or even started IV's or dealt with central lines. The Tech program has you doing full care for 3-4 patients by the end of the program, doing 12 hour shifts the entire time and if there are any skills you feel you need help - they will go out of their way to get you the help you need. I was in my last semester and wanted more IV experience, they sent me to the ER where I started 12 in a day.

It worked for me and so far everyone in my program has done it. We have all passed and we have all had the "good pop up". Thanks for the tip!! Also, we are in Texas and I called the BON 24 hours after taking the exam and they confirmed the news. You don't have to wait 48 hours in Tx...just fyi for fellow Texan Nurses :)

chelsmarie15.. Funny you should ask about the NCLEX. I just took mine today and will find out on Thursday. So far everyone in our cohort has passed. And I believe there are only 3 more students taking it tomorrow. So if the last few of us pass, it will be a 100% pass rate. I can update this as I know the results for the rest of us. I feel the program does a wonderful job of preparing you to be a nurse. No program teaches to the NCLEX, there is no way to do this. The Nclex was the strangest assembly of questions and not at all what I suspected it would be. Tech's program is wonderful if you are independently motivated. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of support within your cohort and retention counselors, but you must be driven to succeed the intensity of the program.

I will be interviewing for a position with versant next week and was wondering how the program is set up. I know there are two class days and two shift requirements per week. But I'm wondering if its set up with exams and practicums? I'm wrapping up an intensive 1 year second degree BSN. I have been taking 24 hours per semester and working 25 hours of night clinicals per week. I guess I just want to hear it wont be as stressful as what I'm currently doing (my three kids and husband are itching for me to be home more). Any input would be much appreciated.

AustinurseBSN...I'm a current student and you should be able to find the cost of tuition on the main Tech website. It may have changed but the program has cost me about 21,000. I was able to get student loans to cover it. And Tech does a great job of telling students about available scholarships. I know most of the students received scholarships every semester to help offset the cost. For interview questions- expect "why do you want to be a nurse?"- other than that I cannot recall- I was so nervous! Just be yourself and like I was telling someone else - ask questions because you need to make sure the program is going to work for you as well. Good luck!

Hi NAM123~ I am actually wrapping up a BSN degree, will be done in 48 days (but who's counting?). I opted for the second degree accelerated BSN program with Tech and I am so happy I did. The program is very intense, but I feel confident that I am ready to be a novice nurse. Nursing is unique because no matter how long you have in Nursing school, most people don't have a great grasp until they are in a clinical setting. It's hard for me to describe, but you will be given a TON of information and your brain has sorted and filed it...then you are in a clinical situation where you tie it all together. No many how times you read about what to expect with a PE, shock, dysrhythmias or any disease process- it really makes sense as you see it in person. The clinical portion definitely supports and enhances your learning. As far as fast track, I don't think it is for everyone. Some people need more time to reinforce their studies and others can get grasp the concepts quickly. In order to be successful in a fast tracked program, you must be organized and dedicated. I have missed out on numerous event for my kids, missed family get togethers and had NO social time. But...it was just 1 year of my life. I have had to make sure any spare time was quality time spent with my kids and husband. But, we are all counting the days at this point - I will not lie and say it has been easy on any of us. AS far as GRE...I know UT was requiring the GRE but I heard less and less colleges are requiring it, so who knows what the case will be when we are ready for that route. I will probably stick with Tech, they have a similar satellite NP program. I want to take a little time off of school and then I will start seeking my NP license - which may take 5 years since I plan to work full time. Good luck on your journey to becoming a nurse...keep in touch!

need2banurse~ My best advice would be to go for it, our cohort size was about 30 I believe and I think they said 120 applied? I know ACC and UT are competitive too - so don't let that hold you back. The Tech program is the most intense out of the three (only because of the accelerated nature). All three choices are good ones, so you cant go wrong. And now there are other nursing schools in Austin, so they may not be as competitive. This is a second career for me, so I opted for the quickest path to a BSN. Since I know I want to continue towards a MSN or DNP at some point, the UT program was very tempting. For me, the class schedules at UT were going to be a challenge since they are more traditional 8-5 hours and I have three kids. The other issue I had was that UT wants you to choose your path for the MSN program in the beginning, I didn't feel prepared to make that decision. I actually figured it out that I can get my masters in the same amount of time going with the Tech program. I am so happy that I chose this path, but I did alot of soul searching to get to it. I made an Excel spreadsheet with all the pro and cons, costs, time involvement etc. to help guide my choice. I should say that the program is intense and you must prepare to not have a social life, travel or even relax for about a year. They are very honest and give you fair warning. Nothing could have prepared me for the Summer session, 19 hours and 340 clinical hours in 9 weeks was very hard. We actually moved and remodeled at the same time (not my choice). Such is life This semester I'm taking 24 hours and I feel like it has been a breeze...my perspective has changed after that summer session though. We have less than 2 months left until graduation...so the end is in sight! I wish you luck and look forward to hearing an update!

luvlimandee... Congrats on getting an interview! That's half the battle:yeah: I was one of the few that got in without clinical experience. Having experience does help, several of the students were CA's before starting. I felt like they had an advantage in the beginning. They also had to face learning "proper nursing school" procedures can be different than how they had learned on the floor. All I had was volunteer experience and a strong desire. Just be yourself in the interview and remember you are interviewing them as well! You are about to dedicate 12 months of your life to the program, and pay quite a bit of $. I have nothing but positive things to say about the program. What I believe sets Tech apart from other local nursing schools is the amount on clinical hours. We have over 300 per semester, and you are placed on the same floor for the entire program. The majority of the hours are on that floor, and then you have rotations with other specialties. I feel very comfortable on my floor and hope to get a job there when I graduate. There are many advantages to this, you will be taught one on one with an experienced nurse for the entire year. The "coaches" only have one student, this facilitates a comfort level that is conducive to critical thinking. I have 3-4 of my own patients and "work" 2 shifts per week (12 hour shifts). That's another benefit, Tech believes in preparing students for longer hours and you are encouraged to work 12 hour shifts. I work night shifts since I have three kiddos. Good luck on that interview - I look forward to hearing how it goes!

Txgirl912 - I took the pre reqs at ACC - my first degree is in Journalism - so I had to take Statistics and Chem on top of the other requirements. You will want your core sciences to be current anyway, and try to get a firm grasp on A&P as it will come back to haunt you :) To get into the program they look at GPA, experience (inc volunteer) and if you are a good fit for the program. One pre req for Tech is to take a CNA class. And I took the course and never worked as a CNA but all of my peers that have the CNA experience are at an advantage. So I would recommend getting your CNA and working somewhere part time if possible until you get into the program. And I remember interviewing Mid October and it took about a month to find out.

Sorry Greenee313 - I just saw your question - I was pretty nervous in the interview. But I will tell you that I know the standard "why do you want to be a nurse?" and then for this program they asked about computer skills and stress management. But I know they switched up questions for various applicants - the important thing is to be yourself and let them see the genuine desire you have to help others. Good luck!

Wow - talk about close ended questions - I'm super organized to the point of annoyance and I have very little tolerance for lack of organization. With 3 kids and doing a program like this, its necessary! I can assure you this program is neither chaotic nor disorganized. And remember its a very expensive program so the professors are top notch, they are always available to us. They even give us personal phone numbers and will accept calls at any time. Its pretty amazing. Now, onto your question - since I have a bachelors degree it was actually faster for me to go this route. Our community college has a screwy time frame for applications, so this program will allow me to have a BSN faster. Plus I I plan on getting my NP license next. This is a second career for me, something I have always wanted to do. Before making any harsh statements, consider the various paths there are to this wonderful career. I would never ask you, why stop at a 2 year degree - why not broaden your horizons? Because, honestly...its not my business. I am doing whats best for me and my family and I'm sure you are doing the same.

I started Texas Tech's 12 month 2nd BSN program in January and I love it. Its very intense, just to give you an example of my week. We have a head to toe assessment practicum this Thursday, a proctored exam on Friday, I start my clinicals at Seton Main on Sunday and we have a mid term in Pharm next Wed and a final in Health Assessment next Friday. Also on Wed a new course opens so I will be starting module 1. In addition, this week we have a pharm case study and weekly module questions. We also do virtual clinical excursion and ATI readings and exams. Most of the time, you are on your own and at home, there are proctored exams at Brack - and we have clinical training there in the CEC. You start the program with a boot camp and learn so much! Since nursing is really more about applying clinical knowledge and critical thinking skills, the program is heavy on clinical hours. I think someone else on here gave the total clinical hours to be 1000+ by the end of the program. I would have to find that post, she completed the program and had added it all up. We start clinicals this week and we have to work 24 hours per week in med surg in addition to all the courses. You take 24 credit hours per semester for 3 consecutive semesters. But the nice thing is that the courses are all fast paced, 1-2 months so you are not taking all of them at once. The hard thing with that is that you are taking 2-3 tests most weeks (inc practicums). I love this program, its highly organized, its competitive to get into to, they do a great job of finding the right students for this type of program. I heard there was 135 applicants and 31 made it. So my peers are excellent students, which is awesome because we work alot as a group and everyone gives 100% and helps one another. I cant say enough positives, feel free to PM with any other questions. And good luck with your future endeavors, Tech's program is top notch-if you decide to go with them, you will not be sorry.

If you look at the website, there is an application tab that will tell you all about the process, there is also a tab for pre reqs. You will see that Tech requires you take a CNA class as a pre req - if at all possible I would recommend doing that and getting some experience between now and then. Try to maintain a decent gpa, especially in the Sciences. After the application, you wait to see if you are invited to interview. My interview was with 4 people and I was a bit intimidated by it. But, I just felt so nervous because I had so much riding on that interview. And it took about a month from my interview to get the news that I got in. I hope you are able to get in, good luck and let me know if I can answer anything else.