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The program is too new to be eligible for national accreditation. We received full approval (previously had provisional approval) from the VA BON a few months ago. The plan (from what I have heard) is to apply for national accredition in the near future, I am not exactly sure when. So far, students who have graduated from the program have had no problem getting jobs or getting into BSN completion programs. However, this is something you should consider. I did a lot of research abt this before I started the program. Optimally, I wish that the program did have NLNAC accreditation already, but this is really the only program in the area that fits my need to continue working full time, so I felt that the tradeoff was worth it for me. It may be different for you based on your situation. Hope this helps a bit! Joy K.

As for the program being closed, no, I have not heard anything like that. In fact, the program just received (about a month ago) full approval from the VA BON (we previously had provisional apprval). There are some changes being made, some of the sites will not be participating any more, but the JTCC group is definitely going strong. I do feel like I am being prepared well. At least as well as you can be prepared for nursing :) The program is definitely rigorous, and am I am really enjoying my clinical experiences. Coming from a non-medical field, there has been a steep learning curve for me, but everyone has been really supportive. In terms of applicants, I believe that for JTCC, they get about 80 apps per year on average. Historically there have been 10 spots available per semester. It is pretty competitive but you do not have to have a perfect GPA to get it. There is a large age range of students (our class ranges from 27 to 59), and most folks are working full time and have kids. You will become VERY close to your clinical group, and really rely on each other for support and encouragement. Hope that helps! Joy

Hi there! Glad to hear you are interested in the program. I just posted a very long response with lots of info on your profile page. Take a look and let me know if you have questions! Short version - I love the program, it is LOT of work (2nd semester is way more intense than 1st), it is doable with a FT job and kids but if you can afford to go PT (I cannot) that might really reduce your stress level. Instructors are awesome, and I love online learning combined with the normal clinicals - it's a great combo! Best of luck with your application! Joy

Do most instructors require the "aeb"? Ours has not asked for it but we may be able to wow her by adding it :) We post these on an online discussion board for our class and she asks us questions to confirm our comprehension. I have seen in my Nursing Diagnosis book that they have formats for both a 2 part and a 3 part nursing diagnosis. The 3 part has the aeb, while the 2 part does not. Thanks to everyone for the help! Joy

i am in my 4th week of nursing school and getting ready to turn in my first care plan. i am pretty happy with it but wanted to see if you all had any feedback (this is a group assignment and we are allowed to use any sources). the (fictitious) client is a post-op hip replacement patient who is c/o inability to defecate. she states that she feels the urge but is unable, and she feels abdominal "fullness". she has not had a bowel movement in 4 days. she is on tylenol-3 for pain and docusate for constipation. vital signs and bowel sounds are are normal for her. here is the care plan we came up with (citations are from our 2 texts and we were asked to include page numbers). for evaluations, we were asked to create an evaluation plan. nursing diagnosis: - constipation r/t insufficient physical activity, pain, lack of privacy and analgesic usage goals/outcomes: -client will pass soft, formed stools every 1-3 days without straining - client will state relief from discomfort of constipation within 2 days interventions with rationale: - provide prescribed analgesic medication to reduce pain of ambulation (rationale – bedrest and immobility contribute to constipation, controlling pain will encourage increased activity) (ackley and ladwig, 2008, p. 248)) - encourage client to ambulate (flat-footed gait with walker) at least 4 times per day, provide assistance if needed (rationale – even minimal physical activity increases peristalsis) (potter and perry, 2009, p.1193) - assist client to the toilet at client’s normal time of elimination, and provide privacy (rationale – keeping to client’s normal bowel elimination routine will promote elimination; providing privacy will ensure client comfort) (ackley and ladwig, 2008, p.248) - encourage fluid intake of 6-8 glasses per day (rationale – sufficient fluids are necessary for normal bowel movements) (ackley and ladwig, 2008, p. 247) - encourage fiber intake of 20-25 g per day by providing high-fiber foods (rationale – increasing bulk in the diet increases frequency of stools) (ackley and ladwig, 2008, p. 247-248) - educate client about techniques for managing constipation – fluid intake, eating regularly, balanced diet with adequate fiber, bulk fiber products, stool softeners (rationale – providing patient education will help the patient to remain compliant with the plan of care and will aid in adequate bowel elimination once the client returns home) (ackley and ladwig, 2008, p. 250) - evaluate client for fear of pain in passing stool (rationale – fear may inhibit bowel movement, nurse may identify need to consult physician about ordering a stool softener) (ackley and ladwig, 2008, p. 247) evaluation methods: -evaluate client’s incisional pain at each shift change - note number of times per day that the client ambulates -evaluate bowel pain and/or fullness at each shift change - assess bowel sounds and palpate for abdominal distension at each shift change - monitor for frequency and quality of bowel movements each day -monitor client’s understanding of constipation management by asking client to “teach back” techniques any feedback is much appreciated! joy

ssnva1 - John Tyler has an online/night/weekend program called the Commonwealth Nursing Program. "Classroom" is done online and clinicals are night/weekend. I am working full time and starting the program in the fall (I also have 2 kids). From what I am told it will be a lot of work but doable. It's a pretty competitive entry. You can find more info on their website, or PM me if you are interested. Joy

Hi there! I am glad that you are interested in the program! I am starting in Fall 08. The application period for that semester is already closed, but you could apply for Spring 09, applications are accepted between June 1 and July 1, I think. If you have completed all of your prereqs AND all of your gen ed classes, there are only 1-2 nursing classes each semester (I think with the exception of 4th semester which has a bunch of 5-week rotations). This is what I am doing - I already have a bachelors so I have the gen ed (and did my sciences at John Tyler). I work full time and my hubby is a SAHD. There will definitely be sacrifices for our family but it will be well worth it. Also - the clinical schedules are different depending on your home campus. At John Tyler, Fundamentals last semester had clinical Th-Fri 5-10 and Saturday 7-3 (I think it was actually every other Saturday). But the schedule can also change from semester to semester. I am still waiting to see what it will be this time around. There are a few day shifts here and there (I will take days off for those). Joy K

I am in the Richmond, VA area! I am near Bon Secours but I will not be going there (though I would love to end up working there - one of their hospitals is literally about a mile from my house!). I will be attending John Tyler Community College (the online Commonwealth Nursing Program) starting in the fall. I am also a wife and a mom of 2 young children, and I work full time! Baxter80 - I am originally from the Winchester area. I grew up in Berryville and went to Clarke County HS!

I GOT INTO THE PROGRAM!! I am so happy - I got my acceptance email today!! John Tyler (Midlothian) will be my home campus. I have to accept the spot by 4/4 - my hubby and I are going to have one last heart to heart so that I can make sure he is ready for this, and then I am going to ACCEPT!! The email didn't give too much detail, just that uniforms, orientation, medical information would be forthcoming. I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!! Now, I just have to tell my boss Joy K. RN-to-be in Spring 2010!!!

Interesting! JTCC is in Richmond (actually Midlothian) so we are a bigger area which is probably why our slots get filled up. I remember now at the information session that from time to time they do give JTCC student who don't get in down here the chance to take some of the Germanna slots that aren't filled, if they are willing to commute to clinicals. That could be a 45-90 minute commute depending on where in Richmond the student lives, but some people have actually done it! I submitted my app on Thursday, so hopefully I'll hear something in the next week or so!

Interesting rumor. Which campus is your counselor at? I know that at my home campus (JTCC) they are pretty much overwhelmed by applications each time. Now, I am not sure how many of those people are qualified, but I do know that MANY people are turned down, at least at JTCC. I have heard the same as you about NCLEX. I think I heard that everyone from the first class passed. Pretty good. Would love to hear more about this rumor, as you get more info! Joy

Hey! Wanted to shout out to all of the studentsthat were starting the Commonwealth Nursing Program this Spring. I'm getting ready to send my application in for a Fall 2008 start, so I would love to hear how it's going for you guys since classes started just recently! I'm interested in learning what to expect in the Fall!! Good luck to everyone! Joy

I am in a similar situation. Bachelor's Degree (mine is in Art History). I am starting school for my ADN this fall. The school at which I plan to pursue my MSN/NP has a program for RN's who have a bachelor's in something other than nursing (this school is located in Virginia). Basically that program is the same as the regular master's program for someone with a BSN, but there are 2 additional classes. Not too shabby! Hope this helps a bit - looking forward to seeing what others say. Joy

I'm a prospective nursing student hoping to begin the Commonwealth Nursing Program at John Tyler in Fall 2008, and I'm just wondering what kind of salary I might be able to expect coming out of the program. I have 8 years of work experience including management. I know that I'll be taking a pay cut to be a nurse but it's totally worth it!!! Just trying to plan for what kind of hit our budget will take :) I would like to work in a hospital setting - our home is right by St. Francis so that would be great, but I'm willing to travel to the West End or VCU/MCV as well. Also, does anyone have any advice about working extra shifts right out of school?? I think that the standard is 3x12 hour shifts, but I'd definitely be willing to work an additional 8 or 12 hour shift per week to increase my pay....in my current (desk) job, I am working 45-50 hours a week normally so I am used to this. I'm sure it will be harder as a nurse since you are on your feet all day but I'd like to get any feedback on whether this is a good idea. Thanks! Joy K.

Hi ladies! My name is also Joy (Joy K) and I am applying to the CNP for Fall 2008. I'll hopefully be at John Tyler. Just finished up my nursing pre-reqs and my overall GPA looks good, so fingers crossed (application period closes Feb 1)! I'l love to hear anything about your orientation and what you learned, what supplies you are being asked to get, how the program is going, etc. And a little about me - I am a 29-year old mother of 2, looking for a career change from Financial Services. I work full-time and my hubby is a SAHD to our 2 little ones. Joy