PilotJim68

Anyone who is a nursing student at PCC qualifies for the Partnership Program after filling out the FASFA form. Usually, if you qualify for another form of financial aid, they will use that first, then what that doesnt cover, the Partnership program will. Uniforms arent that expensive and you really only need one. Two is smarter, but if you are on a tight budget, one will due. PDA's really arent used unless thats what YOU want to use. I know of only one or two that use them for now and it isnt really necessary for the program.

Just an observation on my part....I am in Nursing IV of a five part ASN program...due to graduate in May 05. My class started out being very large, 112 students. Here we are a little more than a year later and there are about 65 left (For various reasons). Out of those students, there were 7 people that I know of, including myself, that had an interest or desire to become a CRNA. After clinicals and surgical rotations, there is only one person left that has actually stayed focused on that goal, ME!!! Everyone else has developed the C=RN attitude and many many people have told me that I am crazy since I want to continue to get my BSN, and eventually apply for CRNA school (I really think this poor attitude is a reflection of the local environment in which we live). I am focused on the initial goal of completing my A.S. in nursing FIRST and foremost, after that comes BSN while I am working critical care (working on securing an ICU position as we speak), then applying to a CRNA program. I keep the goal of CRNA in the back of my mind, but I try to stay focused on the here and now. So far, its been a hell of a lot of work and has taken a lot of dedication. Looking toward the future, its gonna take a lot more of the same and then some. But this is something that I have researched a lot and have a commitment to. In a way, I am glad that "most" of these CRNA hopefuls have the C=RN attitude now, it means less competition for me and just makes me a stronger candidate for acceptance to the BSN prgram AND a CRNA program. But the point is, find an interest that suits you, research it fully, set attainable short term goals without losing focus on the main goal, AND GO FOR IT !!!! Easier said than done, I know, but it has worked for me in many many cases and I hope it doesn't fail me in the future.

Does anyone know if it is true that HCC is being investigated due to low first time pass rates of the NCLEX? This is just what I have been hearing but no one seems to know if it is indeed true or not. Can anyone shed some light on this? I go to PCC and of course there are many rumors about each school, however my G-Fri is preparing to go to HCC and she has heard this same rumor and is now having second thoughts...any help would be appreciated.

EXACTLY !!!! Shouldn't you be making better money in the "bigger" city, no matter if you are an LPN or RN? :wink2:

I thought Lakeland was the lowest in the state...oh hell, pay in Florida sucks !!! :angryfire

Its true that you can only fail a nursing class once, then you retake it. But once you have failed any nursing class, you cant fail another. So if you fail Nursing I and have to retake it, you cant fail another class in the program or you are out. I have heard that you can come back into the program after one or two years but I havent actually seen it. Dont quote me on this but I think you have to have Micro out of the way by the start of nursing IV and Human Development out of the way by the start of Nursing V. I highly recommend that you complete these classes before beginning the program, it may also increase your chances of getting in and it will definately decrease your workload and stress levels while in the program. Again, good luck.

Yes, as long as you maintain a "C", however...a "C" is an 80%. They do not round at all, so a 79.99999% is a failure and it happens alot. There is a lot more rules that they go by. You do have quizzes with the lowest grade dropped but they dont factor into your grade unless you have an average of 80% on your tests. Then they factor in the quizzes, so if you did bad on your quiz average and your tests scores were only 80% or so, the quiz average can bring your TOTAL average below an 80% which is a failure...that has failed many people. Grading scale: A = 92-100 B = 85-91 C = 80-84 D = 75-79 Have you applied to the program yet? If so, when are you supposed to hear from them? Good luck!!!

Half way through Nursing III...looking forward to IV definately !!! As far as I know, for acceptance into the program, and this was the way they did it when I was accepted last Aug. Grades are not really factored in right now. This program is under alot of pressure to produce graduates to compensate for the "shortage". In times before, you needed a 4.0 and ALL of your pre-reqs AND Co-reqs COMPLETED to get into the program, and they only accepted around 60-70 students. This isnt true right now. My class began with 110 students and not all of them had their Co-reqs out of the way. The class behind mine had 112, I think. GPA's werent really a factor as long as you pulled a "C" average in your pre-reqs. However, this program is one of the best in the state (98% first time pass rate for NCLEX) and it is a very rigorus course and the standards are high. They have lowered their standards for ADMISSION into the program but the "Program" standards have not been lowered so their are a lot of people who dont make it. I am in Nursing III and we are down to 70 students now and more are going to be "weeded" out this semester as this is supposed to be the most difficult semester. So thats about 40 students in 2 1/2 semesters so far. I can be difficult at times, but time management is the key. Good luck on your acceptance into the program.

As a current student in the program, you really have to have more than A&P to be considered. You MUST have ALL pre-reqs done or currently enrolled to be considered. That means, A&P I, College Algebra, and Freshman Eng. I. These are the minimums, the Co-Reqs include A&P II, Microbiology, and Human Growth and Development, it is STRONGLY advised that the Co-Reqs be completed before actually starting the program, but not having the Co-reqs will not affect you getting into the program at this time. There is no waiting list as the best are selected twice a year.

Check your IM's

Check your IM's

This thread kinda reminds me of the old "I just want to get my CNA or LPN to see if I like it, then I will get my R.N. and then BSN and eventually my ARNP." Why not just go straight for the R.N. from the get go? Sounds like a similar mind set to me (the loooong road).

So, does anyone have a "plan" or any realistic ideas on who to talk to or what to do about increasing wages and salaries in this state? Obviously the paper pushers and those who have no idea what nurses actually do as far as responsibility (life and death, disease, and violence exposure, risk of being sued) have the say on what nurses are payed. How can this be changed and how can nurses get fair pay to those with similar degrees and similar job responsibilities? Any "reasonable" ideas out there?

I am currently employed at LRMC, but as a Nurse Intern so things are a little different for me. Thus far I have only worked 3 days in the CCU and have found that ALL of the nurses and staff are extremely helpful and answer any questions that I have. Scheduling is flexible but I dont think that applies to the full time RN's who work 12 hour shifts. Havent heard anything about the union at all. I know base pay for new grad RN's is close to $20/hr then add the diffs to that. I can get a payscale and post it here but it may take a few days to do so. The only real complaint that I have so far is the insurance, it is expensive, most employers in Lakeland who offer insurance have much lower premiums. I have heard but am not totally sure but I think LRMC is the highest paying hospital in Polk County thanks to the union.

I am currently in the 3rd semester of an ADN program and just accepted a position in the CCU at our local hospital which is level II trauma center. They are EXTREMELY flexible with the scheduling and I was even told by the MICU/CCU manager that they realize that YOU are a STUDENT FIRST and the goal is to get you graduated. Second is the hopes of retaining you in the ICU as a new grad employee/RN as they have a feel for you already and you are familiar with alot of the procedures in the ICU. So far so good, it just cuts into my weekend study time as I will be working 7P-7A Friday and Sat. So it makes for long days during the week at school to get in the proper study time and lab hours. Nurse Techs usually do basic care such as bedbaths, changing linens, feedings and assisting with ADL's. Some are trained in phlebotomy and can do foley caths and basic wound care as well. It really depends on your hospital policy. Some will let you practice up to the level that you have attained in nursing school as well, so if you are in your IV rotation, you may be able to initiate IV's but it just really depends on the hospital. Hope this helps.

Rob, First of all, CONGRATS on your acceptance!!! If it isn't too much trouble, would it be possible for you to share your story? What it took to get in, what your qualifications are, experience, grades and the such? I am VERY interested in the Gooding Institute and any info would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to PM or email me if you dont want to discuss these things on a public forum. Thanks.

In my opinoion, Lakeland is horrible. For various reasons that I really dont want to get into, and I have lived here off and on for 18 years, I wont get into all that is wrong with Lakeland. I have been all over this state and Lakeland is just plain weird in comparison. The people are really "different" here. The traffic "HORRIBLE". Is there more traffic elsewhere?? Yes, but it generally moves. The traffic and construction in Lakeland is unbearable....it literally takes me 1 hour to commute 20 miles to Winter Haven to go to school in the mornings and lets not mention the congestion on North 98 and S. Fla Ave. Sorry about the rant but this is one student that as soon as I am finished with my initial R.N. .....I'M OUTTTA HERE !!!! I am staying in Florida but not in Lakeland.

Yep...they NEVER tell you that no matter what type of contract you sign with the Army.....ITS ALWAYS EIGHT YEARS!!!! I got lucky and didnt have to do any reserve time after my 2 1/2 year active duty stint but I was still obligated for 5 1/2 years if they needed to call people up for duty.

I did my Nursing I clinicals at WHH. It didnt seem too bad and I really didnt hear too many complaints but then again I didnt go looking for them. I live close to LRMC and was thinking of applying for a nurse intern position there hopefully in the ICU. As far as pay, I think LRMC pays a little more than the other hospitals, I think they start around $19 for a new grad. I did find WHH to be kinda dirty though. The "new" Bartow Memorial is a nice facility but very quiet compared to WHH.

You know...statistically, marriage IS the leading cause of divorce....:chuckle Seriously, I am glad I am not in some of the situations that some of you are in.

Anyone have any experience with this hospital? Any pros, cons, fair pay and scheduling? Nurse to Pt. ratios? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks:)

Debra, A big congrats to you as you start your new journey and a new year. Thanks for the info. My reasoning for the question was that if you got your BSN through Barry, then the admitting staff for the CRNA program would know EXACTLY how you were trained and what knowledge you have acquired because they are familiar with the Barry BSN cirriculum. They readily have access to your transcripts and generally know what kind of student you are, not to mention they could personally inquire about a prospective student from the nursing staff. Reading through some of the other posts I guess it could hurt you as much as it could help you just as long as you get along well with others and have an excellent interview. Another thought too. Would being an in-state student help your chances as well. I have family near Barry and have family in Panama City where the Gooding Institute is. Housing will be free for me and my bills will be paid off by the time I am ready to apply to a program. So the money and housing situation will not be a distraction or a problem. I am sure this will come out in the interview. Just starting to get things in order is all. Slowly but surely. Now I have to continue to concentrate on the task at hand, the ADN and the knowledge that comes with that and gain as much ICU knowledge and experience as possible. But I have found that things are kind of set up in chain of events. For me, one thing leads to another as long as I set it up and plan for it early. I know it is wayyyyy early to be thinking of being a SRNA but I do have to plan for it now and do things to set myself up for sucess once I am ready to apply, however I am trying to focus most of my energy towards the task at hand (ADN). Make any sense?

Polk County University...Better known as Polk Community College in Lakeland Florida.

I'm just kinda thinking out loud here but one of the above posts triggered this question. When a school asks what YOU think YOUR weakness is, after a well thoughtout and tactful answer, is it fair to turn around and ask the interviewer(s) what they think the weakness of THEIR CRNA program is? Do you think it would be a good idea to actually interview them to see if you want to accept THEIR program? Just a thought. Might be a little too agressive.....I dunno.

Living in Florida I have been comparing salaries and they are very good and competitive. I believe this thread was about the possibility of improved chances of getting into CRNA school if you are employed by the same hospital. My question is similar but has to do with the school. I am looking at Barry U. in Miami Shores and was wondering if I got my BSN there (transfering ADN), would that improve my chances of getting into their CRNA program?