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krstxn I myself was a new grad this past December and took a position within an LTAC and honestly I'm very pleased with my decision. I've learned more than I could've ever imagined. I've worked both the Med-Surg and ICU side of the LTAC floor so at times we do have vent patients. It is a 6:1 ratio on the med surg side and 3:1 on ICU. It's hard to say how busy you'll be. Somedays will be more relaxed than others and some days you run like crazy but I think that's the case with any nursing position. As far as report goes, it is of course easier if you've had the patients before because they are there for such an extended time period. If not, then a quick history of why the pt is here and their history is given just to give you a general picture. It is a lot of work because these pts have so much going on but it is extremely rewarding at the same time. For instance, getting to hear a pt talk for the first time in months after finally having their trach capped. I've been lucky to have a great amount of support from the staff. Everyone has been very nice and willing to help out. And the level of teamwork on the floor is amazing. I'm not sure how I would make it through the day without the help from the rest of the staff. It is a feasible floor for a new grad to work on in my opinion. However, be willing to do a lot of work and put a lot of effort into learning. Good luck!!

Haha yeah the drive and traffic sucked but my sister lived in Baltimore so I was able to get by with free rent so it was worth it. As far as books and what not go I would wait. They will let you know what you need. You can actually preorder from the bookstore in the summer I think but they'll contact you and let you know about that. Same goes for the uniforms. They'll let you know when to order...which by the way I hate to break it to ya but they are god awful looking. Haha at least you only have to wear them once a week. For clinicals I think for the first semester you got to choose your site according to how quickly you sent in your acceptance deposit. So if you haven't already...send it in!! As for the other semesters, everyone's name is put into a lottery system and the order in which you pick is chosen randomly so everyone gets a fair chance and there will be a particular day and time that everyone comes in and signs up for the clinical according to the lottery number order. Unfortunately most of my clinicals weren't near the Baltimore area. One was at WHC in DC, 2 in Fairfax, 1 in Springfield, and 1 at Holy Cross. Honestly though it wasn't all that bad to have to travel there because you have to be there pretty early in the morning and leave before traffic in the afternoon. I actually relocated to South Carolina after graduation this past December. I got an interview shortly after moving here and was offered the job a week later. It's in a med-surg/ICU dept. Not my number one area of interest but I've learned A TON and I'm very happy to have a job as I hear jobs in this area are hard to come by for new grads because there are many nursing schools here. I do have some friends that I graduated with that stayed in the DC area and as far as I know they all have jobs now. It's not like it was 5 years ago where nurses had jobs lined up before they graduated but there are jobs available. You just might have to pass your boards before hospitals show interest in you. One thing that I think you have going for you already is that you'll be graduating in December as opposed to May like most traditional nursing students. This way there'll be less new grads applying at the same time as you in comparison to applying in May/June. Also, the state board of nursing won't be as bombarded with applications for licensure as they would be in May either so yours will get processed faster. Being a December grad myself it seemed like it was an advantage. You are quite welcome! I wish I had had someone to ask questions to prior to starting the program so I definitely know how you feel. If there's anything else I can help you with just let me know!

Overall I feel I got a really good nursing education in the program. I have yet to hear of someone from our class that failed the NCLEX so they definitely prepare you for that. There were some communication issues as some faculty members were new to the program. But from what I hear in comparison to other programs in other area schools it could've been a LOT worse. It seems like a lot to take at first when you start the program because it is a lot of material condensed into a small time period but you just have to take things day by day and remember it is possible. I actually commuted from Baltimore so your commute is feasible for sure, especially since you'll be using the metro. There is a metro stop just down the road from campus and the university provides a free shuttle regularly from the metro stop to main campus. I'm glad I could help you!! You are definitely doing the right thing in choosing an accelerated program. It may be overwhelming but it definitely pays off. I've been working as an RN for about a month now and I feel like I got a good base of knowledge to start my job. Of course you don't really start learning until you get into the hospital and start working but it certainly helps to have a solid base to go from. If I can help you with anything else please just let me know! :)

nicki 2516 If you start in fall 2010 you will graduate december 2011. I don't see how it would at all be possible to complete the program in 3 semesters. There are too many classes, labs, and clinicals. Your first semester alone I think you have 18 credits and for me that was the toughest semester so I can't imagine adding more to that. In addition, many of the classes you take are required courses to complete for those you will be taking the next semester. So you are pretty much required to complete the courses in the order in which they are set out in the schedule.

I realize it is difficult to distinguish the truth from lies in this situation. Regardless of who's telling the truth, bottom line is you can lose your license in any state at any time for any inappropriate behavior. SC is not unique in that respect. This is what makes being careful and meticulous about your job so important. Simply do your job and do it correctly and you'll have no problem!

I was a lucky new grad that just moved to the area after graduating in December and got a job. I know MANY new grads here in the Upstate area that are desperate for jobs. I'm not sure if that's the same for experienced nurses though. New grads at my hospital are starting at $21. Again, not sure what experienced nurses start at. Good luck!

I've never heard of the program not going through the summer. Some people inidivdually elect to not take class during the summer but as far as I know the program has always been 16 months. I started in Fall 2008 and had class that fall, spring, summer, and fall 2009. I graduated this past December. You may want to call the main office of health professions or one of the deans or coordinators of the program. They will be able to clear this up for you more than likely but I highly doubt you would not have classes through the summer. Hope this helps!

My GPA actually got higher after graduating from an accelerated program this past December. I had a 3.1 with my first undergrad degree. I graduated from nursing school with a 3.67. I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that I was much more interested in studying nursing than what I had with my prior degree. Many of my other friends in the program graduated with above a 3.5 as well. It all depends on how willing you are to study hard and do the work. My program was 16 months so not quite as accelerated as Drexel but again very fast paced and stressful. But I don't regret it at all. 16 months is a short time compared to 2 years or 4 years as would be for a normal BSN. I'm sure that the 13 month or shorter programs are very intensive but again I'm sure they're not impossible if they are still operating with the same cirriculum. Obviously students are able to be successful throughout their time in the program if they're still in existence. So yes, not only will you be able to complete the program, but you'll complete it with an AWESOME GPA. It's not impossible and you definitely won't regret it.

soon2bnurstudent congratulations on starting the program! It will definitely have you prepared for the NCLEX. I actually already took the exam about 2 weeks ago and passed! Several of my classmates have taken it as well and so far I haven't heard of anyone not passing. I was lucky enough to get the first job I interviewed for. I moved to South Carolina. Now some of my former classmates are still in the DC area and having a tougher time. Most of them have jobs, there are still a few that don't. The program is a LOT of work and studying but it is worth it. The first semester was the toughest because you have med-surg, patho, and 231 all in the same semester. What I always did to study was reinforced what was covered in class with the info in the book. At times it seemed useless to read entire chapters in the book because there was a lot of material and not all of it was on the exams. Definitely make sure you know and understand the information on ppt slides. If you understand it rather than memorizing it it makes the test questions/case studies a lot easier. As for words of wisdom, remember to breathe and take each day one day at a time. You are going to be bombarded with projects and tests over the next 16 months and think it's impossible to get done. But you WILL get through it. It is not worth constantly stressing yourself over and making yourself sick. Don't forget to take a lil "me" time too. You can't make school your life or you will go nuts! Thanks for the congrats! You are going to be a nurse in 16 months!! WOO HOO!!

bohoduex, I actually just graduated from MU accelerated this past december so I figured I might be able to help you a little. When I applied (for fall 2008) I believe I sent in 2 recommendations. I didn't apply to any other programs in the area. However, I know George Mason is a good program but it is faster than MU. On that note, I'm not sure I would've liked it because 16 months was difficult enough for the amount and depth of information they throw at you. Unfortunately second-degree accelerated students don't get any aid (as far as I know of ) from the school. All of my tuition was funded through loans unfortunately. However, I think it was well worth it considering I got a 4 year degree in a matter of 16 months. Don't be nervous. I think I found out in April that I was accepted. I forget how many were accepted in my class. I beleive we graduated as a class of 60 and that includes those people who had failed a class and dropped a semester behind. Just get your application in as soon as you can and keep your fingers crossed. Good luck!!

it does work!!! i just found out i passed!!! CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE!!!

I took the NCLEX yesterday morning and am pretty sure I'm going insane right now. I got shut off at 75 as well and had a TON of questions I had no idea about (meds, prioritization, etc.) I only had one med math question and a TON of select all that apply. Also, I had audio questions. I had never heard of that before going into it. Did anyone else get those?

I just graduated in December and relocated to Greenville, SC about 3 weeks ago. I absolutely love it here! I'm originally from Pittsburgh so the weather is definitely an improvement as I'm sure it will be for you over Boston weather too. I was just offered a position at a hospital as well so I'm very pleased. Greenville isn't an expensive city and is more middle class. It is just a gorgeous place to live. One downfall right now at least is job difficulty. There are quite a few nursing schools in Greenville so there are many new grads and RNs and few jobs, especially in this economy. I was lucky to get a job with one interview before I even take the NCLEX. I'm not sure if it's like that around the rest of the state though. I lived in the Baltimore/DC area during nursing school which was extremely expensive so this is truly a nice breath of fresh air. Rent, groceries, gas, etc. are all a TON cheaper. My starting salary is around $22 like you said but again it compensates for the low cost of living. Good luck with your decision!! You're going to LOVE it here! :redpinkhe

Thank you for all of your helpful responses!

First I just want to make it clear that in no way am I bragging in this post because I've seen so many posts on here about new grads that are struggling to get a job and my heart goes out to everyone in that position. :redbeathe I just graduated Dec. 19th with my BSN and relocated to a new area after graduation. I had been in contact with several nurse recruiters for months and shadowed at two hospitals here in August to at least get my name and face out there. I interviewed at one of the hospitals last week and was offered a position there yesterday! :yeah:Of course I took it and am thrilled to begin in February. The other hospital had stated that they weren't interested in interviewing until I passed the NCLEX. However, the nurse recruiter (extremely nice) has been in contact with me since and has recently been asking if I received my ATT and scheduled a testing date. My question is what is the best way of telling the nurse recruiter that I have accepted another position without offending her? I might be taking this too personally but she has been extremely helpful through this process and I don't want hard feelings to arise because of this. Thanks!