alphadog0228

Banimal, I have a new lab coat I got for Micro and a set of burgundy scrubs (never worn and bought at Life Uniforms) that I bought hoping to get into STCC. Do you think they would let me wear these? I think the lab coats the students wear have STCC Nuring embroidered on them. Couldn't I just get that? I work now as a PCT and I have two pairs of shoes made for me with orthopedic in them. Do you think they would let me wear these?

Has anyone been successful in getting a hard copy or even a verbal description of the criteria and formula used by STCC to evaluate their applicants for admission? I have been attempting to find this out for over 2 years and have not been successful. I have not been overly impressed with the Admissions Department. Their level of understanding and clarity about the process (it is a different story depending on who you speak with at the office) is questionable. In addition, I have had multiple issues with them when they processed my transcripts. At other schools, they are upfront and tell you the criteria and weightings for each (e.g. GPA, HESI/standard test scores, work experience, etc.). When I contacted the Nursing Department directly. they provided no information and referred me back to Admissions. It seems neither department feels they have ownership of answering this question. Based on my experience they either: 1) Have no set criteria and formula to evaluate all candidates equally resulting in students being selected subjectively; or 2) The criteria and formula is not published and shared to prevent any appeals from being filed after the admission decisions have been made (essentially allowing them to select students subjectively regardless of achievement in pre-reqs or potential to be successful in their program). Has anyone been successful in obtaining this information or have any insight on this subject? Thanks.

Where did you look on your WebAdvisor? Did you look Academic Profile after you get into WebAdvisor then click on My Profile? Is this the correct place? Are you looking where it says Major? Thanks.

Jess Mind if I ask where you got accepted? Sounds like they have already started to send out letters there. Are you a traditional student or returning student? I guess most people have applied to multiple schools like us.

Thanks Bananimal. How has the first year of the program gone for you? Are most people passing or have several dropped out? I am hoping to get in this time around

Has anyone heard when they will send out admission letters for Fall 2010? I thought it was around the middle of March so I keep checking my mailbox hoping to get a letter. Does anyone know anything or have you received a letter?

Being a guy does NOT help. Take it from someone who got SCREWED on his admission to an ADN program. I have a 3.7 GPA, passed their placement test, currently work as an aide in a hospital, had glowing letters of recommendation from executives in the Nursing organization who ENDORSED me as a good RN and I still didn't get in. I have read multiple posts from a bunch of 20 something girls go on and on about getting in the program where I applied. Most of them have never set foot in a hospital before. Trust me, it doesn't matter one bit and I am beginning to think it might even lower your chances depending on the background (or lack thereof) of the people running the place. My advice is go to a BSN program. Borrow money, take out loans, apply for every scholarship you can find and just do it. You'll be better off and you wont have to deal with these high school level educators at the community college level. You will get a far better education and it will be worth it in the long run. I got into two BSN programs with no problem. That should tell you something.

Thanks for your reply. I wonder if all the letters of acceptance go out in one big batch or if they do it in groups. not sure and they didnt say much.

Hi Guys That is great news! I am still waiting to hear some news. Congratulations to you!

Hi Everyone Sorry I have not replied. I have been busy studying! Wish me luck. Tomorrow is my re-take Thanks!

Thanks very much. Were there any other books or websites you used to get ready? There are a lot on the NET but not much on the HESI. Thanks.

I took the HESI pre-entrance test today and BOMBED scoring 72.5%. I need a minimum of 77% to even be considered for the program. I got the Elsevier review book and studied for 10 days. I took the 4 practice tests in the back of the book but I dont think it helped enough. There were questions on the practice tests that were not covered in the review chapters. I got a 68% on the Math (improper fractions killed me) and had trouble with the Bio section. I did OK on the AP part but there were questions I didnt know even though I studied the review book. I completed AP I this Fall (got a B+) and I am registered for AP II starting in two weeks. I passed Algebra I and II with a B+. I am frustrated. I am a 3.6 GPA in the pre-nursing classes, I work a full-time job and a part-time job as a Nurse Assistant in the ER (16 hours a week) to make me more competitive when I apply. I go to school two nights as week to complete the pre-reqs. I am a returning student after 20 years and I truly want to be a nurse. The clinical experience in the ER I love and I have learned a great deal in a short period of time Does anyone have any advice on how to better prepare for the re-take test? I have two weeks to get ready and this re-take is my last shot for me to apply for the Fall 2009 class. You can only take the test twice in one application year. Thanks for your help and guidance

I cant locate your AP I notes in that sticky. Can you please send me the link or post the notes here? thanks

Thanks for your response. May I ask which Physiology coloring book you used? There are about 3 different ones out there. Some have larger pics to color and some are so small i couldnt really make out the sections. Who was the author of yours and what was the name of the book? Thanks so much.

I am posting to ask people who read this what they think of buying a deck of Flash cards and/or using the Anatomy and Physiological coloring books for AP I? I am looking at these Netters Anatomy flash cards but I dont think it has both A and P on the cards. Is there another set of flashcards that anyone has used? Any thoughts on how good the Netters cards are? Does anyone have any recommendations? Trying to help a student plan their strategy for studying/passing the course. Thanks.

May I ask which flashcards you have? I am looking at the Netters one but it is anatomy only. do you have a different set? Do you have any that is physiology as well?

Thanks for this list. I am posting to ask people who read this what they think of buying a deck of Flash cards and/or using the Anatomy and Physiological coloring books? I am looking at this Netters Anatomy flash cards but I dont think it has both A and P on the cards. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks.

Thanks for your reply. I am all for people who cant handle the demands of providing care for mulitple, acutely ill patients leaving the hospital environment to go shuffle papers at an insurance company, be a case worker or some other clerically related role. Frankly, if they cant cut it on the front line and have an attitude of superiority toward their fellow nurses, I would rather have them leave the team. They arent worth the negative impact they have on morale. When I mentioned being 'tempered', I was referring to being emotionally and psychologically prepared to work in an often difficult and very demanding environment while remaining patient focused and providing a high level of care. This maturity can only be obtained by a great deal of clinical experience which they hopefully received during their nursing education. Without this, nurses graduate and come into the hospital setting with 'pie in the sky' attitudes about how the system should be instead of prepared to deal with the reality of it. If you read my post carefully, you would have seen my comments about a true clinical ladder which provides all nurses the ability to pursue advanced education. To many, the time required and the cost of an 'accepted standard collegiate education' is prohibitive which it has become for many students regardless of their field of study. As for BSNs leaving BECAUSE THEY CAN, I would submit to you that a larger number of entry level RNs remain in a hospital enviroment BECAUSE THEY CHOOSE TO STAY and provide the care for those who are ill which was the reason they chose this profession. Again, we need our RNs with advanced education to recognize the contributions of RNs who graduate from all three paths of education. We are our own worst enemy when RNs with advanced education start picking apart the foundation of our profession, demean those who passed the same board and have they same license as a BSN. And by the way, being respected by their peers and partners in healthcare is a function of performing their job well, having confidence and speaking from an informed position - not because they have a BSN or higher degree and can spout nursing theory to those who have years of experience as a physician or registered nurse. I do not find your response laughable at all. It is truly sad and indicative of those in the "nursing" profession who have lost sight of fact that providing care for PATIENTS, not stroking their EGOS, is the foundation of the profession. As long as this visible infighting continues between peers and our governing bodies, the respect which we deserve as professional will elude us. Why would anyone respect us when we don't even have respect for each other?

Thanks for your reply. I am all for people who cant handle the demands of providing care for mulitple, acutely ill patients leaving the hospital environment to go shuffle papers at an insurance company, be a case worker or some other clerically related role. Frankly, if they cant cut it and have an attitude of superiority toward their fellow nurses, I would rather have them leave the team. They arent worth the negative impact they have on morale. When I mentioned being 'tempered', I was referring to being emotionally and psychologically prepared to work in an often difficult and very demanding work environment and still be pt focused and provide a high level of care. This maturity can only be obtained by a great deal of clinical experience which they hopefully received during their nursing education. Without this, nurses graduate and come into the hosiptal setting with 'pie in the sky' attitudes about how the system should be instead of prepared to deal with what it actually is today. If you read my post carefully, you would have seen my comments about a true clinical ladder which provides all nurses the ability to pursue advanced education. To may, the time required and the cost of an 'accepted standard collegiate education' is prohibitive which it has become for all many students regardless of they plan on studying in school. As for BSNs leaving BECAUSE THEY CAN, I would submit to you that a larger number of entry level RNs remain in a hospital enviroment BECAUSE THE CHOOSE TO STAY and

Hi, I find your post misleading particularly when you call out the BSN for their 'advanced skiils" in assessment and critical care interventions. I have worked with many RNs during my career and I know the 'rungs in the ladder' very well after being trained in a hospital setting and progressing on to the graduate level. A BSN is typically BEHIND the curve when they start their initial job. My Diploma and ADN trained nurses come to the job ready to 'hit the ground running' while most of the time we spend way too much time having to re-train our 'better educated' BSNs who have performed each nursing skill one time in a clinical setting during their 4 years of education and that's IF they were lucky. When a patient is crashing, no one is going to ask the BSN who their theorist was and what her documented care plan says to do next. Most of the arrest teams where I work have mostly Diploma trained RNs because they are the most capable and in many instances end up training the residents on what to do during a code. I have seen many a bumbling BSN get themselves into a bind more often than not when they are calling attention to their observations when discussing a pt with a doctor. It usually ends up with the BSN running for the break room after they have been dressed down by the doctor. BSNs also have the highest rate of those leaving the profession after the first year. They simply have not had the clinical training they need and the subsequent 'tempering' to deal with the often harsh reality of working in a hospital. You mentioned your days of 'sympathizing with the uniformed are over'. Try being a new grad's manager and having to listen to them while they burst into tears when they finally come to the realization that this was the wrong career choice - after 4 years and tens of thousands of dollars in student loans. Nurses who 'take short cuts' do not kill patients. Nurses who have not had the theory and clinical experience they need to function with confidence kill patients. Count the hours the diploma, ADN and BSN grads have when they graduate. If you were acutely ill, which one would you want taking care of you? I am a strong advocate of enhancing the level of education in our workforce. I am also a strong advocate for new grads to be TRAINED on what they need to do when they begin their careers. The core issue in our profession today is that there is no REAL career ladder for those of us in healthcare which would allow progression from basic patient care to post graduate studies for those who are capable and willing to further their education. I find it interesting that the debate over diploma, ADN or BSN continues to go on and on. I do not think we will ever get to a point where BSN is required for entry practice. Here's why: With the projected shortage of 100,000 nurses by 2010, some organization will have to step in and find more efficient methods of training RNs. This was the case during WWII which prompted the Nurse Training Act, the Cadet Nurse Corps etc where the Fed goverment funded nursing education. Many of the 3 year programs were reduced to 24-30 months to get people through the program and on the job because the shortage was so great. Fast forward to 2008 where we have a more acute (and growing) gap of trained RNs to what is needed. Eventually (when hospitals start closing and people are dying as a result), the government will have to step in. My thought would be they would sponsor entry programs at their own facilities (maybe VA hospital programs) to get more people through the program as quickly as possible. In Canada a few years ago, they closed all their diploma programs and went to strictly a BSN framework. What they ended up with was an acute shortage driven by more demand but also because people were not going into the field because of the time required. As a result, hospital schools starting to open AGAIN just to address the shortage which had been created by the BSN requirements. At the end of the day, I believe it is a supply v. demand problem. When we get to the point where demand really outstrips supply(on the brink today), there will be a outside force (Fed Government, private training school, hospital programs to create the staff they need - they have to train new grads anyway for a year - why not do it from the beginning and get the skills built into the program they need?) that will cause a change in the market dynamics to address demand. My thought would be we will revert to a 2 year program and perhaps if the governing bodies could ever agree on anything, a REAL and comprehensive nursing career ladder will be put in place to allow caregivers who are qualified to progress from CNA to LPN/RN to BSN to MSN(for NP) to PhD. Everyone in the field knows the shortage is already acute. When a well known public figure dies because of poor or a lack of care, someone will act because the problem enters the public realm and then most people will become aware. I find your achievements impressive. I think you might benefit from a rotation in a med/surg or critical care unit to see just how much has changed with staffing in hospitals in the last 5 years. We need our advanced education RNs to recognize the contributions of RNs who graduate from the 3 educational paths. We are our own worst enemy when our advanced trained RNs start picking apart the foundation of our profession. While the BONs are busy worrying about how much more respect a BSN will give us because they have had one research course and a single management course, we arent educating enough new grads to take care of our patients. We wont need nurse managers and executives if we have no one doing the job of caring for those who are ill which I thought was the reason we all chose this profession.

Hi I find it interesting that the debate over diploma, ADN or BSN continues to go on and on. I do not think we will ever get to a point where BSN is required for entry practice. Here's why: With the projected shortage of 100,000 nurses by 2010, some organization will have to step in and find more efficient methods of training RNs. This was the case during WWII which prompted the Nurse Training Act, the Cadet Nurse Corps etc where the Fed goverment funded nursing education. Many of the 3 year programs were reduced to 24-30 months to get people through the program and on the job because the shortage was so great. Fast forward to 2008 where we have a more acute (and growing) gap of trained RNs to what is needed. Eventually (when hospitals start closing and people are dying as a result), the government will have to step in. My thought would be they would sponsor entry programs at their own facilities (maybe VA hospital programs) to get more people through the program as quickly as possible. In Canada a few years ago, they closed all their diploma programs and went to strictly a BSN framework. What they ended up with was an acute shortage driven by more demand but also because people were not going into the field because of the time required. As a result, hospital schools starting to open AGAIN just to address the shortage which had been created by the BSN requirements. At the end of the day, I believe it is a supply v. demand problem. When we get to the point where demand really outstrips supply(on the brink today), there will be a outside force (Fed Government, private training school, hospital programs to create the staff they need - they have to train new grads anyway for a year - why not do it from the beginning and get the skills built into the program they need?) that will cause a change in the market dynamics to address demand. My thought would be we will revert to a 2 year program and perhaps if the governing bodies could ever agree on anything, a REAL and comprehensive nursing career ladder will be put in place to allow caregivers who are qualified to progress from CNA to LPN/RN to BSN to MSN(for NP) to PhD. Everyone in the field knows the shortage is already acute. When a well known public figure dies because of poor or a lack of care, someone will act because the problem enters the public realm and then most people will become aware.

I am glad that my comments have incented you to examine yourself and your motivations. You may feel they were 'rude' but perhaps this is the first time you have received honest feedback which apparently you desperately need. You mentioned your original message was censored. I am not surprised by this and I know there are many experienced RNs out there who are shaking their heads in agreement. As I mentioned, your fellow nurses have had YEARS of experience and know how to read feedback communicated in many ways. Perhaps your initial preceptor understood much more about you than you give her credit for understanding. To be a good nurse, you have to check your ego at the door and be willing to focus on your patients not yourself. Perhaps some day you will understand this point. Hopefully, you will have grown some and will listen more. Lots of your peer nurses have survived challenging assignments and have stuck it out for more than 3 months. They have something to teach you. Be receptive. Good luck with your next job at your next hospital or wherever you decide your skills will be best recognized.

Did you have any clinical experience prior to going to school to earn your BSN? From your comments, it sounds as if you may have not had any before you got into school, otherwise you would have understood what the environment is like in the real world. The concerns you are describing and their tone are indicative of a more theory based and minimal clinically based education. It's great that you were class President in undergrad and that you were accepted to a prestigious MSN program. I hope you had enough emotional intelligence to not laude these over the heads of your peer nurses. They are the ones who have had the real training and survival skills doing the job everyday under difficult conditions whiere you obvously have issues and a lack of respect for their capabilities. What have you learned from the on the job experience you have had so far? How much glass did you break when you escalated and demanded a new preceptor? Perhaps you need to change your attitude, humble yourself(you may believe you were humble but you probably communicated your inflated sense of your capabilities in other ways to the other nurses) and realize your real education started the first day of your real job as an RN. Your statement denegrating new nurses who spend there first year in med/surg illustrates the core of your problem . As a new grad, you start at the bottom and hopefully learn something over time. You have a lot to learn about your profession and some issues with maturity. Your fellow nurses are a lot more intelligent than you think and can sense your real perception and attitude toward them. It sounds as if you need to learn how to have genuine respect for them, realize you have a lot to learn about the politics (which are the same in any job in any profession) and do some sole searching to understand if the clinical enviroment is the right place for you. Maybe you should do your two years in a lowly med/surg unit and then go back to get your MSN full-time and teach. The educational environment may be where you are most comfortable and you can deal in theory and not people and reality. In that setting your academic record will be praised. On the floor, you are a just another new grad with minimal people skills and a lot to learn whether you believe that or not. Good Luck.

Hi everyone, I thoroughly enjoy reading the posts on allnurses.com and think it is a wonderful resource for current and aspiring nurses. I have been working in a corporate job for 24 years. I am in sales and marketing but I have always wanted to be a nurse and do something meaningful with my life. I have a undergrad degree in Computer Sci/Operations Research and a MBA in Finance. I have been looking around at the various programs available and have not been able to decide which path to becoming a RN is the best for someone with my background. I have looked at graduate entry programs into nursing, one year accelerated BSNs and ADN programs. Is there anyone else out there that has made or is making this decision? Several of the posts refer to the need for a BSN to advance into a management role. I have an MBA already and have held a variety of these type of positions. What are the potential issues I should be cognizant of when selecting the type of program I pursue? Appreciate your thoughts, Alphadog0228