blkcind

I'm a new grad RN in Phoenix, AZ and my base pay is $28/hr. plus 5% shift differential for evenings and 10% differential for nights. This is at a SNF.

I personally didn't study for the HESI-PN because I don't think it's one of those exams you can study for. You either know the material or not. You can't just study a year's worth of information in a week or two. Just always try to remember that your biggest issue is safety, always think airway. If your patient can't breathe who cares if his drainage is leaking out?? Just thinking the questions through is your best defense. Don't over think the scenario, just read what's there and not above and beyond.

I took the NCLEX-PN yesterday and swore up and down that I failed . I walked out of the testing center feeling completely defeated and wished I never even bothered trying. I couldn't sleep, eat or keep still it seemed like. I'm so happy to have heard that I passed this morning from a friend of mine who checked my info on the state board of nursing website. I guessed I felt almost half of the questions, but did extremely well on the HESI-PN with a score of 1028. Everyone said I'd do fine, which obviously I did because I passed, but I certainly didn't feel ok or prepared while taking the exam. I guess my insight into it all is even though you're a good student, don't walk into the exam super confident because you don't know how you'll really do when the time comes down to it all. I'm so happy that I passed and can move forward with my plans. I say don't give up and just wait and see how it all works out for you until the very end. Good luck to you all that must embark upon this same anxiety in the future. Just believe in yourself!

I put in my application for AP while I was finishing up my last semester of PN school. I emailed the one school once I was done to consider my application for block 3. In less than 24 hours I had an offer for block 3 for this coming spring. It seems like the most anyone would wait for block 3 is one semester, but most get in immediately for the upcoming semester. In regards to studying for the HESI PN, I don't think you can really study for that exam. IMO, you either know the material by the time comes to test or you don't. It's a year's worth of information and you can't cram that into your brain in a few days. Just take your time and read the question. Think about what makes each answer correct and why it could also be wrong and go with the best answer. That's what I did and I got over 1000. I'm no expert, but I just feel we all have the capability to do well if we just pay attention to what the questions are really asking us.

Don't believe the hype that you can't get into block 3 right away or that the LPN to RN option isn't worth the time. Most people get into a slot in block 3 immediately and if they don't it's still only a 1 semester wait. When you really think about it all, it's silly to spend 2 years doing pre-reqs, then wait another 2 years+ on the wait list and then 2 years to actually do the program. If you go the LPN route, you don't need your pre-reqs done prior to applying. You can get your pre-reqs done while in PN school. Lastly, you can work your way as a nurse while going to school for blocks 3 and 4. More and more people are realizing that getting your PN is the backdoor into the RN program and those who are smart will seek that option and use it for all that it's worth. You can still get jobs working as a LPN mostly in long-term care, however you make more money in LTC than you would in a hospital anyway. I just graduated from MSC this October and in less than 24 hours of emailing the Director of Nursing of one of the CC's in the valley, I had an offer for block 3. I also did very well in the program and had a high Hesi PN exit score. Just do what you have to do in nursing school and the roadblocks will slowly disappear. That's the best piece of advice I could give anyone at this point.

MSC has changed its policy on how they accept students. It used to be the top 40 students, but now I've heard they are also interviewing students as well. They always had a policy of only accepting students on certain days so that's nothing new. I also was in block C and just graduated this October. My advice is to just keep calling or better yet just go to Anthony and check up on things in person. He's very lazy and doesn't do much to help anyone. Sorry to let you know, but once you're in you don't have to deal with him again.

I'm currently in block C of the program and I can tell you there is no wait listing at MSC. Its strictly based on the top 40 applicants who get into each block. Just that simple. Usually they close the application pool two months prior and you find out if you're in the month before classes start. So if you're trying to get in for November, it won't be till October to find out anything definitive on your application. Good luck!

I'm currently in the program, moving into block C or block 2 of the RN program. I think the program works for those who are serious about learning and don't need to be hand held the entire time. There is a lot of independent work and self instruction, however, it re-affirms itself how much you actually retained in the end once you take your Hesi as I noticed when I took mine a few weeks ago. There is a lot of structural issues with scheduling, expectations and so on, but I think to a certain degree you'll find that at any school. Its just that other schools are better at hiding their dirt. You get study guides for some of the classes so that helps. Don't listen to Anthony because he knows nothing except to make things difficult for you. If you find yourself struggling be sure to ask for office hours and speak to your instructor or else they won't feel bad for your later especially if you're failing. Try to form small study groups that you can meet together and review information. DO NOT bother with large groups where people answer questions and pass the answers around because you WILL get wrong information and you won't be happy when you see your grades from using those answers. Overall I think the program is a great stepping stone into nursing and benefits you in so many ways. I'm currently working as a CNA at the site I did my clinicals, so not only do they know me now, but they're waiting for me to graduate so I can have a LPN position there which is awesome. Finishing your LPN allows you to earn money while finishing your RN and in these difficult days, most people have to work so why not earn money and experience as a nurse at the same time. Also the typical wait time for block 3 is either immediately or 1 semester and that information came directly from the director of Gateway's nursing program. I also called other colleges and confirmed that information as well. So while people are waiting to barely start block 1, I'll be finishing my RN so in the end it is worth the extra tuition, frustrations and sacrifice. Also don't let people tell you that you must get all your pre-reqs done prior to starting the program cuz that's not true. I took AP2 in block A, Micro and Chem while in block B and received an "A" in each class. If you're determined it all can be done, just have faith in yourself! I'm out...

I have no idea about the new Hesi score requirements. However, I can tell you they have had on average three cohorts per year. This is usually sometime early in the year like this past one started in February. The second is around summer and the last is in the fall sometime. As far as waitlist are concerned, there are none. Your scores must be in the top 40 of all the applicants they receive for that cohort. Its just that simple. You can ask Anthony where you stand in line as far as your number. Hope that helps!

there are no pre-reqs for the program in regards to academics, however you still have to take the NET and have all your health records and immunizations, also your health provider cpr card. Anthony is pretty difficult to get in touch with, I found its best to call around 10am or so. You may need to go directly to him for the best response. Classes for block A are m-f 8-3, however, I heard that blocks B and C are not and will only be 3 days in class and 1 day clinical. I hope that answers some of your questions.

hey arizdolphin, do you think it's possible to take classes on the side for block A and B? I'm starting in the september class and am currently taking bio 202 this semester. I plan to do chm 130 and bio 205 in the spring and summer. Also do you have any other information that would be useful for new students. Thanks so much!

Well in regards to the 88% passage rate, I don't think that sounds too bad either, but it is something to be alarmed about since it is a drop from 98%. I must confess, the high rates was one of the things that caught my eye. However, I do believe that individual merit is to be accounted for and not soley on the school. If a professor was the issue, well I'm happy to hear that things are being corrected immediately. I personally have my CNA already so I do understand the expectations and the requirements thus far. I just hope that whatever issues that is being had, will be solved promptly as it sounds like.

Thank you very much for your reply. I understand that you can't go into much detail. I'm currently out of the country so I can't go in person to speak to anyone. Hopefully by the time I'm going to school there these issues will be resolved and the responsiblity will be more on the person than the school themselves in regards to board passage rates.

Okay, so can someone please explain why exactly they are changing the dates? Is it due to NCLEX passage rates? Is it due to a professor? I'm planning on going there for the september admissions class, but that is all dependent on what's the problem over there? Many of us students want to think that any issue with this school is of an individual basis, but its not clear. If anyone has a clear answer to my question, please do share with the rest of us. Thanx

I think we should all take a step back and realize that RMP is only a "tool" for getting information about a specific professor. As another person states, some students use it as an opportunity to vent frustrations and others realize the power that it can have on others. I don't think it should be used as the only avenue of deciding which professor is beneficial, but I've found it useful over the past six years or so. It is all subjective and what one person may find to be a benefit will be another person's weakness. So perhaps we should all judge a professor based off of what we find to be of merit and leave it as that for a fool proof tool.