NurseToBe3

I'm in this class too! I feel like I'm missing something though. I was under the impression that there were actual lectures, not just 10 min worth of short clips. I noticed that there's quite a bit of reading to do for next week, so maybe it's just heavy on reading and writing. It seems like the info isn't as easy to find as I had hoped either. Hopefully it will just take a week or two to settle in and wont seem so overwhelming!

the.truth.ferret- What ITT Tech location did you work at? I have heard plenty of bad things about their school, but the Portland ITT Tech just had 100% pass rate on their NCLEX for summer term (graduated in Aug). The students that just graduated last month haven't all taken their NCLEX yet. My husband goes to this ITT and it definitely has its problems, but I haven't ever heard of anyone that didn't complain about their nursing program. I am almost done with my nursing program at a very reputable school and I have TONS of complains (as does everyone else in my class). The main point is to get through it, learn as much as you can and learn the rest once you graduate. I have heard over and over that the majority of your learning is done on the floor once you get your first nursing job. Nursing school is just to cover the basics and give you a foundation to learn more after graduation. I looked through some of those sites you posted and they didn't all seem super credible. There are always people looking to make a buck. And honestly some of the people that attend trade schools don't always put the effort in, then they want their money back after they fail. Think of how many students successfully graduate and how many students file lawsuits or complaints. Obviously you hear more about the negatives than the positives. I think the nursing students (for the most part) are willing to work harder than your average "trade school student". Most of them are probably attending because they didn't get into another school- not because they aren't smart enough, but because there are thousands of applicants for a few hundred spots. Whatever your background with the school, just remember there are always two sides to every story.

Did you get the job? How much nursing experience do you have? I am almost done with nursing school and my pediatric rotation was at Shriners. It was very different that the larger hospitals! Some days I liked it and other days really didn't. The hardest part for me was that so many of those kids aren't "fixable". They have procedures done to improve their quality of life, but they will never have anything close to a normal, comfortable life. There were many kids that weren't as bad and would have some quality of life, but there were days it was just really hard. My heart sank for the kids that wouldn't ever really improve. I think it takes a certain kind of person to do that every day and I admire the nurses who do work there! Good luck!

I feel your pain. I found out I was pregnant with kiddo number three right before I started my nursing pre-reqs. I took a term off after having her, but I knew if I didn't start back that I never would. Now only have 9 months left in my program, but my kids are feeling neglected. Leaving them never gets easier, but at least they don't remember it when they're that little. I worry that my kids will just remember me studying all the time once they grow up! Good luck!

I would be careful of where you get your info. ITT Portland hasn't graduated a class yet and wont until September, so your friend will be the first class to graduate. It's going to be hard for a new nursing program to get good clinical sites when there are so many established programs around, but it sounds like they are working on it. Also, it doesn't seem likely that they went to a daycare for Peds experience. We went to a preschool for a small amount of our peds experience and my school has been around for a few decades. Obviously we weren't there full days, but we did fluoride on their teeth, checked their vision and hearing, did some nutritional teaching, etc. We go every term and do something different, so that makes up some of our peds hours. Hopefully ITT improves their clinical sites quickly and their students get the experience they need. Those students invest a lot and deserve a good education!

I am a Mt. Hood student and it definitely has it's pros and cons. Many of the instructors are great, however there are some that are not. We usually have multiple instructors teaching our core class and they are not always on the same page. They are quite disorganized, which makes it tough to learn. I don't feel like we get nearly enough practice time or instruction in lab (but there is some open lab time and this may be a problem for other schools as well). The program is very self directed and you will need to be prepared to learn a lot on your own. Most of the lectures are helpful, but you will need to go much more in depth on your own time (again somewhat expected and probably the same as other schools). I know nursing school it tough no matter where you go, but sometimes they are a little unrealistic in what they expect. I didn't mean for this to be all negative... I am fairly happy with the program (I'm learning a ton, there's lots of hands on experience, it's close, affordable, etc), but I wish it were more organized. I feel like I could learn much more if it were set up better and some teachers were more supportive. I'm sure any school will have many positives as well as negatives and you will need to decide what is best for you. Good luck in your decision! p.s. I'm not a grouchy student because I'm failing classes or anything. I have kept straight A's through the whole program.

I agree that a 3.4 seems low too, but Linfield looks more at life experience and essays than grades. OCNE schools are all about the points. I have heard of people with high GPA's that didn't get in, but if you can get the extra points (like for getting an A in your first A&P, having most of your pre-reqs done, etc.) you have a better chance of getting in with a lower GPA. The whole process is just tough! It's too bad we don't have a better system so more people can get into nursing school, but then I guess there wouldn't be jobs for everyone. Are you a nurse or are you in school?

What schools in Oregon have a wait list? Once you complete the application and interviews (at most schools) they accept a certain amount and put the rest on wait lists. I think what Meghan is refering to is being put on a waitlist and waiting your turn to get in (regardless of grades). We don't have those types of waitlists. And depending on the school and her other qualifications, she may do fine with a 3.6. I know someone who got into Linfield with a 3.4 because they look at more than just grades. I personally got into Mt. Hood with a 3.65 and there are other people in my program with a slightly lower GPA because they also consider more than GPA.

Most hospitals want a year of experience. You could work at a nursing home for a year and then apply to hospitals. You also may be able to get on as a hospital tech for legacy. They want you to have a CNA2, but I don't think they require experience. You can also check craigslist for CNA2 jobs. There may be smaller hospitals that don't require experience. I have just looked around at the major ones. Also, many nursing programs allow you to apply for your CNA2 after the third term because you have enough knowledge and clinical experience. That would save you a ton of money if you wanted to wait. Just something to think about!

I don't think your CNA will transfer to Washington from Oregon. And you don't have to take two classes to become a CNA in Oregon. The CNA1 allows you to work in a nursing home and a CNA2 allows you to work in acute care (hospitals). Many places offer an intense CNA1 course that you can do in 4 weeks. Cascade even has an online one (you still have to go in a few days for labs and then do your clinicals), but it's flexible. Nursing home jobs are fairly easy to come by, but it's tough to get on at a hospital without a decent amount of experience. Good luck!

Thanks so much for the info!! How far into the program are you? Part of our concern is that they have been a little flakey with returning phone calls and they don't always answer our questions. Do you know how long their RN to BSN bridge program is? He is transfering over all his classes, so the cost is more than a community college, but still not too bad. He was supposed to start in March, but because there is a week overlap between the community college and ITT, financial aid wont cover it at all. He is planning to defer to summer, but they are just putting his test score back into the applicant pool. They couldn't promise him a spot, but they told him not to retake his HESI. Hopefully he will still get in. Do you feel like the teachers are good about covering material and prepping you for clinicals? Thank you so much for your help!!!

How is the program so far? My husband was accepted there, but we are really nervous and up in the air because of all the bad things we have heard. Are the teachers good? Do you know where the clinical sites are? I heard they are all LTC and could be as far as Hood River or Beaverton. Any info would be great! Thanks!

Good luck guys! I was in the same spot as you last year and I thought the wait was going to kill me! Luckily I survived (and you will too!!) and it was worth it! Just hang in there!!!

Oregon doesn't have waitlists. Admission to our nursing programs is based mostly on grades. They also look at things like CNA experience and some have you write essays. Most of the deadlines are Feb 15th, so you could apply this year if you did it today. Do you have pretty good grades? Most of them around here take at least a 3.6+ to get in. Good luck!

It really depends on the teacher and the style of class. I took pharm online lest term and got an A, but I don't feel like I learned that much. It also depends on how much time and energy you are willing to invest! Good luck!

Cinthia40- I totally get your frustrations, but I think that's how most programs are. I'm in a RN program at a community college and things are the same for us. The changes are to make us better, not worse. It sounds like ITT is just trying to make sure their students are successful and well prepared later. I know failing at 80% seems like a pain, but the extra pressure will motivate you to learn the material better. I know it motivates me anyways. The exams are worth more of our final grade each term in my program too (this term it's 40% and next term it's 70%). And consider yourself lucky to get a week or two notice on clinicals. That isn't always the case for us. Some people found out the day before they were starting. Good luck in your program! It will all be worth it in the end!!

I over estimated my ability to manage time. Just because I was able to work 4-5 days a week, manage my husband and three kids and keep good grade while doing my pre-recs does NOT mean I can do it in nursing school. I learned that even cutting back to two days a week is not always good enough. I've gotten VERY good at functioning on little to no sleep and learned that my cohort in my new family. I spend all day, every day with them and when we aren't together we are texting. They are the only ones who know what you're going through and the more you network, the better you will do in school. If you don't understand something or just want to bounce ideas off someone, they are the ones you go to. Also, find a good place to buy ink and paper because you will go through a TON. And I have always been good with technology, but I have never had it so incoorperated into every aspect of my education. My phone is my new best friend. It has my drug guide along with a ton of other clinical references. Sorry this is long! Good luck!

Thanks so much for all the suggestions! I know it's early, but I want to be really well prepared when the NCLEX comes around. I've heard a lot of people say that one of the bigger challenges is the style of questions and the wording. Hopefully lots of exposure ahead of time will ease my nerves on the test!

I'm in my second term of nursing school and I keep hearing that I should start practicing with a NCLEX prep book. Can anyone recommend a good one that will be useful now or will they be over my head at this point? Thanks!

Haha!! This just made my night!

I'm also in nursing school and will be done with my BSN in a little over two years. I have been thinking about doing a CRNA program also, but have a lot of the same questions. I don't know where you are located, but OHSU is the only school in my area that has a CRNA program and they want 3-5 years of floor nursing before you have begin their program. I guess that will give me time to decide, but I'm afraid after working for that long that I wont want to go back to school. I think it's great that you are willing to wait to start your family. I'm 5 years older than you, but I have three kids and my husband is also staring nursing school next term. This has been very tough on them and you will be gald you waited! Good luck with your journey! I hope someone posts some good info on here!

Wow! This was really great to read! I have been thinking about going into peds (still in nursing school) and this gives me so much to think about! Very nicely written. Thank you so much!

Wow! These people have all lost so many. I have only finished my first term, but we started with 32 people and only lost one (she dropped the second week because she was overwhelmed and decided to go another route). Everyone passed this term and hopefully it stays that way! I suppose it partly depends on how competitive the programs are to get into. Mine was tough to get into so everyone had to be prety sure this was what they wanted to do.

You might do just as well to find a good pharm book and learn from it. It's really more about learning the different categories and side effects than memorizing lists.

I am in the nursing program at Mt. Hood Community College and I'm taking an online pharm class right now. Generally they want people to be in the program, but I know someone who took it and wasn't in the program. Mine isn't a memorization class. They give us all the info and we have weekly quizes, but it's more about "utilizing our resources". Maybe it would be an option, but I don't feel like I have learned a ton from it and I'm 10 weeks in to the term. Hope this helps!