cdelacruz71

I'm at American River College. During my psych rotation we basicly observed 1-2 patients depending on what floor we were on (adolescent, acute, geriatric, etc.). We talked to the patients did our mental health assessments and documented everything. When doing your nursing notes make sure you use quotes from the patient (pt said "I feel like a chicken"). Quotes are always very helpful. We also attended group therapy, patient hearings, patient treatment planning meetings, and is lucky did the discharge paperwork. We didn't pass any meds but we needed to know all the meds they were on, rationale, and especially the side effects. I was so afraid going into my psych rotation but it was not as bad as I thought it would be. I actually had a good time.

A few of my classmates went to Sierra Vista and they liked it. Not sure about Sutter Center. I did my psych rotation at Heritage Oaks and that wasn't bad at all. Got a lot of transfers from both Sierra Vista and Sutter. Which school are you attending?

I will be starting my 3rd semester of the ADN program at American River in August. It took me 2 years of part-time schooling to get my pre-reqs done and I only applied to Sac City and AR for the programs. I was turned down at Sac City but won the lotto on the first try at AR. I know a few classmates that have applied 3 or 4 times before getting in, and quite a few that got in on their first application. Even if you don't get in you should keep re-applying because the more times you apply the more chances you have of getting in. Plus you can always turn down the school if you get accepted to another program. American River accepted 50 students for this Fall term. They have uped their admittance from 30 to 50-60 students the last few terms. My class had 80 in it. I suggest you go for the Sac State program but apply to all other school's as well. Have you thought about applying to Sierra College in Roseville and Delta College in Stockton? A classmate of mine got in at Delta and will be starting his 4th semester there. Good luck, and don't get discouraged. Believe me, the wait and hard work is worth it.

I am currently in the American River Program. I am just finishing up my first semester and I love it. The first semester instructors are wonderful and very helpful. We started with a very large class of 80 students. ARCs program is lottery based and you may have to apply more than once. If you can get into the Sac State program and can afford it, then go for it. The AA program is less expensive but harder to get in due to the lottery. But keep all of your options open. I applied to both Sac City and ARC for the Fall 05 programs and luckily was accepted to ARCs. Whatever you decide, good luck!

I have been accepted to the ADN program at ARC for this Fall. American River is one school with an ADN program. Sac City College and Sierra College also offer ADN programs as well. Sac City is in Sacramento and Sierra is in the Roseville area, about 15 minutes North of American River College. Best bet is to apply to as many schools in the area. I applied to both Sac City and ARC. All 3 choose students based on a lottery system. So it is best to apply to as many as possible and re-apply if you are on the waiting list. Good luck. Hope to see you at ARC!! Carrie