Hey traumaRUs thank you for the caution.
I do not think anyone is planning any legal action unless writing a letter of complaint is considered as such and if it is, please delete my post (I read that I must ask admins to delete posts). I am sorry I was so vague before.
My frustrations about Quest Nursing Education in Oakland, CA:
- The theory part consists of going around the room reading off of a powerpoint and it was verbatim the same thing I had already read in my textbook.
- The classrooms have no ventilation or windows and sometimes smell like pot or cigarette smoke.
- Each time I went in to bring paperwork (thinking I had finally done everything to sign up) the person would say "Oh, don't forget your [fingerprints, flu shot, social security card, white shoes]." Each time it was something new and each time I explained I could not forget something I had never been informed that I needed. When I brought in the newly requested documents I would say "Okay, is there anything else I need to do or know or buy or bring?" And there was always something new.
- There were around 10 exams during the course which were great preparation for the state boards. However, we were never allowed to review the tests, see what we had gotten wrong, or know the right answers to the questions. We later spoke with the head of the school who said that she would speak with the teacher and change this.
- Nobody demonstrated the proper way to do any of the skills. Although the textbook explained the steps, it would have been nice to see each skill performed at least once. We learned a lot during clinical hours from the CNAs we were assigned to follow but they do not do the skills by the book and if we copied their techniques we would fail the state exam. On our own, we found movies online to show us the proper way to do things.
- When we showed up to take our state board exam, there had been a miscommunication between our school and the Red Cross and our names were not on the list. We were sent home and rescheduled. This was especially frustrating for those who had paid to put their children in daycare or had taken a day off of work.
- When we complained, we were told that we would have to talk to Ms. So-and-So. To which we asked, "Do you have a card for her or any contact information?" The response, "No, I am sorry I am not allowed to give you that information. You can e-mail the address on the website." My e-mails to that address bounced back.
- The skills lab lacked necessary equipment for practicing. Because we were rescheduled at a new facility, we were able to see how other schools can make do without supplies: using a jump rope for a call light, a cardboard sink as a prop, etc. They used simple, cheap things but at least they had something.
If possible, I would recommend Nightingale Healthcare Professionals in Oakland. This is where we took our state test and they have cleaner facilities, proper equipment (or placeholders to cue the NA), and more than one bed to practice on. They set their students up for success.
Hopefully you only read all of that if you were seriously considering signing up for Quest. It is possible that by the time you read this, things will have changed and so I encourage you to go to the school and check it out. Make sure to visit other schools to compare it against (I wish I had done this). I'll close on a good note:
- The teachers and clinical instructors were nice and I liked them as people.
- The clinical sites were within walking distance to public transportation.
- The CPR class was great.
- I passed the state boards! Although the school does not offer a pass rate, I can tell you that 5 out of 8 from the class before us passed and 5 out of 6 of our class has passed so far (there are still 6 more that need to take it).
