FredWurlitzer

So far, clinicals have been a positive experience and all of my clinical instructors have been wonderful. I'm not really sure on the exact total hours of clinical but I do know that each clinical has been a once-a-week deal. Med/Surg 1 - A long-term care/nursing home located in Brockport OB - Highland Hospital (east/west 3rd floor) Med Surg 2 - Highland Hospital's joint replacement/orthopedic floor (East 6th floor) Psych - Rochester Psychiatric Center forensics unit Critical Care - Unity Hospital (4200 - respiratory floor) The only issue I have with clinicals is my critical care clinical. 4200 at Unity is essentially a med/surg floor (still good nursing experience!), so in my mind, it's not a true critical care clinical (we do get 3 days out of the semester in the ICU at Unity). Some of my other classmates are at Rochester General Hospital who are in an ICU/critical care setting every week.

There are 30-35 of us in this cohort, 33 I think? I can't remember the exact number. One person was removed from the program in the first week of classes due to a personal issue. Other than that, everyone is still here! I would have to say each semester has been challenging in its own way. The first semester is tough because everyone is trying to adapt to the world of nursing that is being thrown at you. The second is challenging in the fact that things start to get a tad more specialized (med/surg 2, OB, geriatrics). And again, this semester is even more specialized (psych, community health and critical care).

I commute from Rochester, so I'm not really the best person to ask as far as housing in Brockport is concerned. Your best bet would probably be either google or craigslist. I know of a few apt. complexes in the area, but there are also many houses close to campus that have multiple apt. units within the house.

Also, if anyone has questions about the program, just post them here and I'll try to answer them.

I'm currently on the final leg of the program for the class of 2015 and it's looking like it's going to be a sprint to the finish. The program is a little challenging (what nursing program isn't?), but definitely manageable. Thus far, it seems like they try to schedule classes focused on students who are also working, have families, etc.. by making classes 3-4 hours long, but once a week. There are plenty of students in my class who have kids or part-time jobs, and are doing exceptionally well grade-wise. Speaking of grades, just remember that "B's and C's get degrees". I'm starting to realize that the closer I get to graduation and the NCLEX. As far as NCLEX scores are concerned, you're in good hands at Brockport. The faculty want you to succeed, especially when it comes to the NCLEX, and the college's NCLEX scores reflect that.

jseg04, Have you heard back from Brockport at all? I'm currently in the class of 2015 cohort.

Unfortunately, it seems as if the NY section of allnurses is mainly filled with student's/nurses inquiring about programs/jobs in the downstate/NYC area. It'd be nice to see more awareness about upstate/CNY/WNY programs..

I live in Rochester, so it'll be about a half hour drive to school. My first bachelors was from Brockport so I am pretty familiar with the campus. There is a very helpful campus map on the website if you're not sure where to go.

I am! Orientation is on the 5th and classes start May 19th. Anyone else plan on going to Brockport??

txerrn6942, that's exactly what I was thinking, doing to the "daddy duties" and letting her sleep while I study in between everything. CDEWannaBe, I'm pretty much going into this with that mentality, I'll do whatever I need to do in order succeed, as a father and a nurse. Thanks for the tips/encouragement, it means a lot!

I'm currently work 2 jobs (35 hrs at one and 8 hrs at the other) and am starting an accelerated BSN program in May. My girlfriend and I are expecting our first child in June, and as much as I hate not working, I've decided I'm not going to work for at least the first semester. Depending on the workload (between school and fatherhood), I may decide to pursue a tech or CNA job on the weekends later in the program. Has anyone taken out loans to pay for expenses besides tuition?

Thank you for your responses! I do know that I'm going to have to be super frugal with my finances and I will have to support myself with supplemental loans. My main concern is the workload. Although I know it is going to be hard work, I'm getting very excited, anxious, nervous, etc.. for this huge and sudden change in my life. Thanks again!

I was recently accepted into a nursing program that happens to be "accelerated" which starts in May 2014 and goes until August 2015. My girlfriend and I are expecting our first child in June 2014. We were not trying to conceive when we found out but we are very excited about the little bun in her oven that we created. We live together and have an excellent support system in that both of our parents are extremely excited/supportive, as well as the rest of our family and friends. My question to everyone: Will this be "do-able"?!?! I am no stranger to hard work as I have worked full time since leaving high school and have achieved a bachelors (full time student) while doing so. I enjoy being challenged and I also LOVE to learn. I understand that I will not be able to work while I am in the program because of the dedication it will take to become an RN and a father at the same time. I am 25, and at this point in my life I am extremely motivated to get out of the retail business and start helping/caring for people. For me, the accelerated route seems like a "no brainer" as it will be the quickest way to start my career as a nurse as well as provide for my family. I would love any and all opinions, suggestions, motivation, tips etc.. about the situation I'm in. Thank you so much!

Depending on where you got your first bachelors will determine what kind of application you fill out. I received my first from Brockport so I only had to fill out the "readmit" application. I graduated from Brockport with a degree in Ex. Phys. with a 3.4ish GPA, which I believe they use as their main criteria in regards to selecting applicants (I could be wrong). As far as experience is concerned, there were no questions on my application asking me about clinical experience/observations/volunteering. I currently have minimal experience (cardiac rehab) and am jumping into this head-on, ready to learn.

I got my acceptance letter in the mail yesterday and I'm very excited as well! I also live in Rochester and plan on commuting. Like everyone else asking, if anyone can comment on the program it'd be greatly appreciated. From what I understand, last year was the first year they offered the program. I actually spoke with someone from admissions on the phone back in September and the lady I spoke with claims they only had 40 something applicants last year?? Looking forward to meeting everyone!