Question About Helene Fuld College of Nursing

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Mar 17, 2008

Thread moved to NY Nurses forum to encourage response to the OP's questions.

NYSNOWBUNNY007 · Mar 19, 2008

had to move it up to get some answers!!..lol...so yeah the question is still open fellow HFCN grads!!...thanx...XoXo

determined1 · Mar 20, 2008

I attended Helene Fuld, NYC, last year. First off, like someone already mentioned, you can articulate straight in from LPN school 'IF' you have an 85 or better in ALL LPN classes. However, it is not recommended. The reason they perfer you have a year's experience is because you build on that experience. Take it from me, the unexperienced one, the nursing classes are tougher without it. The general courses are not bad. In fact, I loved my gen ed teachers! The nursing instructors are tough. Some even made it feel like "boot camp". I must even say that most of the classes, you are basically teaching yourself. You need to read the materials in the texts to pass the exams. They do not hold your hand. This is college. They don't chase behind you to see if you did your homework or whatever. The proof is in your grades. It's up to you!

I will tell you that its not impossible to do but I suggest some experience first. You choose your classes (try to be the early bird, though) whether you want day or evening. You also choose your clinical day. The Sat clinicals are reserved for night students. Weekday clinicals are twice a week. Also, you can choose from a 12, 18 or 24 month program. The 12 month is intense! With the 18 and 24, you are basically doing the gen courses first. I know alot who have succeded in this school but take heed in my opinions. Not EVERYONE survives.

I, for one, didn't. I was a B student there. I failed my first nursing class by less than 3/4 point but passed clinicals (you need to pass both to pass the course). When I retook the class, I did well in theory - got a B, but my clinical instructor failed me for her own personal agenda. Failing a particular course twice results in dismissal.

Since then, I enrolled in Excelsior College who credited me for all my classes in Helene Fuld. Now I'm working on that.

I hope this helps! Good luck on whatever you choose to do!!

SueNYC · Apr 29, 2008

I just completed my last semester at Helene Fuld and graduating this Sunday YAY!! And I have to say the program is intense but not impossible. To answer your question, I never had 12 hour days and I never stood there past 5. It all depends on if you choose day or evening classes. There are non nursing courses that I would suggest, if possible, to complete at another school prior to attending HF. Or complete them at HF prior to nursing. I had all of those courses done before I entered the school except for two and I see the difference between I and other students who had to take on 1-2 classes in addition to the nursing classes every semester in terms of stress. I was able to complete the nursing classes in a year with B+'s and A's so it is possible. Like the previous poster mentioned you have to read on your own because some of the teachers lack in their ability to teach but that can be said about many schools. And yes, there is one teacher in particular who people say is like a drill sergeant but thats just her method and she's actually one of the best teachers there because she's effective. The advice I give you if you choose Helene Fuld is to try and stay positive as much as you can even when it comes to the work, if you look at it as something new and and something you may enjoy youll be better off that thinking to yourself damn i have to read, keep up with the reading- everything goes so fast because it's accelerated so before you know it youre having your next exam so to make it easier you have to keep up, if you can work less or not at all if thats an option, and always keep some time for yourself doing something you enjoy. Whichever route you choose, I wish you the best. And if you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Bklyngurl · May 3, 2008

As an alumni of HFCN I will say this, it's not easy but what nursing program is easy? What you put into nursing school is what you get out. The semesters are more like quarters lasting 10 weeks, so there are exams every other week after your first big exam. Also as someone mentioned I will not take any other classes with the nursing componets. Nursing in itselfs is equal to 2 regular classes. The school has a lot of organizational problems but ask questions be on top of your tuition bill, classes, and labs...ask questions! Write down everything. I did both the day and evening classes. Day is difficult you have to contend w/ parking and classes starting at 8am, clinicals are in the am on Wed or Sat (I did Wed) Just know you will have no life and your schedule will revlove around Helene Fuld. The school is doable and there are instructors willing to assist you if you ask.

This is my personal opinion I was well prepared for my boards, I passed on the first try with 75 questions. :yeah: :beercuphe I also worked a full time job w/ 12 hrs shifts while going to school. :banghead: It was worth it! Hope this helps

NYSNOWBUNNY007 · May 3, 2008

Thank you Bklyngurl!!...good to hear...yeah when i went there there were soooooo many people...i was like.."whats this!?!?"..lol...in any even i tried NOT to let that deter me...I'll make sure i stay on top of my game...thanks for the heads up...XoXo

Bklyngurl · May 3, 2008

Thank you Bklyngurl!!...good to hear...yeah when i went there there were soooooo many people...i was like.."whats this!?!?"..lol...in any even i tried NOT to let that deter me...I'll make sure i stay on top of my game...thanks for the heads up...XoXo

:nuke:

So I guess your starting or started at HFCN? Well congrats :yeah: feel free to send me a private message so I can give you more personal experience. :chuckle Remember don't let anyone paint your reality!!:wink2: