Published Dec 22, 2017
OliverElio87, BSN, RN
298 Posts
I recently finished the BSN prelicensure program and passed the NCLEX in 75 questions in a little over 1 hour 15 min. I felt more than prepared to take the NCLEX after finishing the program. I only studied for a week post-graduation because I honestly felt the last semester at WGU was basically studying for the NCLEX. WGU utilizes ATI throughout the program and I personally thought that really helped with the NCLEX and time management. I spent about $25,000 for the entire program which is such a great bargain because some programs I looked at were $50,000 plus. During the last month and half of the program we had to do a roles transition course where we did 180 hour (3 12's a week) clinicals at a unit of our choosing (depends on availability) and I felt like my confidence to provide care for my patients sky rocketed. I was basically providing care for all my patients myself performing all procedures, administering meds, and charting. So I highly recommend WGU! Also the prelicensure faculty/staff, were amazing to work with and did everything that they could to help me with any dilemma I encountered.
If you have any questions, let me know!
ScooterGrlKay
25 Posts
Awesome to hear! I am about to begin my last term and cannot wait for the role transitions course as I do feel like it is a unique opportunity to hone in on our skills! Thanks for sharing - any tips at all for the last term?
1. Utilize the Critical Care class as a pre-NCLEX review. I felt it had a lot of the same content that we have already gone over in med-surg.
2. Roles is basically a comprehensive NCLEX review utilizing Hurst.
3. I would try and do the ATI predictor BEFORE your practicum hours because I was so exhausted after clinicals.
4. Make sure you submit your nursing application and all necessary background checks when WGU tells you too. Not doing it in a timely manner can really delay getting your approval to test for the NCLEX.
5. Take the NCLEX ASAP because once you finish the last term I honestly think WGU has more than prepared its students. I did get a subscription of UWorld, but I only used it for 1 week doing 75 questions a day leading into my exam. I personally would still get a Uworld just because the layout and the style of questions were very similar to the NCLEX.
6. Go to pinning! I had a great time =)
Would you suggest not working at all during the practicum hours? I know it's a lot, and I was considering dropping down to 1 day of work per week, but am wondering if even that would be too much!
Also - I actually just got a UWorld subscription so I can work on questions throughout the whole term! I'll probably start slow and gradually increase how many questions I do with a break or minimal questions during the Hurst Review!
kk80
32 Posts
Congrats @centercourt2015! I was curious as to what role transitions entailed. Thanks for answering this question for us!
Roles transition is the final class for the program. In the class you're required to have all other classes finished, complete the Hurst review (basically watching content review videos, answering hundreds of NCLEX style questions/exams), pass the ATI comprehensive predictor (you need a 74% raw score which I believe is a 98% chance of passing the nclex on the first try), and completing a preceptorship (180 hours of clinicals at a unit you prefer). Most of the students in my cohort did it in a unit that we previously rotated. The 180 hours is pretty intense you have to work pretty much full-time hours each week that is why WGU would prefer it's students not to work. The difference between this clinical and previous ones is that with Roles the point is to completely provide care for the patient yourself. Sound scary but it was so beneficial for me.
You also have to complete journals and message board postings every week during this time. So it's pretty intense.
As always, thank you for your help!
luna_moon
16 Posts
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Cthorns
13 Posts
any advice for someone who is getting ready to start the admission process? I am finishing my last pre-req now
WonderousIvy, BSN
156 Posts
Did you have any healthcare experience prior to this program?
Did the 2.5yrs seem to go by quickly?
Is that 3 12s/wk for 3wks?? Were you able to select the hospital as well as the unit...?
What state are you in? I'm a LVN now starting in a Houston based cohort.
Abbyak
5 Posts
Congratulations!! I just started the program on 01/02/2018. Really nervous about it.
Which state are you in? I know in CA they're more competitive. My advice is to apply even if you think you won't get in. I remember a couple of students on AllNurses who were reluctant to apply because they felt their scores were not high enough and got in.