Sentara School of Nursing ... typical day?

StarryNyte713 · Apr 7, 2008

Hello! I can't answer your question since I'm not in nursing school yet... but if I don't get into ODU or Thomas Nelson, I'll be applying to Sentara's RN distance learning program!

I would also like to know if the classes/clinicals are 4 or 5 days a week. I have heard 4, as well.

TRINI_RN · Apr 11, 2008

I start school in August and I'm excited ... can someone who is going through the program tell me what hours you go to school plus clinical hours? For instance, is it Mon-Fri? I thought someone once said it was Mon-Thurs.
What is your typical day like at school?
Thanks!

Check out this thread. Good Luck!

https://allnurses.com/forums/f178/what-expect-sentara-rn-program-221499.html

Kevin RN08 · Apr 11, 2008

I can only speak for the TNCC program. They normally admit 60ish to the fall class based at the Hampton Campus, there is another in Williamsburg that starts in January, but only seats 10 per class for now. When the Warhill campus is completed that number should triple to 30+ is what I have heard.

If you have all of your prereqs done, your 1st semester will consist of fundamentals 2 days/week (2hrs per), and fundamental skills one day(2 hrs), add to that a drug doseage 1 day (2 hrs), and a split semester of Intro to Nursing and "Communication, Careplanning, and Nursing Process".

Second semester is tough, with 3 5 week classes and clinical in Med-Surg, Maternity-Newborn, and Psych. Class again is 2 days (M,W or T,Th) (2hrs per) and 1.5-2 at clinical site following class and all day 6:30- 2-3pm the next day.

Third semester is more of the same, but is all Med-Surg (2nd level nursing) with the same type of rotation. Class study is Hematology, Sensory, Oncology, GU, GI, Musculo-Skeletal with a comprehensive final and 30 medication test.

The final semester is again three days/week with the same rotation of class and clinical (Third level nursing). There is also a "Dimensions of Nursing" class that is half a semester and is only 1 credit.

I hope this helps, I'm at the HT campus (Williamsburg) and love the small class, we're a little family (disfunctional at times but still family).

StarryNyte713 · Apr 11, 2008

Thanks so much for the info., guys :bow:

I'm hoping to get into TNCC because it's more affordable... I think we find out within a couple weeks :bugeyes:

singlemom33 · Jul 11, 2008

hi kevin rn 08,:rcgtku:

i was wondering what study guide is best for the net for thomas nelson? i am trying to get in for jan. in williamsburg.

thanks!!!!!!!!!

Kevin RN08 · Jul 11, 2008

Singlemom-

The NET was very easy, reading comprehension and math (fractions, ratios, decimals). In my opinion there should be little reason for you to buy a study guide if you are a good reader and know basic math. There are some online NET (Nursing Entrance Test) tutorials that should be enough for you to get an idea. If you are dead set on getting a study guide I bought the one that was recommended, but don't recall where I bought it- here is their website http://www.eriworld.com and an Amazon link http://www.amazon.com/Net-Study-Guide-Successful-Testtaking/dp/0967544602 .

I would encourage you to apply to both the Hampton (fall) and Williamsburg (spring) programs. The Williamsburg program only has 10 seats, though if you are a 'burg, JCC, or upper York resident I think you get seating preference. Also, if you are a resident apply for the Williamsburg Health Partnership scholarship, they funded much of the start-up costs for the Williamsburg program and are very intrested in it. Then there is the new Warhill campus which will drastically increase enrollment, but I'm not sure when it opens. Good luck to you!

singlemom33 · Jul 11, 2008

Singlemom-
The NET was very easy, reading comprehension and math (fractions, ratios, decimals). In my opinion there should be little reason for you to buy a study guide if you are a good reader and know basic math. There are some online NET (Nursing Entrance Test) tutorials that should be enough for you to get an idea. If you are dead set on getting a study guide I bought the one that was recommended, but don't recall where I bought it- here is their website http://www.eriworld.com and an Amazon link http://www.amazon.com/Net-Study-Guide-Successful-Testtaking/dp/0967544602 .
I would encourage you to apply to both the Hampton (fall) and Williamsburg (spring) programs. The Williamsburg program only has 10 seats, though if you are a 'burg, JCC, or upper York resident I think you get seating preference. Also, if you are a resident apply for the Williamsburg Health Partnership scholarship, they funded much of the start-up costs for the Williamsburg program and are very intrested in it. Then there is the new Warhill campus which will drastically increase enrollment, but I'm not sure when it opens. Good luck to you!

Thanks for the info. So how do you rate the program? Do you think it is better than going to a hospital program like Sentara Nursing School?

Kevin RN08 · Jul 11, 2008

I can't make any comparisons, I am a student at TNCC who selected nursing as a second career following 20 years in the navy. I chose TNCC over other programs because I wanted to ensure my credits would transfer if I discovered "Nursing isn't for me!" Besides, I got into the W'burg program (all prereqs done) on the first try. Since 2nd semester our schedule has been: class 9-12 M & W, clinical on Tu 6:30-3:30, clinicals have been Eastern State, Patriot's Colony, Mary Immaculate, you may also be assigned to one of the Sentara hospitals W'burg or Careplex. If I remember correctly, first semester was class M,T,W,TH 9-11 with one afternoon of "clinical/fundamentals".

As for the program, just like you'll read on nearly all the posts in the "Student Section" on here, the program is tough but the biggest issue is the TIME. But the staff is very fair and in the smaller program you get to know the instructors a little bit more and they are helpful and willing to remediate things from the second semester on. The first semester was probably the toughest because it was all new to me, heck I did Navy accounting and logistics for twenty three years. And that is also a "feeling out" time for the instructors I believe.

Here are some down sides to the Williamsburg campus, just as it is an advantage size is a disadvantage there is no hiding, and everybody knows everybodies everything. The program is based out of Hampton, and Hampton has 50-70 students per class, the teachers teach down there too so office hours and "extra time" if you need it is sometimes hard to come by. OH! and if you get in and have no classes in Hampton, DO NOT BUY A PARKING PASS I had a pass because I was taking an extra class in Hampton and parked on the street more often than the parking lot.

Overall I call the program an 8. Here is a link to the VA Board of Nursing, look around there is an area that shows you the NCLEX history for all schools in the state. http://www.dhp.state.va.us/Nursing/

singlemom33 · Jul 11, 2008

Kevin,

Thank-you so much for taking the time to fill me in. Nursing was not my first choice but it fits into my life better due to being a single mom. I got into Old Dominion University's Dental Hygiene Program, which was very competitive(40 students only). I forked out over $5000 dollars just to withdraw in October because I could not afford to go anymore. I have to pay the bills-know what I mean? In hygiene school there is NO WAY you can work. You are there 8-4 or 8-5 everyday plus the tunnel makes you getting home even later. So, nursing is second choice and I too am not sure if it is for me just like you said you were when you started. I guess it was for you since you are almost finished. I hope I like it because my Associate's Degree is only geared toward Dental hygiene and Nursing. I want to stay in the health field and make decent money to support myself and my 5 year old son. His father passed away 3 years ago so I'm sole provider. Again Thanks for your information and if you have any more tips for me I will greatly appreciate them.:tku: