Sinclair RN Graduates - Advice PLEASE!

PatsFan1969 · Jan 26, 2009

I graduated from Sinclair in Jun08 and passed boards 1st time. I got a great education and clinical experience. I didn't have any problems finding a job, I was offered a position at both places I applied and interviewed. It is a great program and don't have any negative things to say about it. I felt as prepared as possible when I entered the "real world" and I found that many of the area hospitals have a great deal of respect for the Sinclair program and the graduates. Good Luck to you. I would be glad to answer any questions you have.

Loadbetty · Jan 26, 2009

Thank you SO MUCH!! I was beginning to think there weren't any SCC on this site!! I am VERY relieved to hear their aren't any shenanigans in the program! As I said, I feel I received a GREAT education in the SUT program, trouble is there weren't (and never were) jobs for everyone and they left the "old" and top of the class students out in the cold....I loved surgery - there just isn't any jobs out there - the major hospitals know there's an endless flow of "free" help (students) and aren't short of surg techs - so whomever SCC decides to put in the open slots that aren't advertised got the jobs - only 4 of them.....I'm hoping the nursing front is better....

Couple of questions....since I graduated from the SUT program, I only need BIO211, ALH219 and the MAT109 (that I can't take until Fall when taking NSG121 and 122......is the ALH219 do-able online? I've heard nightmare stories of Becker (the only prof that teaches it) - just wondered if it's too much to take on-line....I'll be doing that in the summer.....

Also - the ALH120 - the nurses aide training - the couselor told me that if you don't take it at SCC you have to get the actual license STNA - there used to be "speed schools" around here - like being able to get it in a weekend, then go to Columbus and take the test - I work full time at night and it would be very hard to stay awake in a class for 8 hours....it's different when I'm in clinicals - I did it (working full time and clinicals) in the SUT program - but like I said, it's different (at least for me) to sit in a class for 8 hrs vs. actually doing something like clincials....is there a "better way" for this NSG 120? The couselor also said that the class doesn't result in an actual STNA license - which is fine because I don't plan on working as an STNA - don't need another license in my pocket that I'm not going to use...Would LOVE some insight on that ALH120 deal!!

Thanks! And congrats - I know the program isn't easy!! I have alot more questions if you have time.

Thanks again!

PatsFan1969 · Jan 26, 2009

There certainly isn't any shortage of jobs in the nursing field, I am confident you won't have have any problems securing a job, based on my experiences.

I wouldn't recommend taking Pharm online. I have a few friends that tried it online and were unsuccessful, then took the actual live class and didn't have any problems. But I guess it all depends on the type of learner you are, and the amount of self-discipline you have. Also, don't believe all the horror stories you hear about Dr. Becker, I loved his teaching style and passed his class with an A. He just expects you to come to class prepared, if you don't, watch out! What you put into this class is what you will get in return. It is a tough class, but not because of the instructor but because it contains alot of complex material and memorization.

As far as the ALH120, that all depends on you. If you think it would be easier to attend a weekend class and get your STNA license, then go for it. I was lucky that when I took the class, I didn't have to work and it wasn't a problem for me. If you take the class at Sinclair, you don't get the license but you are qualified to take the test if you want. I felt like you, I wasn't going to be an STNA so I didn't bother getting the license. Have you checked into the weekend "quickie" classes, where they are, how much they cost, etc. Now, it has been a few years since I took ALH120, but from what I can remember, I didn't think this class was hard at all, it was pretty much common sense. I think I could have passed the written tests without even being in class. Learning the skills was a different story...come on, does it really matter what side the opening to the pillowcase should face? The class wasn't that bad, when you say 8 hours, you are not sitting in a chair that whole time, you are learning and doing skills ie: taking blood pressures, making beds, walking a patient (a fellow student), etc all the skills you would expect an aide to do. There is also a clinical component to this class, you will go to a nursing home midway through the quarter and actually take care of patients, not too exciting, but it will certainly keep you awake. Do you have previous healthcare experience? I didn't so this was a good experience for me.

Sorry that the SUT program didn't work out for you. I have a friend that graduated from Sinclair with me in Jun and he completed the Paralegal program...he is still looking for a job. As I stated earlier, I am certain this will not be a concern when you graduate the Nursing program.

I would be happy to answer any further questions you have.

Loadbetty · Jan 26, 2009

Thanks again - I'm sure you know that this type of info is VERY helpful! I really appreciate the time you are taking to advise me....

I'm a "non-traditional" i.e. "older" student, so I'm the "nerd" that always shows up to class ontime and as prepared as I can be - trouble is working nights, it's great for early classes, but if you have a rough night at work and can't review before you go to class - sometimes the "preparedness" lacks a little - I'm not worried about the work, studying or going to class - but advise on professors, classes/alternatives is invaluable...

Taking Pharm online isn't my first choice - aside from a very few (ALH 102/103) I think you miss A LOT if you're not in class....I had to take medical terminology on-line (schedule wouldn't work) - wow - that was a challenge to say the least - I got an A, but worked harder on that than I did any of my other classes....on-line classes certainly aren't for the half-there student - as you said, if you don't have the discipline and dedication you'll flunk quicker than had you taken the class and didn't go.....I agree with you totally - because they are only offering BIO 211 at one time 10-11:40 and the lab isn't until 1:00 - yick! I don't have many options next quarter - the only choice there is is if you take it M-W or T-Th - the times are the same....I really like A&P, but it's been a couple of years - I already bought the books and am trying to brush up - wow - I've forgotten A LOT - so this class is going to be challenging as all the BIO's are/were....but I REALLY like the BIO dept as a whole - the prof's are great - Heckendorn and Currier were not easy by any stretch, but they were REALLY good and VERY helpful - glad to read what you said about Becker.....I did hear one student say he wasn't all that bad, but the majority say the class is a nightmare - scaring me actually because I'm going to have to take it in the summer - summer classes with the shortened schedule are always extra challenging....the nurses aide classes now don't sound as daunting as they look - hopefully I can work a schedule that will work for me - some of the classes are once a week, but they're 8 hrs - that's too long after working all night - this quarter they offered a 5-9 PM class twice a week - that may work out better for me if the clinicals are at the same time - but I feel a lot better about it now that you described it for me....thanks! And no, I've never worked in health care - only the 2.5 yrs I did in clincials with the surg tech thing....

A couple of questions about the job market and the clinicals for NSG if you don't mind...do you get ANY choice of hospitals when you're in clinicals? What are the hours like? Are you at your hospital 8 hrs a day 3 days a week? That's the way they work it in the SUT program...just wondering if the clinicals were flexible at all - I did clinicals a little differently with the SUT program in that I did clincials at almost all the area hospitals to get a feel of the work environment - surprizingly they were VERY different from each other....a lot of the other students stuck with one place....as far as nursing is concerned, is it wise to get a taste so to speak of all the hospitals or is it best to stick with one place?

Last question (for this posting!) - is/was the pay as you expected? The SUT program quoted an average pay rate MUCH higher than was it actually was....they were quoting around $20-23 per hr when in actuality the highest paying hospital in the city for surg techs was $17 - the lowest believe it or not (Children's) is $11.00 an hr! Then you also pay $300 PER MONTH in health care benefits which brings down your hourly rate to about $9-10 an hour - you really can't support youself on that espeically these days! I was considering that because I was a new graduate, but after really thinking about all the job (surg tech) entails, the responsibility plus the liability - one would be crazy not to get some type of malpractice insurance just to protect yourself - well adding all that in ends up being a couple of dollars above minimum wage....even if there were jobs around for surg techs (which there aren't) - it's just not financially smart to take it with all that considered if you have to support yourself.

Talking with a few friends/fellow students in the nursing field, the AVERAGE around Dayton seems to be $21-25 per hr for ADN's...is that correct? I hope once I get through the program to go on for a BSN just to widen the range of opportunity...I'm not really interested in management - I've been in management most of my life, and I'm not a kid, so a "title" doesn't interest me at all - just thought having the BSN provides more flexibility as far as selection of jobs - but I could be way wrong about that - what are your thoughts/experiences?

Hope I'm not being too personal - just don't want to kill myself again working full time and keeping up with a very agressive full time program to end up with either no job, or one that I can't take without having a second job to live....I'm not expecting to be a millionaire nor get something for nothing - and it's not ALL about the money, but you have to support yourself - at least I do, so my asking about money is strictly for weighing the options thats all....

Enough for now - once again, THANK YOU!! I REALLY appreicate your advise and time.

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jan 27, 2009

Couple of questions....since I graduated from the SUT program, I only need BIO211, ALH219 and the MAT109 (that I can't take until Fall when taking NSG121 and 122......is the ALH219 do-able online? I've heard nightmare stories of Becker (the only prof that teaches it) - just wondered if it's too much to take on-line....I'll be doing that in the summer.....

As others have said, don't be afraid of Dr. Becker. I had him for pharm & pathophys about 2 years ago (doing those 2 courses along with SCC's A&P III and a nutrition class down at UC :chuckleat the same time:chuckle).

I took plenty of distance learning courses at SCC (2 psych classes, statistics, nutrition), but do not recommend distance learning pharm.

Dr. Becker definitely does NOT spoon feed you. Come to the FIRST class, having done your assigned reading - it is expected. Expect to be challenged, questioned, and pushed. He seems to prefer students who (politely) challenge him in return.

I found his teaching style very invigorating, and would gladly take him for courses in the future. It's not rote memorization - you've got to truly KNOW the material.

Yes, it's quite possible to get A's in his classes. All you've got to do is know the material inside & out. Simple, huh?

Loadbetty · Jan 27, 2009

Wow! You are a motivated individual!!! And A LOT smarter than me - statistics ON-LINE?!?!?!? :no:

Thanks for the insight - as I said - I'm the "nerd" that likes the classroom - I've taken quite a few on-line, mostly because I couldn't make full time work and full time school work all the time - and I still say on-line classes are typically harder - I think because you miss a lot from not having the face to face lecture.....well you two have convinced me - I will take it in class - unfortunately I'll HAVE to take it in the summer, which by the sound of it I better make that my only class - I don't mind studying and working hard - just don't like the prof's that insult and denigrate just for the sake of doing so....I've found that the weakest prof's tend to do that....as long as we can ask questions I won't have a problem....

Hopefully this "endevour" will turn out to be more fruitful than my last "plan".....always was going to get the RN, but in the meantime since I was laid off, I thought I'd get the surg tech because I really like it - good idea, bad program (not educationally, stupid childish shenanigans by the dept)....HOWEVER - they can't take away the experience and the little knowledge I have left from it!! It's HELL getting old!!!!! :chuckle

Thanks again - are you working locally or in Cincy?

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jan 27, 2009

Wow! You are a motivated individual!!! And A LOT smarter than me - statistics ON-LINE?!?!?!?
Thanks for the insight - as I said - I'm the "nerd" that likes the classroom - I've taken quite a few on-line, mostly because I couldn't make full time work and full time school work all the time - and I still say on-line classes are typically harder - I think because you miss a lot from not having the face to face lecture.....well you two have convinced me - I will take it in class - unfortunately I'll HAVE to take it in the summer, which by the sound of it I better make that my only class - I don't mind studying and working hard - just don't like the prof's that insult and denigrate just for the sake of doing so....I've found that the weakest prof's tend to do that....as long as we can ask questions I won't have a problem....
It's HELL getting old!!!!! :chuckle
Thanks again - are you working locally or in Cincy?

I'm not that smart - just motivated. I did what I had to in order to get the nursing prereqs out of the way by my deadline. The stats class was a prereq for Wright State's accelerated nursing program (Beacon), since I was doing prereqs for Wright State's accelerated nursing program (Beacon) in case I wasn't accepted into UC's program.

Don't believe all that you read on ratemyprofessors.com about Becker. I suspect that a lot of those comments are by immature individuals who've never truly been challenged in a classroom. If their classes have always just been memorize, then regurgitate for the test, Becker's classes are quite different. I did not find him insulting at all. Sarcastic, yes, although I tend to have that wonderful personality trait myself (OK, maybe not a trait - more like a near-dominant personality feature:clown:).

He will not spoon feed you answers to your questions, either. He will ask the right questions to guide you in answering the questions yourself.

As to it being hell getting old, I wouldn't know. I'm just a young pup of 47 myself. I live between Dayton & Cinci, so might end up working either here or Cinci/Northern KY. I'm taking some time off between my accelerated program & starting work (with the blessing of Mrs. CrufflerJJ, of course).

Enjoy our beautiful weather...6-9" snow expected by tomorrow.

Loadbetty · Jan 27, 2009

I'm with you on the motivation - I did it too - looking back at the SUT program - don't know how I worked 10-12 hrs a night and immediately went and stood for 8 hrs in surgery for 2.5 yrs....but as you say, motivation is the key....too bad I poured all that effort and work into a program that was never going to pan out....that's really my only regret, is that I fooled myself into thinking that I was too cynical when the writing was in my face - I should have dropped in the beginning of the 2nd yr and went to the NSG program - I had both programs prereq's done before I started the SUT - I WAS a dual major - so now I'm a dual major with a year inbetween! Should have trusted my intincts - woulda shoulda coulda! :banghead:

Oh well....I haven't got that many more bad decisions to make - 50 is going to be here for me next year....that's why I'm picking as many brains as I can - like yours!

Oh I'm all about sarcasim - have that tendency myself - :smokin: -just getting crankier as I get older I guess - I have WAY less tolerance for BS with each passing year...I don't need to be spoon fed, but sometimes it takes me a while to figure out the prof's "style" so to speak....the way I see it, of the 4 classes I have to take before Fall, the MAT109 and the Nurses Aide ALH120 are the only ones that are kinda unecessary - I don't plan on being a STNA (nothing wrong with it, just not my "path") and because it's worth 6 credits, it's kinda obvious to me what's going on there - but NSG isn't the only program that requires unecessary classes - and don't get me wrong, I think you should have to have more than one math class for nursing - just don't think SCC's "nursing" math has hit the mark....I had a GREAT prof a couple of quarters ago in MAT102 and he is the third prof in a year to tell me that they were trying to talk him into teaching the NSG MAT....apparently the 2 they have are less than "amiable" to math as a "science" for nurses.....that's the prof's I hate - the holier than thou - hey I have a Masters or a PhD in MAAATTHHHH....big deal - if you can't break it down far enough for your students to do well then what good is it??? I've already bought the million dollar Physiology book - geez - didn't think I'd forget as much as I have about A&P....so I'm glad to have that class actually and the Pharm - those are a couple of subjects that if you don't have down you can get yourself into REAL trouble....

Since you're doing the BEACON, and are in the B of the BSN - what do you think about the RN-BSN online stuff? I'm scared of that I think - how much more is it that A LOT of programs don't deem it necessary to be in an actual classroom? I know they're trying to accommodate a zillion schedules, but I would think if it's considered higher skilled nursing that you'd have to be in a class or higher zoot clinical setting....what's the deal with that?

What kind of pay rates are you finding in the Dayton-Cincy area? I'm not asking what you're making - I don't do that - just wondering what the typical range is - I have no idea, and now that I've been burned by the SUT program, I don't know that I'm going to have much faith in what the NSG program tells me.....

Funny you mentioned UC - that's my dream that I fear is going to be unrealized - that's what I went into all this for - to eventually get to UC and do the CRNA program - I LOVE anesthesia - always did.....I've done A LOT of research on it, particularly the program at UC - I think I could do it, it's a function of time....by the time I'd have the degrees and experience to apply realistically I'd be closer to 60 than not....but that's not really the deterent - it's the after it's all over to I want to just be BEGINNING my career at over 60-something?? Who knows - I have to get by this one first!

Thanks again for the advise - ANYTHING you feel you want to impart - PLEASE PLEASE do!

PatsFan1969 · Jan 28, 2009

Clinicals vary in this program depending on the class you are in. For the beginning classes, you have an assessment day, where you go to the hospital for about 2 hours, assess your patient and obtain all the information you need for your care plan. That night, you complete your care plan (you will learn to hate these days), and then the next couple days you will go to clinical and take care of your patient. Class time is twice a week for 1-2 hours.

I went to a few different hospitals...MVH, Kettering, Southview, Grandview, Middletown (before they closed it), Atrium, and Children's. It was nice to experience the different hospitals. I have to say I prefer the Kettering Network, can't say why, they just felt better to me. I now work at Sycamore Hospital and I really like it there. When the class schedule comes out for the quarter, you can choose from what they have available, usually a few different hospitals, with different days and times are available (except for peds, all of those are at Children's). But everyone in the Nursing program is trying to register at the same time, so you have to be on the computer as soon as registration opens up to get your first choice. Clinicals are not flexible, once you sign up for the class and its days/times...that is when you need to show up.

I would say that the pay average you listed is accurate. I started out in the middle of that range as a new grad. As far as the BSN issue, I don't think having it makes that much of a difference if you are not interested in management. There are very few limitations to having an ADN only. I originally had the dream to be a Nurse Practitioner specializing in Geriatrics but now that I have been out of school for a mere 7mo, the thought of going back is becoming less and less appealing. I could have my BSN in less than a year if I could just come up with some motivation!

Hope this helps

Loadbetty · Jan 28, 2009

Thanks!! The care plans sound like case cards - basically we had to write up this horrendous 4 page "report" of EVERY surgery we did - I mean everything, like down to what kind and how much suture! Wow - not looking forward to stuff like that again, but thanks for the warning....

When you say: ..."the next couple days you will go to clinical and take care of your patient...."

That I'm sure is on the non-class days (clinicals) - how long are you in the hospital for on those days?

Couldn't agree with you more about the "good feeling" you get from the Kettering Network - so did I, but only got to spend one quarter there - they wouldn't let us go to surgery centers - which I think is dumb - the excuse is "they go too fast" - well yeah, but surgery centers are ALL small surgeries - a newbie can learn a lot more from a smaller surgery at first even if it does go fast! The big surgeries go just as fast and are more confusing to the new (and "old") student - geez - my very first, right out of the box, the first time I stood in surgery was a VERY complicated open heart....it was really cool, but all I ended up doing was standing in a corner were I couldn't see detail (like instruments, set up, etc) and didn't touch anything.....you don't learn like that, and an open heart, much less a complicated open heart where there's a zillion people in the room isn't a place for a student - not one that's in school anyway....

Which leads me to the preceptor question - unfortunately at every hospital you're going to run into the person that is "forced" to teach and doesn't want to, so spends the entire time taking their frustrations out on the student(s)....I don't mind someone being in a less than amiable mood, what I don't like and no student should have to put up with is preceptors that won't teach you and/or won't let you do anything, etc.....had a few like that - finally said something in my last year - you know, I busted my rear end to get here (winter) and I can stand in a corner at home - no reason to go to all that trouble just to do nothing and literally stand in a corner...the answer was (and always is) - "oh, so and so is just that way, she/he doesn't like students...." WELL DON'T GIVE THEM STUDENTS THEN!! Geez!! :banghead:

Did you run in to that much?? It feels like such a waste of time when you're not being taught how to do anything - I'd rather be home doing case cards or studying!! Where in your opinion did you get the best education/clinical experiences?? Sounds like we like the same thing - i.e. Kettering Network....that's where I hope to end up after graduation - I hope anyway!

Appreicate the salary info - makes me feel better - I still feel like such a total idiot loser for "drinking the Kool-Aid" of the SUT dept that I still don't trust everything SCC tells me....that experience sure has me on my guard - so that's good that I'm hearing it from the voice of experience....

I hear you about losing motivation for school - I'm excited, but also dreading a little - the non-clinical stuff (like care plans).....a really wise person once told me that if I wanted to continue my education that I HAD to immediately go from one to the other or I'd never get to the other.....I believe that - fortunately I went from the SUT program to no job - to a non-healthcare related job - to starting school again (SCC and U.D.) - so at least I didn't have more than a quarter break - trouble is I was only taking 2-3 classes - certainly not a nursing program....so I'm gearing up for the circus to start all over again!!

Thanks SO MUCH again :redbeathe.....insight on the best clinical experience would be great if/when you get the chance....

Try and have a great day....the roads are horrible....

PatsFan1969 · Jan 28, 2009

Length of clinicals depends on the class that you are in. You can go on the Sinclair website and check out the schedule, you can see exactly how long the clinicals/classes are and also the hospitals that are offered in each class. After NSG 220, they break the quarter up into half, for example, one-half you will be in cardiac at one hospital and the second half you are studying psych at a different hospital. I didn't find that any one hospital was better than another for learning/clinical experience, it really depends on your instructor.

I didn't have any issues with the preceptors, although I can say that some nurses are more receptive to teaching a student than others. You really don't deal with the nurses too much until the last quarter, before then, you mostly deal with your instructor.

Care plans are very time consuming...hated them but you do what you have to do to get through.