SJRCC Palatka program????

I went to SJRCC, but I did the OP program. I imagine the two are probably about the same. It's an 18 month ASN program. Your first semester will be foundations, pharm, math & clinical lab check offs. We had three 8 hr class days a week & 6 clinical days toward the end of the semester. Class & clinical days will change with every semester after that. In adult health 1 & 2 we had 1 class day & 2 clinical days a week. What days you have clinicals will depend on which hospital you choose to go to. Over all it's a typical nursing program...you'll have class, quizzes/exams, clinicals, care plans & group projects to do.

I went to SJRCC, but I did the OP program. I imagine the two are probably about the same. It's an 18 month ASN program. Your first semester will be foundations, pharm, math & clinical lab check offs. We had three 8 hr class days a week & 6 clinical days toward the end of the semester. Class & clinical days will change with every semester after that. In adult health 1 & 2 we had 1 class day & 2 clinical days a week. What days you have clinicals will depend on which hospital you choose to go to. Over all it's a typical nursing program...you'll have class, quizzes/exams, clinicals, care plans & group projects to do.

Thanks so much hlfpnt... Is the program very intense and hard? I'm considering leaving my job and just focus on school... I'm glad that i'm able to do that.

You're welcome. Yes, it's intense. It's not so much that the material itself is really hard as it's the volume of what you'll be expected to learn at one time. I highly suggest finding a way to keep yourself organized & don't get behind in your studies. Some examples of what I found helpful:

A color coded calendar for quizzes/exams, projects, care plans & clinicals

Kept my notes in order by date & subject

Used my syllabus as a check off sheet

That's just a few. I also recommend taking each class one week at a time...if you look further ahead it can be very overwhelming. You'll see what I mean. The syllabus will make you think "OMG!!! There's no way all this can be done!" But if you take it one week at a time & plan your projects at the beginning of the class you'll be fine. It's alot, but doable.

I worked at St. V's ER through most of my first semester & then had the opportunity to quite & focus on school. For me it was a good choice. I felt like I did better & learned more. Good luck to you! :)

Thanks for the tips...

A friend of mine told me to buy a nclex book before I start the class and begin to study it in the next 2 years... I was wondering what are some of the good books I should use, and I herd about the math that we do in class for nursing...I'm really terrible at math... Is there a book I can get to help prepare myself.

P.S.

Would I be able to land an ER job after finishing the program?

'

Saunder's NCLEX Review 3rd ed. is the best on the market. As for math books, I can't help you there...I didn't buy any & just learned it the way they taught it in class. However, if I can do it ANYBODY can do it!!! Math definately isn't my forte!

As for the ER job, most facilities will hire new grads in just about any department.

Have you been accepted to the program & if so when do you start?

Yes, I have been accepted to Palatka program this August. I'm a bit nervous but excited, mixed emotion right now. I bought a medical terminolgy note card study guide, I just what to be prepared for school. Should I buy the saunder nclex book before the program and start studying or should I wait?

Thank you for your reply's

Congratulations on your acceptance!

You can go ahead & get your book, but you won't really need it until adult health 1. I'm not so sure studying it right now would be real beneficial...might be more confusing than helpful. Personally, I think it best to wait...get your foundations down first. Don't pile on more than necessary right now...your first semester will be enough without adding anything to it. Also, one of my instructors made it mandatory on the "necessary" book list so Work Source paid for mine. Maybe you can wait to see if they do that for you & save yourself $35.

Yeah I think i'm just gonna wait and see how class goes... Oh yeah, you said that I should get a color coded calendar, and etc. Wow I guess i'm clearing out the TV in my room and sticking a Desk in... Haha... When I study, I love to make diagrams. I got a bunch of AP II diagrams pinned on my wall. Geez, I bet there's gonna be long nights of studying... Oh do you think I should get a study group? did you have one in the program? or are they needed?

~J

I just bought a big calendar & used different colored high lighters for the different items. As far as the study group goes...it depends on your style of study. I do better studying by myself so I didn't get into one.

thanks, and what are some of the materials I would need for nursing school? PDA's????

Most of the indtructors prefer you use a good ole drug book vs a PDA. Pretty much just alot of folders, pens, #2 pencils, highlighters, a large 3" three ring binder for notes, & a very sturdy book bag. I wouldn't worry too much about getting any books right now, they'll have a list of required materials which will include a drug book & dictionary. As far as clinical stuff goes, you'll order all that when you order uniforms. If you have Work Source, it would be a good idea to wait to get books & clinical stuff...they will help pay for it.

thanks, and what are some of the materials I would need for nursing school? PDA's????

I am thinking of applying to SJRCC in palatka next semester. Do you know what the cutoff for points was when you applied? Im nervous b/c Im not a resident of that county and if I were that would give me more points it seems.