SPC Spring 2018

Hi guys! I'm currently in the program- accepted as an alternate fall 2017 (so I'm half way though level 1). My program GPA was almost a 3.8. I think I was number 12 on the alternate list and everyone above me had the same GPA. It's a lottery for an alternate spot when that happens.

Spring is notoriously easier to get in to and fall 2017 had more 4.0 students than ever in the history of this nursing program. So take a deep breath and don't let the fall students freak you out.

Also, from my understanding, every single alternate was accepted spring 2017.

This program is going to consume your life. I saved up as much money as I could so that I wouldn't have to work the first semester and it's the only reason I haven't lost my mind. I currently have an A, most of my classmates do not. If it's possible, I suggest doing whatever you can to at least take off the first semester just so you can adjust to the structure of this program. You'll be in lecture 23 hours a week- 4 days. The first half of the semester before clinicals is like nursing school boot camp.

Like I said, I have an A. But I was reading and studying 30 hours a week on top of 23 hours of lecture.

The first week is going to make your head spin, but I promise you'll adjust and it won't feel so overwhelming after you begin to get your footing. The reading is cut in half once you start clinicals.

I'm here if anyone has any questions!

Hey Paige! Are there any books that you would suggest we get a start on? I would like to try to get ahead if I can!

Hey everyone! I applied to the spring 2018 program and have a 3.733 GPA so I am hoping I make it in but I am nervous! Only 16 days to go, cant wait!!

Your books for level 1 (and the skills kit) are going to cost around $1200. They sell them in a bundle at the spc hec bookstore. 11 are required, and they sell them as a bundle which is going to be your best deal... I tried doing them separately online through a bunch of different sites (some used, some new), it came out to being more that way so just bite the bullet, save yourself a headache, and buy them there. I've been told you use a lot of them throughout the program so I wouldn't rent anything. And for level one you really don't need to start reading early... if anything, I'd recommend memorizing as many normal lab values as possible. Just use these next two months to work as much as possible, save your money, and hang out with as many friends as you can.

Hi Paige, I have a question. I am curious about the schedule. Are you in the day or evening program? What is your schedule like with clinicals and everything. I know they said you have to be available for 6am-3pm but are you always in class or in clinicals the entire time? Any insight into the schedule would be helpful. Thanks!

Normal lab values? Where can I find these? Is there a book with them? Sorry for all the questions!!

I'm in the day program. Monday we have lecture from 1-3pm. Tuesday and wedsneaday clinicals are from 6:30-2:30. Thursday 8-11. :)

I plan on working full time 3 x 12 hour night shifts, and futMurse, I am currently with Baycare, and you just have to complete the first semester to work as PCT with them.

In regards to working for Baycare....Yes, I knew this but I've heard from others in the program that Level 2 is much harder than Level 1 (Don't know if this is accurate or not) So I feel like I should get through Level 2 first and make sure my brain hasn't been reduced to MUSH. If I'm doing alright, I will go ahead and start working as a Tech.

Appreciate you looking out!!

Hey Everybody,

Since we are getting close and everybody is tired of sitting around waiting for ACCEPTED or DENIED ....Does anybody have a specific clinical site(s) you're hoping to get?? Also are you planning on doing NIGHT or DAY program??? Also, if anybody has heard any negatives about a specific site, please share!!

IF I GET ACCEPTED I'm doing the Daytime because of my schedule but haven't decided about clinical yet....waiting to see if anybody has any feedback on this.

Hey Everybody,

Since we are getting close and everybody is tired of sitting around waiting for ACCEPTED or DENIED ....Does anybody have a specific clinical site(s) you're hoping to get?? Are you planning on doing NIGHT or DAY program??? Also, if anybody has heard any negatives about a specific site, please share!!

IF I GET ACCEPTED I'm doing the Daytime because of my schedule but haven't decided about clinical yet....waiting to see if anybody has any feedback on this.

If i get accepted I am hoping for nights! I would just rather get it done in a sooner amount of time...even though it's gonna be tough during summer. And as for clinical site, I am really hoping to get in with BayCare somewhere, and if not then my next bet would be the VA Bay Pines. From what i've read on here in the past boards is the the VA you tend to see a lot of stuff that others at different clinical sites do not get to see often or at all.

Normal lab values? Where can I find these? Is there a book with them? Sorry for all the questions!!

I'm sure Paige could provide much more reliable information, but a quick Google search brought this up:

Lab Values, Normal Adult: Laboratory Reference Ranges in Healthy Adults

I'm sure this would be a good place to start (or at least cross reference with a textbook or more reliable source, to make sure you're not memorizing incorrect Wikipedia-level information. :)

13 more days!!! The suspense is killing me. I don't really have a preference for day or evening. There are benefits to both. Obviously evening will graduate sooner thus get us back to work sooner. However I want to be able to do my best, and for me, I think a break would be beneficial so that I am not burned out. Also, I could probably keep my job a little longer being in the evening program. The drawback is I would need a babysitter more frequently with eves and I will never see my 6 year old. Days would be better for my schedule/family/school balance, but my job may not be willing to work with my schedule. I'll take whatever I can get. I just hope i get a seat in the program. If given a choice I might choose days.