St. Louis Community College

I will probably go to Meramec, but I am also looking into BSN programs that allow for a part-time class/clinical schedule. I have two young kids at home, so I need something that would only keep me away from them 1/2 days. Any ideas, St. Louis folks?

I also am not aware of any daytime part-time programs....last I knew, Barnes Jewish College had a part-time evening program...that's about the only one I'm aware, other than perhaps if Sanford Brown has one (I am NOT recommending them, however)....

As for Meramec, you won't be in class full-time, but it's a pretty good time commitment....Mondays are maybe 2 hours of lecture, but you'll have to go to the hospital to pick up your clinical assignment....then you'll go home and maybe spend 3 or 4+ hours doing the research on your pt's diagnoses and drugs....T & W (first semester) will be clinicals from 0630-1230 (second semester is every T from 0630 - 1530)....then the day after clinicals (or the evening after your last one) you will spend time completing the paperwork with care plan, assessments, etc. It's a LOT of time....then you need to add in time for labs...that class is about 2 hours on Th, but you'll spend time outside of lab practicing for the checkout...some can be done at home, but 1st semester you'll be IN the lab a lot either practicing or viewing videos....Fridays are usually a 2-hour lecture....

We have a lot of moms who have little ones at home...including single moms, and I have the utmost in respect because I don't know how they make it all work and stay sane, but it can be done....however, if you REQUIRE 1/2 days, you might find that even the ASN program will be pretty intense!!

maggijo:

Contact SLUSON at (314)977-8995. This should bounce you to the right person.

If that fails, let me know via private message.

You can do the traditional program if you have a previous bachelor's degree. Some students who do not like accelerated, "decelerate" and join the traditional students.

It's not important to SLU which class you're in, it's that you finish your BSN. It's really up to you.

For anyone who is wondering- I just started my school in the fall 2006. It had been over 5 years since my chem and bio (have to have it to get on the wait list). I took those my fall semester along with general psych and sociology. In the spring I took Micro, A&P1, Human growth and development, and my 2 pe classes. If anyone wants any info on any of the classes (through FV), I might be able to help. I've busted my ass and got on the wait list right before xmas 2006. I received a letter last month for the nursing program. Start fall 2007 I will be starting the nursing classes. All I will have is A&P2 and already have it scheduled for fall.

As far as day care, I know FV has the Child Development Center. Depending on the age of the child, it's $2.00 and hour that you are in class. They will watch your child when you are a clinical, they will watch your kid if you need to study in the library. You are supposed to be on campus though. There are exceptions i.e. clinicals.

ONE THING I'VE LEARNED:If you plan on taking classes at UMSL, take your microbiology at FLORISSANT VALLEY!!!!!!!!!! It is the same teacher at both campuses and it's easier at flo. I know a girl that was in my A&P1 class and was taking micro at umsl. We were comparing the two classes and you only have 4 tests the whole semester at umsl and there is no lab- just lecture. At flo there is lab and that is where you can make up some of your grade (if you aren't the best at lecture test). I learned a lot in my lab too! It's kinda neat to see what lab techs have to do to know what kind of infection a person has. Just giving anyone a heads up.

If anyone has questions about teachers, or how a class is ran, I might be able to help. Just trying to share what I've learned

Congradulations on getting into the nursing program! You will love it...well maybe not every minute, you do have a lot of studying! Good luck to you!

I also am not aware of any daytime part-time programs....last I knew, Barnes Jewish College had a part-time evening program...that's about the only one I'm aware, other than perhaps if Sanford Brown has one (I am NOT recommending them, however)....

Unfortunately, Barnes no longer offers the part-time, evening ASN. I think the last acceptances were Jan 07 (I think). They are focusing on their BSN programs - they have the BSN Upper Division which is 2 years full-time.

Unfortunately, Barnes no longer offers the part-time, evening ASN. I think the last acceptances were Jan 07 (I think). They are focusing on their BSN programs - they have the BSN Upper Division which is 2 years full-time.

I had heard they might be discontinuing the ADN program....too bad they don't have the evening program anymore....that was a terrific option for folks who really had to work full-time or had childcare challenges....sorry to hear that!!

Okay - decisions, decisions, decisions...

I am considering, now , STLCC - either Flo or FV. Are you in class 5 days per week. I know that clinical times at Meramac are 6-1230p for the 1st semester but is it this same at the other 2 campusus? I ask because I still need to work part time. Does anyone know when the deadline is for taking the dosage cal. test for Spring 2008? Is there a maximum amount of private student loans one can take out if they are going to a community college?

I understood they may be changing those clinical hours, but I don't know how soon....we had W off at Meramec....I honestly don't know what FP or FV does....if you see luvs2readlot around, she attends FP....maybe PM her?

I know quite a few people worked at least part-time both 1st and 2nd semester....

Just take that dosage test as soon as you can...I believe you have to have taken and passed it by admission....I know several people in our class got bumped up because so many hadn't taken it and couldn't get it passed by the time of admissions....make sure you take the dosage class if you're not tip-top with your math....you'll LOVE STLCC -- any campus!

i attend slcc forest park. i would take the dosage calculations test as soon as you feel you are ready for it. i know that i was bumped up. 2 weeks before fall of 2006 started they called me as they had space in the class, but needed folks who had taken & passed dosage calculations. i was supposed to start spring, 2007. so, take it asap! they do have a continueing education class "nursing math" to prepare you for the test if you need it. i took it, and recommend it.

the schedule for first semester is as follows:nur 101 401fundamentals of nursing

lecture / combination

class08/20-12/16

clinical / practicum08/21-12/16

class08/24-12/16

I had to make another post. I cut'n pasted from the community college registration catalog and it sort of threw the whole thing a little off.

Anyway, You also need to make time to practice in the skills lab and you will sign up for a check out time for lab skills. First semester there is no clinical prep the night before clinical at the hospital. You will have to look up drugs, familiarizing yourself with your patients pathophysiology, and will have a "disease of the week" to report on.

I suggest if you havent already, contact Cheryl Swallow at SLCC Forest Park. She is the coordinator of the program and very willing to answer any questions you may have. Also, Cecilia Hyde in admissions/registration is the nursing admissions coordinator. She is another one to touch base with.

Many of my fellow students worked part-time both first and second semester. Will you have most of your other classes(A&P, Micro, Psych, Sociology, Growth & Development etc)out of the way? This helps tremendously!

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Sorry I cant help you with the loan questions. I'm just paying my way through as I go!

GOOD LUCK!

Thanks luvs2readlots and wdwpixie!!!!

This helps me so much. I have signed up for the Nursing Math class which begins 5/29 - 6/19. I will definitely check with the 2 contacts. I'm trying to get into Chamberlain but I am leary about their program.

I have all but Micro and Human Growth/Dev. completed. My next battle is finding a decent paying part-time job and then talking this over with my husband. Hell, he needs to take another full-time job so I don't have to work . If I can start Spring 2008, that would be great. We'll see.

Thanks guys

Two things -- you can take the dosage math wherever it is most convenient...it'll be the same for all campuses, so make life easy. I am a pretty visual learner, so needed to go to class for that and it was a GREAT class!! Don't hesitate to buy the text -- you'll refer to it at least through your second semester....

Also, take Human Growth and Development online if you have a halfway decent capability for reading comprehension and are fairly disciplined....I would NOT sit 8 or 16 weeks in a classroom for that. I had to watch videos regularly (on TV), or you can rent from a company to have them at home...I think they were also in the library. I had some open-book quizes I had to mail in -- maybe 4? And then an in-class mid-term and a final.

I think you can put off micro until before 3rd semester....I know several in my class were taking it this summer (I think?)....BUT -- try to get it out of the way if you can....the cleaner that slate is coming in, the better off you'll be....

I was a little worried about Chamberlain for you just because I know it's changed hands recently and is very expensive. I don't think you'll get a better bargain for your buck than the STLCC campuses!! Even if it means a semester or two's wait....start saving money so you can maybe cut back hours while you're in school!!

Best wishes and let either of us know if you have questions.