St. Margarets Nursing School

carbon86 · Dec 11, 2011

Ok then, your in CCAC's program, what was your GPA at the time of application?

Annakay · Dec 12, 2011

Thanks guys,

I do appreciate your honesy and input. I have a chemisty and microbiology class left to take, and will be taking them this summer. In the mean time I plan on taking their phlebotomy course, the experience will be great and paired with my CNA certif. might make up for my bomb of an A&P2 class! Has anyone taken CCAC's phlebotomy course? One more thing, opinions on the "FAST TRACK nursing program"?

thanks !

PghRN30 · Dec 12, 2011

I am currently in St Margaret SON. Actually started last February, just about finished my third term, already passed clinical eval for semester, just have final exam left, and have a solid enough grade that it is safe to say I passed. As Carbon said, yes the program is intense. We have lost half of our original class to date. Original class was like 42, 37 actually started the program.....we are down to 19 of that...plus the 3 that had to withdraw from previous semesters that later joined our class. I also know several are close and need good grades on today's test and the final on wednesday to pass, so we may lose a couple more (I hope not). Now I will say, many that dropped were because they found nursing wasn't for them, or had personal conflicts that caused them to withdraw. As far as failing due to grades, early on we had several that were failing so bad so early, but also didn't come to class were known they were not studying, just didn't care and figured it would be easy. Those did not return. You will probably find those students in in all diploma/ADN programs (after all it is only 18-24 months, its ONLY a diploma or associates, it MUST be easy right :uhoh3: ). All that Failed due to grades at the end of first semester, and were trying, did come back and are still doing fine as far as I know. Think 1 went into the LPN program instead of returning to the RN program, the others returned to the June start the RN program. We didn't lose anyone due to grades second semester, only deciding it was not for them. From what I have heard from graduates and students that are close to graduating with our program the first and third semester are the hardest, and where most that fail a semester do.

Yes it is intense, yes is fast pace, yes it is stressful.....though do think in the end it will be worth it. I do like the school, do like the instructors, do feel I really know what I am doing, and will be well prepared when I graduate.

As Jason said about assignments, some of our clinical paperwork is a PITA. It is. We do ***** about it all the time. Heard that some things may be changing with it (for the better) but not entirely sure if or when that might happen. But other then clinical paperwork we don't really have many assignments......One group presentation assignment, and one other project each semester. Each 25 points......easy 50 points that only help your grade.

As for getting in failing A&P twice, yes that will hurt getting in......don't know for certain if it will make it impossible, so can't advise you either way with that one. Like I said, it is intense, the instructors are aware of that and they might question if you could survive the program. The semester I am finishing is very A&P heavy.....why it is one of the harder semesters.....which is why several people have grades that are borderline on passing. However will say with a 2.8 verify what the required GPA is if they have one (I can not remember).....If it is 3.0 get other classes in to bring it up before applying. If you do not have what they require, they flat out won't accept you. And really, if you are having a hard time getting into RN programs but nursing is really what you want to do, do look into LPN programs. You can always get your LPN, work and then bridge for your RN later. As for phlebotomy, I do not think that would help your application for St Margaret (CCAC may be different, ask someone that knows the program), unless you were planning on working as a phlebotomist in the mean time, though really working as a CNA means more. I do not know if it is different elsewhere, but in UPMC, other then maybe in specialized areas, nurses only draw blood from PICC lines (which a phlebotomist is not allowed to touch). If labs need drawn lab sends a plebotomist to draw them. Also most nurses do not start IVs in UPMC. There is an IV team that is called to start IVs...all the IV team does is go around and check all IVs, change them when they are due to be changed, or when a new start is needed. Only places I know of that all nurses would start IVs is ICU or ED. They are not even teaching us as students how to start IVs. Mostly because we may never do it, and will need retrained on it by the time we would if we do. Now if phlebotomy is a back up plan for nursing, that is a different story, but it is likely not going to nessesarly help your application, or help your skills needed for nursing. Not trying to discourage you, but I had actually concidered taking it too if for some reason I didn't get in for February and had to wait until June to start, figuring it would help me learn some skills that would be helpful, only to find they were skills I would likely never use as a nurse.

kay0324 · Jan 28, 2012

Well when they say that everything happens for a reason I truely believe that. When I didnt get in St Margarets I decided to go into an emt program because I had every non nursing class done and I didn't want to take a semester off. I am now working my way into a paramedic program. I am still in CCAC for nursing and decided to stay there. The emt program opened my eyes to emergency medicine and I couldn't be happier with this field. I was always an on my toes ready for excitement/ drama/ fast paced kind of person. I guess I just never thought about this field before or didn't realize that it would be something I would love so much. I decided to stay @ CCAC and apply to their nursing program (will find out in march if I get in). Emergency medicine school opened my eyes to becoming a flight nurse so I decided to go to school to become a paramedic and an RN to learn both jobs. I know its not neccessary but I love the school and really just want to learn all I can. All I can say to those that aren't where they want to be or got turned away is NEVER GIVE UP Everything really does happen for a reason... you may not see it now but you will one day as long as you keep trying!!!

kay0324 · Jan 28, 2012

FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT HAVEN'T GOT IN PLEASE DO NOT GIVE UP... DONT LET PEOPLE SCARE YOU!!! Rejection and waiting is horrible but giving up is the worst thing you can do. If you really want something then go for it! I was one of those people that didn't know what I wanted to do with my life right away and made mistakes spent years in college and years fixing my mistakes. When you write your essay make sure you address the mistakes you have made and how you have learned from that. Make sure you tell them your future goals and what you are doing to work towards them. It may not even be enough to get you in ( as in my case) but if you are persistant you eventually will get into a program. The best thing you can do is just apply to every program in your area and appeal it if you don't get in... if you still don't get in apply again. Also get a job as a nurses aid to gain some life experience (you can work as a casual employee and only work a few days a month if your time is limited) Yes its tiring but they will notice you if you are persistant. I know someone that has failed out of a nursing program 2 times and still got into another program before me so trust me I know it can be stressful! As for the person that said Mercy is the hardest program to get into I'm not so sure thats true... I know a girl that failed 3 classes and still got into their program. (but everyones circumstances are different) I honestly don't know exactally what it takes all i can say is to not give up even when you feel like all hope is lost. If you are willing to give up then you must have not wanted it that bad in the first place.

PghRN30 · Jan 29, 2012

Congrats on finding your interest& path. And I do agree, do not give up on anything (I was not trying to say to give up in my earlier post if thats how it seemed)......you may have to change paths or plans to get where you want to go, but never give up on your end goal.

kay0324 · May 3, 2012

Just wanted to update... I didn't give up because of one rejection. I just got my acceptance letter to CCAC yesterday and its evening program so I can work daylight. I am so happy and excited! Don't ever give up on your dreams! :yeah: :nurse:

carbon86 · Feb 9, 2013

PGHRN30, I was just wondering did your cohort have any problems finding jobs after graduation?

PghRN30 · Feb 9, 2013

Not that I know of. Many had jobs at

graduation. Only a couple im not sure where they are or what they are doing. I took a while...started my job Jan 2nd....and I know one girl started last week.