Wasn't sure if it belonged here or in the nursing student section ? So I figured here was better.
Does anyone have any success stories from graduating TCC and getting hired. I read something on ratemyprofessor.com that scared me a little, someone saying NOT to go there for nursing or anything science related. So I'm a little scared. I'm enrolled at TCC for prereqs and I just want to know if I should go somewhere else :S
I consider south seattle CC but they have a ladder program and I'm not sure if I want to go that route.
I am in my second year of the ADN Program at TCC. When I applied for the lottery, they weren't weighting numbers differently based off of "points" for having extra things like CNA licenses or extra classess, etc. I got in on my first try, I was very lucky, but a LOT of people got in on their first try. It is more common than you think. I know they changed admission criteria so I'm not up on what is required now so I can't help you with that. The program has its ups and downs. Teachers are good, they all have their quirks, but they are knowledgeable and care about their students. Sometimes there is disorganization, but I have heard from students at other schools that it is like that there as well. I think it is because it is hard to find nursing instructors, especially ones that aren't working one or two other jobs. Most of my instructors are all working other jobs so sometimes they are a little stressed. I have been told MANY times that nursing school doesn't really prepare you for the real world so a program is a program. Get in anywhere you can and get it done so you can test for your license. I think the reason that TCC's test scores are low is because they have an "adult learner" philosophy where basically they expect us to put in the extra work needed to prep for the NCLEX. We use an online program called ATI that has proven to be very effective with the NCLEX, BUT most of this is self study. They have it as assignments for a few points, but that's it. We have to spend the time in the tutorials and read the books, etc. They are not very clear on this in the beginning...I am just now realizing how much work I should have been doing lol. As students in this program, we are so busy we barely have time for this extra work. That is why you are probably seeing bad scores. Also, TCC is lottery with basic requirements, whereas other schools require higher grades, more experience, etc. So that factors in to it as well. ***TCC lowered their requirements because they realized that they weren't getting the best nurses. They needed more diversity and people with heart, not just students that were book smart. They're great at school, but not great at patient care. They didn't lower their standards becuase they had a bad program so that may change your perspective. I wouldn't let the low scores scare you away because its always up to you to do the work. They give you the tools. (I don't know much about accreditation though, you may want to look in to that, however the president of the program told us we are doing just fine and do not have to worry about losing the accreditation). After I graduate, I am going to enroll in an NCLEX prep course to review everything and spend a few weeks in ATI taking practice tests, etc. before even attempting the NCLEX. Also, it helps if you buy an NCLEX review book and use it as a study guide all along throughout the program. It helps get your mind used to NCLEX questions....its nothing like other tests you have taken before. It is very difficult to get used to. I'm finally getting the hang of it. There are TONS of scholarships out there just waiting to be taken. Start applying for those, you might find that your entire education is paid for. I have a few friends who have graduated TCC and they have jobs. I think what matters most is that the employer sees your efforts. After first quarter, you can start applying for nurse tech jobs. They pay about $17.50/hr. If you can get hired on there (which many of the TCC students do) you will find that they hire you immediately after graduation because they invested time in you and you know their ways. There is a shortage of nurses. Every clinical I've been to, I have heard them talking about being short staffed. Jobs are out there, just take all the opportunities you can to show you are making an effort and they will be interested in you. I would suggest you start using your CNA license and build up a good resume. That will help. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Thank you so much for the detailed reply, I really appreciate it. How far into the program did you start clinicals? Was it the first quarter?
Are you worried at all about them potentially losing their accreditation if they don't raise their scores? That's the part that freaks me out the most.
They lowered requirements but now I hear they're raising them. I went to the orientation a couple quarters ago and they mentioned the accepted TEAS V score has been raised considerably.
This information really really really helps. Thank you so much. Did you find that it was hard juggling a nurse tech job with TCC's program? Would they hire a nurse tech super super super part time?
Thank you so much for the detailed reply, I really appreciate it. How far into the program did you start clinicals? Was it the first quarter?
Are you worried at all about them potentially losing their accreditation if they don't raise their scores? That's the part that freaks me out the most.
They lowered requirements but now I hear they're raising them. I went to the orientation a couple quarters ago and they mentioned the accepted TEAS V score has been raised considerably.
This information really really really helps. Thank you so much. Did you find that it was hard juggling a nurse tech job with TCC's program? Would they hire a nurse tech super super super part time?
Clinicals start first quarter. I am not worried about them losing accreditation because they just got it not too long ago and I will graduate before they are reviewed again. They have implemented a new program so I cannot speak to that, but its supposed to improve the NCLEX scores so I wouldn't be too worried if I were you. They have too much at stake and will do everything they can to make corrections if there were anything putting them in jeopardy. I can't speak to the new entry requirements, but there are always orientations going on if you want to attend and get those answers. They should have it outlined on the website too. I wouldn't work during first quarter if I were you. Of course things have changed, but my first quarter was full of busy work and lots of stress because I was getting orientated to the program. It is very different than other college courses you have taken before. Lots of people did work though so it is doable. I do not have a nurse tech job, I worked a different job my second quarter. I was only comfortable with 15hrs a week and that job was extremely flexible. I do have several cohort members with nurse tech jobs. They all say the employers are flexible and do not expect much from you since they know you are a student. My friends work one day a week and that is fine with their employer. I am looking in to applying now that I am completely comfortable in the program and I'm sure of my ability to make the grades. There are several pass/fail situations every quarter so its not like you can rely on homework points to get you through. If you want, just put out your resume and then in your interview you can discuss your hesitancy with schedule and get a grasp of their requirements. If anything, it will be good practice.
RaggedyAm
50 Posts
Thank you so much for the detailed reply, I really appreciate it. How far into the program did you start clinicals? Was it the first quarter?
Are you worried at all about them potentially losing their accreditation if they don't raise their scores? That's the part that freaks me out the most.
They lowered requirements but now I hear they're raising them. I went to the orientation a couple quarters ago and they mentioned the accepted TEAS V score has been raised considerably.
This information really really really helps. Thank you so much. Did you find that it was hard juggling a nurse tech job with TCC's program? Would they hire a nurse tech super super super part time?