This topic was created for those who will be applying to Tarrant County College's Fall 2014 Nursing Program. The dialog is open for those who have never applied and those who have applied multiple times. Let's discuss our frustrations, stats, best practices for study and the HESI, where you are at achieving your goal, and if you plan to apply anywhere else.
I have applied and was turned down 3.50 Science, 90 HESI, 970 Critical thinking (for another nursing program). I was knocked down, but I refuse to stay there.
Idk, I can't figure out how to download them. I'll probably have to do it on a computer. Then I could email them to you. Sent me a pm with your email (if you don't mind). And I'll send it to you.
and had to take boards twice and there a few more that failed the first time around but passed the second time.
As far as getting in I took an extra Pathophisiology, Pharmocology and med terminology. I think nutrition will be beneficial bc Tech requires it for their BSN. I had A'sin all three of those I mentioned, they are not required but I think they like to see how driven you are . I had Bs in AP 1 and 2 as well as micro. I had an A in chemistry though . I did however the entire time I was hacking away at the prereqs was also knocking out all of the prereqs needed for Tech RN to BSN and only lack stats as Tech doesn't require college algebra . I don't even see why other schools would . As long as you have dimensional analysis down you are golden at TCC nursing school.
My advice to those who haven't got in and are thinking about retaking a science , go ahead a knock out some of the other stuff like govt and history and literature type classes .
What was your science GPA when you were accepted? I had a 3.5 the first and second time i applied and did not get in; retook to improve my science to 3.75 and got in. Though I think there is some complex calculations going on when selecting students, retaking the science helped my....I was am already core complete. I also agree that taking med term, pathophysiology and pharmacology helps a lot.
Just graduated from TCC in Dec 2013
and had to take boards twice and there a few more that failed the first time around but passed the second time.
As far as getting in I took an extra Pathophisiology, Pharmocology and med terminology. I think nutrition will be beneficial bc Tech requires it for their BSN. I had A'sin all three of those I mentioned, they are not required but I think they like to see how driven you are . I had Bs in AP 1 and 2 as well as micro. I had an A in chemistry though . I did however the entire time I was hacking away at the prereqs was also knocking out all of the prereqs needed for Tech RN to BSN and only lack stats as Tech doesn't require college algebra . I don't even see why other schools would . As long as you have dimensional analysis down you are golden at TCC nursing school.
My advice to those who haven't got in and are thinking about retaking a science , go ahead a knock out some of the other stuff like govt and history and literature type classes .
Not sure to be exact , I don't remember the actual number grade 3 Bs and an A for the requirements AP 1&2, micro and chemistry.
So do you start in August? Practice dimensional analysis for dosage calculation exam . You can only miss 2 out of 20 which equals a 90. If u miss 3 you fail the test but get an extra attempt on a later date but if you don't pass then you're out. That goes throughout each semester of the program.
I found the foolproof method being start with the units the question is asking for and everything else works itself out. If anyone has made it in , go up to the school library and buy the syllabus for your clinicals and lecture. I believe the clinical syllabus has a lot of prac question in them. This is a crucial part of this program , if you can't pass the exam then you can't pass meds in clinical .memorize the conversion table that is provided in the syllabus .
1000 ml= 1 L
1000mg= 1g
1000mcg= 1mg
2.2lbs=1 kg
These are a few but you'll get info in a problem that is not needed and sometimes it will try to trick you into adding that into the problem but if you always start with the units needed in the final answer you'll never get it wrong and everything goes into place and cancels as it should . There are some that are multistep like safe range and weight based problems. I don't think you will have any gtts/min on the first test. I always put dimensional analysis as a priority before studying too much content, bc if you don't pass the dosage test you stay home . PRIORITY!!! If y'all commit and practice y'all will be fine but y'all need to be doing daily question practice IMO
3.25 I believe. yes, I begin in August. I think most of us got sample dosage practice questions to go over and I ordered a dosage calculations book to study with. YouTube also helps. I got three months to learn it, live it, and love it! Conversion problems are only an issue if I fall for the trap of adding unnecessary info ... I'll have it together by August.
Well my science grade stinks compared to yours. However I did have my wife there to advocate for me which might've helped bc she was in the program before I was. As she was graduating I was entering so I had the luxury of being in nursing school and having an RN that worked at JPS and I could pick her brain .
Please let me know if you have a group of people that might want to go to a library or a coffee shop and I could show y'all as a group how fool proof this method is . Some people start with what the dr orders which is always in a diff unit than what is needed in the answer. This works sometimes but start with what the final answer will be .
And another tip for clinicals is that I always showed up w 2 dozen donuts each 12 hr clinical day ( you have the option of splitting it into 2 6hr days but I wanted to knock it out and prevent more travel) the staff was always receptive to a student nurse showing up w food . This way the chg will put you with a nurse that is wanting to teach and show you some really cool stuff . It's not a requirement to bring food but I came to the conclusion that nurses are suckers for food and it will make an impression and help them remember you when you go back to the facility looking for a job. Whatever y'all do don't be shy, speak up , ask questions , be compassionate no matter the situation. Consider clinicals almost like an audition for a job. Foundations is a lot of introduction bed making, bed baths, you'll get to pass meds and take vitals . Tons of vitals , you are practically a tech your first semester but it gets better . I was able to observe 7 surgeries over 5 semesters at TCC which was a great to get a break from the bedside scene .
Most of all embrace your classmates. Do not be clicky in clinicals , reach out to those who may seem on the outside. Be a leader and be respectful . Be prepared to sacrifice your life for the next 2 yrs as all you will be doing is eating breathing sleeping nursing school. Do not waiver when adversity presents itself as this is the time to reinvent yourselves. Good luck to all of you:-)
Thanks for the tips. I believe the link to the fall 2014 group is on page 26. I'm sure the Admin will let toy in to share info and insight. Question. For the first semester, how many days per week were you in school to include clinical?
2 days of lecture and skills and one 12 hr clinical but you have the option to split it into two days. I had it scheduled where I had skills in the am and was able to go eat and come back for lecture directly after. I had great clinical instructors. I don't know if y'all have registered yet but I had Willis as my foundations clinical instructor . She's total greatness, laid back and helpful. She's at Huguley THR. I did two semesters of online theory in 3rd (adult) and 4th(pedi/OB ) as I saved a lot on gas as for two semesters I was only having to drive to clinicals only once per week. Those spots go fast and some people need the in class interaction however any question that I had was answered promptly via email. I think you can block theory days into a four hour block to make it just one theory day but I had trouble enough sitting for 2 hrs wo my brain leaking out of my ears let alone 4.
MsGRN817
139 Posts
Is it possible to email it?