Hello everyone! I have submitted my application for TCU's Accelerated BSN program. I am getting ready to take the HESI A2 next week and my file will be 100% complete. I have been checking allnurses.com frequently to see if there are any other TCU 2012 hopefuls, but haven't come across anyone yet! Are you out there?? If so, lets start talking!! :)
A little about me...I have been working as a medical sales representative for close to 10 years. I have worked in pharma, device, disposables, biotech, services, and specialty pharmacy. Throughout the years, my love for the medical industry has only increased until one day I decided to take the plunge and start my pre-requisites. Now with them completed, I am looking into TCU (first choice), El Centro (2nd choice, only have one additional pre-req to take) and UTA (still have 6, yes, 6 pre-requisites to take and doubtful I will be able to apply by for the Fall 2012 start class, perhaps the spring 2013). I live in Lantana (outside of Flower Mound) so I will be commuting each day to the school I get accepted to (fingers crossed).
Kerinky, well I applied back in November and I never had much change to my TCU website. However I got notification on the 7th that a decision was being sent. I tried calling today to see because the letter I got in the mail was only for TCU admission. Here I thought I got a seat:( well I got my TCU acceptance and now I want in agony for my nursing letter to come in. Wouldn't you think that Frances would have the letters all squared away and sent before she went on vacation or out of town? Congrats to those who have been accepted. I can't wait to hear and hopefully be a helpful part to this forum!
Orientation is a long day that basically gives you a broad overview of the nursing program and resources at TCU. Last year at orientation, we were given color coded name tags to identify us by clinical groups, we visited the library, created our eCollege logins, etc.
I think the only thing that really stuck with me from that day was when the last class of ABT students (about 7 of them) came to give us advise about the program. It's funny to think about now because I would give much different advice than they did...they made it sound sooooo scary, haha!
Gear:
Uniform - You will definitely need purple scrubs. Many of us bought the Grey's Anatomy scrubs b/c they were the most stylish at the time (may still be). Dorothy's Scrubs on Pennsylvania between 7th & 8th has a large selection of purple scrubs. You will also need solid white shoes, preferably a material that is water resistant or water proof (many choices out there, and many price ranges).
Stethoscope - Personally, I got through summer and fall just fine with a $16 stethoscope from Dorothy's. The TCU bookstore also sells stethoscopes for around $20. I bought a nicer one over C-mas break just b/c we are currently in ICU for clinicals and I also wanted a better one for summer residency. Littmann is a very popular brand, but they are expensive...not necessary to spend that much money unless you just want to.
I have not bought anything from the TCU bookstore besides t-shirts, sweatshirts, and scantrons, but that's just me. I am an Amazon gal as far as books go.
Brief overview of MY first summer (days are different for different clinical groups):
Monday: Fundamentals lab from 8-4
Tuesday: Pharm Lab half the day, Pharm lecture the other half, all from about 8-4
Wednesday: Discipline & Practice of Nursing...this class can be 7 hours on campus or work from home stuff...varies week by week
Thursday: off, but have to go pick a patient for the next day's clincial
Friday: med/surg clinical from 6:30- approx 4pm
But before all that, you will have a 2 week intensive fundamentals class that will start off you summer (May 14th for y'all). For us, it was M-F about 9-2. If you have no health care background, like me, this was an extremely intense, yet interesting 2 weeks.
Thank you for the information, Shiner50! It makes it a lot less mysterious and scary to just KNOW what it's going to be like at first! Also thanks for the head's up about meeting with the graduating ABT group at the beginning - I will try not to let it freak me out! :) You've been so helpful and I know we all appreciate you being willing to talk with us and help us out!
Thanks Shiner50! All of your info has been so helpful! It's nice to know a little about what we're in for. I'm so excited to move and get this program started!
So as you know, we have to take a healthcare provider CPR course before we start the program. Through extensive research, I found a local fire department in Fort Worth who is willing to do a "private" class for us. The requirements are 6 or more of us would have to attend. Cost is $45 (only $5 more than the traditional course) which includes the book, supplies, training and certification. We could chose a centralized location. They are willing to do it at someones house or at a one of the stations. They are unavailable on weekends, but can provide the training during the day and even make accommodations for the evening. This would be an incredible opportunity for us to meet and to knock out one of of action items for school. If you are interested, let me know and I am willing to coordinate this for us. Things I need to know from you:City you live or most convenient location due to work, kids, etcBest time and day of the weekWould you be able to host the training at your house?Would you prefer the training held at a fire station?Ideal timing for the course (due to travel, work, vacations, etc)Not sure if this site will let me post, but you can reach me direct to discuss in greater detail at either:214-864-8188 or [email protected] me know your thoughts. If there isn't enough interest, I'm going to take the course on my own at the end of the month in Denton at the fire station. I just thought it might be something fun to do together and get to know each other a bit before school begins!! :)Jene'
This sounds great! I emailed you from a mavs.uta.edu email address. My name is Ashley. More information was in the email. I forgot to add that I do not have a preference on house or fire station. I would possibly be able to use the ballroom or the conference room at the lofts where I live though. We get to use the facilities for free as residents. I live downtown Fort Worth. The only reason this wouldn't work is that the rooms can fill up fast! They are normally not used on Weekdays however. Anyways, great job taking initiative!
Just need 3 more people to set up the class and there isn't a maximum.I think we should wait until at least the first part of March, then lock in the dates. That way we can ensure maximum participation of those who want to go this route!Keeping my fingers crossed for all those out there waiting!! :)
I got my acceptance letter to TCU today. Since taraewell got her actually acceptance letter today I hope that I will be getting mine tomorrow or Monday! I cannot wait to find out. The feeling today when I got my regular acceptance letter felt so amazing...I cannot imagine how it felt for the rest of y'all to get your Nursing acceptance letter. Congrats to all who have gotten in so far!
Yeah they were dated earlier this week! it was dated the day before my TCU general letter:) good luck kevsgirl:) I was so excited and now crazy nervous:) hahaha
JAMSALEStoRN
32 Posts
Sorry for the book above :)