Three Rivers ADN program

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Hello, I'm still completing my nursing program prerequisites and I'm trying to figure out the best fit for school options. I'm interested in the Three Rivers program in part because I'm the sole wage earner in our household and I'd like to be able to maintain my current job, at least 75% time, while going to school. I've heard good things about the program and while I would prefer to have a BSN at the end of a program I just can't take the full year for the SCSU or UConn MbEIN program. When I checked their website, the schedule for the first semester nursing class has lecture listed twice on Mondays and then the other portion (I'm assuming clinical), says TWR, that doesn't mean I would have all three days, correct? (I've already covered many courses- micro, English, psych, etc. through my undergrad and Master's schooling) I think I would only have to take the nursing courses over the four semesters. And are those four fall/spring semesters only or do you have clinical work during breaks? I've looked on the website but much of their site is under construction and it says they won't answer questions until you've been to an information session. I'd be willing to commute to Gateway if that program is entirely nights and weekends, but I can't figure out whether there are also day classes involved there. Any information would be appreciated. Thank you.

[jrinct]

Hi -- I don't know anything about Three Rivers, but I'm starting Gateway's nursing program this fall, and we have lecture scheduled on Mon. and Thurs. from 4-6pm. On Tues. and Wed., we have lab for the first month or so, from 3-9:30 pm. Then we'll begin clinicals during that time period. Gateway is also offering a daytime clinical option from 7am to 1:30pm, but anytime we're scheduled for lab (apparently, even after clinicals start, we do have labs scheduled), students in the day clinicals will have to go to lab with the rest of us in the evening.

Hope this helps!

P.S. The college's info sessions are really helpful, so definitely go to one if you can.

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Thank you, that's helpful! Good luck with your program at Gateway, hope it all goes well for you.

[LMTtoRN]

I just graduated from Three Rivers ADN program in May. You won't get any answers unless you go to an info session. That's just how they operate. They'd prefer the interactive process of Q&A sessions to online or telephone contact. It's a beautiful new facility with lots of technology. Be prepared for 30-40 hours a week just spent on nursing. Working a 3/4 time schedule will be difficult even with the complete support of your family. They must be prepared for you to be occupied 24/7 for two years running. TRCC strictly is a day program, and the clinicals vary per semester. If you have completed your pre-requisites, it will be easier, but nevertheless a demanding program. You'll certainly know you have accomplished something after you are done. I know I feel proud of my accomplishments and I only worked 1/4 time during nursing school. Good luck, and seek out the info sessions of all colleges to which you think you might apply.

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Thank you! I just attended the information session last week and since them the admissions staff has been extremely prompt in answering the remaining questions I had around my pre-requisites. I'll have all pre-reqs and non-nursing classes completed before enrollment, so at least I'll *only* have the nursing classes.

I am quite nervous about trying to find a schedule that allows time for school and work and maybe seeing my three kids for a while. But, we all understand that this is something important for our whole family (as much as 6, 4 and 2-year olds can understand things), so if I am admitted, we'll work it out.

Other questions about the program, though, if you have the time to answer. Are the four semesters regular school semesters? Or will I also have clinicals over breaks, holidays and the summer. Were you able to find employment after graduation? Were you happy with your training overall during the schooling?

I wish you the best of luck in your new career and thanks again for taking the time to respond.

[LMTtoRN]

Excellent! That is a good first move. Yes, the four semesters are regular school semesters. You will not have clinicals over breaks etc. unless you get a summer internship (which is highly recommended). Overall, I was happy with the training. My class was the last class to be trained under the old system, you will enter in the Common Curriculum system, which I understand is a little better organized.

I have not found employment yet, but am still working on it. Besides dealing with family emergencies immediately after my finals this past semester, I am an older student (51) and need to work a day shift somewhere, so I am looking at non-hospital venues. I passed my NCLEX easily (that is one advantage that TRCC gives you, they get you used to the NCLEX-style questions quite early on), and now am the proud recipient of an RN license. I'm sure something will come up soon. With this economy, half of our class has been looking toward non-hospital venues to find work. Hopefully, things will turn around by the time you are looking.

Regardless, nursing is a wonderful profession, and I wish you the best of luck. If you have any further questions, don't hesistate to ask.

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Thank you so much for all the information. I felt a bit older than many of the students in attendance at the information session, I forgot how young 19-year-olds are! I'm waiting to hear whether the 5-year rule can be waived for my chemistry because of current job experience. Other than that I've got only A&PII for pre-reqs and I'm taking Life Span Development and Sociology this semester. I'm a little worried about the GPA calculations because my chemistry classes were C/C+- yuck. But, I'll do my best and just hope it all works out.

Good luck finding the job that works for you. I know it's hard when life gets in the way of our plans. I may have more questions in the future, thanks again for taking the time to respond.

All the best to you.