Tidewater Community College-hopefuls application July 2014

amellis2 · Oct 23, 2014

Okay so when you say enter as a freshman, u mean with the other LPN's right? And how long is the LPN to RN program?

ipb227 · Oct 23, 2014

Okay so when you say enter as a freshman, u mean with the other LPN's right? And how long is the LPN to RN program?

No, when you enter as an Lpn and pass the challenge exams you'll be admitted straight into 170. If you fail or choose not to test out you'll start 108 with all other regular non-Lpn students. I believe the entire program is 5 semesters, LPNs start in semester 2.

Atleast that's how I interpreted it...

amellis2 · Oct 24, 2014

So really we are on the traditional route anyway just entered in a different way. That's cool I guess. I am just grateful I got in. I wonder what our schedule will be like. I heard from somebody each class is 8 weeks and then I heard from some they were 16 weeks. Well just to put it out there. IS THERE ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN SWITCHING TO NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS?Not shouting, lol, just want everyone to see. If not, that's fine.

nursenthemakin · Oct 24, 2014

Each class is 8 weeks long. There is some talk about changing that so by the time you all start in January they may go back to the old way which was 16 week courses. I personally like the 8 week classes. Congrats again ladies

amellis2 · Oct 24, 2014

I spoke to someone in the nursing office today and she said they would be 8 weeks. They do a traditional 16 week semester but they break the two classes up into 8 weeks. And also, two clinical days.

eyvis91 · Oct 24, 2014

Well I think you should take the test if you're already an LPN it should be easy. Plus that will allow an alternate to fill in that spot if you do pass lol :)...but what's the worst that can happen if u don't pass it?

amellis2 · Oct 26, 2014

Definitely contemplating it. Not sure the cost of the test. Just because I am an LPN, however, does not mean I will pass the test. I haven't has to do dosage calculations in a very long time. That I can brush up on but I don't even know what the other test is about??? I have Specialty as an LPN so there are.a lot of things I don't use anymore because my focus doesn't require it.

eyvis91 · Oct 26, 2014

Try and find out. Don't cut yourself short if you have the chance to move up a course or 2. And just like you said, if u fail at least u will still have your spot and all u would have to do is start at Nur 108 with the rest!

ipb227 · Oct 26, 2014

I agree, I very rarely use dosage calc. However I'm a semi new grad, so I still understand most, like gtt factor, IV infusions, and pediatric dosages. But I'm not sure that's everything they test on.

The second test is nursing fundamentals which I would assume is close to the critical thinking part of the HESI, like knowing which patient to choose using Maslows and ABCs. I'm definitely going to try to test out, if worst comes to worst, I'm still in the program even if I fail. I see it as if you can pass NCLEX you can probably pass their nursing tests. But I definitely understand your "use it or lose it" theory.

amellis2 · Oct 27, 2014

I know I am so nervous about it though. Thanks for the encouragement :-) When do we let them know if we want to test out of it because they didn't even give the option in my acceptance letter. Maybe I will try it just go back to my dosage calculations books and refresh myself. I use order over have times ml on a rare. The pharmacy does everything. I just hang an IV and set it for the time ordered. We are so spoiled with that in real life but I definitely would love to refresh.

eyvis91 · Oct 27, 2014

You should try calling up there. I'm sure they will let you know.

SophieGustafson · Oct 27, 2014

I found out today that I am accepted into the concurrent program at ODU! Anyone else doing that?? I will be starting in the fall since I am starting in the latter cohort for TCC (March).