TSU Nursing Info

MamaG · Dec 6, 2008

I don't have any info about the online program - but I am currently enrolled in the 3rd semester of the TSU ADN program @ volstate. Here's what I know ~ the uniforms are white with blue piping on it. They have to be purchased from a little shop out on Charlotte Ave. You have to purchase a lab coat (plain white) but its a particular style that they want you to have. All white shoes - no color at all. Tats have to be covered. Hair needs to be pulled up. No perfume.

Clinicals take place at a variety of locations. First semester, the volstate group was at the VA. I know, I know. . . a lot of people are scared of the VA but in all honesty - I didn't mind it at all. The VETS were extremely nice and I got to do a lot of procedures. Our schedule was: Tues/Wed in the classroom and either Thursday/Friday for clinicals (the maximum ratio is 10:1 so the group was split in 1/2.) Clinical days started at 0630 and ended at 1130. It goes by fast. These days were the only days offered - but it may be different for the online program. 2nd semester was much of the same - just an alternate day. This semester has been a little bit of everything. Some days are 8-5, others 12 hours on 2nd shift ~ just depends on where your clinical site is at. Things change at the drop of a hat so you have to be flexible.

I think there is one person who has a PDA in my class. The only time I have seen her use it was to load NCLEX questions on it and study in the down time at the hospital. Hope this helps! Let me know if I can help!

Javeed · Dec 15, 2008

I am planning to enroll at TSU this fall. I would like any help anyone can give on what to expect.

MamaG · Dec 16, 2008

I'm not sure exactly what information you're looking for ~ so, I'll try to give you a brief summary of it all. When you apply to TSU - make sure that you keep copies of everything that you send them. (Side note: You can only choose 1 of the 3 campuses. There is Nashville State {if you are accepted there you will go to the NSCC campus for the first year, then be transferred to the main campus for 2nd year}, TSU (main campus), and TSU @ VolState. Keep in mind, you can only chose ONE campus to apply to). They are notorius for losing things. After you submit everything you can expect to hear from them sometime in April (maybe a little sooner/later). They should send you an acceptance or rejection letter. If you don't receive either - DON'T BE AFRAID TO CALL DOWN THERE! ASK THEM WHERE YOUR LETTER IS!! If I hadn't been persistent, I wouldn't have gotten into the program and I am an LPN w/ 13 years of experience with a 4.0 GPA. Don't assume anything.

Once you've been accepted, you will attend an orientation meeting at the main campus. A couple of instructors will meet with you and discuss what's expected and what books you will need.

First semester, you will have class 2 days/wk and clinicals 1 day. For me, classes were on Tuesday & Wednesday and clinicals were on Thursday. It was nice because you had a long weekend. For the other 1/2 of my class, their clinicals were on Friday. The 1st 5 or 6 weeks of school you don't go to clinicals. Instead you will spend time in the skills lab pefecting your skills. Classes were Fundamentals of Nursing and Health Assessment (with a lab).

2nd semester, the class time is set up very similar to 1st semester. I thought this semester was the hardest. You have Adult Health (MedSurg I) and Pharmacology. Buckle up! Pharm was a rollercoaster ride! Again, I've been a nurse for a while. I thought it was VERY challenging!

3rd semester was probably the easiest semester. They broke the semester up into (3) 5 week sessions. You have 5 weeks of OB, 5 weeks of Psych and 5 weeks of PEDS. I liked this set up because the testing was different. 1st year - you are taking 2 classes at the same time and have 4 or 5 tests in each subject throughout the semester and then a final exam. 3rd semester, you are taking one subject at a time and you have ONE test at the end of that subject. The final is a comprehensive test that covers all 3 subjects for a total of 4 tests all semester. Not bad. I preferred it. The only negative is: if you're lazy and don't put the time into studying and doing well on those end of subject tests - then you're pretty much up a creek. There aren't any other opportunities to pull up your grades.

4th semester remains a mystery to me. I will start it in just a couple of weeks. I have been told that it is very intense and will cover Nursing Management and MedSurg II ~ clinicals will be in critical care settings.

Nursing school is hard and very time consuming. Life as you know it ceases to exist. It requires a great deal of dedication and independent study and a great support system. It is not for the unsure or the faint at heart. Good luck to you! Hope this helps.

Javeed · Dec 22, 2008

I wanted to get a head start on some of the reading. What book can I read to be ready for this class: Fundamentals of Nursing and Health Assessment? I have friends that have completed school years ago and they gave me some books but I don't where to start.

MamaG · Dec 23, 2008

First semester has 3 books. Med Surg (author: Lemone); Fundamentals of Nursing (Kozier); Health Assessment (not sure about the author ~ I've been told that they changed books this semester). They aren't cheap either! The only plus is that you use the Med Surg book for 4th semester too.

Volstate campus has gotten a new instructor and I know that she & the returning instructor have changed up the syllabus ~ so I don't have a good suggestion of where to begin. To my knowledge, the syllabus is not posted online. They usually pass it out on the first day of class. Sorry!