TWU Spring 2011 Program

mkat11 · Nov 7, 2010

I live in Missouri City, about 15-16 mi from campus. Too close to really carpool with anyone I'm afraid, but I guess that's not a bad thing. About half of my travel time will be spent sitting at traffic lights.

spatel8 · Nov 13, 2010

Hiii guys, anyone considering living at the Favrot Tower Apartments this spring? Or any opinions about that place? It's REALLY close to campus and according to apartmentratings.com, it's one of the safest places to live. It's not exactly high class living, but they're kinda like dorms. Check it out, they're decent for students.

TXcatcher · Nov 16, 2010

A special note from the current J1s:

-Don't send immunizations or CPR cards. You can turn them in during orientation or during the first few weeks of class.

-Don't buy all of the books. You'll need assessment, clinical calculations, clinical skills...and that's about it. The others aren't worth the money. If you want the others, let me or any of us on the TWU Fall 2010 thread know. We'll be willing to sell them or probably know someone that wants to sell them.

-Don't ever ever ever be late.

-Actually study for the assessment quizzes.

-Beware of hardcore instructors, and they are all hardcore in their own little ways.

-Do NOT buy all the stuff from TNSA. All you need (and you don't need it from them) is a stethoscope, 2 sets of scrubs *be aware, some instructors require white tops*, patches for your scrubs, and name tags. Lab coats aren't really required, but you can wear them over your clothes to lab if you don't want to wear scrubs. The assessment kit has a penlight, and most of the other stuff they sell is useless. They will try to hustle you. You can buy all of that stuff elsewhere if you want it. I only bought patches and name tags from the school.

-Don't stress about shoes, for lab most instructors don't care too much, but check about your hospitals.

If we think of anything else, we'll let you know. Any questions?

hnphan · Nov 17, 2010

A special note from the current J1s:
-Don't send immunizations or CPR cards. You can turn them in during orientation or during the first few weeks of class.
-Don't buy all of the books. You'll need assessment, clinical calculations, clinical skills...and that's about it. The others aren't worth the money. If you want the others, let me or any of us on the TWU Fall 2010 thread know. We'll be willing to sell them or probably know someone that wants to sell them.
-Don't ever ever ever be late.
-Actually study for the assessment quizzes.
-Beware of hardcore instructors, and they are all hardcore in their own little ways.
-Do NOT buy all the stuff from TNSA. All you need (and you don't need it from them) is a stethoscope, 2 sets of scrubs *be aware, some instructors require white tops*, patches for your scrubs, and name tags. Lab coats aren't really required, but you can wear them over your clothes to lab if you don't want to wear scrubs. The assessment kit has a penlight, and most of the other stuff they sell is useless. They will try to hustle you. You can buy all of that stuff elsewhere if you want it. I only bought patches and name tags from the school.
-Don't stress about shoes, for lab most instructors don't care too much, but check about your hospitals.
If we think of anything else, we'll let you know. Any questions?

Hi,

Thanks for all the info. Do you remember how much you paid for the books? Also, TNSA sells the patches and name tags too, but is it more costly to buy from them than from the bookstore? I don't remember if TWU Houston has a book store or not.

Thanks!

mkat11 · Nov 17, 2010

Thanks TXcatcher!!! :) ...white scrub tops, bummerrrr

I've got some questions:

*Can we get any kind of stethoscope we want?

*Since we are starting in the winter, if we wear a long sleeved shirt under our scrub top does it have to be a certain color?

*Does it matter what kind of computer we own? Is there any software we need that's not compatible with mac?

*Do intructors allow laptops in lecture? or recorders?

*Do any of the current students use smartphones/pda for reference apps?

*Is it necessary to lug books around to class?

*Do we need the patho book?

*What is the specific healthcare provider CPR we need? BLS?

Thanks if anyone can answer any of my questions!

TXcatcher · Nov 17, 2010

Hi,
Thanks for all the info. Do you remember how much you paid for the books? Also, TNSA sells the patches and name tags too, but is it more costly to buy from them than from the bookstore? I don't remember if TWU Houston has a book store or not.
Thanks!

Houston does not have a bookstore. They have a partnership with the UT-Houston bookstore. I'm not sure if patches and name tags are there though. I think the patches were $3, but I'm not sure about name tags...my mind is saying $2 or $4, but don't quote me on that. As far as books go, I bought most of mine new from Amazon (I'm a new textbook junkie), and I paid about $700. I'm actually looking at my book stack right now. I can tell you I never once opened the study guide for concepts or pharm.

And about scrubs...forgot to mention this...I would try to find a store and try some on before the orientation. That way you can decide if you like the brand the school sells. I didn't like them and had been previously warned by a former student to buy cheap ones elsewhere. I didn't listen to the cheap part...I bought the Gray's Anatomy brand, which I highly recommend. They are super comfy and make you look like a human, not a box. I believe the color you need is "wine," but double check the website for the dress code.

gloworm26 · Nov 17, 2010

TXcatcher: Thanks for posting on here for us. Do you have any parking suggestions? I live far away and am considering the $80 garage deal.

@MKAT11: I have a MAC too. good questions :) As for the CPR, we need BSL> cost is usually around $35 for a Sat class from like 8-12. They offer one for us at TWU

gloworm26 · Nov 17, 2010

TXcatcher:

A few more things... Hi there. Just wondering if you could share your schedule with us. I'm curious just how many times a week I will have to wake up at 4am just to be to class by 6 or 7. I value my sleep, so I'd like to get started hibernating now, lol.

Also wondering what your fist classes were. I've tried time and time again to understand our possible scdl of classes, but once again came up short, so can you please just enlighten us with a lil snippit of your weekly routine?

Also, is Concepts class like theory/history, and do they offer tutoring? If so, is it with the instructors?

Thanks!

mkat11 · Nov 17, 2010

TXcatcher: Thanks for posting on here for us. Do you have any parking suggestions? I live far away and am considering the $80 garage deal.
@MKAT11: I have a MAC too. good questions :) As for the CPR, we need BSL> cost is usually around $35 for a Sat class from like 8-12. They offer one for us at TWU

gloworm26, sign up for a FREE class through the junior league of houston!!! go to their website asap before it fills up!

TXcatcher · Nov 17, 2010

Mkatt,

-Yes, you can get any kind of stethoscope, but it needs a diaphram and a bell. Most people recommend Littmans. I found mine on Amazon for about $50.

-I would think white or black for an undershirt, but so far I haven't heard anything about it. Gray would probably be fine as well.

-The computers at school are Dells, but as far as I know there isn't any software that you need. Most classes have online resources on Evolve, but I'm sure they're compatible. Then if you buy an NCLEX book (which is recommended), the cd should also be compatible. If you choose not to get an NCLEX book, the school computers have NCLEX practice programs.

-Most instructors allow recorders, and so far everyone allows laptops. I always take notes on my laptop.

-I have a lot of apps on my phone, but we weren't able to use them in class or clinical. Some hospitals may allow them though, but so far I don't know of any. I am at Ben Taub, and they don't allow cell phones or PDAs.

-Do not bring your books to class. Get a locker if you want to keep them at school, or just leave them in your car for easy access. And on that note, do buy a drug guide. I forgot to mention that one in my previous post. The care plan book (Nursing Diagnosis Handbook) is nice and all, but everything for that is online, so you don't really need the book. And you can always share your books if you work together on care plans, which my clinical group does.

-I did not use the patho book. I'm not sure how the instructor does things these days because I took it in the summer. She was brand new and taking over for another instructor who had to leave due to health problems. I'll check with the students taking it this semester.

-For CPR, I think you need the one for health care providers. I just took it at TWU so I knew I'd have the right one.

Glowworm,

-I park at TWU and pay the $80. It's convenient and worth it for me. I drive 45 minutes from Baytown area, so I can't use the bus or lightrail.

-Tutoring is offered for all classes. It is mandatory if you make below a 72 on a test.

-Concepts has history and theory, but it also includes fundamental skills - foley catheters, wound care, sterile technique, medication administration, bed baths/hygeine...just some examples.

My schedule is -

Monday - concepts lecture 9:00-11:50, assessment lecture 2:00-4:20

Tuesday - assessment lab 9:00-1:30, pharm 4:00-6:50

Wednesday - off

Thursday - concepts lab/clinical 6:30-2:30 (when you're just in lab for the first few weeks, it's usually 8:00-4:30)

Fri & Sat - off

Assessment labs are Tues-Fri 9:00-1:30, and there is a Wednesday evening section as well. Concepts lab/clinical are Tues-Sat and always in the morning. You don't get to pick your schedule for J1. I believe we got our schedule at orientation. It told you what sections you were in for labs and clinical.

TXcatcher · Nov 17, 2010

And don't panic about CPR and immunizations. You just need them before starting clinical, which is several weeks into the semester. Do get them done as soon as possible to get any series shots completed. Hep-B takes over six months, so there's no way to complete it, but it's okay as long as you've started it. Just don't forget the last shot.

If you don't have insurance, hit up the health department for shots...or since you're TWU students, you can use UTH's health care. Look it up on the TWU site under student health. They aren't all that cheap, so call for prices.

gloworm26 · Nov 18, 2010

gloworm26, sign up for a FREE class through the junior league of houston!!! go to their website asap before it fills up!

Wow thanks MKAT! I wish I had joined this a while back. Im in a program now and I already paid to have my class. Lucky for those on here who still need theirs, tho.