UF Accelerated BSN Summer 2020

Dpat011 · Mar 22, 2020

Is anyone in UF Jax looking for a roommate ?

Anony · Apr 3, 2020

Hey all, I'm a current student in the UF nursing program in Gainesville, graduating this year (2020).

Seriously consider other schools to study nursing. UF was my first choice when I was applying, and had been for years, so I was ecstatic when I found out I was accepted. I didn't even consider other programs. But as the semesters have gone, I really wish I would have gone somewhere else. My reasons (and just about everyone else's in this program) (seriously, talk to any of them):

Disorganization: exams are scheduled in conflict with one another and with classes. We have to go to events and meetings that are scheduled during class time, but the meetings are mandatory (they take attendance and will email you about it) and all classes take attendance. You'll find out about meetings like this a few days before it takes place, and it'll always conveniently be on exam weeks.
Readings: I'm all for working hard. I don't have an issue with how difficult material is, in my opinion, it's what we all sign up for. However, we are human and have limits—there is only so much you can go through and absorb every day. After meeting with professors about material for guidance, it is clear that, at times, they merely glance at the chapter title and assign the whole thing…for numerous chapters/week. However, professors will constantly look at you with bewilderment and say "that's outside of your scope, why are you studying that?" when you ask questions about material that was assigned that you don't understand.
Exams: Alright, here's how exams go-- you need a 74% exam average in each class to pass the class. As well as a 74% average overall in each class. The former is usually the issue for most students (if not all). At the end of the exam, you can see how many/which questions you got wrong, which of course means you can calculate your pending exam score. Yes, pending. Depending on the statistics of each question (how many people got it wrong/right), you'll either get points back or lose points. How would you lose points? You get a question right, and because the majority of the class got it wrong, it gets thrown out. So you lose that right answer. I've seen people get kicked out of the program because losing those 2 points over having 1 question thrown out puts them below the required 74% average. We've tried fighting it, and were told "this is the way it has been, this is the way it has always been, and you knew that from the beginning of the program".
Communication: it's just not there. Between students and professors, between professors, between administration and students, between administration and professors. Just nonexistent. I don't know how else to put it. You find out about things at the last minute and different sections for the same class will receive different lecture material, including exam tips, so some classes are at an obvious disadvantage. We tried bringing this to the attention of our professors and the administration and were met with complete denial.
Flipped classroom: OH boy. Just mention those words to anyone in my class. Basically, you teach each other. Your professors are just there to take attendance. You go through part of the material with your group and then teach other groups. That's about it.
No transition: transition was supposed to be the last half of your last semester, where you're basically a nurse for free. Every nurse I've spoken with says they didn't learn anything until transition. Sure, you can study and have the knowledge, but really knowing how to apply it and practicing skills doesn't come in until transition. They got rid of it.

There's probably a lot more issues with this program, but these are the ones that have been most prevalent throughout the past year or so. Take it as you will. I know UF has really good ratings and is very highly ranked, and that the fact that it has its own hospital is very appealing from a health-profession standpoint. But genuinely, don't let it fool you. My cohort has lost over 25% of its students. That is, they were kicked out. For not meeting standards. You quickly learn that many of your professors say they want to help, but truly seem to do and say things for your failure. And if that's not the intent, it's certainly how it feels from the students' end.

I'm sorry if this is upsetting. I'm sorry if I've made any of you mad, that is not what I want. I just genuinely feel very strongly that all of you be fully aware of what you're getting into. If you've already accepted your acceptance, try to change things from the get-go. My cohort started too late--halfway through our 1st semester, and then throughout those that followed. We had meetings with faculty and administration. We pleaded for things to change, and in the end, we were told that it was too late for our cohort, that everything was already established for us, but that they would take it into consideration for cohorts after ours. I don't know if they've changed anything. If they have, good. If you start to see what I've said is still true, TAKE ACTION.

I really don't mean to complain. Although this does sound like venting. This is all just information I wish I'd known before I decided on UF. I have good grades, really. But I kill myself for them. I love learning about health and I've had a passion for helping others all my life. But I am unhappy. I feel completely unprepared for a career in nursing. The only thing that makes me feel better is that I'm not the only one.

nidhii · Apr 3, 2020

38 minutes ago, Anony said:
Hey all, I'm a current student in the UF nursing program in Gainesville, graduating this year (2020).
Seriously consider other schools to study nursing. UF was my first choice when I was applying, and had been for years, so I was ecstatic when I found out I was accepted. I didn't even consider other programs. But as the semesters have gone, I really wish I would have gone somewhere else. My reasons (and just about everyone else's in this program) (seriously, talk to any of them):
Disorganization: exams are scheduled in conflict with one another and with classes. We have to go to events and meetings that are scheduled during class time, but the meetings are mandatory (they take attendance and will email you about it) and all classes take attendance. You'll find out about meetings like this a few days before it takes place, and it'll always conveniently be on exam weeks.
Readings: I'm all for working hard. I don't have an issue with how difficult material is, in my opinion, it's what we all sign up for. However, we are human and have limits—there is only so much you can go through and absorb every day. After meeting with professors about material for guidance, it is clear that, at times, they merely glance at the chapter title and assign the whole thing…for numerous chapters/week. However, professors will constantly look at you with bewilderment and say "that's outside of your scope, why are you studying that?" when you ask questions about material that was assigned that you don't understand.
Exams: Alright, here's how exams go-- you need a 74% exam average in each class to pass the class. As well as a 74% average overall in each class. The former is usually the issue for most students (if not all). At the end of the exam, you can see how many/which questions you got wrong, which of course means you can calculate your pending exam score. Yes, pending. Depending on the statistics of each question (how many people got it wrong/right), you'll either get points back or lose points. How would you lose points? You get a question right, and because the majority of the class got it wrong, it gets thrown out. So you lose that right answer. I've seen people get kicked out of the program because losing those 2 points over having 1 question thrown out puts them below the required 74% average. We've tried fighting it, and were told "this is the way it has been, this is the way it has always been, and you knew that from the beginning of the program".
Communication: it's just not there. Between students and professors, between professors, between administration and students, between administration and professors. Just nonexistent. I don't know how else to put it. You find out about things at the last minute and different sections for the same class will receive different lecture material, including exam tips, so some classes are at an obvious disadvantage. We tried bringing this to the attention of our professors and the administration and were met with complete denial.
Flipped classroom: OH boy. Just mention those words to anyone in my class. Basically, you teach each other. Your professors are just there to take attendance. You go through part of the material with your group and then teach other groups. That's about it.
No transition: transition was supposed to be the last half of your last semester, where you're basically a nurse for free. Every nurse I've spoken with says they didn't learn anything until transition. Sure, you can study and have the knowledge, but really knowing how to apply it and practicing skills doesn't come in until transition. They got rid of it.
There's probably a lot more issues with this program, but these are the ones that have been most prevalent throughout the past year or so. Take it as you will. I know UF has really good ratings and is very highly ranked, and that the fact that it has its own hospital is very appealing from a health-profession standpoint. But genuinely, don't let it fool you. My cohort has lost over 25% of its students. That is, they were kicked out. For not meeting standards. You quickly learn that many of your professors say they want to help, but truly seem to do and say things for your failure. And if that's not the intent, it's certainly how it feels from the students' end.
I'm sorry if this is upsetting. I'm sorry if I've made any of you mad, that is not what I want. I just genuinely feel very strongly that all of you be fully aware of what you're getting into. If you've already accepted your acceptance, try to change things from the get-go. My cohort started too late--halfway through our 1st semester, and then throughout those that followed. We had meetings with faculty and administration. We pleaded for things to change, and in the end, we were told that it was too late for our cohort, that everything was already established for us, but that they would take it into consideration for cohorts after ours. I don't know if they've changed anything. If they have, good. If you start to see what I've said is still true, TAKE ACTION.
I really don't mean to complain. Although this does sound like venting. This is all just information I wish I'd known before I decided on UF. I have good grades, really. But I kill myself for them. I love learning about health and I've had a passion for helping others all my life. But I am unhappy. I feel completely unprepared for a career in nursing. The only thing that makes me feel better is that I'm not the only one.

PERIODTTT

anony2 · Apr 3, 2020

Hey guys! I am a current student in the UF accelerated program and I wanted to address the message previously posted by another student. Nursing school is HARD and incredibly frustrating, so it can be easy to turn focus to the challenges and disappointments throughout one of the most difficult times of my life at least. However, there is much more good if you choose to look at it that way.

I attended UF for my first degree, so it was a no-brainer that I would continue my education here when given the opportunity. I have had my own frustrations, but if I had to go back I would absolutely choose to attend UF again and again. I believe in this time of uncertainty for ourselves, incoming students, and faculty, some of those frustrations are peaking for many, however, I think this is a good opportunity to consider what has been handled well or perspective on some of the negatives.

As far as the comments made by another student, I would like to add my perspective on the matters:

· There are many people and factors that play into our schedules and sometimes things are planned that conflict with one another. This is life. However, once it is brought to the attention of professors/advisors/whoever is involved in the conflict, they can communicate amongst each other and are given the chance to resolve a conflict. Although it can be hard to be sitting and waiting to know what is going to happen and when at the end of the day I cannot remember a single instance during my own experience that I have been required to attend two mandatory events at once. At some points during this program, you will have exams every week for upwards of 6 weeks straight. It is in the nature of an academically competitive, accelerated bachelor's nursing program to have many exams that require a lot of time for preparation. However, with so many exams, you will likely have responsibilities other than just studying during exam weeks, because it is oftentimes simply not possible to organize everything outside of exams. This is a challenge of time management, but I can only encourage you to know that every student is dealing with the same challenges and you will be able to adapt to the schedule changes, just as a nurse with a heavy patient load would.

· Many of our classes have numerous professors assigning pre-work, which can lead to an overload and a lack of knowing just how to approach the incredible volume of assignments. We have had this problem in classes, however, after bringing it to the attention of the faculty, they have taken much more care in the readings they assign and help clarify what information is important to know. I have found great solace in turning to the professors for many issues and have found that they often do not realize there is a problem unless we come forth with it. The professors have been flexible and adapted courses throughout the semester if they recognize a problem in the way the course is being handled.

· The 74 exam average is exactly correct and a requirement of the program. Unfortunately, it is the main reason that I have lost many classmates who would have been incredible nurses, despite their ability to perform well on exams. It is easy to focus on the fact that nearly 25% of students have been removed from the program because of this requirement, but I challenge you to consider the 75% who are still enrolled and managed to maintain exam averages. Additionally, not all of those students left because of their grades, but rather many left for various personal reasons, by their own volition.

· The method of “throwing out questions” that caused many students to lose points on an exam is not used on every exam question the professors evaluate. More often, they will accept multiple correct answers, helping those who may have a good rationale for an “incorrect” answer while still maintaining the score for those who answered it correctly from the beginning. They will not throw out a question simply because most of the class answered it incorrectly, BUT because there is an error in the question that it was deemed an invalid question. This leaves the total exam score out of 49 instead of 50, which can lower your score if you got that question correct. That can be frustrating and I myself have “lost points” on an exam but this is not a mechanism in place intended to hurt anyone and keep them from succeeding. I have personally never heard of anyone removed from the program because of this policy.

· As I said earlier, there are many players in this program, especially with adding another campus to consider for the accelerated program (Jacksonville). Many times this leads to errors in communication. Our professors and administrators are human, they are not all-knowing, and many will admit to roadblocks they experience in conveying the correct message at the correct time. Especially right now with the virus, communication that is accurate and timely is a HUGE challenge for everyone, but it is not intentioned to cause us additional stress but rather we have been told repeatedly that as soon as they know what is happening, we will.

· The flipped classroom method was implemented to allow students an opportunity to apply the material they were expected to learn in pre-class assignments and readings through activities and active learning in class. Instead of regurgitating from the textbook, professors allow us the opportunity to apply the concepts in various methods. I personally have not been a huge fan of some of the flipped classroom activities, but some of them have been great. I find that when you have put in the work and are prepared for class, in-class activities can help focus in on the more difficult-to-understand topics and evaluate what the professor thinks is most important. Many professors after communicating if a certain style of teaching has not been working for the students have been flexible and adapted the way they are providing class to accommodate the needs of the students first and foremost.

· Not having transition to nursing practice sucks, but this is simply a reality of the new curriculum that began with our cohort. That being said, saying that you are unprepared to be a nurse for not having 5 weeks of practicing as a nurse is a little overstated. The experience may help solidify your confidence and provide you with more practical experience to allow an easier step into the nursing world, but 15 months of clinicals and classroom experience is not nothing and shouldn’t be treated as such. I have learned so much since beginning my path to becoming a nurse and I would step out into a job tomorrow if I could. Additionally, in my experiences with nurses in the field, many of them have conveyed the most important experience that helps with knowing how to apply your education and practice skills comes with orientation in the unit you will be employed in. I wish that we were getting the experience of transitions, I really do, but this does not make or break my ability to apply what I have learned to the career I want.

As you have probably gathered from my comments above, I have found incredible and even surprising support from many of my professors. I have felt the most supported now than I have throughout my entire collegiate education. I have been overwhelmed, frustrated, and stressed beyond belief, especially now with a ton of uncertainty with the remainder of our program, but I still feel supported and as if many of our professors, peers, and administrators are here to ensure that we make it through this. They have adapted many policies, including suspending the 74 exam average, 74 minimum on the HESI, and allowing S/U grading to support the needs of students now more than ever. UF has made some mistakes, but at the end of the day, I am proud to say I am a gatoRNurse.

You can blame many of the issues on so many other things, but I think this program is a great lesson on many of the challenges we will experience as nurses. Have some empathy and evaluate why are these things happening. If there is still dissatisfaction, it is your responsibility to communicate it. If that is unsuccessful, there is probably a reason. But if you are communicating issues that are changeable in the correct way to the appropriate people, change is possible. So, just as the other student said, never be afraid to advocate for yourself and other students, just consider what exactly you're advocating for first.

Nursing school as a whole is hard, and guess what, UF is no different. Those of you who are currently in the program: were almost done, you will be an amazing nurse, and you have already overcome so much. Those of you looking to start the program: it can be confusing and difficult to read these messages, but I promise you that you can make the most of this experience if you choose to. Please understand that your attitude can determine just how you handle the stress of a nursing program. I encourage all of you to continue to consider UF and think very carefully about why you are doing this and allow that to remain your guide throughout the ups and downs of nursing school.

pgabeach · May 6, 2020

Hi Everyone,

I am prospective student currently researching accelerated BSN programs. I live in Jacksonville so I was excited to learn that UF offers their program here. I am 9 years removed from my Bachelors so I need to complete the prereqs and I wanted to ask for recommendations on the best places to efficiently get these courses done. I am a mom so I am looking for online courses only. Secondly, has anyone heard of/used the online general ed course platform Straighterline? Thank you!

jmm17t · Jun 16, 2020

On 5/6/2020 at 9:22 AM, pgabeach said:
Hi Everyone,
I am prospective student currently researching accelerated BSN programs. I live in Jacksonville so I was excited to learn that UF offers their program here. I am 9 years removed from my Bachelors so I need to complete the prereqs and I wanted to ask for recommendations on the best places to efficiently get these courses done. I am a mom so I am looking for online courses only. Secondly, has anyone heard of/used the online general ED course platform Straighterline? Thank you!

Complete the pre-requisites at your local community college! It does not matter where you complete these, and community colleges have lower fees. They should have online classes available. I don't have any experience with Straighterline (had to Google it), so I can't offer any insights regarding that option. Best of luck to you!

JTwin01 · Aug 3, 2020

On 5/6/2020 at 9:22 AM, pgabeach said:
Hi Everyone,
I am prospective student currently researching accelerated BSN programs. I live in Jacksonville so I was excited to learn that UF offers their program here. I am 9 years removed from my Bachelors so I need to complete the prereqs and I wanted to ask for recommendations on the best places to efficiently get these courses done. I am a mom so I am looking for online courses only. Secondly, has anyone heard of/used the online general ED course platform Straighterline? Thank you!

Hey pgabeach,

I started a new thread for UF accelerated BSN 2021. I haven't gotten any responses from anyone applying for the 2021 semester. Do you want to keep in touch with me on that thread? Just search "UF accelerated BSN 2021" and you will see it. I would like to keep in touch with others who are applying to the program.

sage-femme, BSN, RN · Aug 4, 2020

On 6/16/2020 at 10:58 AM, jmm17t said:
Complete the pre-requisites at your local community college! It does not matter where you complete these, and community colleges have lower fees. They should have online classes available. I don't have any experience with Straighterline (had to Google it), so I can't offer any insights regarding that option. Best of luck to you!

I did all mine at FSCJ. Most were online. For anatomy/physiology and Microbiology though I needed the lab component. Not sure these are still needed; check the prerequisites page. I’m a mom too and I’m graduating next week with my BSN. You can do it ? Good luck!