UofC versus UofA

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Hi everyone,

First post!

I'm trying to decide between the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary for my accelerated nursing degree. I'm actually from Vancouver so I haven't met anyone doing or who has done the nursing program at either schools. This is how I've summed up the choice so far. Basically, the University of Alberta has a better reputation and higher admissions requirements. This might make a difference if I apply for a masters down the road. However, I don't like the idea of context based learning at UoA - I think I would prefer the typical lecture format at UoC. What I like about University of Calgary is that they have a neat simulation centre, the program is only 20 months as opposed to 22 (not a huge difference, but saves a bit of money), and that Calgary is a bit closer to Vancouver.

So, any advice given will be greatly appreciated since I need to make up my mind ASAP.

A more specific question: I don't drive, does anyone know which program would be preferable if I'm depending on public transit?

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only thing i know is that a lot of u of ab nursing students are not happy with their education( undergrad and masters students). They have voiced their dissatisfaction to me on many different occasions. Come to think of it, I can't think of one person who had anything good to say about their overall program. they seemed to have many grievances.

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I can second that. We dread having the UofAs students on the units. Often poorly prepared and don't want to do the hands on stuff. Many have had the "I don't plan on doing bedside nursing, I'm going to be a manager" attitude. Uhm, way more bedside nurses than managers, you don't get the degree without bedside care, and you can't become a manager without experience. One class in particular still brings shudders and groans on my unit.

The CBL approach seems to be the "wave of the future" around here.

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Hi Webfeet,

Did you decide Re: UofC versus UofA? I got into both as well for Fall 2009. I was planning on U of C but just heard about U of A, thus the option comes up. What are your final thoughts on the matter?

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Hey Fiona59,

Just curious, but do you know how Grant MacEwan College nursing students stack up against the U of A students? I've heard that Grant Mac has much more hands on learning, and I was just wondering if you've noticed a difference in their attitudes and/or skills.

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GMCC's are more willing to get their hands dirty and work. They don't come on the floor and ask their buddy nurse her educational background. My floor is roughly 50/50 RN (degree, diploma, and hospital trained) and LPNs. One class from the U tried to say they would only be buddied with RNs because what could an LPN teach them, this attitude was also promoted by their instructor. They were quickly brought in line and reminded that clinical time isn't a right and they don't get to pick and choose their buddy's until the final year and then the preceptor is an RN for a RN student and in the LPN programme a LPN preceptor.

We aren't looking for students to be humble. Just polite and willing to work. Doing a skill once and getting it signed off seems to be how most the U's crew operates, while GMCC's seem to understand that you might have inserted a foley in one man successfully but the next one might have a killer prostate.

What we are seeing and commenting on is a lack of quality control on the clinical instructors. Some have almost zero hospital experience or they have only worked on specialty units and have no idea of how a medicine or surgery unit works. It's a sad day when an LPN has to demonstrate to a clinical instructor how to remove a JP or trim a Penrose drain.

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Well it seems that I've chosen the right school then! When I began applying I was swayed by the U's name, I wanted to be seen as someone who was going to "University." But all I've heard is that Grant MacEwan is doing a better job teaching their student nurses.. and that's what I'm looking for when I'm spending all that money and time on school!

Thanks for the insight :)

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