wait list for mercy school of nursing

May2011Grad · Aug 26, 2009

I didn't apply to Mercy however I am starting at Queens in their ASN program. Yes they require the CNA but you do not have to take the course. If you know the skills you can just take the test. They are only concerned that you are listed on the registry.

charmedhb · Sep 2, 2009

Don't freak out....I am in my fourth semester at Mercy, and I was waitlisted for Fall of 2008. Infact, most of my class was waitlisted. So, don't worry, take a deep breath. Oh, and class size varies dependant on graduating students and those that flunk out and can't return. So, you may have more than 30 spots. Our class started out with 44 students. My suggestion is get yourself prepared, everyone who has gone to nursing school will agree. Mercy is small which I love, but they expect you on your free time to be studying. Plus, the tests are based off of NCLEX styled questions, so they prepare you from the start to take your boards. The first semester can be difficult. My suggestion is if you aren't a CNA, go ahead and get that out of the way. It will only help you, if your already a CNA, you may want to look at getting your CNA II. This will help with your clinical experience.

Good Luck, Don't freak out.....I was in your shoes not so long ago....

nurschar · Sep 21, 2009

Hi CharmedHd,

I am a little confused on the nursing program time line at Mercy. I'm pretty sure it is 19 months and 5 semesters from what I've read, so if i were to start in Spring 2010, would it be Spring 2010, Summer 2010, Fall 2010, Spring 2011, Summer 2011 and then done?? So do they have a class graduating in the summer or do they skip summers and only do fall and spring semesters. Since you go there, I am hoping you can help clear this up for me. I have been accepted to CPCC and Mercy and have to make my decision ASAP as to where to go. Any recommendations??

Thanks!!

charmedhb · Sep 21, 2009

Nurschar,

Mercy is a five semester program...if you choose the normal route, they also offer an accelerated option, if you have completed all your pre-reqs. The regular program is 5 semesters, including summers....but you do have breaks some are a week some are two weeks. But, they believe in getting you in and out...and working. The accelerated option is only offered for incoming students in the Fall and Spring programs, that time frame is four semesters...but it is really intense. I was in the accelerated program...but being an older student, it takes me longer to study...so I went back to the regular program. I would suggest going to the NCBON website, NC board of nursing website and look under education, then public information, then look at the five year pass rates, if your unsure about which school to go to. http://www.ncbon.com/ Remember the nclex is the test you must take to become an RN...it was easy for me because Mercy has an outstanding record.... There is always debate about diploma vs degree programs. Mercy is a diploma program, but if you look at there five year pass rates, they are up there the best BSN and ASN programs. Infact, starting off there is no difference in the pay scales....

I hope this helps, if time permits, go and take a tour of both sites, that might make the decision easier...good luck

nurschar · Sep 21, 2009

CharmedHd,

THANK YOU so much for that information. I too am an older student and so I am trying to figure out which would be best for me. The thought of quitting my job and being a full time college student again is scary which is why I was thinking about the accelerated program, but I would never want to set myself up for disaster, so I'm thinking that one more semester is worth it , if it makes it a little less intense. I am starting in Spring 2010, so 5 semesters, that would mean I would be done after summer 2011???

Have you talked to anyone that went through the program at CPCC?? I am guessing that you enjoyed your learning experience at Mercy and woudl recommend it??3

Thanks for the help! It's one thing to talk to counsolers at the schools themselves, it's COMPLETELY different being able to get thoughts from students!!

THANKS!!

charmedhb · Sep 21, 2009

nurschar,

Yep, you are exactly right Summer of 2011. There are alot of older students at Mercy...some from all walks of life, so it makes for interesting clinicals that first semester. I would also look at what they consider passing, at Mercy 80 is passing. I was use to the college scale of grading, so this transition in grades was a surprise to me. In college 80 was a B, but at Mercy it is a C....so basically you must maintain an 80 average to pass. Which, that first semester was tuff, but I joke, if I can do it...anyone can. If you were accepted, that means your grades were good enough to get you in the door.....Let me know if you have any further questions....glad to help....

Good Luck....don't forget to check out those pass rates, its important to know, when deciding....what school to go to....

nurschar · Sep 21, 2009

CharmedHd,

Summer 2011 would be quicker than CPCC, whch woudl put me getting done in December of 2011, since I do not believe they go summers. I just check the pass rates, one year they tied, 3 years Mercy was higher, and then one year CPCC was higher, but mercy was still at 93%. So, that's great info for me, thanks!!

Yes, an 80 for a C is definitely different than college. That's a whole 10 points on most scales. I'm really nervous, b/c before the year of pre-reqs I've been doing, I have had NO experience in the health field or anything liek that. I just know I want to be a nurse. My B.A. was in Criminal Justice the first time around, so this is a huge shift in direction. It's what I want though, and I think I can do it, even though these forums have kind of scared me in a way about how HARD it is , especially the first semester.

Do you have any advice as far as making it through without goign crazy, haha. Do you know something now that you wished you knew then!? Thanks for letting me pick your brain!!! You have been SO helpful!!!

charmedhb · Sep 21, 2009

nurschar,

My suggestion is record the lectures, so if you miss something you can easily go back and review it. I did that my first semester and it helped alot. Also, if you get a digital recorder, you can look at the minutes and write that down beside the powerpoint handouts, there were times I couldn't write as fast as the instructors were spitting out info. So, I would go to the exact spot on the recording and re-write my notes. I didn't listen to the whole lecture, just the stuff I missed or didn't understand as clearly. There is alot of reading, I tried to read before the lecture, but it became almost impossible. But, if I would relisten to the lecture, re read the info in the book and if I still had questions, go to the source the instructor and ask. The first test is always scary, but study ahead of time, give yourself plenty of time to absorb the information. Don't forget to exercise, I never had time....so I gained 30 pounds...yikes...but don't worry...it gets easier. I was an A student, so it does un nerve you, that you are making C's....but who cares..you passed!! That is the motto of nursing school C=RN.....just remember every single point counts....Everyone, told us that once you passed fundamentals of nursing the classes get easier. I had a really hard time with Med-Surg....but it does get better. Just remember, nursing school is hard, but it has to be, to prepare you for the hospital enviroment. Soak in everything, every minute of the clinicals.....I regret, not being more of go- getter that first semester....Remember your instructors are there to teach you, if you have questions...ask!!! Make an appt. with them to discuss every test, if you didn't do well, be proactive, it will lead to your success.....Good Luck....

nurschar · Sep 21, 2009

Thank you, Thank you!!!

I will take your advice!!!

You've been such a help. Thanks for taking the time to write all that, I am So NERVOUS , but you have really helped ease my mind.

Have a good day!!

nurschar · Sep 21, 2009

CharmedHd,

Another questions..

I know you said that we have a few breaks at times, but do you know an estimate of how long the break b/t semesters really is. Is it longer between summer and fall start or maybe end of fall to start of spring???

charmedhb · Sep 21, 2009

I wish I could tell you, they vary....as I remember the fall break is a week, christmas break is approx 2 1/2 wks, spring break a week, and then between spring/summer semester there is approx a week, then from summer back to fall its approx. 2 1/2 weeks.....it varies dependant on your class schedule...., this summer I had three weeks off between semesters, but like I said it varies....

Good luck...back to studying