West Coast University?

kithzeez · Jan 24, 2008

naaahh you will walk with you friends around. yes there is shuttle around. I will be in the campus too tomorrow at ACC building. Some of your lecture class will be in the cleveland building. I understand that it is your first time and you dnt have friends yet.

iheartnrsing · Jan 24, 2008

Hello, im a WCU graduate! theres two WCU campus now,LA & Anaheim. kithzeez is right on! 18 months was definitely fast pace and before you now it you're taking the boards! Alot of the instructors are really helpful and really nice. The instructors especially the clinical intructors are the greatest! You'll need alot of support from your classmates. especially when administration keep changing their policy. some do help and some just makes it harder for the students, which was a loooong struggle. But if the students voice out as a GROUP, they usually listen.... it's a new RN program soo they will keep changing their policys on grading, Hesi Vs ATI tests! For what its worth, it was stressful 7th & 8th term but all worth it when you passed the boards! I took my boards same week as my graduation! A day before graduation, I was a licensed registered nurse!!!

WCU tuition comes with all the books you need, uniform and etc. But if I were you, in some classes I didnt really needed the book in order to pass the classes. I took notes on the lectures and studied their handouts (depends on the instructor).

I was asked if I would recommend WCU to anyone.... If you've been waiting tooo long for CSU or Community Colleges, I would invest in WCU, 18 month and $50,000-$60,000! once you passed the boards! the amount you paid for WCU i think its worth it in the long run... just know that if you're goin to WCU, be on top of it! you really do NOT want to fail A CLASS cuz its $9,000 more!!! thats insane! the tuition is insane, i still think they should lower it!!! the passing rate for WCU for EACH batch is really high, my batch is in the 95%..im not kidding.

goodluck!

kithzeez · Jan 25, 2008

iheartnrs, Just that I needed. May I ask you the book I need to buy though next time?? You were right about the changes. what is good about it they do listen and put that into consideration and meet your demands half way. I am still stressed out with the 6th term this February but I will put myself together hahaha.

I know this is a very expensive school but the attrition rate to this school is very low considering it is one of the biggest rn school in CA ( ithink). So I always thought of Educational loan as investment. :)

I just hope I will do good...

We'llSee · Jan 25, 2008

iheartnrsing- good morning and nice to meet you. Congratulations on having graduated, I'm envious! How long ago did you graduate and what are you doing now?

kithzeez, orientation yesterday was very good and they were thorough. I'm excited about this new journey and more than a little scared about the studying, etc. I've got a good study ethic, but it seems like there will be alot to absorb!

Very exciting that there are three of us as such different places in our WCU journey, should be interesting as we compare notes!

One question about lab coats. How soon do we begin wearing them? The reason I'm asking is because if we need them sooner rather than later, it will change the size I order.

I agree too, a good education is a wonderful investment!

kithzeez · Jan 26, 2008

We'll see, If you have the anatomy I think they require the lab coat because you guys will disect pigs. I am not sure. I did not take my anatomy and physio there. but you can always say that you don't have your lab coat yet. they will understand that. for sure there will student that enrolled late.

iheartnrsing · Jan 30, 2008

Hi again--

kithzeez-- with term 6, gosh! im trying to remember term 6..hehe! oh yah! med/surg & psych!!! well if Dr. Levy is still teaching it but I heard its no longer her! Dr. Levy, contrary to might you have heard! She's one of the best instructors to learn from. We all joked still today, that we should have graduated with a side major in Psych!! She was awesome, her class and lectures were really the major thing that will ever stay in my mind. You will always use her techniques in the test taking whether ATI/HESI/NCLEX... and in the real world!

With Med/Surg- not too sure whos your instructor now! but I really didnt used the book to study, like i said, i studied off their lecture notes/handouts and the 2 BIG BOOK of MEDSURG is just a good reference.

We'll see- you'll definitely NEED the lab coat!! especially for anatomy! u dont want that "pig juice" on your clothes, it really clings!! im already working, it took me a while to find a really good new grad but I went to alot of hospitals, I knew where I wanted to work so Im glad im there! I work in a LA hospital (sorry couldnt be more specific)!:icon_roll

But gluck to both of you! We'll see - the first few terms are pretty much a lot of paper work/APA is a must! and aloooooot of presentations! hang in there!

Kithzeez- like I said term 7 and 8 was the busiest out of all the 18 months!:smilecoffeeIlovecof make sure ur not working!! alooooot of test and days on campus and clinicals! But I wouldnt worry too much about clinicals, it's actually not stressful, its the lecture tests are stressful!

To both of you -- make sure you have a study group! I used to not believe in study groups because of all the chit chatting that might happen..instead of studying...but I got a great FEW study group that worked (we sticked together even studying for the NCLEX) then when it came to joining a BIGGER study group -- it was alot easier cuz you're just sharing notes and study techniques.

FOCUS! FOCUS! its overwhelming i know! been there! but try not to be tooo hard on yourself if you didnt do well in one of the test! You can always correct yourself early on and try not to make the mistake again! most of all ..the POWER of POSITIVE THINKING!

SUPPORT! SUPPORT! family & friends - especially your classmates-- work together!

PRAY!PRAY! -- its the one thing that pretty much gave us the extra boost! (if you're not religious! it really wont hurt if you start now)

iheartnrsing · Jan 30, 2008

BTW, always voice out any concerns! you guys are actually pretty lucky because, when I was still at WCU, there were soooo many last minute changes! they usually come to talk to you in class before another term begins and talk about whats to come, usually, dont be surprise if theres a change. Like I said, its still a new program, sooo voice out any concerns, always be true to the evals! they do read them no matter how many times they ask you to fill them up!

Regarding when I graduated-- we were the batch that was well liked by all the instructors and clinical instructors (not to brag or anything, but soo we heard from other later batch) --- but administration not soo much cuz we will always complain of unfair treatment with sme changes in the policies and we have students in my batch that are notorious rebels when it comes to administration...which by the way, we always back up the those notorious students, if it wasnt for them, they wouldnt have done anything if we had just stay quiet... always OPEN up, its your school, you're paying $50,000- $60,000... get your money worth!:cheers:

kithzeez · Jan 30, 2008

Iheartnrsing, I believe we are going to have dr levy. I haven't met her/him whereas our instructor in Medsurge is mr Santiago already introduce himself to us. if that is the leadership class maybe. Im more worried about the hesi test. I am not working thanks to my hubby. thanks for your good advices. I actually have good group to study with but unfortunately one of my classmate cannot gofourth because she did not pass the hesi . I have neighbor here that is a graduate of WCU in mid 2007 she is now working in CHMC. he he eh I wish I can talk to her to know some tips. But I heard their group are good as well.

I just hope I will pass through this courses/ test and stress ahhahaha. My anxiety level is up to my throat. haaaay.... :specs:

Again thanks a lot...

iheartnrsing · Jan 31, 2008

Iheartnrsing, I believe we are going to have dr levy. I haven't met her/him whereas our instructor in Medsurge is mr Santiago already introduce himself to us. if that is the leadership class maybe. Im more worried about the hesi test. I am not working thanks to my hubby. thanks for your good advices. I actually have good group to study with but unfortunately one of my classmate cannot gofourth because she did not pass the hesi . I have neighbor here that is a graduate of WCU in mid 2007 she is now working in CHMC. he he eh I wish I can talk to her to know some tips. But I heard their group are good as well.
I just hope I will pass through this courses/ test and stress ahhahaha. My anxiety level is up to my throat. haaaay....
Again thanks a lot...

Yay! you'll enjoy Dr. Levy's Psych class! she also taught leadership! but Psych was very interesting and her storiesssss! Made me scared going into Psych Clinicals but clinicals was interesting too, but wasnt too bad! With Dr. Levy, just make sure you know what grades you're getting, take notes of each time you take a test or anything you turn in to her! (ADVICE SHOULD FOLLOW: trust me on this) cant divulge you into more details but just stay close to your grades.

AaaaH! MR. Santi! yah I remember hiM! ok! advice i can give you is...get ready to see videos of his lil kid! (but dont know if he still does it) he loves youtube videos! his jokes are pretty lame! LOL! im jK! This guy is very strict on grading, he likes 2 change things around with administration! But he's ok! ull see! his teaching methods are definitely..ummmm...lets just say not as interesting....but he means well...hahahhaa! you're making me bring back memories at WCU ..*sighs* :roll ---- i just realized Psych doesnt come in till term 7...mah bad! but leadership was cool too! hehehe

As far as HESI- make SAUNDERS NCLEX REVIEWER your bestfriend starting now on term 6!!! Definitely use the CD for practice question! if you can get the latest version, even better!! Saunders will be the greatest content book that you can study for HESI/ATI & NCLEX--- Saunders was by buddy since term 6!

theres another reviewer, ummm DELMAR's REVIEWER-- "NCLEX-RN review 5th Ed" by Alice M. Stein I heard the CD and Practice Questions helped some students on HESI...

As far as ATI - since term 6, you know those ATI CDs that you guys got, it was a bunch of them! put them on your IPODs or MP3 players... we used it alooooot, it helps alooooot tooo... u can take it with you anywhere, gym, school, shopping, (u get the idea?!) ask someone to transfer the audio onto the MP3 players...it gets booooring to watch the video...soo listening to it over and over and over helps... Some of my classmates actually watched the videos and took notes. but thats not for me! Plus it will help you definitely on term 8 and NCLEX Boards. A friend of mine even bought more ATI Reviewer Books online outside our school bookweb ....besides what the school gave us! I saw it, it was really good, dont know why the school didnt pick that instead of those other ones. Plus, the ATI online that they give you, DEFINITELY PRACTICE THOSE!!!

Here's a tip that I can tell you: ATI test are CONTENT based with critical thinking ofcourse...

HESI tests are CRITICAL THINKING based with ofcourse content..

i hope you understand it, if you're confuse, just let me know.

anyways, always glad to help another nurse making into the RN world soon...YAY! you're almost there term 6 was hard but nothing can prepare you even more till you come to term 8...term 7 was fast cuz you'll have OB/Peds/???

you know what i think im getting confuse with term 6 and term 7

wait term 6 is Med/Surg and Leadership?? (i think so now)

term 7 ob/peds/psych??? ( hMMmm...)

term 8 for sure is advance med/surg and Mr. Santiago's TEST TERM!!!

anyways, hope this helps!!!!

:biggringi

:prdnrs:

kithzeez · Jan 31, 2008

Ihrtnrsing, you are just a "heaven sent" sent to me. I don't know if you heard about the term ahead of us.. 25 ppl failed the first time. I dunno know if they all pass the second. that is why I am freaking out. in our class 17 ppl failed the first, I just hope they all pass. Haaaay!!! it is really growing on me now. I did the video cd in my Ipod long time ago. It was really good. I had a copy of the saunders Nclex that I got from a friend of mine who has a friend from the term ahead of us.

I am really trying to do some readings to the aTI book. my books will not come till the day of my first day. I just wish I can catch up with the reading.

thanks a lot for the great advice and tips. I will really keep on eye on my grade.

iheartnrsing · Jan 31, 2008

Ihrtnrsing, you are just a "heaven sent" sent to me. I don't know if you heard about the term ahead of us.. 25 ppl failed the first time. I dunno know if they all pass the second. that is why I am freaking out. in our class 17 ppl failed the first, I just hope they all pass. Haaaay!!! it is really growing on me now. I did the video cd in my Ipod long time ago. It was really good. I had a copy of the saunders Nclex that I got from a friend of mine who has a friend from the term ahead of us.
I am really trying to do some readings to the aTI book. my books will not come till the day of my first day. I just wish I can catch up with the reading.
thanks a lot for the great advice and tips. I will really keep on eye on my grade.

oh wow..that is alot compared to my batch but then again, im just glad we ALL almost finished together (a few meaning, 7, which i think is still alot, did get held back another term:(!!!) the current term 8 people now, i have several friends there! but its already week 10 soo they are done but I heard there's still quite a few that hasnt passed the Exit Exam..one of them is a friend of mine, but he know where he went wrong, he partied too early!! sooo we're kicking his butt right now to get serious.. $9,000 is not a joke!

but term 7 is hard but fast, i didnt even feel term7 cuz sooo many papers, community hours (which by the way, complete your hours as soon as you guys get the place) presentations and tests, like I said its the busiest term cuz its three classes plus 2 clinicals in same week...ull b in school either lecture or clinicals 3-4x a week....i can totally understand the stress level....

Stress is ok...but tooooo much stress is your enemy, too much anxiety and hearing about how many people that didnt pass! Put it this way, learn from those people! i took those tests, yes i did pass most of it but theres still sme i didnt... but you have to study... study smart not hard is what I always say to my classmates! take breaks in between when reading or studying... take a POWER NAP! ( i even took a power nap with a friend of mine in our car b4 a big test, cuz we just came from clinicals ) OFCOURSE we had our alarm ons and friends making sure we woke up 1 hr before the test..hehehe which by the way, i dont really suggest but coming from a loooong clinical that day, we had to take a POWER NAP...and im glad we did cuz we passed the test!

we studied everyday, but weekends we spent time with family and friends, you gotta have some life...but with WCU, i dont blame u if it has become your life for the next coming last 3 terms...LOL!

with those wk 9 Hesi/ATI test... expect that, sme wont pass it the first time, i always think its either two things: they didnt study or they let stress run their minds!!

i swear, i gained wrinkles coming out everytime week 9 came!! especially term8 where every week was "week 9" hesi/ati...LOL!

if you dont pass it the first time, its sad and more stressful but shake it off, i believe you get three chances... but make sure you pass it the second time, cuz the third time...gosh the horror and torture of stress!

but if you really prepared yourself from the studying, rest your mind a bit...prepare yourself as a WHOLE, mentally, psychologically, spritually and all of it will be ok... like i said... surround yourself with POSITIVE THINKING and support from friends/classmates/family/pets/ anything or anyone...

I'll be your cheerleader from now on:anpom:... I BELIEVE YOU'LL SUCCEED WCU TESTS!!

(ill try my best to check all nrsing...)

thanks for the "heavensent"... im just glad i could help...

:prdnrs:

We'llSee · Feb 1, 2008

I envy you both for being done/close to done. I'm proud of you both and grateful to both of you for the inspiration and the encouragement. I have a strong feeling that I'll be asking you a lot of questions once classes get going.

Now that I've got the NCLEX behind me (I took it today, yikes! It turned off after 85 questions, so I'm hopeful....but it was hard!) I can focus on classes and stop spending every moment studying for the NCLEX.

Kithzeez, best of luck to you as you begin the new term. You must be getting excited because you're so close to done, yes? Iheartnrsing, I will most definitely get on with the lab-coat!! In the event that the lab-coat I order isn't here in time, will they allow me to use the coat from my LVN school? There is no logo on it; it is simply a long sleeved lab-coat.