I have read & reread the posts on here about West Suburban but I really didn't find out enough--- I really only have a couple of options for schools to apply to & they were on my list. However, it seems like the majority of their students have had a horrible time & they're pretty expensive. Could some current or recent graduates just share a couple sentances on their experience?
Even just applying is a lot of work (TEAS test, etc.) and I don't want to even apply if all the posts on here (I know some of them are dated) are anywhere near true...
To preserve academic integrity, I think all the ATI being administered are proctored from now on. If you fail, you must try again without the books.
As for the Daytime, their schedule is a swamped schedule. Be prepared to be stressed out in addition to passing the ATI. The ATI is an exit exam. No matter what grade you get for the class, the ATI is the one that will determine whether you pass or fail. They are styled like the NCLEX so it's pretty tough.
With so much information overload in just 7 week blocks, be prepared to eat, drink, and sleep nursing everyday.
If you plan on working, I heartily recommend the Evening/Weekend program. With clinicals, projects, papers, quizzes, exams, and study time, you'll be hard-pressed to find time for work and do well in your courses. In fact...if I were you, I'd switch over to the E/W program. The pace is slower since you take fewer courses, but you still graduate the same time. The only sacrifice is taking summer school.
Oh geez... I'm getting nervous again. I'm a good student but I tend to get pretty stressed out easily. I really don't want to overwork myself to the point of insanity...
Can you give me an example of how a week's classes/clinicals are like every week? (i.e. do you have a lecture MWF 10-11am and other class MWF 12-1p and a class TR 8-9am and a clinical on Mondays from 2-5pm) I'm picking my classes next week, but I just want a heads up so I know what I am getting into.
Time management is the key to survival. Work hard and work smart.
Clinicals can be on Tues or Wed. and are usually from 7 am-1:30pm.
You might be taking Pathophysiology from 12-3pm on M and Th, Health Assessment lecture on Monday from 3-5pm with a Lab any day at a designated time, and Fundamentals from 9:30-12 Th and Fri. That's just for the first 8 weeks.
The other 8 weeks you might be taking Health Assessment II, Clients with Disruption (CDH), and Pharmacology Online class. Keep in mind that you now have to study for 2 ATI exams in order to pass for both Fundamentals and Pharm.
With the enormous amount of reading you will have to do, you'll soon be asking 'what did you just get yourself into.'
Time management is very important!! It's good to set up a schedule and stick to it. You'll need to learn how to study effectively since those 7 week blocks go by quick and then it's on to another set of classes.
But, if nursing is what you want to do then go for it! :wink2:
I've heard that the first semester is the hardest... do you guys agree? I don't feel like I am ready to endure all of the stresses... But I understand that i've gotta do what i gotta do!
I agree! The first semester is the hardest since you don't really know what to expect.
Each class has its own pace. However, it seems like those first 2-3 weeks of a new class drag by and then it's time for midterm and finals.
Also, when it comes to testing, everyone has there own style of tests/quizzes. Some take them from the book (quiz banks) and others write them. You have to be able to adapt. It does get somewhat easier though.
Speaking of studying... I should probably be doing that right now. :wink2:
If it wasn't for these forums, I would be in shock of the way how nursing schools run. I expected the worst, so I prepared myself to keep up with the pace and never lose track of the goal. You only get 2 strikes, and then you're out of the school. If that doesn't motivate you, check your blood pressure to make sure you're not going crazy. I assure you, trying to keep sane in nursing school is an abnormal value.
I agree with sn216. Since you don't know what to expect, always be on top of your game. Nursing school is the real deal. You've made it. However, the first semester is also the hardest because of the 2 dreaded subjects that students usually fail on: Patho and Pharm. It's one or the other. If you can tackle these, the rest of courses shouldn't be as bad...I hope.
Ok, as for loans, when you get your little booklet catalog detailing the rules and stuff of the school, there's a section on what loans they give out. Check your school email as well since they sometimes give info out on loans.
You start with a brand, new slate of G.P.A. When you apply for Loan Forgiveness, make sure your G.P.A is at least 3.0 or 3.5 to maintain the loan. So that means no C's. If you're really a headstrong overachiever, try getting on the Dean's List each semester.
For everybody though, I think the new "A" is a "C". Knowing that you pass is enough.
xc31
15 Posts
To preserve academic integrity, I think all the ATI being administered are proctored from now on. If you fail, you must try again without the books.
As for the Daytime, their schedule is a swamped schedule. Be prepared to be stressed out in addition to passing the ATI. The ATI is an exit exam. No matter what grade you get for the class, the ATI is the one that will determine whether you pass or fail. They are styled like the NCLEX so it's pretty tough.
With so much information overload in just 7 week blocks, be prepared to eat, drink, and sleep nursing everyday.
If you plan on working, I heartily recommend the Evening/Weekend program. With clinicals, projects, papers, quizzes, exams, and study time, you'll be hard-pressed to find time for work and do well in your courses. In fact...if I were you, I'd switch over to the E/W program. The pace is slower since you take fewer courses, but you still graduate the same time. The only sacrifice is taking summer school.
Good luck...