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...
I've been reading the various threads on this school and it seems like their moving into a positive direction. I applied for the generic BSN starting this fall. For those of you in the program now, how long did it take for you to hear back? Thanks heaps for for input!
I've read some really bad things on west suburban. Is it really that bad? Would anyone that attends this program that actually likes it:yeah:, please advocate the advantages of going to this school?
I've read some threads that said that nurses that graduated from here were embarrassed to tell people that they came from west suburban. And that they didn't even want to be pinned. And it makes me sad that I might be ashamed of my program, I want to be proud of it! And wear my pin proudly!
I know that nursing school may be hard, but I want to hear good things. And that with hard work you can do very well, pass the NLCEX, and be a very prepared nurse.
I am waitlisted at UIC, and this is the only other school that I applied to... Would it be better if I decline west suburban for Fall 2009? And then applied to other nursing programs? Like maybe chamberlain in Addision, IL? It's new, so I'm not sure if it would be better. Or should I wait and apply for Spring 2010 programs?
Please help. I'm really sad if west suburban is this bad...
I must say that I am not at all impressed with this school's administration, especially the utter lack of communication. Since the January deadline for the fall I've called twice to verify that all my papers are in order. Both times I was assured that there was nothing else they needed. I received a call TWO WEEKS AGO stating that there were questions about my application and one thing was missing. In a span of a week I called back everyday to get a hold of the advisor & was never able to reach her (this is a new advisor since my old one no longer works there... I had no idea she left). I left 3 messages and STILL have not had the courtesy of a call back from this new person. Lo and behold an acceptance package arrived in the mail today. I called back again today (the FINAL time) just to verify that everything is in order and to answer their previous questions but got the run around from the staff. Basically I was just told to fill out the forms and send them in before the deadlines. But I was reminded more than once not to forget my deposit (which is due in one week, mind you)! When I had questions about specific things like tuition (which is not detailed at all in the acceptance package), I was transferred twice before the line went dead.
This school was my first choice. When I didn't hear from them I went ahead and made arrangements with my second choice. I called today to inform them of my acceptance here and they're very understanding. But I should note that I've already done my background check & physical as well as have my ID & financial aid set for this other school. So really, I'm set to start elsewhere than West Sub and from what I've dealt with the past two weeks I don't really have the desire to put up with this mess anymore.
Apart from administration, I have my reservations about the teaching at West Sub. I have an uncle & cousin who both work in the West Sub network. My cousin is a CNA and is looking to get her BSN. Her advice to me was to avoid this school. The clinical staff is stubborn and reluctant to help students. Teachers here are unhappy causing students to be frustrated and unhappy as well. She said the only positive things she's heard are regarding the new tutoring program West Sub has incorporated.
To be honest I've not yet decided if I will pursue an education at West Sub. The fact that the program is 8 months shorter is a plus but is that enough? If I wasn't treated so well at my second choice, honestly I don't think I would turn down West Sub. But now that I have something to compare it to its hard to overlook the disorganization over there.
Go with your intuition, especially if it is telling you to stay away from West Suburban! Just Kidding. But on a serious note, my boyfriend applied to this school a few years ago, and had three experiences of West Sub disorganizing his file, and continually coming back to him letting him know he was missing this or that. Count that: THREE BAD EXPERIENCES WITH THEIR ADMISSIONS OFFICE. His sister attended their accelerated program and told me that it's all self study. She said the instructors are all practicing nurses at the hospital and had absolutely no time to help with the work. They tell you to show up at 5:30 am when they are availiable, and then there is a long line outside of their office. She felt that for the money she was spending, she deserved far more than teachers telling her to read the book and that's it. She said she did not feel that they really taught her anything. I also know a nurse who knew three people who did not pass their nclex after several tries, and I myself saw a commercial recently that West Suburban hospital does not comply with JCAHO standards, and receives poor customer satisfaction surveys.
I considered West Sub long ago because of it's convenient location near my home, but decided to attend another nursing school, and I'm glad that I did. West Suburban has a horrible reputation as far as I have heard from people who have attended there.
And that they didn't even want to be pinned. 
pnclpr
2 Posts
Hi All,
I've been reading the various threads on this school and it seems like their moving into a positive direction. I applied for the generic BSN starting this fall. For those of you in the program now, how long did it take for you to hear back? Thanks heaps for for input!