Welcome to PREPARE

The Bill and Brittany Conway PREPARE Program for prelicensure students

We are excited for you to become a part of the UIC Nursing family. Your own excitement might be mixed with a bit of anxiety about the new concepts, new ways of thinking, new ways of learning and many more new experiences ahead. That's why we've developed PREPARE: Pre-licensure Readiness Education Program for Aspiring Registered nursEs.

Four people pose and smile for the camera holding up red tote bags with

The Bill and Brittany Conway PREPARE program is a mostly virtual program that delivers evidence-based programming to strengthen your knowledge before your first nursing course. You will be introduced to ideas and content that are known predictors of success in a prelicensure nursing degree program, and you’ll be exposed to faculty expertise on critical topics. There will be pre- and post-assessments and links to resources so you can continue to work on improvement.

This program is no cost to you. It is funded by a gift from the Bedford Falls Foundation.

It is anticipated that students will spend two to five hours per week on PREPARE, but this is very individualized based on your assessments. You can spend more time if you wish. There is no grade associated with PREPARE.

PREPARE is a six-week program. The first session is a mandatory, and you’ll spend that day learning some of the most  important information for your first steps at UIC Nursing.

Date/TimeFor students at:Event Name
May 19 (Mon.)
12 to 1 p.m.		All campusesPREPARE Kickoff
Get an overview of what to expect in the PREPARE program and how it will support your transition into nursing school. This session will also introduce you to the ATI platform, which you'll use throughout the program for content review and skill-building. Learn about next steps and how to make the most of this opportunity.

Location: Online via Zoom link
June 2 (Mon.)
9 to 11 a.m. 		All campusesPREPARE for Takeoff: Orientation + TEAS 101
Start your PREPARE journey with a program overview and everything you need to know about the TEAS exam. We’ll cover key test sections, study strategies, and how PREPARE will support your success.

Location: Online via Zoom link
June 10 (Tues.)
12 to 1 p.m.		All campusesReady. Set. Go! Fire Chat on clinical and onboarding must-knows
We’ll cover onboarding steps, key deadlines, and tips to help you feel confident and prepared for your first clinical experience.

Location: Online via Zoom link
June 17 (Tues.)
12 to 1 p.m.		All campusesFire Chat: Getting ready for nursing courses with faculty tips and expectations
In this session, nursing faculty will share what you can expect in your upcoming courses, including teaching styles, course structure, and tips for success. It’s a great opportunity to hear directly from your instructors and start the program feeling informed and prepared.

Location: Online via Zoom link
June 24 (Tues.)
12 to 1 p.m.		All campusesFire Chat: UIC Nursing policies, student handbook highlights, and go-to resources
Learn the essentials of UIC Nursing policies, key sections of the student handbook, and commonly used student resources. This session will help you understand expectations and know where to turn for support throughout your nursing journey.

Location: Online via Zoom link
July 7 (Mon.)
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.		Chicago,
Rockford		PREPARE campus experience: From online to on-site
Join us on campus to connect with fellow PREPARE participants, meet faculty and advisors, and experience hands-on activities designed to reinforce key concepts from the program. This event is a great opportunity to build community, ask questions, and get a feel for the UIC College of Nursing before the semester begins.

Location: In person at Chicago campus
July 7 (Mon.)
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.		UrbanaPREPARE campus experience: From online to on-site
Join us on campus to connect with fellow PREPARE participants, meet faculty and advisors, and experience hands-on activities designed to reinforce key concepts from the program. This event is a great opportunity to build community, ask questions, and get a feel for the UIC College of Nursing before the semester begins.

Location: In person at Urbana campus
July 10 (Thurs.)
9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.		SpringfieldPREPARE campus experience: From online to on-site
Join us on campus to connect with fellow PREPARE participants, meet faculty and advisors, and experience hands-on activities designed to reinforce key concepts from the program. This event is a great opportunity to build community, ask questions, and get a feel for the UIC College of Nursing before the semester begins.

Location: In person at Springfield campus