[MegAlynn]

Hello!
I am starting the BSN program at DSN in January. I was wondering if there was anyone else who will be starting in January as well. Also, I need some advise on the financial aspect of school. I am 22 and I do not own a home therefore the SM loan is not an option. What else have other people done in order to come up with the money upfront? Thanks for the help. I look forward to talking to some other Jan. students (not that others are excluded J) Meg

[sross]

I will be graduating in December of 2006 for a BSN. I have found the program to be challenging and informative. It is definitly an accelerated program, so be ready to gear up and consume a book in 6 weeks. The clinicals have been excellent. We have a class of 32 students who are all very intelligent and have made an excellent impression in the workplace. I think that DSN will be one of the top Nursing programs in the state. The new administration is making is very challenging and highly competitive. I believe they are trying to compete with Regis's program. Good luck to anyone starting....I am sure that you will be fine and have a wonderful experience.

[l1k2s3]

I am starting the BSN program at DSON in October. I have been feeling nervous about the accreditation situation. I know the first RN class just graduated. Do you have some inside info on the accreditation process? Are there some hospitals that aren't hiring DSON students still? I had wanted to get a job as a CNA at a hospital during school (I currently work in LTC), but was told by admissions not to bother applying at certain hospitals, which disturbed me. It was great to read all the positive things you had to say about the program, it makes me feel better. Do you have more info to share???
Thanks

[sross]

We have an excellent reputation in the community....Denver Health has hired us as Nurse interns..one gal just got hired in another state...Porter Hospital is very willing to hire us...I think you are getting caught up in Rumors...dont worry all will be great...The accredidation will happen is just takes time...I am confident that the first class will all pass....The majority of the students in the BSN program have a previous bachelor degree.. So you are going to be surrounded by very sharp people.. I would be shocked if our entire class didn't pass the NCLEX.

[tlackey]

I just finished the LPN program at DSN, and I'm now in the RN program, graduating June '07. Becky Lynch (one of the deans) told our class they expected to attain accreditation by late spring of 2007. They are still working on going through the accreditation process, but now that DSN has had a few classes graduate (the first BSN class just graduated June 30th) it may make things a little easier.

I really like DSN, primarily for the instructors, and I have heard good things about the BSN programs. As far as I have seen and heard, most area hospitals like our students and have no problem hiring anyone from our school. I think at first, there was some hesitation since we aren't accredited yet, but I think we have proved ourselves out there as worthy nurses. I have had clinicals at Children's and St. Anthony's North.

Good Luck! I'm sure you'll like it.

[l1k2s3]

Thanks so much for the info. I think sometimes I just look for things to worry about. Thanks for making me feel much better.

[keland1]

HI!
I saw your post, and I am also starting the BSN program at DSN in April '07. It sounds like it is going to be pretty intense! Are you doing the Sallie Mae Loan? I am looking into other loans, because I heard that that loan has a 9-11% interest rate which seems high. Does anyone have any advice?

[PDC]

keland1,

You are about right on the Sallie Mae interest rate. You are also right that the program is pretty intense (especially if you are trying to work or have a family) but I think all nursing programs are fairly intense. I do have one idea that could possibly help with the financial aspect. You might try getting a job at a hospital that has a scholarship or tuition reimbursement program. I am working as a patient care tech at a local hospital and they are giving me some pretty substantial finacial aid in exchange for a commitment to work for them as an RN after school. I think most larger hospitals have programs like this, and at least at my facility these programs are available to all employees. Best of luck to you.

Pat

[studentnurse3]

Originally Posted by PDC

keland1,

You are about right on the Sallie Mae interest rate. You are also right that the program is pretty intense (especially if you are trying to work or have a family) but I think all nursing programs are fairly intense. I do have one idea that could possibly help with the financial aspect. You might try getting a job at a hospital that has a scholarship or tuition reimbursement program. I am working as a patient care tech at a local hospital and they are giving me some pretty substantial finacial aid in exchange for a commitment to work for them as an RN after school. I think most larger hospitals have programs like this, and at least at my facility these programs are available to all employees. Best of luck to you.

Pat

Pat,

What hospital do you work at? Curious as I have been trying to get my foot in at many of the local hospitals with no success. I want to get in for the tuition reimbursement program.

Thanks for any info.

[66busdriver]

I will be starting DSN in January. 9 days from today. WOOOHOOO. I am moving down from Steamboat springs CO to do this. I will post if anything unusual happens.

Craig