[liv2b]

All you need to know about ISU's Fast Track BSN program in BOISE: http://www.isu.edu/boisectr/p_bs_nursing.shtml.

I'm currently attending this program and I love allnurses.com. This program has awesome staff and great students. Students are all obtaining a second degree so they know how to study and have unique backgrounds (which adds to my experience). I feel like I could study with any one of them and be prepared for some of those difficult tests.

I am at the half way point right now and I remember being in the same shoes, "where will I go", "does this program have what I need", or "how quickly will it get me out the door and on the hospital floor." I think it is best for second degree students and defiantly quicker (thereby cheaper) than bridging RN to LPN. Obviously, I'm a fan of the program, but anyone who has been to college knows there are always bending; thankfully, it is only 4 semesters of bending. Expect loans, do what needs to be done, and get that degree!

Anyways, there is a new building next year so that means everything will be shiny. The class last year had an admission ratio in the range of 20/60 and this year was much more favorable 20/30. I felt good about the quality of my team though. It seems like we have a lot of time in the hospitals and the lecture is driven toward practice...although it doesn't skimp either on the fluffy nursing theory (I got to meet Jean Watson!). I love how there are opportunities to give back to the community; many are involved in other ways but during the break, some students will volunteer running a health screening clinic. Talking with other nursing students, it seems like they don't have the same opportunity to connect in clinical or with their professor; class size is small and the idea is to drive as much information into our brains as possible in a short amount of time.

This program seems like one of the best kept secrets in the area. Cheap tuition like ISU but uses the same great hospitals as BSU. Most students have families and are STRESSED between obligations there and with school work. Talk to anyone of them and I bet they will tell you it is the right direction. Also, make a point to 'interview' professor Goodwin or professor Quiroz; the faculty is warm and supportive.

I will answer what I can but you really should get online, educate yourself, and come and check out everything before you make a decision. Boise is amazing too and having moved here for the program, I loved exploring the 'big city' with many who have been here for some time. Good luck!