[nynurse2be]

I think it's a combination of things.

For one, most nurses do not get a PhD. In most universities, for a tenure-track position, a PhD is required. Hence the lack of tenure-track faculty. Most instructors are just that - instructors. Not publishing, not on the tenure track.

Nursing is also an expensive program to support, from a university standpoint. Insurance alone is $$$.

[jmg21887]

I completely understand and i get the same reaction from people wondering what it is soooo competetive to get into a nursing program. I came to the top nursing school in my state to find out that acceptance to the college does not mean you will be in the program. Are you going for your adn? i am in my second year at a university and thinking about trying for an adn program.

[Hopefull2009]

Originally Posted by carolinapooh

In a word - money.

Money, money, money. Becoming an instructor requires, occasionally, a cut in pay and benefits. And also - schools have to have money to pay instructors. They also have to have the resources to get more clinical site agreements to support the instructors they need to hire and the students they can now admit.

It's basically down to money. At least, that's how I understand it.

I totally agree with you. It's all about the money. My Chem professor said he made 6x his current salary as an instructor, as a Chemical Engineer. He retired from his company and just teaching school to supplement his income. He told me there would be no way you could have got him to teach school when he was younger b/c of the $$$$$$.

[carolinapooh]

Originally Posted by nynurse2be

I think it's a combination of things.

For one, most nurses do not get a PhD. In most universities, for a tenure-track position, a PhD is required. Hence the lack of tenure-track faculty. Most instructors are just that - instructors. Not publishing, not on the tenure track.

Nursing is also an expensive program to support, from a university standpoint. Insurance alone is $$$.

Our dean here told us that, technically, nursing school tuition does not cover the cost of our education. I'm sure that's true everywhere. Grants from companies like Glaxo and medical research institutions help, and we do have a fat endowment here, with investment profits that we share with the other health professions schools (PT, PA, and of course MD). And God knows I've written some whopping checks - but I don't doubt her words a bit. She said that typically schools spend good money on their development personnel, because they need talented folks that can go out and FIND, BEG, and GET the dough to keep places going.

[pn77]

Pls tell your family to believe you. Sometimes you even pass the entrance test - NET, TEAS but you still dont get in.

However, at your entrance interview, presentation and your need to get into the school shows in the way you answer questions etc. Show the admissions director that you really need it.

I went for the interview sort of like you go when going for a job interview - no jeans, etc. Just gave me some confidence...... Do it your way though. Good LUCK

[engima2174]

In CA Bay Area news today, nurse shortage is no longer an issue. California is putting out enough nurses that the shortage problem is no longer an issue. The problem was in 2003, and so 2005 programs were implemented to address the shortage. The seem to have worked, because of the 2 year programs, there are enough nurses who have graduated to fill in the void.

I feel for those people who are leaving their jobs chasing $$$, only to find out that upon graduating from nursing school, securing employment may become a major issue.

[katchup]

Originally Posted by nynurse2be

Anyone else getting this response from out-of-the-know relatives/co-workers/neighbors? I feel like they think I'm lying when I say the program I applied to has almost 450 applications for 25 spots. They look at me like I'm making it up!

Thanks for bringing this subject to fortfront because I ask my self that question and never received an answer until now.

[hiddencat]

I get that, and I also get incredulous looks when I express concern for being able to afford school. "But, aren't there all sorts of scholarships out there?" Kinda, but not really, you know? My state just ended its nursing loan forgiveness program, and hospitals in my area are in a hiring freeze because of the economy and the scholarships that do exist are super competitive and certainly not guaranteed.

I applied to Eastman School of Music out of high school- 300 sopranos auditioned for 12 spots. I feel like I'm facing those odds again- hopefully I'll be luckier this time around!

[natasha029]

I know what you mean, original poster.

There are truly many qualified applicants applying for small selective spots.

Too many civilians are unaware of how educated today's nurses are and the rigorous training and schooling we undergo.

CSN for an ASN degree in NOLA gets, I think, 1000 applicants per deadline for admission for like 50-100 spots? I remember the counselor telling me...

I know quite a few extremely well qualified and bright students having to reapply because there was just too many extremely well qualified..

[coolpeach]

My best friend, and I met when I was 2 years old, and she was born literally. Her parents are my God parents, and my parents best friends. She started to school the semester AFTER I did to become a teacher. She graduated last semester with a 4 year degree, and is now working.

It is true that I finally got my letter a couple of weeks ago, but I wont start until Aug, and won't graduate for a year, and a half after that.

I love my best friend to death, and she is always supportive, and understanding, but everyone else has driven me crazy.

How could she get a 4 year degree quicker than I could get a 2 year degree?
Are you still trying to get your associates degree dear?