Duke ABSN Fall 2011

U.S.A. North Carolina

Published

Hi all!

I know its early and the application isn't due until December 1st, but I was wondering if there was anyone else out there applying to the Duke ABSN program to start in August of 2011! I've already read through some of the previous semesters' threads and it seems like a great outlet for discussion/ questions/ nerves!

Let me know :)

KikiJ - I can absolutely relate to that. Everything I have heard about the program has been positive and it seems like they can provide some great opportunities. The thing that keeps them top of the list is that all my program options for an ABSN are expensive, so why not just go for the program that fits the best! And I keep hoping that the economy will improve.

hlr9433 - that's great to hear about doing clinicals in other countries. I had been wondering if we would have time to do things like that!

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KikiJ-

Thanks for the information from the session! I didn't realize that no one was offered a job last year- that's scary. I find that surprising since these large university hospitals usually have such a high turnover rate, but I imagine the area is saturated with new grads. Hopefully the economy will be better by the time we would graduate.

hlr9433-

Congrats on getting your application submitted! That's great! Thanks for the information also. I agree with oaktown2 about doing clinicals in other countries, that would be an amazing opportunity!

As far as the cost of tuition goes, I agree with oaktown2's statement in choosing a program that fits best. I really would like to work at a large university hospital especially in the beginning to gain experience. Many of those hospitals will offer tuition reimbursement even you did not obtain your degree there. Some will only pay a certain percentage of the total amount or so many $1,000s/yr. I doubt that the reimbursement would be as great or as quick as Duke's offer, but it is definitely something to consider and think about :)

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Hi -

Does anyone know if we just go ahead and ask for transcripts to be sent to the SON address? I want to get that process started, but am having trouble finding any specific instructions other then they need to be sent!

Thanks!

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Hi guys,

I'm applying for admission for Fall 2011 and I'm feeling pretty nervous. I've previously been working in laboratory science at a hospital lab for the last 7 years but recently decided I might be better suited for direct patient care. I'm not exactly sure what to write for my personal statement, but I guess I have some time to figure that out.

Anyway, I just wanted to wish everyone the best of luck with their applications.

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Oaktown2

You do send your transcripts directly to SON, but I called and got a little more specific address, just in case. They haven't said they have them, but the haven't said they don't:)

Benjamin801-

I am sending you good thoughts on the personal statement. That was by far the most difficult part of the application. I can see why they make you do it. You really have to think about why you want to do the program.

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Hi everyone! I too am applying to the Duke ABSN program for the Fall 2011 class! I received my undergrad degree in chemistry in 2006 and I have been working in a research lab since. I always knew I would go back to school but I was trying to decide med school or nursing. After many years of volunteering in hospitals and talking to various people, I have decided that nursing school is a better fit for me! I'm working on my application. Does anyone know if our letters of recommendation have to be from specific people..i.e. from professors or can it be from people you work for and volunteer for as well? I still have to take the GRE too...any advice on that?? I'm excited that someone started a thread for this!

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Hi VandyMeg,

I don't think Duke specifies who the recommendations should be from other than non family. I personally think it is good to give a mix so that you show all aspects, though if you have a recent professor, I would definitely include that. I have a masters degree, so I am exempt from the GRE, but with those tests in general I always found practice, practice, practice to be a good method. Good luck!

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Hi everyone!

I too went to the Information Session and it really got me excited about the program.

I have an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and a Masters in Biology (which I just completed after a long break!). I have had "several careers" including web development and project management. Currently my employers call me Mom :)

I am taking my pre-reqs online at Edgecombe Community College and it's keeping me really busy. But looking at the rigorous schedule of nursing school - it's a good warm up!

Does anyone know where they want to focus yet? I was originally thinking neonatal, but after some recent experiences I am leaning more towards women's health or obstetrics and perinatal care.

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Hi all,

I read on the thread for the spring 2011 that several of the people who were accepted are finding it very difficult to get it financed. The woman at financial aid suggested getting your credit in the best shape possible as soon as possible, since it is getting harder for everyone to borrow money these days. It would be awful to get in and have to decline the spot because of financing.

Just something to think about :twocents:

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Hi Blbriggs67 - I'm thinking that I will probably end up in some form of family practice. But I am trying to keep an open mind. I do also like labor & delivery and neonatal seems pretty amazing as well. I'm just looking forward to experiencing the various clinicals! What were your experiences with women's health?

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Hey Everybody! I am also applying to Fall 2011! I am very nervous but excited! It seems as if they let you know way before the others schools! :nurse:

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Hi ya'll. I am going to start the program in Jan, and I figured I could share a little of my experience. In the application process, it seems that Duke is most interested in who will make a good nurse and who will be a good "fit" for their program. Know why you want to be a nurse and be able articulate your experience and your goals. I spoke with nurses about my insecurities (I have never worked in a healthcare field) and about their experience, and I found talking to people with more experience was most helpful. I was able to gain a good deal of confidence in my decision to enter nursing and this served me well in the interview (and in the personal statement).

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