DUKE ABSN Fall 2012

AnginaAngelaRN · Jan 13, 2012

Be yourself, look nice, smile, and do NOT ask "Do I really have to change adult diapers?"

:nono:

Seriously, guys.

moggsy · Jan 13, 2012

Oh good lord, I hope someone really didn't ask that... :eek:

southeRNgirl185 · Jan 18, 2012

marmiesgurl15-I got the job I have now by just being lucky, I saw a job posting for recent grads with psych backgrounds and applied! I have found it to be one of the best, most eye-opening experiences. We do a lot of crisis intervention and deal with children who have significant psych/trauma histories. My boss calls our unit the "ICU" of mental health; our goal is to stabilize the children. The nurses on my unit definitely do less of the typical nurse skills that you would find on a medical unit, however they are amazing at providing therapeutic education to the kids, and I look up to so many of the nurses that I work with (they certainly helped inspire me to apply to nursing school)! If you have any other questions let me know, the psych field is tough but so rewarding! Hopefully I will see you on the 30th!

2bEsqtoRN · Jan 19, 2012

Ladies and gents, I wanted to ask a question to all prospective (and current) students who may be presented with a similar dilemma:

Is Duke really worth the huge price tag, especially if your plan is to pursue an advanced nursing degree after the ABSN? Why are you willing to take out a loan (if applicable) to attend this institution?

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Duke and cannot see myself attending anywhere else but Duke but my goodness, the price tag scares me for only an ABSN!!

Would love to hear thoughts from others who are certain they will be taking out a loan to attend should they be accepted. I'm so torn right now. *sigh*

guest464345 · Jan 19, 2012

I don't think Duke, or any school, is truly worth $60k for a BSN. In my experience, hospitals/clinics don't give much credence to a big-name nursing degree; it's not like business or law school. Where I live now, the hospital recruiters actually prefer RN's trained at the community college (due to their reputation for extensive and very solid clinicals).

So why am I applying? I don't have ideal choices for doing a BSN close to home, and I'm older (and have more savings) than most students so I'm particularly anxious to make quick progress. I will likely need to move out of state to get an MSN with the specialty I want in any case; I really like the looks of Duke's MSN program and I'd rather not move cross-country twice. The other programs I'm considering are direct-entry MSN programs, all private schools except one, and the first year in those programs is typically almost as expensive as Duke anyway. Finally, I hope to be making more money than an RN at the end of my process (as an NP), so loan repayment won't be as crushing.

In my particular set of circumstances, Duke might make sense. Still, I will sit down and take a long hard look at the numbers if I am lucky enough to be accepted.

For most students though, I think it's a bad idea to take on that level of debt. You're looking at starting salaries as low as $18/hr in some states, or maybe up to $28ish in very high-cost cities, plus a very challenging new-grad hiring scenario currently. Loan repayments will be seriously affecting your lifestyle for a long time. For many people I think it makes sense to do an ABSN or traditional BSN locally at a state school, and then spend the big bucks on grad school instead.

Just my two cents :) Good luck with whatever you decide!

kce32305 · Jan 19, 2012

Hi all!

I'll be attending Duke's ABSN for the Fall 2012. I hope I see all of you there! I saw some of you inquiring about the MADIN II program, and since I completed the program this past summer, I thought I would chime in.

I applied to the program last year, and so I was given provisional acceptance during my junior year of college. I was the youngest one in our cohort this past summer (everyone had already graduated undergrad), and so I'm finishing up a bachelor of science in chemistry with minors in biology and spanish, and will be done in May.

The MADIN program was FANTASTIC. We got clinical exposure in the hospital every week, visited the NC board of nursing and heard them try real cases dealing with drug abuse, misconduct, etc. We took (AND GOT CREDIT FOR) Introduction to Professional Nursing, a course that you generally take your first semester. We all got As. So none of us had to (or will have to in my case) take that class again, unlike all the other incoming students. We also sampled advanced pathophysiology, which is taken in the first semester. Since we didn't have time to take the whole class, we didn't get credit, but the experience was invaluable. She treated us just like real students so we know how she composes her tests, her teaching style, the level of difficulty we can expect, etc. We met the President of Duke Hospital. We worked on a scholarly research project..(since I want to be a CRNA I worked with one of the CRNA faculty at Duke- he is now a close mentor who eagerly anticipates my application to the program). This mentor also introduced me to the chief CRNA of Duke Hospital and we had lunch with her. She made a phone call and got me in to shadow a CRNA in the OR 20 minutes later. The list really goes on and on. You can make so many connections through networking, and that is one of the best parts of the program.

Right now, a few of my other mentors (and the overseers of MADIN II) are working on a GREAT deal with Duke Hospital. I don't want to say too much, as it isn't finalized, but I will say that it includes FULL TUITION REIMBURSEMENT AND A GUARANTEED JOB UPON GRADUATION. And since I need to be in an ICU for CRNA school, I've been basically guaranteed that they'll find me a job in an ICU. They really look out for you and care about your success at DUSON. The school is beautiful and the faculty is wonderful. Spending the summer there and being able to familiarize myself with the school before starting in the Fall was a great advantage to being a MADIN scholar.

Even for those of you not interested in MADIN, the ABSN program alone is awesome. The clinical instructors are friendly and so knowledgeable. And as you know, the ABSN has 15 graduate credits built in, so for those of you planning to pursue a master's, PhD, or DNP at Duke, those credits equate to about 25% of your next degree!, depending on the specialty you choose. There are also major perks for working at Duke hospital after you finish the ABSN program, including tuition reimbursement, RN loan forgiveness, continuing education reimbursement, etc.

Just wanted to offer some info since I already have admission and have participated in MADIN and spent the summer at the school, taken a class, and met the faculty. Let me know if you have any questions!

2bEsqtoRN · Jan 19, 2012

kce32305, that is just AWESOME!!! So are you suggesting that there might be a possibility that MADIN scholars will obtain full tuition scholarships alongside guaranteed job placement?? I am also interested in the CRNA route and am truly amazed and excited to hear what Duke offers with respect to providing networking opportunities for their students!

Also, regarding MADIN, would you say that GPA is extremely important? Do you happen to know if there is a required GPA to be considered for the program?

ETA: I also have heard that MADIN scholars are required to maintain a certain GPA whilst in the program. Would you happen to know more about that?

kce32305 · Jan 19, 2012

Hi dear!

Yes, FULL TUITION reimbursement and a guaranteed job after you graduate; not sure if you have an interest in oncology but this included Duke's brand new cancer center, opening in May I believe. They are going to need a butt load of new nurses and they obviously look to DUSON graduates first to fill these positions. You know, this past summer was the first MADIN II cohort, so we were really the guinea pigs for the program. One of the things they didn't really address before the implementation of this program was FUNDING! As racial minorities from disadvantaged backgrounds, 8 out of 10 of us had NO IDEA how we were going to pay for this program. The only reason the other 2 got approved for loans was because they had a little work experiences and were able to secure the large loans without co-signers.

Since realizing the financial crises of our cohort (and most likely future scholars as well), they have been working so hard to increase funding, and this is their biggest initiative yet toward making sure we can AFFORD such an education without going into crazy debt (as most already HAVE debt from their first bachelors!). MADIN offered the scholars who started Fall 2011 more than $20,000 in scholarships, which, from what I hear, future scholars will also receive. Over the summer, they also bought our stethoscopes, pathophysiology book (which is easily over $200) and a pair of scrubs! - all things you will need for the program that you get free from MADIN and don't have to buy. I can't remember exactly right now but MADIN also provides a monthly stipend of $250 during, I think, the last semester of the program. And, remember that they offer the $10,000 Robert Wood Johnson scholarships for minorites in nursing, so there's a good chance you'll get one of those on TOP of everything. In the coming weeks, you may also hear that the Dean was just as adamant about making sure a diverse group of students could begin to populate DUSON, and so they have completely revised their scholarship process AND increased need-based scholarship monies. You used to have to separately apply (write an essay, etc) for their scholarships. Now, once you submit your FAFSA, you are automatically considered for ALL scholarships, with the highest amount obviously going to those students demonstrating the highest need. Sorry to get off on a bit of a tangent, but this is great stuff to know lol..we are all concerned about money!

As far as GPA, I'm not sure how important it is. I had a 3.80 when I applied to MADIN (slacked off sophomore year!) and now have a 3.85. I never really asked the others what their GPAs were, though I do recall someone had a 3.3. 2 people in my cohort had master's. The minimum GPA is a 3.0, just like for the ABSN program. Don't focus on your grades anymore at this point. If you've gotten this far (been offered an interview, become a "finalist", or whatever), then they know you are qualified academically. Now it's time to build yourself up to them PERSONALLY so they know that SOCIALLY, you'll be a great nurse. What is most important when they interview you, in MY opinion, is 1. LETTING THEM KNOW YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR NURSING AND SEEK TO ENHANCE THE FIELD THROUGH A DEDICATION TO RESEARCH AND CONTINUED EDUCATION. They want minorities who want to finish at the doctoral level (PhD or DNP). They also want people who are willing to constantly look for solutions to our healthcare problems. 2. if you are interested in global health studies, this would be good to mention as well. The head director of MADIN is the director of the global health office there and has a true passion for social and ethnic equalities. Also recall that you can study abroad during the ABSN to fulfill your community health rotation. 3. BE YOURSELF, AND BE HUMBLE. Make sure they know that you realize that you don't know everything, but that you are willing to LEARN, THAT YOU LEARN FROM MISTAKES, THAT YOU ARE SMART ENOUGH TO SEEK HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT, etc.

Finally, yes, there are STRICT requirements for maintaining your status as a MADIN scholar. You MUST maintain a certain GPA ( I can't remember what it is right now--I will check and get back to you), must get AT LEAST Bs on ALL tests, must always sit in the front row of classes, must always be at least 10 minutes early for class, must have personal meetings with your mentor 1x per month to make sure you are staying at the top of your class, and other things. I know these may sound silly as you read, but they are trying to build us as nursing professionals. There's often a stigma associated with minority students that we do the bare minimum to get by, etc, and they want to COMPLETELY debunk that. Plus, from an academic standpoint, they want to make sure that no matter what degree, specialty, or program you choose to pursue after ABSN, you have NO problem getting in. This is the reason for the strict academic requirements.

guest464345 · Jan 20, 2012

Thanks for all the info kce...MADIN sounds like a great opportunity. And you've highlighted the other part of my theory in thinking about the crazy tuition costs: "Doesn't hurt to apply and see what funding you might get." We won't know if we don't try!

poodle5 · Jan 20, 2012

yeah I agree with laflaca about tuition cost and its a major part of the decision, but like you said sometimes circumstances work out that way, at this point I won't be doing a nursing degree in CA (husband in law school) and so anywhere I go I will be paying out-of-state which is roughly equivalent to Duke's tuition anyway.

2bEsqtoRN · Jan 20, 2012

Hi dear!
Yes, FULL TUITION reimbursement and a guaranteed job after you graduate; not sure if you have an interest in oncology but this included Duke's brand new cancer center, opening in May I believe. They are going to need a butt load of new nurses and they obviously look to DUSON graduates first to fill these positions. You know, this past summer was the first MADIN II cohort, so we were really the guinea pigs for the program. One of the things they didn't really address before the implementation of this program was FUNDING! As racial minorities from disadvantaged backgrounds, 8 out of 10 of us had NO IDEA how we were going to pay for this program. The only reason the other 2 got approved for loans was because they had a little work experiences and were able to secure the large loans without co-signers.
Since realizing the financial crises of our cohort (and most likely future scholars as well), they have been working so hard to increase funding, and this is their biggest initiative yet toward making sure we can AFFORD such an education without going into crazy debt (as most already HAVE debt from their first bachelors!). MADIN offered the scholars who started Fall 2011 more than $20,000 in scholarships, which, from what I hear, future scholars will also receive. Over the summer, they also bought our stethoscopes, pathophysiology book (which is easily over $200) and a pair of scrubs! - all things you will need for the program that you get free from MADIN and don't have to buy. I can't remember exactly right now but MADIN also provides a monthly stipend of $250 during, I think, the last semester of the program. And, remember that they offer the $10,000 Robert Wood Johnson scholarships for minorites in nursing, so there's a good chance you'll get one of those on TOP of everything. In the coming weeks, you may also hear that the Dean was just as adamant about making sure a diverse group of students could begin to populate DUSON, and so they have completely revised their scholarship process AND increased need-based scholarship monies. You used to have to separately apply (write an essay, etc) for their scholarships. Now, once you submit your FAFSA, you are automatically considered for ALL scholarships, with the highest amount obviously going to those students demonstrating the highest need. Sorry to get off on a bit of a tangent, but this is great stuff to know lol..we are all concerned about money!
As far as GPA, I'm not sure how important it is. I had a 3.80 when I applied to MADIN (slacked off sophomore year!) and now have a 3.85. I never really asked the others what their GPAs were, though I do recall someone had a 3.3. 2 people in my cohort had master's. The minimum GPA is a 3.0, just like for the ABSN program. Don't focus on your grades anymore at this point. If you've gotten this far (been offered an interview, become a "finalist", or whatever), then they know you are qualified academically. Now it's time to build yourself up to them PERSONALLY so they know that SOCIALLY, you'll be a great nurse. What is most important when they interview you, in MY opinion, is 1. LETTING THEM KNOW YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR NURSING AND SEEK TO ENHANCE THE FIELD THROUGH A DEDICATION TO RESEARCH AND CONTINUED EDUCATION. They want minorities who want to finish at the doctoral level (PhD or DNP). They also want people who are willing to constantly look for solutions to our healthcare problems. 2. if you are interested in global health studies, this would be good to mention as well. The head director of MADIN is the director of the global health office there and has a true passion for social and ethnic equalities. Also recall that you can study abroad during the ABSN to fulfill your community health rotation. 3. BE YOURSELF, AND BE HUMBLE. Make sure they know that you realize that you don't know everything, but that you are willing to LEARN, THAT YOU LEARN FROM MISTAKES, THAT YOU ARE SMART ENOUGH TO SEEK HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT, etc.
Finally, yes, there are STRICT requirements for maintaining your status as a MADIN scholar. You MUST maintain a certain GPA ( I can't remember what it is right now--I will check and get back to you), must get AT LEAST Bs on ALL tests, must always sit in the front row of classes, must always be at least 10 minutes early for class, must have personal meetings with your mentor 1x per month to make sure you are staying at the top of your class, and other things. I know these may sound silly as you read, but they are trying to build us as nursing professionals. There's often a stigma associated with minority students that we do the bare minimum to get by, etc, and they want to COMPLETELY debunk that. Plus, from an academic standpoint, they want to make sure that no matter what degree, specialty, or program you choose to pursue after ABSN, you have NO problem getting in. This is the reason for the strict academic requirements.

WOW. Thanks for writing such a detailed response and for your advice! I will definitely be taking your advice when I apply. I hope by the time I come around to getting my app in (for Fall 2013 or Fall 2014 admission) MADIN will still be around!

Thanks again for sharing.

2bEsqtoRN · Jan 20, 2012

Thanks for all the info kce...MADIN sounds like a great opportunity. And you've highlighted the other part of my theory in thinking about the crazy tuition costs: "Doesn't hurt to apply and see what funding you might get." We won't know if we don't try!

True, but even if funding isn't provided I figured the Duke name and experience is what scores of students are willing to get into debt for. Reading kce's experience about her networking opportunities and mentorship are what has me sold. Not many schools are that involved and catering.