Duke ABSN Spring 2011

[SandyH]

Hi there-

My name is Sandy and I am applying to the Duke ABSN for Spring 2011, just wondering if there is anyone else out there applying? Only 2 months till the deadline and I am trying to get my personal statement finished, as well as spiffy up my resume!

I think I am anxious already! This may be a long ride!

Anyway....a little about me...

I have a BS in Environmental Management with a 3.73 GPA, didn't take the GRE, still working on the prerequisites but so far have a 4.0 in those classes.

I spent 10 years in the Navy, working as an aviation electronics technician and supervisor. Also did hazardous material control and other environmental stuff for my command. I also taught CPR for 5 or so years, as well as blood drive coordination. I was able to travel to a lot of neat places, and some that weren't! All-in-all it was a great experience for me. After leaving the military in late 2007, I worked for a semi-conductor company in RTP, doing research and development (not my favorite job). So, I decided to go to school for massage therapy, and I'm now a licensed therapist. So, that makes me something like 34 years young.

So, here I am....wanting to pursue a dream that I have had for long time! Thankfully I have the world's greatest husband! He is my rock and has encouraged me to take this leap! So let's do this!

I'm waiting for you! Hopefully someone will be here soon to go crazy in anticipation with me! :)

[exploringnursing]

BluDevil, that is true! I want to know because if it's not a good amount, I'm going to have to explore other options .

[Cat2012]

Waiting is driving me crazy too, and I am even more excited about starting in January. Whenever I complain about FA my friend puts it perspective for me, so I thought I would pass it on to everyone else!!!! ;O)

[Cat2012]

I guess they can't pull people from the wait list until at least after October 1st, the deadline to accept the offer. I guess even then some people will be waiting to hear from other institutions. Some people may also drop out due to failed classes, so there is a big chance many will make it from the wait list. I know it doesn't make the waiting any easier.

[BluDevil]

Awww, exploring nursing, don't let that little frowny face cry. lol. Just remember there will be a lot of options after school to help pay off some of those loans, especially if you're up for travel nursing (usually pays 1.5 to 2x average hourly rate, sometimes more) or moving to a new location. A relative of mine worked in New Orleans 20 years as a travel nurse, and she made $40 per hour then...20 years ago. It helped her pay for her loans and for her training as a nurse practitioner later.

Personally I like to be financially conservative and never ever thought a few years ago I'd even apply to Duke because it seemed like WAY too much frickin' money, but now I'm glad to be going there. I figure I will figure out a way to pay for it one way or another. I usually am fine with dealing with whatever is, but I am SO impatient until I find out whatever "is" is. Yes, I do really need to work on that. lol.

Nursing is going to be continually in demand, and nurses are in short supply right now. So don't worry about paying back those loans. It'll all work out, especially if you can be somewhat flexible with your future plans.

[exploringnursing]

Thanks for the encouragement BluDevil! My coworker told me to apply to Duke because her daughter is a RN and she went to Georgetown. She told me that I was going to get into Duke and not to worry about the finances...I understand, I am very impatient as well! Hopefully, we will hear something soon and I will also check into travel nursing. Sounds like you can make a pretty penny doing that! I'm single and do not have any children. So travel nursing should be a piece of cake for me!

[NMWayah]

oh ok. its making me real nervous . anyways whts the procedure and deadline for the 500 deposit after u have accepted admittance. in other words i accept tonight do i have till the first to pay? and i already got my criminal check and melissa said thy automatically get the results from the company but it does take a few days so if u hav not pur ur order you should this week

[exploringnursing]

NMWayah,

You may want to contact "M" regarding the $500. I sent mine as soon as I accepted. I received an e-mail from them confirming receipt. Thank you for the heads up as I still have not ordered the background check. I will do so over the weekend.

[Yogi Mel]

In the letter it says we have to complete steps 1 and 3 by Oct 1. Step 2 was the background check. We probably have a little longer to complete that although it does not say when exactly. Does anyone else know?

[NMWayah]

i think the letter says you need to have completed the background check in advance because it takes a few days to complete and they will not accept your completed acceptance of admission form if its not done by oct 1.

[NMWayah]

HEy is anyone else in teh same boat i am. i did not get much from fafsa and i tried two loan companies to apply for the alternative loan, but i dont have enough credit and i dont have a good cosigner. so idk what to do now... is anyone else finding other ways to get approved for the loans? and suggestions please..thank you

[NMWayah]

hey monica. i have soem questions about the fin aid process. am freaking out cause am not getting approved for private loans... what are my options?

[exploringnursing]

NMWayah,

I am in the same predicament as you ...I have tried a couple loan companies and was denied as well...That's one reason why I haven't did the background check. I am going to wait until September 30 to order it. I hate to ask people to cosign, but it looks like that's what I'm going to have to do...Have you tried SallieMae?