Advice for 2014 UVA hopeful!!

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Hi everyone!

I was hoping I could get a little advice about UVA's CNL program. This looks like an excellent program and I will be applying for a May 2014 start date (deadline is Oct 1). I'm basically putting all my eggs in one basket with this one, but I have fallen in love with the school and the program! ;)

Here are my current stats:

- Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Liberty University (May 2013) with a BS in Healthcare Management. (3.7 GPA)

- I have volunteered at the local hospital both at the information desk and as a patient representative in the emergency department. The info desk was 1 day per week, and the ED was 1 day every other week--would have liked every week for that one, but demand was high for this position. My volunteer experience is not as extensive as I'd like, especially since I've had to take time off for my CNA class, but I plan on resuming it upon completion.

- I'm currently in the last week of a CNA program, where it seems very likely I will be nominated class valedictorian (I was surprised they even practiced that, but it is what it is I guess :)).

- I satisfy all pre-req requirements except for A&P 1&2, which I intend to complete over the summer.

- Once I pass state boards for my CNA licensure, I plan on getting a limbo job mostly for clinical experience while I work my regular job (mostly to save money for school since I have a husband and a young son as well).

I guess what I'd like to know is what anyone's experience has been like with UVA, what their stats were like, and what the interview is like (from what I understand, its just a short phone interview, but I'd like to know what typically gets asked, etc).

I'd appreciate any insight anyone has on the subject!!

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I also forgot to mention that I have been the daytime caregiver (in an official capacity) for my mentally handicapped brother for over 3 years.

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Specializes in Clinical Nurse Leader.

HI,

I am currently enrolled as a first year UVa CNL. I didn't have much experience at all compared to some of my classmates, like you, I volunteered in the ED and PICU. I became interested in the program while I was volunteering with the local homeless shelter, I knew I needed to be bedside with patients! There are a couple of CNA's in my class and one or two caregivers. There are a variety of backgrounds in my class, in fact, some have done a complete career change. I think your experience sounds perfect but I'm not an admissions counselor;) I didn't apply anywhere else so I had all my eggs in this basket too! The interview was about a half hour, I asked a lot of questions so it may be shorter for others. They ask the standard questions about nursing. I don't want to verbatim tell you the questions, its a violation of the schools honor code. Just be yourself and understand why you want to be a nurse. As for A&P I got A's in both and I can tell you I'm glad I did because pathophysiology is no joke and you need to have a solid foundation before you start the program. Microbiology wasn't a requirement when I applied but I see it is now and in hindsight I would of benefited from taking it. As for the program so far (just started this May) it is very intensive so make sure you have a good support system since you have a child. It is a lot of work, studying, and moves at a fast past. I maximize my time to the fullest. I get up early, early and study before class and then hit the library as soon as class is over. Time management will become a very useful skill. If you any more questions let me know!

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Specializes in Clinical Nurse Leader.

Oh and lots of parents in the program!

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Hi there!

I am also applying for the Class of 2016 cohort! I was just up at UVA last weekend at there info session and fell in LOVE!! Their CNL program is my dream and I pray everything works in my favor to be accepted. I graduated from UMW in May with a not so stellar GPA. I started off as a biology major and unfortunately my grades did not work in my favor and it pretty much ruined my GPA. Due to that and some other reasons I switched to international affairs my Sophomore year and graduated with a BA in that degree. While I loved IA,I still really loved medicine so I am coming back to my "roots". I am worried that my grades/GPA will be a major turn off. I want the admissions personal to know that the grades they see are not because I'm a lackadaisical student, I just went through a very rough patch.

Currently I am working on my prerequistes. I took both sections of A&P, as well as Microbiology this summer (that was rough!) and I need to take dev.psych in the fall to wrap up my prereqs. I volunteered at my local hospital throughout high school and have started volunteering there again this summer. Additionally, I was just accepted into a 4 week CNA program that starts Aug. 12th. I hope once I complete my boards in October to get a job to gain the hands on experience I do not get as a volunteer, and to save up some money.

I am really looking forward to putting my application together and I just pray that I will get in!!

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Specializes in Clinical Nurse Leader.

Hello,

I think if you have under a 3.25 you have to take the GRE. The SON takes a holistic approach and your grades are one factor of the whole package. I would make sure you have A's if you can in your pre-reqs. My only healthcare experience was volunteering so having the CNA certificate will certainly work to your advantage. I am in the program now so feel free to ask any questions. I love the CNL program so far! :)

Hi there!

I am also applying for the Class of 2016 cohort! I was just up at UVA last weekend at there info session and fell in LOVE!! Their CNL program is my dream and I pray everything works in my favor to be accepted. I graduated from UMW in May with a not so stellar GPA. I started off as a biology major and unfortunately my grades did not work in my favor and it pretty much ruined my GPA. Due to that and some other reasons I switched to international affairs my Sophomore year and graduated with a BA in that degree. While I loved IA,I still really loved medicine so I am coming back to my "roots". I am worried that my grades/GPA will be a major turn off. I want the admissions personal to know that the grades they see are not because I'm a lackadaisical student, I just went through a very rough patch.

Currently I am working on my prerequistes. I took both sections of A&P, as well as Microbiology this summer (that was rough!) and I need to take dev.psych in the fall to wrap up my prereqs. I volunteered at my local hospital throughout high school and have started volunteering there again this summer. Additionally, I was just accepted into a 4 week CNA program that starts Aug. 12th. I hope once I complete my boards in October to get a job to gain the hands on experience I do not get as a volunteer, and to save up some money.

I am really looking forward to putting my application together and I just pray that I will get in!!

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Keepupwithkaitlyn --- I was at the same info session!! I had a wonderful time there with my husband, and I love the campus so much!

I'm in the middle of writing my essays now. I just finished my first one, hope it sounds okay!

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I just submitted my application yesterday! Here's to many prayers until decisions are made! This is the only school I'm applying to as well!

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Specializes in Clinical Nurse Leader.
I just submitted my application yesterday! Here's to many prayers until decisions are made! This is the only school I'm applying to as well!

Good Luck!!! :)

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Sorry for the delay in responding! Yes, I've take the GRE twice now (what a horrible experience!) But the good news is I finished my CNA class and just got a job in the Recovery Room of my hometown hospital. I am starting the essays now (nothing like cutting it short, right?!) Any tips on writing the essays? I'm all ears!!

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Good Luck!

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Keepupwithkaitlyn --- I was at the same info session!! I had a wonderful time there with my husband, and I love the campus so much!

I'm in the middle of writing my essays now. I just finished my first one, hope it sounds okay!

No way! Oh I love UVA so so much! I'm going to be on pins and needles until we hear in december!! I'm starting my essays now!!

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