Anxiety is high; potential nursing program in turmoil

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

Hey guys. I am not sure what to think of this. I applied to a very reputable program, which has a 100% NCLEX pass rate. However, beginning in April, following a controversial resignation of the provost/dept chair, the program has been in turmoil. Currently, acceptance letters are being held due to the fact that there is no one in a position to sign them. On top of that, in response to the controversial resignation over 1/3 of the nursing faculty has resigned. This puts the program in jeopardy as they are no longer compliant with the state board. The college claims that they are not in danger of losing the program or accreditation; however this whole situation is making me uneasy. I can't imagine it will be feasible to replace 1/3 of the instructors with qualified replacements by fall and I am not sure I believe them when they say they are not in danger of losing the program ... I mean, don't nursing boards have a close to zero tolerance policy for noncompliance?

So, I'm torn... If they get their **** together and I do get an acceptance letter and they somehow retain faculty should I accept? Or should I work on my plan B, which is to apply to a different program for spring. The other program will require a different entrance exam (HESI as opposed to TEAS) as well as 2 additional pre-reqs. Not to mention the costs associated with applying (I have three previous degrees and cross enrolled at multiple colleges so I have several transcripts).

[goddess9]

Always have a plan B.

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

I have a plan B. I'm jus unsure what to if I'm faced with choosing between plan A and B

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Take plan B. It sounds like school admin are spinning the tale to keep enrollment up but realistically to successfully replace 1/3 of nursing instructor staff will not be a simple task.

[Cuddleswithpuddles]

Take plan B. It sounds like school admin are spinning the tale to keep enrollment up but realistically to successfully replace 1/3 of nursing instructor staff will not be a simple task.

I agree. Even if they do manage to fill those positions, smoothly operating a nursing program with that many new staff members will not be an easy task. It is fair to say that the program will not be up to speed for many months, if they do manage to recover within the OP's timeline.

[RunBabyRN]

I would start plan A, but ALSO enact plan B, in case you get in there, and things are horrible. You never know, they may somehow pull it all together (not likely). That's scary, especially with that many instructors resigning over it- you know it wasn't some smooth retirement or something!

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

RunBabyRun - I was considering that option, but wasn't sure if it was that easy to transfer programs.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Most nursing classes won't transfer. Keep that in mind as well as if you use financial aid for a flailing program it may reduce aid available for other programs.

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

http://www.nola.com/education/index.ssf/2014/05/our_lady_of_holy_cross_college_16.html

Here is the current news piece regarding the program.

I think I am going to go with my gut on this one and proceed with plan B. Everything happens for a reason, right!? As it turns out I have been given new responsibilities at my current job since our research nurse is leaving at the end of the month. So since research nursing is one of my primary endpoints I will be gaining some valuable experience.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Our Lady of Holy Cross College's nursing program is in danger, faculty warns | NOLA.com

Here is the current news piece regarding the program.

I think I am going to go with my gut on this one and proceed with plan B. Everything happens for a reason, right!? As it turns out I have been given new responsibilities at my current job since our research nurse is leaving at the end of the month. So since research nursing is one of my primary endpoints I will be gaining some valuable experience.

I think you are making a wise choice good luck

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

Follow up....

I received a letter on May 19 (dated May 9; I live about 15 miles from the school) that said I wasn't accepted and listed some generic reason that didn't apply to my situation, but I accepted it and moved on.

Today, I received a packet (dated May 23) Congratulating me, "again", on my acceptance and contained all of the background check, nursing board, health records, etc documents that need to be filled out by the end of July.

In the meantime, I had thrown out all of the other stuff the school had sent me, regarding financial aid and whatnot because I had no need for it, since I wasn't going there for anything but nursing.

Sidebar: The head of nursing who had resigned was reinstated yesterday. Prechter reinstated as head of Our Lady of Holy Cross College's nursing program | NOLA.com

So, I am not sure if I am actually accepted and what to do. I have started the application process for another program. I am scheduled to take the HESI A2 for that program on Friday and enrolled in the one pre-requisite I still needed for the summer term.

SO CONFUSED! Part of me wants to accept admission, but still apply to the other program. But I don't know if that would effect my chances of getting admitted at another program or how the transfer process works.

Any advice/direction would be much appreciated.

[VivaLaVespaGirl, BSN, MSN]

I think it is completely fair that you give them a call to find out the current state of their program and your admittance. You are likely to only get lip service at this point, but I would at least give them a call and get your questions answered. Good luck!!