Applying to SWIC Fall 2011?

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Hello all~

I'm working very hard to see if I can enter SWIC nursing program for Fall 2011. I would like to make of this thread a place where we can give each other support. Right now I'm taking a couple of classes ;Chemistry & Psychology until October and then I start Microbiology, Developmental Psychology, and Sociology until December plus the CNA course in November. I'm going bananas with all the credits and amount of work I'm dealing with. I'm committed to this but I have to confess I'm so scared I will not reach my goal and not have enough points in the end after all the effort. Thank God I can express myself here because I think no one around me understands what I'm going through to make it happen.

Hello ladies-

I happened to stumble on this thread while looking at all nurses.

I am currently in the program. We got our letters around the 20th of last April.

Our point cut off was 17 points. They took 83 people in the 400+ applicants so it's understandable for the delay of sending letters. They also have a "wait list" in some of the selected don't wish to enter the program.

The letter will explain when orientation is. You will also have a one on one meeting with one of the professors.

There will be added cost before entering the program.

Criminal background checks, drug screens, you need to have all of your immunizations done (3 series hep, varicella, MMR, TDap, 2 step TB...etc), CPR certification, health insurance, you also have to purchase your uniforms before clinicals. All of this was quite expensive for me since I didn't have the required immunizations. Background was around $100, CPR $30, uniforms around $50, also a stethoscope isn't required your first semester but you will need one of these as well and invest wisely in one.

I completed all my pre-req's before the program but the ladies in my study group are taking their other classes during summer. It's quite difficult to focus on any other classes but nursing when you are in the program.

The program is very time consuming and your personal life takes second seat to SWIC SN, but this program is very indept and rewarding. Compared to other schools in the area it really does prepare you for foundation of becoming an RN and produces some of the best nurses in the area.

Good Luck to you all.

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Thanks for the info Kritter!

Also, for you asked where we are all from, I am from Fairview Heights.

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Thanks Kritter for all the info. You said all of those things (immunizations, criminal background, drug screen, CPR etc) had to be done before "clinicals," does that mean before the fall semester, or before we take the calculations class in the summer? As far as the shots, do you remember how much they ended up costing? Also, I was wondering about the insurance. While I have insurance at this point, I thought surely there are some who don't. Does the school offer insurance through some sort of group program that you know of?

I was also wondering about working at a hospital while going to school. Do you work part time? At what point in school do hospitals start hiring nursing students? And do you know anyone who is now working at a hospital and if so, does the hospital reimburse them for school?

I have a million questions, but I better give you a chance to breathe. :) Thanks for all your help!!

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I believe that all of the immunizations,CPR, and background checks need to be started or completed by the end of July. I believe that was what our cut off was last year.

I didn't have insurance and had to purchase health insurance out of pocket at the time, you have to keep health insurance the whole program. I inquired about group rates at SWIC but they didn't offer any. They refer you to someone who could get you "short-term" insurance. I opted to research and get my own.

Likewise my immunizations were expensive. I didn't have any of my immunization records from a child so I ended up opting to get the titers for the immunizations. It showed I was immune to MMR but not Varicella (chicken pox) which is the expensive series. I never had my Hep series before as well.

I spent nearly $500 on immunizations, but this may not be the norm if your insurance cover it or you have good childhood records.

The students I know who worked at hospitals before starting the program are being paid for education up to 3500 dollars. They worked at Memorial before starting the program and are still employed there.

Unless you are currently a CNA or Tech, hospitals in our area tend to hire student nurses after their completion of a Med/Surg clinical rotation (which would be Spring 2012 for you guys)

I have 2 part time jobs that are PRN so lucky they are very flexible. I will most definitely need to cut back on work hours next semester as the program intensifies.

If you are concerned with money and aid issues, I would start on it now. They actual credit hours for the program may you appear like a part-time student (under 12 hours) so I had to take out loans to cover textbooks. You may want to look into aid now and likewise research the WIA program. The students I know in that have books, uniform, supplies, gas mileage and classes paid for. WIA is for displaced workers who are entering a new field.

I can recall the beginning of the program was a lot of information to process at once and difficult to get everything in line, but don't let it you deter you, It is a really great program once you get your bearings.

Good Luck hope you get your letters soon!

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I just spoke with the school--letters are being sent out TOMORROW!!

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Hello!

Thank you Kritterleigh for the information and the good luck wishes!

Thank you Erin825! Finally, can't wait to have an answer!!

I live in Scott AFB. Good luck to all of us!!

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Wow, tomorrow..that's great news.

Thanks so much Kritterleigh for all the valuable information you had for us. I do have a question about insurance. What kind of policy do they expect students to carry? Is a basic policy for major medical enough?

Also, anyone have any ideas on how to find immunization records from childhood? Since I'm almost 40, and have moved many times in my life, I haven't the slightest idea where these might be found.

As for uniforms, is there a certain color scheme, type of scrubs and shoes that are required for clinicals?

Thanks so much.

Kelly

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Kelly, I think you may be able to contact the high school you graduated from to see if they have your immunization records. I graduated more than a few years ago, too. :) I called my school and they're checking to see if mine are there. She said they do keep shot records for students that have graduated. I'm not sure if all schools are like that, but it would be a place to start.

Margaret

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Thanks Margaret. I'll certainly check into that as it would definitely save some money and headache!

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Please, please, please....let the ACCEPTANCE letter arrive today...

Perhaps the State Income tax I mail out today will be a little bribery to be accepted into the state school's nursing program. :coollook:

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my stomach was in knots all night thinking about the mail coming today! Everyone be sure to post when you get yours!

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IM IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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