BCIT Jan 2013 Applicants

[Chhun3]

Just wanted to get something started as I will be applying for this intake. Let's get this thread going. Fill me in on who you are and why you are applying bcit's nursing program.

I was told that BCIT is the most recognized institution of all nursing schools in BC. There clinical hours which I like and it's a 3 year program. It is also the most competitive, therefore the brightest, smartest, and well rounded individuals will be there. I want to be associated with a competitive environment, makes me work harder and we can learn from each other.

I am currently at kwantlen completing my pre reqs. I have completed my 1st year english and 1st year psych. I will be taking libs 7001 and 7002, 200 level psych course and 2 other bio courses.

[iheartpurple]

prefer work... I hope that isn't like if they have 96 people with two work referenecs then they get in.. :S

[iheartpurple]

And OK I will not be asking for an extra letter then!! Thanks for pointing those things out, I guess I should have read the info better

[babywhisperer333, BSN]

No worries. By prefer work, I mean at least one from work. I am not speaking on behalf of them, it's just my understanding of it. I submitted one of each.

[BulmaBriefs]

That's good then!:) And iheartpurple, we have to submit no more than two reference forms that they attached in our emails but I believe we can submit more than two reference letters, but I wouldn't sbumit more than 3!

And just to clarify, I called them and they said that it doesn't matter if you submit volunteer or work references. Just as long as you submit 2 reference forms and the letters it's all good. They don't give you more credit if you submit a work reference, it really doesn't matter. So I wouldn't worry about handing in either a volunteer or work reference, just as long as you submit 2 references.

Volunteering is extremely similar in terms of a job except you don't get paid, but the responsibilities are just as the same when working. The nursing department wants to be sure that there is proof of our work or volunteer experience, how much you've contributed and what roles & responsibilities you were obliged to. If you have a lot of volunteering hours then that's just as good.

Besides, the volunteer and work forms are simliar as well. There's no difference really! I believe that volunteering for agencies and trying to make a difference in the community really shows how passionate and helpful a person can be; because they take time out from their lives to put other's needs before theirs. An important quality of which a nurse is suppose to have, so just remember, you're not any better or any less if you don't have work experience. Just my two cents.

Hope this helps:)

[babywhisperer333, BSN]

@bulmabriefs- I am not sure where you got this info, or who you called but it is not accurate. Please don't submit more than 2 because the 3rd or more won't even be considered. As for the type of reference, you are better off with work. If you can't get 2 work then 1 of each. They need to be from your employer or your volunteer co ordinator Volunteer work is very different than employment. For starters, volunteers are usually there 1 day a week, and usually a minimum of 3 at a paid job. I believe that the requirements are clearly outlined in your package, so I suggest that everyone follows those guidelines.

[BulmaBriefs]

@Smiley65,

I called the head of the school up myself yesterday and they said it's fine to submit two volunteer references, 2 work references or both, it doesn't matter, it depends on what the applicants themselves want to submit. They do prefer that you submit one employment reference though. That's why in the guidelines it says volunteer OR employement references. Bottom line, everyone just needs to submit 2 references+letter.

As for volunteering, when I was a volunteer I would work monday-fridayys every morning from 9-1, at one of the many places that I've volunteered, so it's not always that you work one day a week for a few hours. But i do have employment as well, thankfully.

I apologize if I wasn't clear in the beginning. :)

[babywhisperer333, BSN]

That is not the info you postedid. "the head of the nursing dept" emailed me because the information you posted was not accurate. I am trying to help you out by relaying that information. I never said that you were wrong about volunteer vs work, but in your previous post you suggested that you "wouldn't worry about handing in work or volunteer, as long as there are two references..." which is not right. It reads that you can get a reference from your neighbor and be done with it. If what you meant to say was work over volunteer or work vs volunteer, that's different (though still inaccurate as it states that they prefer at least 1 work) Also there is no letter of intent required so maybe you can PM me the name of who you talked to so that I can pass it along. I was by no means trying to discredit your volunteer work, but you need to know that while there may be similarities, work references are different than volunteer references. I can assure that I am not misinformed. But of course it's up to you to decide what to submit, I was only trying to point you guys in the right direction.

[BulmaBriefs]

Yikes, there seems to be a confusion here.

Okay when I said I "wouldn't worry about handing in work or volunteer, as long as there are two references" from the info. that was contained within the attachments we got, it made it seem like it was okay to submit work or volunteer reference, 2 volunteer reference or 2 work reference. It said on there that they require volunteer or work references but they would prefer one employment reference. I'm just speaking on behalf of those who don't have work experience because I don't want them to feel discouraged, like my guy friend who also applied but he doesn't have work experience but a lot of volunteering hours. I have work experience and so do a lot of the other applicants.

Now that that's cleared up, Smiley65, we really and truly appreciate your feedback! I know you're just trying to help. Thank you.

[babywhisperer333, BSN]

To be very clear, you are required to submit 2 references on the forms provided. Any other form or letter will not be considered in your final evaluation. If you send more than 2, only 2 will be considered and you have no way to determine which 2 they pick, so just send 2. They prefer work references, and at least 1 work reference. If you do not have an employment reference, send volunteer references. Since being shortlisted, there are still many of you to be cut before the final 96 is chosen.

[BulmaBriefs]

The only part that confused me, and I forgot to ask, was it said no more than two reference forms but it didn't say that for reference letters so I'm assuming it's okay to send more than two reference letters? Or maybe it's safe to submit two?

Again, we appreciate your feedback Smiley65, thank you.

[animalhandler]

Wow! Okay, to simplify all of the information that has been posted: the way that I understood it, we are supposed to submit two reference forms, NOT letters- if our referee wants, they can write extra information on the back of the form. They can be either work or volunteer... although I have more than one employer that I could ask for a reference from, I am going to go with one from my current employer, and one from volunteering, because I feel that the volunteer work I do is very relevent to the program, and I want to

[animalhandler]

Wow! Okay, to simplify all of the information that has been posted: the way that I understood it, we are supposed to submit two reference forms, NOT letters- if our referee wants, they can write extra information on the back of the form. They can be either work or volunteer... although I have more than one employer that I could ask for a reference from, I am going to go with one from my current employer, and one from volunteering, because I feel that the volunteer work I do is very relevent to the program.

Is that about right?