Calling any Watts School of Nursing Students!!!

[kellmoiselle]

Hi all,

I have posted a few times about my worries on getting into a nursing program and just wanted to share that I got accepted to Watts School of Nursing in Durham. I am so excited and I was wondering if any Watts students (or from other programs) had any advice on how they have gone about financing their education. I never had to deal with financial aid when I got my undergrad a few years ago and Watts is pretty pricey, (about $30,000). I plan to do the tuition reimbursement program with Duke when I graduate but I'm worried about what to do right now. Any advice on financial aid or private loan experiences would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!:heartbeat

[Lilloman]

1. Passing the entrance exam, references, the essay, and background check are what get you initially in the program. But still have to pass all the pre-req's to get into the nursing courses.

2. You need an 80% or better on course work, including passing clinicals which are pass/fail. If you fail a semester you currently have at their option the opportunity to repeat.

3. Mt. Olive will give you transfer credit for comparable coursework done at other institutions. However, MO requires that you take a minimum of 18 hours with them. So, if you have taken most of the required pre-req's then you'll need to select other course that they offer to get up to or over 18 hours.

[tma0312]

good luck guys :) i just graduated this december from watts. you'll end up loving it

[dreamon]

Congratulations! Will you be staying in the RDU area to work after you get your license?

Are hospitals very receptive to you after seeing what program you were a student of?

[tma0312]

yep, i'll be staying in the area. Hospitals were extremely receptive to students from there. 90% of us had jobs or plenty of interviews 6months before even graduating. Unless a unit was full, nearly everyone got the job they wanted!

[Lilloman]

It's my understanding that Watts grads are highly sought in the community (of course I'm a little biased since I'm going there).

A good number of the current senior class already have jobs lined up; and we're only on day 3 of their senior semester!

I'd say that's pretty good.

[dreamon]

In this economy that is pretty incredible. Do you know if your classmates are getting into specialty units are most going into med/surg? (I'm assuming that is the popular place for new grads?)

[Lilloman]

They are actually my wife's classmates.

And I believe a majority are in a specialty of some form.

[tma0312]

In this economy that is pretty incredible. Do you know if your classmates are getting into specialty units are most going into med/surg? (I'm assuming that is the popular place for new grads?)

mainly specialty units- only two that i know of in my class of twenty are going to med-surg. Everyone else is critical care gems at Durham Regional, PACU, pediatrics, or women's health, OR, or some other unit. Thats not to say anything is wrong with med/surg! it just seems that as a whole, our class preferred different type settings.

[Lovee_T]

Hey all,

Im retesting for the Watts entrance exam. Studied my butt off the first time but didn't answer enough questions so I plan on reviewing the info and answering every question. Im trying to get faster also on the 2nd part of the test, the reading comprehension. You only have 15 mins to read the paragraph and answer the questions. I got through the first paragraph and half of the second. Does anyone remember how many paragraghs there are in that part? Trying to review the math also which Im terrible at but thank goodness no algebra. All the retesters stories and encouragement on here have been awesome and got my spirits back up to try again. I really want to get into Watts. Hey DREAMON- good luck girl this month. Im taking mine in Feb. Please let me know how you do. Say a prayer guys!

[dreamon]

Good luck Lovee_T! You'll ace it this time around, I will keep you in my thoughts and send good vibes your way.

I'm studying right now and will definitely be back to post my progress, positive and negative (hopefully positive though!)

[Lilloman]

Lovee_t, if you had successful results on the first half then you won't need to retake the entire thing. You only have to retake the part where you didn't meet the minimums. Any questions down that line, just give Jennifer H. a call.

Dreamon and Lovee_T, I'll be sending positive energy your way :)

All the best.

[reesee]

Hey you guys,I just got into WSON!!! I am so happy : ) seems like it took forever. Anyway just wondering if anyone is starting pre-reqs this June??? Let me know and GOOD LUCK to those still trying to get in I know you will all make it.