carpool to Skagit Valley

our8kids · Jun 9, 2008

Sorry I can't help with carpooling... I live close to the school already. But, I was wondering about your timing. I met with an advisor about 3 months ago and was told that the waiting list was approximately 2-1/2 years long at that point. I'm wondering if something has changed? I won't be done with my pre-req's for another 4 quarters, but this will change things hugely for me if it's down to 1 now. I was planning on attending Evt. because it's based mostly on GPA.

Susan

ardentanglophile · Jun 9, 2008

No, I believe my timing is correct. In August 2006 I got on the waitlist. In September 2007, they called me and said I could start for Fall. I got off the list but was placed on it again in April 2008 and the letter said it would be 1.5 year wait.

Miss_Piggy.RN · Jun 10, 2008

I met with an advisor about 3 months ago and was told that the waiting list was approximately 2-1/2 years long at that point.

Strange...About two weeks ago they told me that the waiting list is 1-1/2 year long.

sashamay · Jun 20, 2008

I just got into Skagits program for Fall 08..

I was also told it was a yr and 1/2 but I applied March or April 07' and I got my first acceptance letter for spring 08'.

I decided to defer it so now I'm starting this Fall. =) Just got my letter w/ my registration codes! =)

our8kids · Jun 23, 2008

Well that's weird. I wish they'd give more accurate information! I'll be at the school this week and will stop in and ask again. I'm still planning on going to Evt., but if I can get in sooner at Skagit I certainly would be happy about that!

lovesdogs · Jul 20, 2008

I just graduated from Skagit's program in June. I just wanted to give you a heads up...you could probably pull off the commute in the 1st quarter, but after that the commute could really start to strain you. If you can find a classmate who you can stay with at times, that might help, I did that for one of my classmates, but between class, clinicals, and needing to study for exams, the drive could really suck up a lot of your time.

lovesdogs · Jul 20, 2008

Double posted, sorry, my computer tricked me

ardentanglophile · Jul 20, 2008

Thank you for the information. I was just thinking how I am going to manage this. It sounds like it won't work for me but I am so determined to go to this school because of the good things I have heard...I am transferring in with 2 nursing credits already under my belt so your scenario is a little worrying...can you tell us anything else about the program? I know what I can ask!!! Clinicals, ...do you get a choice of night or morning? Will they consider your choice if you are a commuter? Thanks!

lovesdogs · Jul 20, 2008

As for clinicals...they are usually either days or evenings. The hospitals you are placed at vary quarter to quarter, but are usually St. Joeseph in Bellingham, Island in Anacortes, or Skagit in Mount Vernon. The shift you get depends on the hospital you are placed at. You do get the opportunity to request what hospital/shift you would like, and they do consider your commute, but they also consider the clinical skills you have demonstrated in previous quarters as another means of placing you.

I think the program is currently undergoing an overhaul, there has been some changes during the time that I was there, especially in my last quarter. The attrition rate is very high, I started with a class of 33, and only 12 of us 33 graduated with me. So the moral of the story is study, and study hard; your life essentially is put on hold, which is why I was concerned about your intentions to commute. If you could afford it, a cheap apartment may not be a bad idea. It is a good program, I can do well on a test, and feel confident in my skills and abilities.

Hopefully changes are coming down the pipeline will benefit you and your future classmates, I wish you the best of luck. Need to ask questions before and during your time there feel free!

ardentanglophile · Jul 20, 2008

Your reply was valuable to me. I am surprised the attritrion was so high in the program. I withdrew this Spring from my program in Seattle because I got sick; Our program had a 40% attrition rate...the tests were so hard that the teachers would allow us to group test to earn extra points. But I like how what you said that the clinical assignments are based on your skill level...many of us in the program I was in felt that our first quarter was a wash and second quarter we really didn't do much at all also. My impression was that the school just focused on us passing the NCLEX. I am torn between transitioning back where I can continue as 3rd quarter student and the 3rd quarter instructor is very good and challenging...I can go back as long as I pass the clinical skills test and comprehensive exam. Skagit has accepted me already and I don't have to do a skills test and exam, although I think they will probably put me in 2nd quarter. That's fine by me though. It's sounds like you really got a good education and I am envious...envious because it sounds like you will be much better prepared than I will be in return to Seattle. But I am also happy for you! You begin a new career doing challenging and important things! Thanks so much for the information!