Columbia University ETP 2008

jbazoola · Feb 21, 2008

Hey guys,

Sorry i've been out of the loop. Actually been on vacation in san fran and utah. likely to be my last vacation now that school is so close to starting. I haven't gotten my package yet since i'm out of town but i do remember reading on 2 of the old threads related to ETP about the stethoscopes. The advise there was basically to go for the cheaper route since a super pricey stethoscope is likely to get lost at this point and also doesn't make that much of a difference for what we are doing right now. Also regarding the uniforms EVERYONE made clear that you DO NOT want to go with the skirts (unless you have to for religious or other reasons) because they are absolutely hideous.

those old threads are definitely worth looking through. I think one is called meet and greet. another poster listed the names for them or you could just search for columbia ETP. In fact some of those soon to be etp'ers from those old threads have been kind enough to drop in on our conversation and add advice.

SO! excited. although I still don't know how I'll be paying for this. But still, can't wait!!

PsychMaven · Feb 22, 2008

I'm so excited...I got my paperwork today too, but too late to get the housing off tonight! Does anyone know if we should be using May 2009 as our date of graduation since the etp portion is relatively separate or...? Also, we are applying for academic year 2008-2009 rather than spring semester 2008-2009 right? I mean, June definitely is not spring semester. Any idea what the fastest acceptable method of getting it there out of certified mail, Federal Express, DHL, or UPS ? I suppose once the office is closed for the day tomorrow they wont be getting any more paperwork until Monday morning regardless of if they get there between those times. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for all of us.

As for the uniforms, I'm thinking that its probably best to stay away from white pants...especially since I remember someone saying they were polyester on an old thread. Did everyone RSVP for Visiting Day, hope to see you all there.

l-styx · Feb 22, 2008

I spoke to Oscar today about the graduation date, he said to use June 01, 2009 for the loan applications, not sure if it's calculated differently for housing. He's been helpful and very prompt in returning my phone calls; maybe he's gotten some constructive criticism.

It seems like I'm the oldest of the bunch here at the ripe ol' age of 28! It's nice to see people right out of undergrad so enthusiactic about this field. You guys and girls have a lot of momentum behind you, I think with this infusion of new, young energy we can do great thing to shape the future of our profession. Ok, enough sappy-ness, must sleep.

Can't wait to meet you next month- sign me up for the get-together!

jbazoola · Feb 22, 2008

I spoke to Oscar today about the graduation date, he said to use June 01, 2009 for the loan applications, not sure if it's calculated differently for housing. He's been helpful and very prompt in returning my phone calls; maybe he's gotten some constructive criticism.
It seems like I'm the oldest of the bunch here at the ripe ol' age of 28! It's nice to see people right out of undergrad so enthusiactic about this field. You guys and girls have a lot of momentum behind you, I think with this infusion of new, young energy we can do great thing to shape the future of our profession. Ok, enough sappy-ness, must sleep.
Can't wait to meet you next month- sign me up for the get-together!

Suddenly I feel very very old. I think it is awesome how many people we have in our class coming right out of undergrad. It's been so long since I've been in school I feel like it's going to take me awhile just to get into the swing of things again. I'm turning 35 this April. It's funny because many people had said to me that I would probably have slimmer chances at columbia due to my age but at the open house I remember them saying that their class from the previous year ran from 22 to 60! I really am looking forward to working with a diverse group from all kinds of ages, backgrounds, professions and genders (yay! 10% male population). I think it can only help our growth as nurse leaders and add to our understanding of the populations that we will serve.

woohoo!! can't wait to meet you guys on the 7th. :yeah:

PsychMaven · Feb 22, 2008

:rolleyes: 28 and 35, definitely not old! I'm really excited to work with such a diverse group age and otherwise also, but I do understand where you guys are coming from...not trying to be invalidating here. Anyway, I think all of our motivation towards the same goal has already done a great job of bringing us together from across the country, I can't wait until we are actually all in NY!

Kevn2bNP · Feb 23, 2008

Here's my advice on some issues on this thread:

Stethoscope: I got one of the 'expensive' ones and haven't regretted it. I've had no issues with people trying to steal it because it's usually (a) at home on non-clinical days or (b) around my neck or in my pocket of the lovely uniform I get to wear, which brings me to....

Uniforms: Order at least 2 sets, preferably 3. You'll need that many by fall semester when you are in clinical two days a week. I wish I had ordered a white top when I made the order. They look sharp, make you look live you've slept when you haven't, and add a nice variety to the navy blue. I also say that being a male, because I was hesitant to go out on a limb, so all you guys, consider a white top too!

One important thing to consider about Columbia that you won't get at other non-New York or California programs: both CA and NY have the highest requirements for becoming an RN, so when you get to that point, you'll have no problems applying for reciprocity in another state (that is if you take the NCLEX either in CA or NY). Also, you'll see patients on your rotations that you wouldn't necessarily see in less-populated places. Just some points to consider.

Wish you all the best!

PsychMaven · Feb 23, 2008

Kevn2bNP,

I was wondering if you could give me some idea of what these uniforms actually look like or are similar to. Ever since I saw tunic on the order form I've had quite a strange picture in my head. Are the white pants as terribly tacky as the vision of them in my head? Thanks for all of your input, its definitely eased my fears a lot to hear from people in the program who really understand where we are at.

fnp4me · Feb 23, 2008

the word tunic has me thinking about medieval clothing

can you tell me where the pain is localized, malady?

:uhoh21:

elizabells, BSN, RN · Feb 23, 2008

Assuming the tunics are the same as they had last year, they're not so bad looking. Your basic 2 pocket scrub top. Just be glad you guys don't have to wear the hair-shirt scratchy polos we got two years ago.

LovetoTravel2001 · Feb 23, 2008

I just got my packet today and have a few questions...

It seems like getting your housing stuff in early isn't going to do any good as it says "Review of applications and assignment... begins in mid-March... applications are randomly ordered..." But then Judy said in her email "We urge you to submit your application as soon as possible"... My husband and I will be applying for the couples housing and there are 4 options so we would really like to see the difference between them before selecting our first choice, etc. Does it matter if we wait to turn it in on Visiting Day after looking at the places?

Also, as far as the uniforms... it says the pants are size 32" inseam - I need a 36" inseam or my pants will look like capris. Anybody know if we can order the pants somewhere else? Is that allowed?

PsychMaven · Feb 23, 2008

I just got my packet today and have a few questions...
It seems like getting your housing stuff in early isn't going to do any good as it says "Review of applications and assignment... begins in mid-March... applications are randomly ordered..." But then Judy said in her email "We urge you to submit your application as soon as possible"... My husband and I will be applying for the couples housing and there are 4 options so we would really like to see the difference between them before selecting our first choice, etc. Does it matter if we wait to turn it in on Visiting Day after looking at the places?

The couples housing seems to be determined differently than singles because singles assignments are "based upon the date each student's application was received and by matching preference with unit availability". I don't know what "preference" they are referring to because there are no options on the paperwork for singles, just standard information, but I don't think couples need to worry about time. As you quoted, they are determined based solely on preference and availability so that email is likely just a mass generic one, but you could call to be sure.

LovetoTravel2001 · Feb 23, 2008

Kevn2bNP,
I was wondering if you could give me some idea of what these uniforms actually look like or are similar to. Ever since I saw tunic on the order form I've had quite a strange picture in my head. Are the white pants as terribly tacky as the vision of them in my head? Thanks for all of your input, its definitely eased my fears a lot to hear from people in the program who really understand where we are at.

I :heartbeat Google...

I think this is the 'tunic' (item number matches) http://busybeeapp.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=139&zenid=a244bbe45b802b235e84a25ee498b1a5

Looks like these are the pants...

http://swankcustomlabcoat.com/scrubs.htm (you have to scroll down to the "unisex ultimate pants", or just see the link below for photo only)

http://swankcustomlabcoat.com/images/7432-largeview.gif

And the skirts...

http://swankcustomlabcoat.com/images/7209-largeview.gif

Last, but not least, the 'warm-up' jacket.

http://www.arwaydirect.com/shopsite/product68.html

Sorry they are from all over the internet - I couldn't find them all on the same site. Now if only I can find a way to miraculously make the pants 4 inches longer... Any ideas?