CSULB FALL 2020

Published

Hello. I wanted to create this forum for people who are applying to Cal State Long Beach for Fall 2020. This is a place where we can compare and discuss statistics between us, as well as ask questions regarding the program.

1 hour ago, ninja1968 said:

Curious if CSULB offers decent financial aid packages? I currently don’t qualify for any aid at my community college, I do, however have my classes “waived”... but absolutely no aid. I make about 45,000$ a year, but obviously once I am in nursing school that would drastically dwindle to much much less. I did the math and if I work only on weekends I would be only making 15,000$ (roughly) since those are the slow days at my job. I was hoping since the cost of CSULB is higher than CC, and also since I would be taking more classes (I only take 2 classes at a time at CC), that I would qualify for something! If not I’m not sure I would be able to live well financially. I would get a loan if I have to, and I also have a savings account specifically for when I go to nursing school LOL... no parents help at all. My boyfriend will help as much as possible, but he definitely isn’t loaded or anything and won’t be able to cover all the costs. Just curious what your financial aid experience was ?? To the current CSULB students. Any advice is appreciated! You guys are godsends

Tbh I'm not great with finances, so this info may not be accurate. Personally, I receive enough in grants and loans that it covers my tuition and 3 months of my housing and meal plan each semester, which I feel is pretty decent. It will probably be very different for you considering your age (I'm assuming that you're older than me) and considering that you're financially independent. I think you'll qualify for some grants, but unfortunately, since financial aid is based on the previous year's income, you might not receive as much money.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm hoping if students reschedule the communication activity that it won't make them send out acceptances even later! ? I'm so eager! Also I've been watching ilyJudaylla on Youtube, she's a current student in the CSULB nursing program and she's made a couple vlogs about it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
1 hour ago, laur2412 said:

I'm hoping if students reschedule the communication activity that it won't make them send out acceptances even later! ? I'm so eager! Also I've been watching ilyJudaylla on Youtube, she's a current student in the CSULB nursing program and she's made a couple vlogs about it!

LOL Right!! I guess it depends how late they allow students to reschedule. According to their website they won’t send out notifications of admission til late April so I think they’ll allow students reschedule up to a certain point so they can still send out notifications on time, hopefully.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

hi everyone! I also got invited to the communications exercise. thank u for all the current CSULB students who have been answering all of those questions. I’ve learned a lot stalking this thread. I have a question as well for you guys. I hope I don’t receive any judgement. but I really like to use edible candies to help me sleep. It's kind of the only thing that really works for me for my stress and insomnia. it’s been a part of my nightly routine at least 3 times a week. is it true that they really drug test the nursing students even though marijuana is legal in the state of CA? if they do, when do they do it and how often do they do it? and is it random or scheduled? I would imagine clinicals start really early and IDK how I would be able to sleep early the night before. ? I would never imagine going to work or school under the influence, but I was curious about drug testing. thanks a lot guys

Up Vote Up Vote ×
5 hours ago, Jessikaaaa said:

hi everyone! I also got invited to the communications exercise. thank u for all the current CSULB students who have been answering all of those questions. I’ve learned a lot stalking this thread. I have a question as well for you guys. I hope I don’t receive any judgement. but I really like to use edible candies to help me sleep. It's kind of the only thing that really works for me for my stress and insomnia. it’s been a part of my nightly routine at least 3 times a week. is it true that they really drug test the nursing students even though marijuana is legal in the state of CA? if they do, when do they do it and how often do they do it? and is it random or scheduled? I would imagine clinicals start really early and IDK how I would be able to sleep early the night before. ? I would never imagine going to work or school under the influence, but I was curious about drug testing. thanks a lot guys

Man, insomnia is the worst. Under the BSN program FAQs, it says that "some healthcare agencies will require drug testing prior to beginning clinical placement(s)". I don't know whether they would test for weed, but I feel like it's pretty possible. Hopefully a current nursing student is able to answer your question!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 3/5/2020 at 6:29 PM, smol_bean said:

For those who are in the semester program, do you go to a different hospital for each class and each day of clinicals? What's the hospital farthest from CSULB that you've had to travel to?

I concur this question when any of you current students get the chance! LOL

Up Vote Up Vote ×
4 hours ago, Jessikaaaa said:
6 hours ago, Jessikaaaa said:

hi everyone! I also got invited to the communications exercise. thank u for all the current CSULB students who have been answering all of those questions. I’ve learned a lot stalking this thread. I have a question as well for you guys. I hope I don’t receive any judgement. but I really like to use edible candies to help me sleep. It's kind of the only thing that really works for me for my stress and insomnia. it’s been a part of my nightly routine at least 3 times a week. is it true that they really drug test the nursing students even though marijuana is legal in the state of CA? if they do, when do they do it and how often do they do it? and is it random or scheduled? I would imagine clinicals start really early and IDK how I would be able to sleep early the night before. ? I would never imagine going to work or school under the influence, but I was curious about drug testing. thanks a lot guys

Yeah marijuana is definitely safer than taking over the counter sleeping pills or prescription sleep meds from the doctor. I totally understand your concern about dealing with stress and sleep. I quit doing anything weed related when I made the decision to pursue nursing because I've heard horror stories of people getting kicked out of school or losing their jobs over weed. Not sure how strict CSU is about "drug-testing" though. Hopefully one of the CSULB students can come through with some information on their experience...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
8 hours ago, Jessikaaaa said:

hi everyone! I also got invited to the communications exercise. thank u for all the current CSULB students who have been answering all of those questions. I’ve learned a lot stalking this thread. I have a question as well for you guys. I hope I don’t receive any judgement. but I really like to use edible candies to help me sleep. It's kind of the only thing that really works for me for my stress and insomnia. it’s been a part of my nightly routine at least 3 times a week. is it true that they really drug test the nursing students even though marijuana is legal in the state of CA? if they do, when do they do it and how often do they do it? and is it random or scheduled? I would imagine clinicals start really early and IDK how I would be able to sleep early the night before. ? I would never imagine going to work or school under the influence, but I was curious about drug testing. thanks a lot guys

I personally have not been drug tested. There is a website called CastleBranch that you will sign up for after orientation that tracks your documents (influenza, titers, BLS, etc.). This website will set what documents need to be turned in and the time frame that they need to be submitted. As I said before, I have not been drug tested but recently we (my cohort) got a notification for a drug test. Turns out my cohort does not have to actually submit these drug tests (I do not know why). Basically if newer cohorts have to submit drug tests to CastleBranch they will be done as a scheduled requirement. Facilities may require it but LBMMC did not require that my cohort did it. Hopefully that answers it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 3/5/2020 at 6:29 PM, smol_bean said:

For those who are in the semester program, do you go to a different hospital for each class and each day of clinicals? What's the hospital farthest from CSULB that you've had to travel to?

I am in trimester but I can answer some of your questions. You will be assigned to various hospitals over the entirety of nursing school but for each clinical you will only be assigned to one facility. You have to go through an orientation day for each facility and unit before you can even go on the floor officially.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@Jessikaaaa I feel like this shouldn't even be a concern anymore! Especially over something that is helping you with your insomnia!

So my parents are both nurses, and my dad even works at Saddleback (one of the hospitals nursing students do clinicals at), and they said that the only instance they would get in trouble is if they are high while working. It still is worrisome though, as using marijuana is a federal crime. I would suggest that if you need to be tested, maybe you could find another alternative? Just in the meantime?

I know that's not much help but until it's legal on the federal level, better safe than sorry. Especially since you worked so hard to get into the program at that point!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
28 minutes ago, Dock239 said:

I personally have not been drug tested. There is a website called CastleBranch that you will sign up for after orientation that tracks your documents (influenza, titers, BLS, etc.). This website will set what documents need to be turned in and the time frame that they need to be submitted. As I said before, I have not been drug tested but recently we (my cohort) got a notification for a drug test. Turns out my cohort does not have to actually submit these drug tests (I do not know why). Basically if newer cohorts have to submit drug tests to CastleBranch they will be done as a scheduled requirement. Facilities may require it but LBMMC did not require that my cohort did it. Hopefully that answers it.

That’s reassuring that your in your 4th semester and have never been tested yet. It’s also reassuring to know that it would be a scheduled test and not random. I can definitely be clean long enough to do the scheduled test. I just think it’s ridiculous that I can’t properly treat my insomnia without worrying about ruining my potential career. Thank you for answering my question without being judgmental.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
22 minutes ago, laur2412 said:

@Jessikaaaa I feel like this shouldn't even be a concern anymore! Especially over something that is helping you with your insomnia!

So my parents are both nurses, and my dad even works at Saddleback (one of the hospitals nursing students do clinicals at), and they said that the only instance they would get in trouble is if they are high while working. It still is worrisome though, as using marijuana is a federal crime. I would suggest that if you need to be tested, maybe you could find another alternative? Just in the meantime?

I know that's not much help but until it's legal on the federal level, better safe than sorry. Especially since you worked so hard to get into the program at that point!

I’ve tried everything! CBD works for a month or so and then it stops working because my body gets used to it. Obviously sleeping pills do work, and so does melatonin BUT after I take it too often I start having horrible vivid dreams and my body gets used to it and stops working after awhile. I usually will wake up restless and the dreams are awful I can’t bare it LOL. I’m glad to hear it isn’t a huge deal as long as I don’t do it while at work (I would never ever do that). I will definitely be cutting down drastically and consider all of my options. Thank you so much for helping me

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion