DeSales accelerated BSN '11-'12

[ktliz]

Hey everyone! I figured I would start a thread for us in the May 2011 cohort, so we aren't hijacking the 2010 thread anymore. :)

I just sent in my tuition deposit, and can't wait to find out the next steps. Of course there are the generic things like background checks, CPR/BLS, and health clearances, but I'm excited to find out about textbooks, uniforms, etc. I've already started shopping around for a stethoscope, nursing shoes, and possibly an ipod touch. I'm probably wasting way too much time that I should be spending finishing up my bachelor's and pre-reqs! I have one course left (online) to complete my B.S. in psych from the University of Georgia, and I'm taking Chem II at the local CC. I live exactly 30 min from DeSales so I won't need to relocate.

Just out of curiosity, what other programs did you all apply to? I was denied by Duke, but accepted by Drexel. Thomas Jefferson denied me from their 12-month BSN, but invited me to interview for the 3-year BSN/MSN track. I declined the interview because I knew I was going to DeSales. My DSU interview was with the head of the accelerated program and I got such a good vibe from her. Hopefully all the faculty cares as much about the success of their students as she does. The DeSales program seems in stark contrast to some of other programs in the area, where the entering classes are huge and then are drastically weeded down. It seems as though DSU expects all of their students to succeed.

So, here's to our new nursing family, together all the way to graduation. :cheers:

-Kate

[ktliz]

You are doing the right thing already, by talking to people in this and other programs! Without giving out too many details... they want to see that you know what you are getting yourself into, and that you are prepared for the program academically, emotionally, socially, professionally, etc.

[elledee88]

just be comfortable with knowing why you want to be a nurse and articulate that in the best sense to the profs at desales! be patient as well. they run on a slower schedule than the other schools i interviewed for and didn't give me an answer until the end of december (although they emailed me and said it was going to be january originally...)

overall, i am satisfied i chose desales. there are a lot of different health facilities and hospitals that my classmates and i are getting experience at. the program is challenging, as it should be. you learn to be your own teacher in some circumstances, but that doesn't mean the faculty and staff leave you in the dust. you have to convince yourself that you belong in the nursing profession and not expect for others to cradle you through the process. if you have that as a constant in your mind then you are on the right track! GL!

[DublAK2]

Hi,

I am interviewing for DeSales as well this week, and I'm doing as much research as I can to familiarize myself with possible questions. I wanted to know if any current students have any idea what proportion of students are accepted out of the interview round. I don't have any hospital volunteer/work experience to speak of in my interview and I am petrified that that is going to shut the gate doors for me. Does everyone have hospital experience?

[ktliz]

DublAK, look at it this way-- if your lack of experience was an issue, they wouldn't have invited you for an interview. Obviously you impressed them with some other aspect of your application. If you feel lack of experience is your weakness, show them how you make up for it. :)

For our class, I think they interviewed around half of the applicants and accepted around 2/3 of interviewees. I'm sure the numbers change from year to year, though.

[Tsanon2002]

Hello everyone..i currently live in Fl. I got accepted into the May 2012 cohort last December. I sent in a tuition deposit to the school and i havent heard anything. I was wondering if anyone has any info on how the acceptance process goes or if you even got an

acceptance package like most

schools sends out?!! I am eager to

start this program as i know most

of you are as well. Since i am

coming from so far i would

appreciate it if i could get some real

insight on DeSales and any other

info on PA..thank you!!!!

[ktliz]

Call/email the nursing office and let them know you didn't get the packet. I checked my envelope (I have some documents stored in it) and it is postmarked 1/14. However, the nursing secretary is new this year so they may be running behind... who knows. There is a lot of stuff to get done and I think the deadline is sometime in April. From what I remember, you need your CPR certification (BLS for healthcare providers from AHA), a physical, 2-step PPD test, drug test, and titers drawn. You also need state and federal background checks, but I think they let you wait until school starts if you are out of state, since you have to go to a local place to get your fingerprints done. Info about books and your schedule doesn't come until later. You will order scrubs at orientation. You can order your stethoscope at orientation also, but I recommend getting it online before then; you will want to have it for health assessment lab and the people who ordered them at orientation didn't get theirs for weeks! You'll also need a watch with a second hand.

If you've visited DeSales you'll know the campus is pretty secluded. You can look for housing in Hellertown, Coopersburg, Bethlehem, Allentown, Quakertown, Emmaus... Clinical sites are mostly in Allentown and Bethlehem, some are in Easton.

[Tsanon2002]

@Ktliz..Thank You soooo much. You have given more info about the nursing program than the school itself. Lol. I really appreciate you taking the time out and letting me whats going on. I will give the nursing secretary a call tomorrow just to make sure she has my new address. I hope to meet you in May!! Thanxx again.

[DublAK2]

Hey Ktliz,

I was browsing around Allnurses looking for some DeSales information from some ABSN vets (I'm in the 12-13 cohort now). You seem to be the most active Desales member on here. I was wondering if you might PM me your e-mail if you felt comfortable enough so I could ask you some program specifics. I would pm you but I do not have enough posts. Thanks.

[jboy1029]

Hey,

I will be attending DeSales this upcoming May and I'm wondering if anyone has a suggestion about where to rent an apartment? Specifically, an apartment complex in the area. If you lived in one, or know someone who did, please respond to this post. I am having trouble finding a place close to campus.

Thanks!