Direct entry and graduate entry programs II

Jess RN · May 10, 2005

Smile123,
:), this made me smile a little...
Once you start your clinicals and start walking around the floors in the hospital and in patient rooms and such, you may not even want to wear your shoes out of the hospital, (not in your car, not in your house, not....anywhere.)
One of the hospitals that I worked at would do random swabs of areas around the hospital and share the results. One swab on the carpet, (which they removed since then) showed bacteria that could not even be identified!
Anyhow, since I walk around my house barefoot I eventually ended up removing my 'clinical' shoes outside and leaving them by the door. I did not want the hospital floor, (with the feces, urine, blood, body fluids and other goo) on my floor.
:), Maybe another pair of Danskos, non-work ones, will be good for around town.
Gen
p.s. chuckle, ah, the stuff we walk on in clinicals....

Eeeewwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yuk! I'm a germ-phobe AND I have a new crawler at home- I am nuts about people wearing shoes inside the house. Let alone shoes that have been traipsing through goodness knows what on a hospital floor! :barf01:

-Jess

Kim123 · May 11, 2005

Eeeewwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yuk! I'm a germ-phobe AND I have a new crawler at home- I am nuts about people wearing shoes inside the house. Let alone shoes that have been traipsing through goodness knows what on a hospital floor! :barf01:
-Jess

Hi guys!

Have you all gotten your stethescope yet? What kind are you getting and where can I get it discounted? I already ordered my clinical scrubs, shirts, lab coat, but that's about it. I just can't afford too much after that! :uhoh21:

Thanks

Kim

Gennaver, MSN · May 11, 2005

Hello everyone,

I emailed the graduate coordinator at UIC to ask if they knew the estimated date of final decions yet...couldn't resist!

She emailed back and said they are trying their best to mail out the letters on May 16th.

Oh gosh, a week and a half or so...

I decided to secure my second back up plan too, (DePaul has a program that starts in fall and winter and has an August cutoff date.) Their acceptance rate is something like 30-35 out of 100 about 30%, versus UIC CON Med/Surg of 2 out of 40-about 5%!

Still, I am every hopeful, just the odds are soooo crazy!

Okay, back to studying for my health psychology final exam, I am in the classroom right now, two hours until final. :rotfl: :crying2: :chuckle

Phew!

Gen

p.s. a final tomorrow in substance abuse, then a final project due on Friday for sociology of Mind, Self and Society and finally a final final project due on an agency resource database for southwes suburban Chicago suburban homelessness... :chuckle :uhoh3: :rotfl: finals, finals....

elizabells, BSN, RN · May 11, 2005

Hi guys!
Have you all gotten your stethescope yet? What kind are you getting and where can I get it discounted? I already ordered my clinical scrubs, shirts, lab coat, but that's about it. I just can't afford too much after that! :uhoh21:
Thanks
Kim

I got a Littmann Cardiology - I'm not sure how much it was as it came in a package w/reflex hammer, tuning forks, etc. I'm told eBay is a good resource. I'd recommend against allheart.com, I've heard bad things about their timeliness. Also, if you think you might go into peds/NICU, I'm told it's best to get a relatively inexpensive one bc you'll need a specialized one once you start working. Hope that helps!

fotografe · May 11, 2005

Hey Jess

If you are allowed to wear clogs, look at Crocs. THey are very comfortable (they do run big so try them before buying). The biggest selling point is that they can be soaked in bleach solutions without any damage. They sell a lot of these shoes to people working in the OR. I think I will transport them in a bag and throw them in a bucket in the laundry room every night.

Eeeewwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yuk! I'm a germ-phobe AND I have a new crawler at home- I am nuts about people wearing shoes inside the house. Let alone shoes that have been traipsing through goodness knows what on a hospital floor! :barf01:
-Jess

smile123 · May 11, 2005

I got a Littmann Cardiology - I'm not sure how much it was as it came in a package w/reflex hammer, tuning forks, etc. I'm told eBay is a good resource. I'd recommend against allheart.com, I've heard bad things about their timeliness. Also, if you think you might go into peds/NICU, I'm told it's best to get a relatively inexpensive one bc you'll need a specialized one once you start working. Hope that helps!

I got a Littman Cardiology III too. It has an adult and pediatric bell. You'll probbaly want to look at Ebay.

Smile123

CEG · May 12, 2005

Hi Gen,

My interview went pretty well. They are accepting 8 or so out of the 15 who interviewed.

I was dying to know when they are letting us know. Not until the 16th?? I was hoping to know any time now. What a bummer.

I'm glad your interview went well. Good luck!

Courtney

Hello everyone,
I emailed the graduate coordinator at UIC to ask if they knew the estimated date of final decions yet...couldn't resist!
She emailed back and said they are trying their best to mail out the letters on May 16th.
Oh gosh, a week and a half or so...
I decided to secure my second back up plan too, (DePaul has a program that starts in fall and winter and has an August cutoff date.) Their acceptance rate is something like 30-35 out of 100 about 30%, versus UIC CON Med/Surg of 2 out of 40-about 5%!
Still, I am every hopeful, just the odds are soooo crazy!
Okay, back to studying for my health psychology final exam, I am in the classroom right now, two hours until final. :rotfl: :chuckle
Phew!
Gen
p.s. a final tomorrow in substance abuse, then a final project due on Friday for sociology of Mind, Self and Society and finally a final final project due on an agency resource database for southwes suburban Chicago suburban homelessness... :chuckle :rotfl: finals, finals....

Mission · May 12, 2005

I got a Littman Cardiology III too. It has an adult and pediatric bell. You'll probbaly want to look at Ebay.
Smile123

Me three, and I got mine on Ebay.

melster013 · May 12, 2005

Smile and Jess,
I haven't decided on the complete and final list of schools to apply to, but I am currently considering Simmons, NEU, USM, Columbia, and UCSF. I want to make sure to apply to a broad enough range so that I will get an acceptance letter from at least one school. Looking at the stats for Simmons, I believe fit their profile. Do you have any suggestions for rounding-out my list? I know that my list is pretty much comprised of the most difficult schools to get accepted to. I am beginning to think that there are no "shoe-in" schools that offer this type of program, though. Am I right?
Which schools did y'all apply to?
Here's to reaching high and taking risks!
rachel

Sounds like a good list !! I am starting at Simmons this summer - glad to see it on your list! I think you're right though, there are no "shoe-in's" ... that I have found at least. I was lucky enough to get accepted at BC and MGH as well ... are you considering either? They are both Boston schools w/ excellent reputations. There are others on this board planning to go to both programs that I'm sure can answer any questions for you.

Good luck w/ the application process ... I know it can be stressful but take it one step at a time and you'll do great. If you don't already, try to get some healthcare volunteer experience before applying. I think that goes along way w/ the admissions committees.

-Jen

Hi All!

I am new to this forum but I've been reading all of your postings as of late and can relate to so many of the discussions and wanted to be a part of such a great group!

I am from RI and am currently trying to decide between the Direct Entry program at Simmons and DePaul (in Chicago) for this fall. I have lived in RI all my life and nearly all of my family (and fiance) are here. Being in Boston would be great because although I know I will be so busy at Simmons I know my family is nearby. However, DePaul's program is intriguing because it is in a part of the country I have never been and to be on my own out there is exciting. However, one of my friends brought to my attention one factor that has really made my decision difficult. She said that wherever I choose to go to school, I will establish so many contacts and a big networking system that I can use to get a job both while I am in and once I am done school. And my main problem is that if I go to Chicago and then want to move back east to be closer to my family after I graduate, all of my contacts and networking system will be in Chicago and I will have a difficult time getting a job (or as good a job) in Boston/new england. On the other hand, if I go to Simmons then I will have already established myself in the new england area and be a great candidate for post-graduation jobs. I spoke to a current Simmons student who said that Simmons students are so highly regarded in the area and that the contacts we make while in school are very key. So I am stumped. I am sorry for babbling so long but I really need to a make a decision soon as Simmons begins this July. I don't know much about the Chicago area and the medical facilities there nor do I know much about DePaul (only the Nursing program details). I don't know how highly regarded DePaul is outside of Chicago. Can anyone offer any advice? I would greatly appreciate it!! Thanks guys!!

Lastly, NP-to-be, you are definitely going to Simmons? Congratulations! What made you choose it over others? I also applied to all of the surrounding programs (BC, MGH, NEU, UMass Worcester, etc.) but just ahd a very strong gut feeling about it. They seemed very focused on the students and the administration is so helpful!!!

fotografe · May 12, 2005

You have a valid argument if you are planning to come back to New England -- your Chicago contacts may not give you much of an edge here. However, seeing as how hospitals in the Boston area recruit nurses from Canada, I don't think you will have difficualty landing a job here after you graduate.

Speaking as a displaced Chicagoan, it is a great city, and you shouldn't pass up a chance to live there. It is much different than New England/Boston. The city is much bigger with an incredible cultural life. The summer is one long party on the lakefront with all of the festivals. There are several great hospitals in the city (Northwestern/Rush/U of C and if you are a trauma junkie, Cook County). Beware that it is COLD in the winter. If you can't stand the cold, it is not the place for you. DePaul is in a wonderful neighborhood, but a bit expensive. You can find reasonable rents in the city. You don't really need a car as the public transportation system is very good. If you have a car, it is not as bad as Boston for parking. They don't freak out when it snows like they do here in Boston. Politics are a cross between a sport and theatre. The City Council is quite entertaining. Hmm, the Sox are White, but I am a Northsider so baseball means Cubs. Pizza is fabulous. Mexican food is really Mexican. So anyway, staying in New England will get you a great nursing education. Going to Chicago will give you a cultural experience you may not have the opportunity to do again.

Either way I think you will end up being a solidly trained nurse with many career opportunities. Good luck.

Hi All!

I am new to this forum but I've been reading all of your postings as of late and can relate to so many of the discussions and wanted to be a part of such a great group!

I am from RI and am currently trying to decide between the Direct Entry program at Simmons and DePaul (in Chicago) for this fall. I have lived in RI all my life and nearly all of my family (and fiance) are here. Being in Boston would be great because although I know I will be so busy at Simmons I know my family is nearby. However, DePaul's program is intriguing because it is in a part of the country I have never been and to be on my own out there is exciting. However, one of my friends brought to my attention one factor that has really made my decision difficult. She said that wherever I choose to go to school, I will establish so many contacts and a big networking system that I can use to get a job both while I am in and once I am done school. And my main problem is that if I go to Chicago and then want to move back east to be closer to my family after I graduate, all of my contacts and networking system will be in Chicago and I will have a difficult time getting a job (or as good a job) in Boston/new england. On the other hand, if I go to Simmons then I will have already established myself in the new england area and be a great candidate for post-graduation jobs. I spoke to a current Simmons student who said that Simmons students are so highly regarded in the area and that the contacts we make while in school are very key. So I am stumped. I am sorry for babbling so long but I really need to a make a decision soon as Simmons begins this July. I don't know much about the Chicago area and the medical facilities there nor do I know much about DePaul (only the Nursing program details). I don't know how highly regarded DePaul is outside of Chicago. Can anyone offer any advice? I would greatly appreciate it!! Thanks guys!!

Lastly, NP-to-be, you are definitely going to Simmons? Congratulations! What made you choose it over others? I also applied to all of the surrounding programs (BC, MGH, NEU, UMass Worcester, etc.) but just ahd a very strong gut feeling about it. They seemed very focused on the students and the administration is so helpful!!!

bruinlaura · May 13, 2005

Mexican food is really Mexican.

in reference to chicago!

:rotfl: as a 2nd generation southern californian you made my day with this one. :rotfl:

NP-to-be · May 13, 2005

:rotfl:

Hi All!

I am new to this forum but I've been reading all of your postings as of late and can relate to so many of the discussions and wanted to be a part of such a great group!

I am from RI and am currently trying to decide between the Direct Entry program at Simmons and DePaul (in Chicago) for this fall. I have lived in RI all my life and nearly all of my family (and fiance) are here. Being in Boston would be great because although I know I will be so busy at Simmons I know my family is nearby. However, DePaul's program is intriguing because it is in a part of the country I have never been and to be on my own out there is exciting. However, one of my friends brought to my attention one factor that has really made my decision difficult. She said that wherever I choose to go to school, I will establish so many contacts and a big networking system that I can use to get a job both while I am in and once I am done school. And my main problem is that if I go to Chicago and then want to move back east to be closer to my family after I graduate, all of my contacts and networking system will be in Chicago and I will have a difficult time getting a job (or as good a job) in Boston/new england. On the other hand, if I go to Simmons then I will have already established myself in the new england area and be a great candidate for post-graduation jobs. I spoke to a current Simmons student who said that Simmons students are so highly regarded in the area and that the contacts we make while in school are very key. So I am stumped. I am sorry for babbling so long but I really need to a make a decision soon as Simmons begins this July. I don't know much about the Chicago area and the medical facilities there nor do I know much about DePaul (only the Nursing program details). I don't know how highly regarded DePaul is outside of Chicago. Can anyone offer any advice? I would greatly appreciate it!! Thanks guys!!

Lastly, NP-to-be, you are definitely going to Simmons? Congratulations! What made you choose it over others? I also applied to all of the surrounding programs (BC, MGH, NEU, UMass Worcester, etc.) but just ahd a very strong gut feeling about it. They seemed very focused on the students and the administration is so helpful!!!

First of all, welcome !! This board is a GREAT resource for any and all direct-entry students/applicants.

Let me start by saying that I am of course bias to New England and Simmons !! It was a little bit easier for me because I was sure that I wanted to stay in the Boston area. My family and friends are all here and this is where I want to settle after school. I went away for my undergrad but am back now for good !!

Deciding between Simmons, MGH and BC was a very tough decision. I honestly think that I followed my gut 100%. I got such a good vibe from visting the school and meeting students and facutly. I also got GREAT feedback from local NP's and RN's about the program at Simmons. My NP at MGH told me that she'll only precept Simmons students now because she thinks they are so well prepared = )

I truly think that if you want to work as an NP when you graduate that it may make more sense for you to go to school in the area where you want to practice apon gradution. If you want to work as an RN after graduation I don't think you'd have a problem finding a job no matter the location !!

One other aspect that sold me on Simmons was the 9-month to 1-year + required RN internship. I think it is great that they require you to have that much hands-on experience (which is paid !!). If that was not required I would have strongly considered taking a year off in the middle to get some experience working as an RN. I think this program is the best of both worlds !!

I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide. Please feel free to private message me if you have any questions about the program. I am actually staring the 'science summer' in about a week so I may have some more helpful feedback at that point. I'm really looking forward to getting my feet wet and hope that I'll be seeing you soon !!

Good luck !!

-Jen

:balloons: :rotfl: :balloons: :rotfl: :balloons: :rotfl: :balloons: