Direct-entry MSN programs

Gennaver, MSN · Jul 16, 2005

Hi,

Phew, week one down of survy of org chem and four more left.

How are the other science summer folks doing? Don't worry, I figure you won't have time to answer this question for another month or so! I know, I know...back to studying.

Gen

p.s. I finally got my financial aid package award and my room at the UCC is being processed, yippie, (this morning I get my student ID and Password and can register too-should have gotten that a week or so ago but, some kind of email glitzch?)

Jess RN · Jul 16, 2005

Hi,
Phew, week one down of survy of org chem and four more left.
How are the other science summer folks doing? Don't worry, I figure you won't have time to answer this question for another month or so! I know, I know...back to studying.
Gen
p.s. I finally got my financial aid package award and my room at the UCC is being processed, yippie, (this morning I get my student ID and Password and can register too-should have gotten that a week or so ago but, some kind of email glitzch?)

Hey Gen! Good to hear from you. I'm glad your fin aid and housing is falling into place. I finished up my orgo class two weeks ago. It was intense, but really interesting. I liked it a lot. I'm currently slogging through an online Micro class that I like the content of but hate the way it is taught. I don't think I'm a very good online learner. I went shopping for nursing shoes the other day- I found the ones I like but they didn't have my size in the color I need I have to go over to BC at some point next month and buy my uniform and stethescope (sp?) too. It's getting real now...

-Jess

deelace · Jul 17, 2005

nope, no hoops to becomming a cna. it's a bit more difficult in ca than in other states (more clinical hours, and in class hours too i think). but, i did it last summer, 4 weeks full time a the american red cross (not all chapters offer cna training, we are lucky that ours does). or, you could do a full time 10 week training at the jc.
yes, i'm a bit overwhelmed at the prospects of it only being 15 months. but, i figure i can do anything for 1 1/2 years...there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it's closer than the 2 or 3 year asn or bsn programs around here.
oh, and to answer the person who asked earlier...my bachelors is in communications. i don't have any medical experience (other than being a cna, but everyone has to have that). supposedley they are looking for well rounded people with other experiences to share with the class. oh, and one other fun thing about this program. they only interview 30 people, and there are only spots for 16 people a year!
heather

hi heather. i looked into that program and it sounds really great. i definitely intend to apply since i already have a bs and an ms. being from delaware, however, i wonder what the cost of living is like in that area? also, does the cna have to be from a program in california and does sonoma offer the cna program as well? sorry for all the questions. the website doesn't give a whole lot of information. i won't be able to apply for a few years since i'm still in the army so hopefully there will be a lot more information and statistics on this program by then, since as you said, it's fairly new.

by the way, for others who may be reading this and interested, i found a somewhat similar program at the university of iowa, only it's called a "professional masters in nursing and healthcare practice". time of completion is only 18 months at which time you sit for the rn exam and cna prep is not a prerequisite.

heatherp · Jul 17, 2005

hi heather. i looked into that program and it sounds really great. i definitely intend to apply since i already have a bs and an ms. being from delaware, however, i wonder what the cost of living is like in that area? also, does the cna have to be from a program in california and does sonoma offer the cna program as well? sorry for all the questions. the website doesn't give a whole lot of information. i won't be able to apply for a few years since i'm still in the army so hopefully there will be a lot more information and statistics on this program by then, since as you said, it's fairly new.

cost of living! ugh!!! way too much! it is in the 'bay area' of california. median home prices are over 600,000. gas is over $2.50 per gallon. milk is something like $2.00 per gallon when you buy 2 at a time (not sure, as i have to have it, so i just buy it w/o looking at the prices). just to give you an idea of some of the prices.

i would assume that the cna has to be from ca, since ca has much more requirements than the rest of the country (we need 160 clinical hours if i remember right, and the rest of the country needs 100 i think). ssu does not offer it, but the jc does, and we are lucky that the american red cross chapter here offers it.

good luck : )

heather

Kim123 · Jul 23, 2005

Hey Gen! Good to hear from you. I'm glad your fin aid and housing is falling into place. I finished up my orgo class two weeks ago. It was intense, but really interesting. I liked it a lot. I'm currently slogging through an online Micro class that I like the content of but hate the way it is taught. I don't think I'm a very good online learner. I went shopping for nursing shoes the other day- I found the ones I like but they didn't have my size in the color I need I have to go over to BC at some point next month and buy my uniform and stethescope (sp?) too. It's getting real now...
-Jess

Hi Everyone!

I was writing more often back when we were all still waiting for acceptance letters (a time period that I try to block out :rolleyes: ). but to refresh, I'm starting the Direct entry MSN at Regis College in Boston this fall (classes, start Sept. 6th). I've been insanely busy finishing up prereq's (they're done in 2 weeks, thank the Lord) and working FT, so I haven't had time to drop a line.

I'm just starting to shop around for supplies and shoes and my question is for Jess:

What store did you find the shoes that you liked (in Boston, im assuming?) What kind were they? I'm looking for Dansko's Professional white leather, clog with heel (Regis requires a heel and white color). Simon's shoe store in Brookline Village carries them, but they sell them for $110! So now I'm open to other brands that may be less expensive (If anyone has any suggestions)

Also, are you going to order your stethescope from somewhere (ex: allheart.com) or do you know of a medical supply store that would sell them around Boston?

Good luck to everyone!

Kim

Jess RN · Jul 23, 2005

Hi Everyone!
I was writing more often back when we were all still waiting for acceptance letters (a time period that I try to block out ). but to refresh, I'm starting the Direct entry MSN at Regis College in Boston this fall (classes, start Sept. 6th). I've been insanely busy finishing up prereq's (they're done in 2 weeks, thank the Lord) and working FT, so I haven't had time to drop a line.
I'm just starting to shop around for supplies and shoes and my question is for Jess:
What store did you find the shoes that you liked (in Boston, im assuming?) What kind were they? I'm looking for Dansko's Professional white leather, clog with heel (Regis requires a heel and white color). Simon's shoe store in Brookline Village carries them, but they sell them for $110! So now I'm open to other brands that may be less expensive (If anyone has any suggestions)
Also, are you going to order your stethescope from somewhere (ex: allheart.com) or do you know of a medical supply store that would sell them around Boston?
Good luck to everyone!
Kim

Hi Kim!

I got the Dansko clogs (the ones without the back) at a store near my home called Uniforms for America in Watertown Sq. They carry Dansko Porfessionals and I believe they were about 95.00. They also have other brands and styles that are cheaper. Also, another place that has a good selection of nursing shoes is Work N Gear in the Watertown Mall. Their Danskos were a bit more expensive- so I got them at the other store. The one in the Watertown Mall had a better selection of non Dansko shoes though. My friend Rich is going to Regis in the fall too- he's in the psych/mental health specialty if you meet him tell him I say hi! :)

-Jess

Jess RN · Jul 23, 2005

Hi Kim!
I got the Dansko clogs (the ones without the back) at a store near my home called Uniforms for America in Watertown Sq. They carry Dansko Porfessionals and I believe they were about 95.00. They also have other brands and styles that are cheaper. Also, another place that has a good selection of nursing shoes is Work N Gear in the Watertown Mall. Their Danskos were a bit more expensive- so I got them at the other store. The one in the Watertown Mall had a better selection of non Dansko shoes though. My friend Rich is going to Regis in the fall too- he's in the psych/mental health specialty if you meet him tell him I say hi! :)
-Jess

Oh, and also- both stores carry stethescopes. Uniforms for America in Watertown Sq has a better selection.

-Jess

smile123 · Jul 24, 2005

Hi Kim!
I got the Dansko clogs (the ones without the back) at a store near my home called Uniforms for America in Watertown Sq. They carry Dansko Porfessionals and I believe they were about 95.00. They also have other brands and styles that are cheaper. Also, another place that has a good selection of nursing shoes is Work N Gear in the Watertown Mall. Their Danskos were a bit more expensive- so I got them at the other store. The one in the Watertown Mall had a better selection of non Dansko shoes though. My friend Rich is going to Regis in the fall too- he's in the psych/mental health specialty if you meet him tell him I say hi! :)
-Jess

Hey Kim,

Congrats on getting into Regis! As Jess points out, you can get Dansko's locally. However, if you know the exact size and style you want from going to the Uniforms for America, you can always go on Ebay and buy Dansko's there. But you have to be positive about the size and style. I bought a pair from the shoeprofessor on ebay. They have a good return policy. The clogs can go for $75.00. But it all depends on the style and color. Good luck!

Smile123

elizabells, BSN, RN · Jul 25, 2005

Hey all, sorry I haven't been around so much. I got a boyfriend, bronchitis, and an apartment in that approximate order. Soooo tired. But I'm moving next week and then I'll be out of these infernal dorms! Yaaaayyy!

Gennaver, MSN · Jul 26, 2005

Hey all, sorry I haven't been around so much. I got a boyfriend, bronchitis, and an apartment in that approximate order. Soooo tired. But I'm moving next week and then I'll be out of these infernal dorms! Yaaaayyy!

Hello Elizabells,

Sorry about the bronchitis, good luck and enjoy the boyfriend and congratulations on the apartment!! All in that order :)

Genn

p.s. two more weeks after this one for my super fast freak out organic chemistry--swoosh!! we are all hanging on, pretty much like a roller coaster!

bruinlaura · Jul 26, 2005

Hey all, sorry I haven't been around so much. I got a boyfriend, bronchitis, and an apartment in that approximate order. Soooo tired. But I'm moving next week and then I'll be out of these infernal dorms! Yaaaayyy!

ooh, congrats and I'm jealous (not of the bronchitis, of course). I'm still apartment hunting, looked at two major dumps yesterday. A word of caution to future columbia nursing students, bard hall is not awesome.

In 11 days I get to go to san clemente and relax on the beach for a week! With the final push, apt hunting and some family drama I'm barely sane.

stay cool everyone,

Laura

Jess RN · Jul 26, 2005

Hey all, sorry I haven't been around so much. I got a boyfriend, bronchitis, and an apartment in that approximate order. Soooo tired. But I'm moving next week and then I'll be out of these infernal dorms! Yaaaayyy!

That's great about the apt and the boyfriend- sorry about the bronchitis. So, you get to live in the dorms for as long as you need to and then move out whenever you find an apt? Are you locked into any type of contract/commitment with the dorms? I don't know if I could handle dorm living (unless it was a reeeealy nice dorm- do they exist?) at this stage in my life. I guess in NYC there are precious few options that aren't outrageously expensive.

-Jess