Drexel ACE Program March 2009

bksouder · Jan 9, 2009

xlford......i hope my certification is good...it is through american heart association and expires in may of 2009 , i begin the program in march 2009 do you think ill be ok? who do i talk to about this? maybe you could help me out.....

thank you

**CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN** · Jan 9, 2009

xlford......i hope my certification is good...it is through american heart association and expires in may of 2009 , i begin the program in march 2009 do you think ill be ok? who do i talk to about this? maybe you could help me out.....
thank you

In the information I've seen, you will be okay to START, but you will need to renew your certification (and hand in copies of the new ones) to continue. You have to be certified through the entire program (or at least all of the clinicals). I just wasn't sure of the name of the program.

just_cause, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2009

... has anyone tried making contact with their academic advisor by any chance? (or been contacted by her...?)

L&DNurse_to_be · Jan 13, 2009

I have been in touch with who i believe is my academic advisor. Her name is Peggy (Margaret) Breslin. She is the one who sends the final course evaluation if you were taking any courses in the fall semester. So far she has been at least responsive, if not terribly friendly. let me know if anyone needs her contact info ... i can't post it on the main board, but pm me or email me and I can let you know. Also, the admissions person i was working with put me in touch with her, so if you have any contact info for the admissions office they can always tell you who to talk to.

Oh, and i asked the academic advisor about our orientation, and all she could tell me is that it would be after March 1, and i should plan on being in PA in mid March (i'm moving from CA).

Hope that helped somewhat -

just_cause, BSN, RN · Jan 13, 2009

L&D, thanks for the reply- based on the fall start (and posters advice...) I'm estimating the orientation to be 2 weeks prior on 16 March.. a Monday.. and that is making a LOT of assumptions - but its really all I have to go on at this time

Thanks!v/r

nursin09student · Jan 25, 2009

I got a letter today the orientation will be on March 23rd(my birthday) not time has be given yet but it is mandatory.

Sweels9 · Feb 4, 2009

Just wondering what loans everyone has been checking into? Any know anything about the PNC Solution Loan? Let me know if you do! I am so excited to meet all of you! Not too much longer now!

**CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN** · Feb 4, 2009

I went with the PNC one. I never saw a real interest rate posted, but when I talked to them twice (different people) on the phone, they said the percent was 2.5(with)-2.75(without cosinger) plus LIBOR (a variable interest rate, was about 2.5 when I called where other base interest rates were like 4.5 or more). There were no 'fees' involved either (some charge a set percentage for taking out the loan on top of the interest). It concerns me somewhat that I didn't see the interest rate written anywhere.

Sweels9 · Feb 4, 2009

I am submitting my loan application to them as well. I found them through Drexel's financial aid website which lead me to simpletutition.com. On there it says that the APR ranges from 2.66% to 9.05%. It is the best one I have seen. Thanks for getting back to me -- every step I make towards school seems to make me nervous!

Also -- did you receive the background check and the drug testing paperwork? I am so confused at to what to do with this. I have called Kelly Myrick but she has not responded to me yet. If anyone can lead me in the right direction with these two things I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks.

bksouder · Feb 4, 2009

i had questions about those two things as well. i emailed kelly and she got right back to me. apparently once you do the background check online and the drug test at a quest diagnostics, the paper work gets sent right to her.....that is what she told me atleast? how did you document your cpr/first aid certification? i just made copies of my certification cards, do you think that's ok?

**CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN** · Feb 4, 2009

I think photocopies of the CPR and First Aid cards should be fine (but I'd carry the originals for orientation, just in case). I scheduled myself for the first weekend First Aid/CPR thing that I got an email about. If you didn't get the email the program is at 40th and Powelton (just north of Market). It is both saturday and sunday from 8:30-3:30. February and March : 21/22 , 28/1, 14/15 and 21/22. Valid for 2 years CPR/AED, 3 years First Aid. Call 1-800-42-CROSS to schedule. It costs $110.

I did my PPD through their worknet, and scheduled the urine drug screen at the quest across the street. Scheduling is nice, as they can get busy and there's only 2 staff present. The zip code (quest asks) there is 19107.

When you get there, you'll sign in (first 'stall' past the door). She'll direct you to a room. You'll take off your coat, and lock anything valuable into the container. A little while later, she'll give you a cup, instruct you to wash your hands, and show you to the bathroom. There is no running water (or paper towels) in there and she dyes the toilet water blue. Knock, and she'll let you out after pouring the big cup into the little cup. Then you're free to wash your hands. I got a little skeeved since I 'missed' a drop while filling the cup. It was disturbing that I couldn't wash my hands!

For the background check online. Go to the website, enter the 'code'. Then the 'PIN' is your student number (took me forever to figure out). Afterwards, you fill out the info. It says it will be 'complete' once the drug screen is in.

For the paper one, i went to the PO for a money order. I love trying to remember everywhere I've lived since 1975, too!

If I can find my vaccination records (I had my Dr fill out the form already), I'll be DONE after the First Aid class. Will just need to fill the envelope and go! But, I swear, I searched EVERYWHERE for my vaccinations folder!!!! Luckily, I still have a few weeks to turn the house upside down.

Sweels9 · Feb 5, 2009

Thanks to both of you fo your help :) Has anyone rented an apartment yet? I have been searching Craigslist and I have used The Philadelphia Apartment Co (very helpful) but I still haven't decided on a place yet. I just can't believe how much it costs! Rent is anywhere around $1000 or above, plus utilities, plus many places you have to pay to park which ranges from $100-$200 a month! I guess I had better decide on a place soon because the first day of class will be here before we know it!