Duke ABSN Fall 2014 Hopefuls

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I applied to the Duke SON ABSN program for the Fall of 2014. Anyone else out there who is applying for the same cohort? I saw that last year, the applicants got their interview/Duke Days letters at the end of January... hopefully we'll hear back soon! Good luck to everyone!

Hi guys, a question just came up to my mind today. Do you think there is really a huge difference between getting a BSN degree from Duke and getting one from a good but not a top University ? (in my case, University of Miami) By "difference" I mean do the hospitals more likely to hire graduates from top Nursing Schools? or will the graduates from Duke get jobs in better facilities? does anyone know the employment rate of this program? To make this question simple: can you tell me why you choose to spend about $80,000 in this program when you (the best students) have so many chances to get the education in the best state universities at a so much lower fee? I am kind of trapped in this dilemma, and I hope someone can give me some clues to figure it out.

Thank you!! WebRep

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I am going to Duke because I didn't get into UNC's BSN program, which was geared for undergrads. I live in the Raleigh area, so the only schools here who have nursing programs are Duke, UNC, and NC Central. NC Central doesn't have a great reputation. Duke Health System is top notch, and I believe they recruit from DUSON. I think they said at Duke Days that 98% of their grads are employed(?) With the new facilities and quality of education, you can't go wrong with Duke. I am planning on earning a Master's as well, and the ABSN program prepares their students for higher degrees.

I would like to say that even though we might be the best students, some of us do not always get into other universities in our states. It is not easy getting into nursing school because the pool of applicants is filled with amazing students....trust me. I was denied twice from the same university lol. But before applying to Duke, I saw the price tag and spoke to someone who went to the program and did my research on Duke and I decided to apply fully knowing that loans might be my reality but I feel that what I am getting what I pay for with Duke. Also as liliping said, I want to get my Master's and maybe even a DNP and I can see that Duke can help me prepare for that.

I am in the program now and I definitely think it's worth the cost. I got into other top programs, but the one on one support you get at Duke is amazing. There is so much faculty support and we're really learning beyond just passing the NCLEX. Plus there are a lot of opportunities here that you wouldn't get at a state school...amazing speakers, opportunities to travel abroad, innovative teaching, simulations, labs, small classes/clinical groups. if you want to stay in your town then maybe going to a local school with local name recognition would be better for you. I want to eventually get my DNP and I want to work for top hospitals in the country and so that's why I chose Duke. I think having Duke on your resume does help! The networking is also really nice too. I'm extremely biased because I love it here. Feel free to message me if you have any more questions.

This is anecdotal information about UNC that didn't really make me want to go there. I'm from out of state anyway so the tuition difference isn't that great.

Totally off-topic, but what is your daily schedule like, healersart? Is it consistent from day to day? I have kids who are involved with dance and sports and am wondering if they'll be able to participate in these activities while I'm in school.

Hey guys! I'm new to allnurses but I came across this thread while doing some research on Duke. I'm on the waiting list for the ABSN program for fall. Does anyone know when the waitlisted students might hear anything about an interview? Getting anxious :nailbiting:

Hi @emmysara, Like you I am on the waiting List for the ABSN program for the fall. I hope both of us hear something soon. I am staying positive. The fact that were on the waiting list is a big accomplishment and it beats getting rejected on the spot. Stay positive. I am sure we'll both get a shot. Good luck!

@BlueGirl17 thanks for the encouragement :) let me know if you hear anything!

Totally off-topic, but what is your daily schedule like, healersart? Is it consistent from day to day? I have kids who are involved with dance and sports and am wondering if they'll be able to participate in these activities while I'm in school.

Healer's Art can speak to the other semesters but for the first semester each day is different. Even week to week can vary to an extent. I know the curriculum is changing so everything I post won't be the most accurate but it will give you an idea. We have at least 5 parents (maybe 6) in our cohort. I know all of them mention they really depend on family for help.

Just a sample schedule

Lab one day or one afternoon (6 hours)

Clinical one day for 8 hours

Class 3 days - Monday morning class for everyone. Spanish track has class Monday afternoon. Tuesday class all day. Wednesday class in the morning. Thursday evening stats class for research and genomic track unless taking online section.

*Then throw in the miscellaneous stuff like open lab, SIM lab, study groups/tutor sessions, club meetings, seminars. These time vary - you just have to squeeze them in :D

Yeah you generally have a set schedule of classes and clinicals (For example: class Wednesdays, Thursdays. Clinical Fridays). But then there will be clinical prep days, computer training, etc. that may be planned on your "off" days. Unlike other programs, you do have advance notice about them (usually at the beginning of the semester, or two weeks before it). So you may need someone else to pick your kids up on those days. But generally you do have a set schedule (except for your preceptorship in 4th semester, you need to coordinate that with your preceptor).

Another random question about your schedules as students...do any of you have pets? And if so, is it hard to maintain them with the program?

Does anyone know what the average salary for a student coming out of DUSON?

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