DUKE ABSN Fall 2012

jpw4200 · Mar 8, 2012

Congrats Melzie! Definitely put your money down to save a spot....you won't even care about the money if you get into Duke...you'll be so excited. My sister got her masters in nursing at Vandy and then worked in the NICU for a long time....she loved it! Either one is a great choice. Probably depends on if you want a direct entry program or a BSN. Either way, you win! Congrats!

2bEsqtoRN · Mar 8, 2012

@mellzie22, also something to consider: I understand Vandy offers specialized MSN programs, some of which are hybrids conferring two specialties upon passing board examinations, however the reality is not many employers are keen on hiring APNs with no or limited clinical experience outside the classroom. In fact, many direct-entry MSN graduates have to start at the same pay as BSNs and work their way up. I think you should still hold out for Duke for your ABSN. If accepted, it can possibly cost less than Vandy (thanks to tuition reimbursement via Duke Health) and you can eventually get your employer to pay for your MSN (via Duke's RNTAP program, which offers up to 90% tuition reimbursement for Duke RNs wishing to pursue graduate degrees). Duke offers considerably more opportunities than Vandy and quite frankly, you can find an employer to pay for your MSN.

mellzie22 · Mar 8, 2012

Thanks for the congrats everyone!

@2bEsqtoRN - you bring up a good point. My biggest concern is funding for an additional bachelor's. I already have two, and federal money to finance a third is going to be difficult. I've heard tons of different things about direct-entry programs. My hope is to do the Masters part time while working as an RN to hopefully gain some experience (and help offset the cost). I'm not opposed to working my way up the ranks, so to speak.

2bEsqtoRN · Mar 9, 2012

Thanks for the congrats everyone!
@2bEsqtoRN - you bring up a good point. My biggest concern is funding for an additional bachelor's. I already have two, and federal money to finance a third is going to be difficult. I've heard tons of different things about direct-entry programs. My hope is to do the Masters part time while working as an RN to hopefully gain some experience (and help offset the cost). I'm not opposed to working my way up the ranks, so to speak.

I totally feel you but either way, you're looking at loans, even for Vandy. In fact, I think you'll have to take out more loans for Vandy v.s Duke, should you get in. Duke has the possibility to offer you an ABSN with tuition reimbursement and an employer who will pay up to 90% for your MSN...:)

Also, I was under the impression both pre-specialty and specialty years must be either FT or PT for students at Vandy? If they allow for FT pre-specialty followed by PT specialty, that would be great.

I still say, hold out for Duke (while securing a deposit at Vandy, just in case). :)

southeRNgirl185 · Mar 9, 2012

Have any other second-rounders heard back from their other schools? I'm still waiting...I'm getting very impatient!

mellzie22 · Mar 9, 2012

@dancegirl185, what other schools have you applied to?

moggsy · Mar 10, 2012

dancergirl, UNC is a no-go for me (long story - b/c of budget cuts they accepted hardly any 2nd degree applicants so applying for the BSN cycle was basically pointless), so all my eggs are in the Duke basket now. Hopefully that's the way it is meant to be! :) I hope you hear from your other school soon. All this waiting really gets to you after awhile, but hey, in the grand scheme of everything, it's still not a "real" problem (like cancer, etc). Just frustrating/mentally exhausting at times.

For people who have joined the FB group - do you know if everyone in the group is planning to attend Duke for sure?

guest464345 · Mar 10, 2012

moggsy - you get invited to the Facebook group after you accept their offer formally, so I'm guessing that the group members are planning to attend. Still got my fingers crossed for ya :)

moggsy · Mar 10, 2012

Thanks, laflaca! That makes sense and explains why the number is still pretty low. Alright, I will try my best to stay off this board for awhile so I don't sound like a broken record... because I'm starting to annoy myself! LOL.

guest464345 · Mar 10, 2012

you kidding me moggsy? This is the official meeting place of pre-nursing neurotics....you're not even one hair crazier than the rest of us :)

ABSNhopeful · Mar 10, 2012

so how many people have been accepted into the facebook group? just to get a rough estimate of how many people in the first round that have committed.

guest464345 · Mar 10, 2012

it says 19 members...I think people have until April 2nd to formally accept and mail in their deposits.