any arkansas nurses or nursing students

Ex130Load · Feb 15, 2004

Understand, at Baptist you'll get a certificate. If you want to go back to school and get a BSN, options may be limited. The VA is supposed to be going to a program where they no longe will hire certificate nurses. UAMS has a program where you recieve credit for school and can then work on getting a BSN degree. UALR will give an associate degree. Many schools won't recognize your school time because it's not affiliated with any sanctioning body.

As I've matriculated, I learned a lot of other questions that I should have asked prior to applying. Among them, ask prospective schools what their attrition rate is. If your grades are closer to the C range, you might get into the program, but will you finish it? Rumor back to me is that Baptist is or was losing about half of thier class and that they don't teach. Info is thrown at you, you pick it up or you don't.

If you fail a class, what are your options? A friend told me that at UALR, if you fail a class, you can come back and re-take the course... after you re-take the previous courses' finals. Think about that...

Many schools are now using the HESI exam. At my school, it must be passed with a 75% by the third time or you're out. UALR is supposedly doing the same. UCA at Conway allegedly uses the HESI as a "diagnostic tool". It let's the student know how well he/she can probably expect to do on NCLEX. Don't know that for a fact though.

Now, I know none of those things will be of concern to you, because you'll do fine. At my school, I think we've lost over a third of the class and I'm betting some more will be gone in the next several weeks.

I want to emphasize that some of what I've said is second hand information. Verify information for yourself and make more educated decisions. I know of several classmates students who, now knowing what they know, would never have applied for entrance to my school. I'm of the same opinion.

Good luck.

kimhaw · Feb 15, 2004

Understand, at Baptist you'll get a certificate. If you want to go back to school and get a BSN, options may be limited. The VA is supposed to be going to a program where they no longe will hire certificate nurses. UAMS has a program where you recieve credit for school and can then work on getting a BSN degree. UALR will give an associate degree. Many schools won't recognize your school time because it's not affiliated with any sanctioning body.
As I've matriculated, I learned a lot of other questions that I should have asked prior to applying. Among them, ask prospective schools what their attrition rate is. If your grades are closer to the C range, you might get into the program, but will you finish it? Rumor back to me is that Baptist is or was losing about half of thier class and that they don't teach. Info is thrown at you, you pick it up or you don't.
If you fail a class, what are your options? A friend told me that at UALR, if you fail a class, you can come back and re-take the course... after you re-take the previous courses' finals. Think about that...
Many schools are now using the HESI exam. At my school, it must be passed with a 75% by the third time or you're out. UALR is supposedly doing the same. UCA at Conway allegedly uses the HESI as a "diagnostic tool". It let's the student know how well he/she can probably expect to do on NCLEX. Don't know that for a fact though.
Now, I know none of those things will be of concern to you, because you'll do fine. At my school, I think we've lost over a third of the class and I'm betting some more will be gone in the next several weeks.
I want to emphasize that some of what I've said is second hand information. Verify information for yourself and make more educated decisions. I know of several classmates students who, now knowing what they know, would never have applied for entrance to my school. I'm of the same opinion.
Good luck.

Hi,

I am currently at UCA and have two sem. left on a FACS degree. So I plan to get my BSN. I have heard that about Baptist also. I am hoping I will be able to get into UALR . I have even thought about Radiography if I can't get into UALR. Do you mind me asking what school you go to. I know I need a school who give good fin. aid b/c I have two children. What did you mean about schools not recognizing your school time.

thanks for reply

Ex130Load · Feb 16, 2004

Call or go to ASU-Beebe. Ask a counselor or someone who assesses transcripts and ask what your certificate is worth. Don't be surprised if they tell you something to the effect that any work completed at Baptist won't be recognised. Your other work completed at Pulaski Tech, Henderson, Hendrix, etc are more likely to be accepted because they are accredited schools recognized by a college sanctioning body. Every part of the US has sanctioning bodies that in effect say the classwork completed at those participating schools is worthy of collegiate recognition. Credits earned at UCA could(!) be accepted at the U of Maryland, Florida State, etc if the school offers those courses, if the regional governing bodies recognize each other's standards, which they pretty much do.

It's akin to NCLEX. Pass the NCLEX and all states recognize your nursing license. You may have to apply with the each individual state, but I believe all will recognize the fact that you passed NCLEX. Get a license in Great Britian, and I believe that won't be the case.

Baptist is about the fastest way to get into the job market, if you survive the academic rigors there--not saying they're more or less difficult over there, in this forum, here and now. I've worked for a local university system and had to tell folks from Baptist, "Sorry, we don't recognize your work at Baptist." One case in particular was livid. She wanted to get a BSN, but needed some undergrad prereques and thought my school was the easiest and cheapest way to go. It was, except she was going to have to take/re-do some undergrad basic courses to take the classes she needed--translation: more time and money. I believe we sent her to UAMS which has a program for folks like her, but a lot more expensive per credit hour. To my knowledge, Baptist never tells anyone how more difficult or how limited your options will be to get a follow-on BSN. Most colleges don't recognize their academic credentials.

A fair question for you is do need, or will you need a BSN? Do you ever plan to be in any sort of supervision? Do you plan to get a master's degree in anything? If so, I continually hear that a BSN is the first step to any supervisory position and I know for a fact it's a must for any masters degree.

Last observation--I 'll say again, the more info you have, the smarter decision you'll be able to make. You're at least thinking about the future beyond passing NCLEX. Still, Baptist could be exactly want you want and need...

LoriAnnRN · Feb 16, 2004

I graduated from UAMS in 1988 and I highly recommend the program. I also had a good friend graduate from UALR and she is also a fine nurse. My brother lives in Conway and is currently checking out AD nursing programs. I realize my post hasn't helped anyone much, but when I see folks from Arkansas I have to reply!! I get all nostalgic.................

kimhaw · Feb 17, 2004

HI,

Thanks for that very good reply. I have heard so many bad things about Baptist Nursing but I also applied to the radiography program there as well as UAMS and I am wondering was that a mistake. I am really hoping I get into UALR but I know my GPA is low I had one bad sem. at UCA and forgot to withdraw.

Do you go To baptist.

CHIRN · Feb 17, 2004

Hi,

UALR graduate here. I enjoyed the program, but I had all of my prerequisites out of the way before I started (I was pre-med...that was a mistake). I'm not sure that they look at your GPA as much as your attitude. (I think I had a 3.61 going in...darn Physics class). What they want to see is confidence and a willingness to learn. Never let them see you doubt yourself. If you don't know, simply say "I don't know, but I will find out." Most of the people who failed our program let the instructors intimidate them. We lost about half of our class the first semester. But then again, you must take into account those students who thought the program was going to be easy. It's NOT easy. They give you information and they expect you to learn it. It's not like your basic college courses where they review and review and review again. After I graduated and returned to school just for the "fun of it"...if you can imagine that...I actually found the courses to be almost too easy. The nursing department has one mission...and I heard it the first day of classes...."We're number #1 in the state is NCLEX pass rates and have been for many years". (I.E. they're preparing you for the NCLEX and they will weed out anyone who they think might have difficulty in passing it.) They want to stay on top. I'm not saying this to discourage you...just to prepare you. There are many good things about the program (I came straight out of my preceptorship into a critical care position and felt pretty confident about my clinical abilities.) UALR is more clinically based than other programs... I think... because I've seen some new grads from other schools that have complaints of too little clinical experience, too much research and "busy

work". UALR doesn't put a lot of emphasis on research and home health/community nursing. If you're planning on that I would go more with UAMS. And of course, I would recommend UAMS if you want to do any sort of management...personally I would rather be boiled in hot oil...but that's just me. Anyway, I hope I've helped. I just found this forum, so I'm not sure if my e-mail is listed (I think it is.) If not, and you would like more information, my e-addy is [email protected].

Best of luck to you.

hrjang · Feb 26, 2004

Do you have any opinion about the program of UCA?

I've been at ASU-Beebe and transfered to UCA this spring.

I hope getting into the nursing school this fall.

Would you like to tell me something about the program?

I will appreciate it!

kimhaw · Feb 27, 2004

Do you have any opinion about the program of UCA?
I've been at ASU-Beebe and transfered to UCA this spring.
I hope getting into the nursing school this fall.
Would you like to tell me something about the program?
I will appreciate it!

Hi,

I am at UCA now and I have applied to their program twice with a 2.75 and 2.95 GPA but I have been waitlisted each time. So therefore I have basically given up on getting accepted there. Right now I am apply to UALR and Baptist . I am hoping I get in at UALR b/c I am not sure about finaid for Baptist. I know UCA has an excellent nursing program b/c I have friends in it. The only drawback I see about UCA's program that its 3 years in length. I prefer two or 2.5 years b/c I have spent alot of time (3.5yrs) trying to finish prereqs and get accepted into nursing school.

Do anyone have any info on getting student loans at Baptist?

hrjang · Feb 28, 2004

Hi,
I am at UCA now and I have applied to their program twice with a 2.75 and 2.95 GPA but I have been waitlisted each time. So therefore I have basically given up on getting accepted there. Right now I am apply to UALR and Baptist . I am hoping I get in at UALR b/c I am not sure about finaid for Baptist. I know UCA has an excellent nursing program b/c I have friends in it. The only drawback I see about UCA's program that its 3 years in length. I prefer two or 2.5 years b/c I have spent alot of time (3.5yrs) trying to finish prereqs and get accepted into nursing school.
Do anyone have any info on getting student loans at Baptist?

Thanks for the information, kimhaw!

I've attended Career Nights at Baptist last year. They gave students lots of information about their program. I think you can get the information about student loans if you attend there.

Career Nights 2004

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The sessions last approximately 1 1/2 hours and start at 5:30 p.m. Come to the Baptist Health Schools of Nursing and Allied Health Campus at 11900 Colonel Glenn Road in Little Rock. Please call 501-202-6200 or 1-800-345-3046 for a reservation to career night.

Career Nights 2004

Tuesday February 3rd

Tuesday March 2nd

Tuesday April 6th

Tuesday May 4th

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Tuesday September 7th

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For more information,

call BAPTIST HEALTH Schools of Nursing

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My GPA is about 3.8. However, I've worried about any admission difference for UCA students and other school students. I'm a student at UCA now, but I finished my AA at ASUB. I just try hard for getting good GPA this semester.

If I'm a US citizen, I may go to Baptist. However, I cannot apply there. Because I have a F-1 visa, I have to go to college or university.

I try to apply UAMS and UCA. However, the chemistry makes me stay at UCA. UAMS does not accept General Chemistry II, and UCA accepts only General Chemistry II. This makes me give up UAMS.

Now I'm taking Nutrition, General Chemistry II, Medical Terminology, Statistics, and Begining Badminton. What do you take this semester?

kimhaw · Feb 28, 2004

Hi,

I am a FACS major and a nursing major at UCA. This sem. I was trying to take easy courses but some are not so easy. I am a sr. facs student. I am taking soc. stats, consume ed., minority rel., and clothing. I am very interested in Baptist b/c I know I would almost be guranteed a spot but I am not for sure about the tuition b/c I need finaid and also I don't like commuting. But I am still sending the app. off and praying everything works out.