GRU CNL 2014 entering class

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Is anyone applying early decision for the 2014 entering class? Does anyone know how long it takes to get a decision/interview email? Does anyone know the statistics for acceptances from last year?

For anyone waiting for an interview... No promises but I think because of the multiple name changes in the last few years, word about the program has been lost in communication and our application numbers are down. GRU is an incredible school and very competitive but because of the recent availability of the Athens campus and Macon option, you've got pretty good chances!! The worst part is waiting, especially AFTER you've been accepted. They pretty much leave you hanging most of the summer, but here are some hints and take them seriously....

GET YOUR VACCINATIONS DONE NOW! There are way more required than you ever imagined and a lot of them need to be repeated if it has been longer than 5 years, and a lot of them are series are shots and take months to complete. Most can be completed for a minimal fee at the local health dept. but some titers will have to be done through your primary care doctor.

ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME NOW! This program is all about time management and you will be an expert by the end of the program! =o) Which is a great thing to have as a nurse!

As far as supply lists go, you will need:

a stethoscope- cheap ones are fine, they can get lost BUT you get what you pay for and sometimes they are difficult to hear heart and lung sounds clearly, especially in a noisy environment. Most students have a Littman Classic II or something like that. That's a good choice. Some have the Cardio III (?), which is more expensive and heavier to carry around, but slightly better quality (for cardiology, so you can hear abnormal sounds better).

a penlight- go ahead and spend the money on a decent one. Make sure that it has pupil measurements on it, you will use the reference.

Scrubs- I would wait to purchase these, in case they change the uniform (i doubt that they will, because it was such a pain this year, but just wait). They will send you specifics regarding the embroidery requirements, color and style. You will need at least 1 pair by August, 2 pair by October and 3 pair by January. Buy them all at once just to save time and energy. You will also need a lab coat that fits specific requirements (length, buttons, pockets, etc). If you get the Cherokee brand scrubs (which we were told to purchase) they run about $35 per set and the lab coats are around $30. Again, wait for instructions before purchasing, but this way, you can budget.

NOT REQUIRED, but I'm glad I have them:

We were not required to buy a blood pressure cuff, but it was nice to have around for practice at home on loved ones (cost around $30).

A lunchbox- unless you have unlimited funds and want to spend half your lunch breaks walking to your food, you will start packing your lunch. =o) Our days can run long and we bring snacks to have also.

An ipad- I am SUCH a paper girl! But there are sooooo many notes for some classes that you will go through printers, ink and paper like no one's business!! And it's a LOT to carry!! I didn't have one at the start of the program, but it is my FAVORITE school supply EVER!! (I have a mini and it works perfectly for school...especially with "Good Notes" app.) You can write, type, highlight, draw etc on PDF files and have all your notes in one place. And all your slides will be in color without having to print them all out (one professor LOVES cartoons and clip art...her lectures average about 130 slides each, but are AWESOME on ipad) I would also become familiar with Google Drive, it is super helpful on group projects and note taking- again, all your notes in one place and accessible from any computer (or phone!). Easy to study anywhere (you will appreciate this fact one day).

A lot of us did not buy new laptops (2007 Macbook, going strong!!!) and it's great. Don't feel like you need the latest greatest laptop to do well. =o)

Hope this helps, it was all the stuff that drove me crazy last summer!!! Be excited, it's a great journey!!!

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Thanks MrsJTL, those are very helpful advices!!

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MrsJTL,

Thank you for the tips and advice! Very informative and helpful!! You are correct, waiting for information after acceptance is tough. :)

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Hey Potential CNLs!! Congrats to those of you who have applied, gotten interviews and/or gotten accepted!! And good luck to those waiting (that's the worst part). I am a current CNL student and loving every minute of the program (okay, except the minutes when I wish I was in bed instead of studying!). I've been busy with this semester, so I am sorry I'm late to the game, but I'm willing to answer any questions you may have. Also, if you will be attending the Augusta campus, please request to join our Facebook group GRU CNL Family Augusta (New and Old) if you haven't already!! :up:

Thanks! Just sent a FB request to join the group!

KV

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Great information. Thanks! I'm unfortunately planning on traveling all summer up until the weekend before the program starts. While I'll have internet connection and be on top of what's going on throughout the summer, how terrible would it be to miss the orientation? Thanks

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I got my interview....I'm super excited! Wish me luck guys.

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Hello, everyone! Congratulations to everyone who has already been accepted! I am scheduled for an interview on March 21st!

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Got the interview! This Friday! Will anyone interviewing be traveling from out of the Augusta area? I'm from NC so I'm driving down Thursday and just wanted to see if anyone wanted to meet up or chat during the downtime in the day.

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Also, I do have a question for current students... Now that you are in the program and in clinical rotations, how do you see your role in the healthcare setting?

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Pretty sure you cannot miss orientation. It takes place the week before the start of classes and lasts like 3 days. You may be able to attend Athens or Augusta if one works better for you and you will be attending a different campus, but orientation is required. There was an "open house"/information session (in June, I believe) after all admission letters etc have gone out and people have accepted. I think you can miss this, but it was fun to meet future classmates and a be a little more familiar with the building before the start of classes.

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I'm not sure exactly what you mean. Like CNL vs. RN without a CNL? This is basically an accelerated RN graduate program. You will have the same responsibilities as an RN. If you decide to take the CNL certification exam at the end of the program (not required), you will have that to put on your resume, but most likely will not be working in the CNL role right off the bat. The CNL aspect of the program is based on "Evidenced Based Practice" and research and communication. In clinicals, we are reinforcing essential nursing skills and practicing bedside patient assessments and care. You will definitely start to recognize areas that could be potential research projects but you will not need to worry about any of that until at least summer.

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Thank you, that definitely helps! Out of curiosity, what made you choose GRU and the CNL program?

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