How can I set myself apart from other BSN applicants ?

hippienurse · Nov 26, 2005

I think your ideas sound great. You could try attending an CNA course to get some *basics* under your belt.. Also perhaps a phlebotomy course, or any other *extra* community based health classes included ACLS, first responder training, etc. Our CC offers some classes on basic health stuff and anything extra that you have done will look great.

elizabetta · Nov 27, 2005

I think your ideas sound great. You could try attending an CNA course to get some *basics* under your belt.. Also perhaps a phlebotomy course, or any other *extra* community based health classes included ACLS, first responder training, etc. Our CC offers some classes on basic health stuff and anything extra that you have done will look great.

I appreciate your ideas. What is ACLS? If I don't get into this school in the spg 07 then that is when I will take the CNA classes because I will be done with all my other classes. I'm on a waiting list at a community college for spg 08' as a backup and I need the CNA classes for that. I just keep telling myself all this hard work will make me a better nurse and hopefuly more employable when I am done with school.

Thank you again for your input.

Elizabeth

Lisa CCU RN, RN · Nov 27, 2005

If the program only goes by GPA and test scores( as most schools are nowadays) then the only thing that will set you apart is having the highest GPA possible. I suggest looking at the application, and if it doesn't say anything about an interview or if it doesn't ask about your experience then they will never know and all your effort to do outside activities will be in vain. I should know. No one at any of the schools I applied to cared I was a CNA for 3 years or that I volunteered at a children's NICU for 6 months. Thanks to God, I got into a BSN prgram and they only looked at the pre requisite classes GPA not the cumulative. I didn't even know this until after I got in, so my 3.17 went up to a 3.46! I wish you the best in whatever you do, but don't waste your time scrambling to make yourself look better if all they will look at is your grades but that's not to say that healthcare experience will not help you personally.

elizabetta · Nov 27, 2005

If the program only goes by GPA and test scores( as most schools are nowadays) then the only thing that will set you apart is having the highest GPA possible. I suggest looking at the application, and if it doesn't say anything about an interview or if it doesn't ask about your experience then they will never know and all your effort to do outside activities will be in vain. I should know. No one at any of the schools I applied to cared I was a CNA for 3 years or that I volunteered at a children's NICU for 6 months. Thanks to God, I got into a BSN prgram and they only looked at the pre requisite classes GPA not the cumulative. I didn't even know this until after I got in, so my 3.17 went up to a 3.46! I wish you the best in whatever you do, but don't waste your time scrambling to make yourself look better if all they will look at is your grades but that's not to say that healthcare experience will not help you personally.

The advisor I met with in the college of nursing is the one who suggested I do all these things. She said they are looking for people who are commited to the field and know what they are getting themselves into. GPA is of course important but since there are so many candidates they can afford to be even more picky. It's very competative thats why I am also on the waiting list (2 years) at a local community college. Thanks for your input.

Elizabeth

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Nov 29, 2005

I don't know if this is practical for you or not, but where I live, the ability to understand and speak Spanish is a HUGE help for medical professionals. I don't know for sure what it would weigh on an application for school, but it definitely is a plus when in school and, of course, working in the real world. Depends on where you live, I'm sure! But we're encouraged to take Spanish for Medical Professional courses whenever they crop up, if we aren't already bilingual.

Good luck to you!

elizabetta · Dec 1, 2005

I don't know if this is practical for you or not, but where I live, the ability to understand and speak Spanish is a HUGE help for medical professionals. I don't know for sure what it would weigh on an application for school, but it definitely is a plus when in school and, of course, working in the real world. Depends on where you live, I'm sure! But we're encouraged to take Spanish for Medical Professional courses whenever they crop up, if we aren't already bilingual.
Good luck to you!

I definitly see where you are coming from. I am planning on taking spanish this fall anyway becaue I need to take a language. I live in NM and learning spanish would be a huge asset. If only i had free time and a second brain :chuckle

Elizabeth

bowkerj · Dec 7, 2005

Elizibeth - I keep hearing from all the programs that I applied to in Oregon, that they really like students with all of the components mentioned above (grades, etc) but what stands out is a student who volunteers with underserved populations - like in a rural clinic, with AIDS patients, or the homeless. Think of it this way, there will be lots of applicants competing against you who have A's, are volunteers, and work in medicine already - so what can you do to set yourself apart from the others? What will make you stand out? I think taking spanish is a great idea! What about volunteering at a spanish speaking clinic?

Hope this helps!

elizabetta · Dec 7, 2005

I appreciate your thoughts. I am taking spanish next semester anyway because I need to take a language class. I live in NM so speaking spanish would definitly be an aset. It is hard to get a community based volunteer position if you don't speak spanish. Thanks for the ideas.

Elizabeth Latham

onherway · Dec 8, 2005

This is my first post so hello all!

Just a few thoughts...

* Send short thank you notes to anyone you make contact with who helps you through the school. Thank them for their time and that speaking with them just solidifies your descion that this is the school for you.

* If you have an interview try to breathe and just talk to the people like they are normal people because they are. Get on their level and talk to them from the heart. All nurse candidates "want to help people" so come up with a different way of saying it and say it well

* you need ice cream, walks with your dog,time with friends/family, baths, whatever it is you like to do just as much as you need good grades.

* You have worked hard and you freaking deserve this so fight for it.

I just got into a competitive school I didn't think I had a chance at...

Anything is possible...good luck!

Sheri257 · Dec 8, 2005

If the program only goes by GPA and test scores( as most schools are nowadays) then the only thing that will set you apart is having the highest GPA possible. I suggest looking at the application, and if it doesn't say anything about an interview or if it doesn't ask about your experience then they will never know and all your effort to do outside activities will be in vain.

This is true. If it's not part of the official criteria, they won't consider it because, usually, their hands are tied.

:coollook:

analee23 · Dec 8, 2005

You sound like you live in Tucson! That's the case with U of A and the large comm college in the area.... It's hard to get into U of A, but there's a HUGE waiting list for the comm college. This is what I did that helped me get into the University.

I found employment with a company that works with individuals with mental disabilities (run through the government). My duties included writing goals for the client and then working with the client for 6 months at a time to meet each goal. Just think about it being like an extended nursing care plan!! It also included quite a bit of training on how to work with people with mental disabilities. The college was very impressed with this work. I, also, focussed quite a bit on maintaining a high GPA... I did not work as a CNA, just got some experience in a pediatric office working as a receptionist and assisting the doc with various procedures, along with working with the mentally disabled.

Best of luck, I hope you get in!!!