Just found out the worst news...

[staceym]

So I'm all set to go for the Spring 2012 application process when a mass email goes out from the director of Nursing at the school I'm going to apply to. There is now no more Spring application process.... they are only taking fall applicants due to budget cuts and restraints. This is not even the worst part..... Next she says the now 21 month program has been modified and will return to a 3 yr program beginning this fall (2011). I was in absolute tears!! Not only was my entrance pushed back 6 months, but now my career is on hold for an extra 15 months. I am SO ready to be working and in the mix, so it's hard to be patient when news like this hits. Hopefully the rest of you Californians or anyone else with university budget cuts hasn't been hit like this.

[caliotter3]

Some students get hit with the news that the program is closing. How is that for bad news?

[staceym]

Ugh, yeah, I'm thankful the program still exists... for now.

[DarkBluePhoenix]

Which school?

Honestly, I am in socal and your lucky you only got hit NOW

I got hit last year when I couldn't get into pre reqs. Now all I have left is a few social sciences and a biochem/o-chem hybrid that would have let me apply for spring 2012 as well

Well the budget cut for the summer barely let me register for my social sciences but they arent even offering chem til fall! so now I AM PUSHED BACK TO FALL

I know how you feel.

And those are the BSN programs I am referring to (CSULB in particular) I will be lucky if they decide to take transfers for spring but with chem in progress, i wont get in. so now i have to wait for fall.

BTW The BSN programs I am applying to (CSULB, CSULA, CSUSB) all are 3 year programs. well i can do trimester at CSULB but that school is hard to get into. and thats 2 years, so its my top choice.

just be patient and try being a CNA or something while your waiting, or work a lot and save the money.

what helps me get through all next year will be a mindset *a positive mindset* that HOPEFULLY this extra waiting for me, and others, hopefully the economy will be at least somewhat decent when we graduate.

[staceym]

Yeah I thought pre reqs were pretty bad here too! And I am applying to CSUB.

I think it's just hard bc my boyfriend and I had a really good plan set up for money, our wedding, etc. I know I can work longer and have more money saved now that I have an extra 6 months. But yes, positive mindset is good! I was just so excited! Eh, oh well though.

[ssalulu]

Im sorry that you got such bad news. I am in Nor. Cal. and last year was told that the program that I was on the waiting list for was being closed immediately. It really sucked.

[Moogie]

Many state schools in Minnesota have had to suspend or eliminate programs due to state budget cuts. One program lost its entry-level BSN but still has the RN-BSN bridge. Another program lost its ABSN program, which was actually one of the best tracks in the school. There's also talk about a state shutdown and if it lasts through August, it's possible that state schools here, including the University of Minnesota, will not be able to start classes.

I'm sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately, you are not alone.

[staceym]

My gosh, I had no idea there were so many others also experiencing issues with their schools. It just seems so crazy to me that schools are having a hard time keeping the nursing program going when so many people are wanting to hire nurses! At least in our town, there is a definite need for them but maybe it's not that way everywhere?

[Moogie]

For the past couple of years, new grads and experienced nurses have found it difficult in many areas of the country to get hired. The nursing shortage is cyclic. It's expected to cycle back to a severe shortage when the economy improves and as the Baby Boomer generation ages.

Unfortunately, state legislators are not always savvy about nursing programs, the nursing shortage, or the needs of the nursing profession. I'm afraid that for many politicians, nurses are a very low priority.