I know it's early, but I thought I would start a thread for anyone applying to the nursing programs at MiraCosta, Palomar and Grossmont for Fall 2019. Let's share information and cheer each other on!! I've heard so many different ranges for points...I'm estimating I'll have somewhere between 87-89 points. Good Luck!!
Hey guys, I got an email and also got a standby spot from Palomar! I am pretty happy that it was not a rejection letter ha. That being said, it feels weird cause it's not a total yes, but I am stoked and hope I get in for this cohort. I'm wondering though if it's like the alternate list where if you don't get in this time, you are for sure in the next cohort. I might call later today and ask. anyway, congrats to everyone!!
Ok, so I called Palomar and they said that the standby list is different from the alternate list. They told me that they will be taking 2 alternates, and that if they don't get in this time they will get a seat for sure next cohort. The standby list (my status) will be on standby until a seat opens up. We could be notified of a status change any day saying that we have secured a seat. I'm guessing up until the program starts. I wonder (should have asked.) if there is like a rank or like position on the standby list. Or like how likely we are to secure a spot. Didn't want to sound too crazy on the phone lol. Might send an email if I can't take the suspense.
Ok, so I called Palomar and they said that the standby list is different from the alternate list. They told me that they will be taking 2 alternates, and that if they don't get in this time they will get a seat for sure next cohort. The standby list (my status) will be on standby until a seat opens up. We could be notified of a status change any day saying that we have secured a seat. I'm guessing up until the program starts. I wonder (should have asked.) if there is like a rank or like position on the standby list. Or like how likely we are to secure a spot. Didn't want to sound too crazy on the phone lol. Might send an email if I can't take the suspense.
I'm in the same boat as you. Glad you called to get more info ?
It looks like someone pretty much answered your questions but yes, the pass rate of the NCLEX at Palomar is always high. I believe a semester that graduated recently had a 100% pass rate. Palomar's been birthing nurses for a really long time so they really know exactly what they're doing and what is best for the students. I'm not gonna lie, it's a very challenging program than most other programs (including the 4 year universities) but it's really to prepare you to be the best nurse and it really works. And Palomar has a very good standing and reputation among the big hospitals in San Diego such as Palomar Hospital, Sharp Hospitals, and Scripps Hospitals and many more. The nurses always compliment us when we go on the floor for clinical because they know Palomar students are always prepared and know what they're doing.
So the hire rate is also really good for Palomar students. Like I said, they have a really good reputation among the hospitals so you have a high chance of getting hired after you graduate but I would advice you to start working at the hospital you want to work at if you can or start the summer after you finish the first year of nursing school. Scripps especially always hire internally first so they hire their own employees before they hire external applicants (those who don't work at scripps). Having your foot inside the door way earlier will definitely give you 90% of chance being hired.
The hospitals we do clinical at the moment is Scripps Encinitas, Scripps Green, Palomar Hospital, Kaiser, and Tri-City. So they're always looking for openings in different hospitals so it may change but those are the most common hospitals you will do your clinical at.
So class size, they will accept 36 students and also put in 2 alternate students with you guys during 1st semester. They allow those 2 alternates to stay for about 3 weeks in case anyone drops or gets dropped during those 3 weeks so they can take the spot but if no one gets dropped, they will comeback next semester. And when you begin your 3rd semester, thats when the LVNs will join you guys because they already know the basics of nursing so they don't need to repeat the basically the same classes they took during LVN school.
So for 1st semester, you'll have 2 instructors (we don't call them professors). They're amazing so you'll like them a lot. 2nd semester you have 3 instructors (MedSurg, OB, PEDS), 3rd and 4th will also have 3 or more for the specialties they teach.
I'm wondering what happens at orientation. Do you know how many standby students will get in?
Guys, I just got my acceptance letter from Palomar!! (Off of the standby list.) So awesome! ? Feeling some happy years on the inside. Hoping for everyone to get the same email ?
Guys, I just got my acceptance letter from Palomar!! (Off of the standby list.) So awesome! ? Feeling some happy years on the inside. Hoping for everyone to get the same email ?
Sam Castro
12 Posts
Hey guys, I got an email and also got a standby spot from Palomar! I am pretty happy that it was not a rejection letter ha. That being said, it feels weird cause it's not a total yes, but I am stoked and hope I get in for this cohort. I'm wondering though if it's like the alternate list where if you don't get in this time, you are for sure in the next cohort. I might call later today and ask. anyway, congrats to everyone!!