Need help with University of Colorado Denver nursing essay

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Hi everyone!

I am applying to UCDenver traditional bsn program and am stuck on my essay questions :confused:

I would really appreciate if anyone who has been accepted to the bsn program could help me with ideas.

I especially need help with the critical thinking question which is..One of the most important skills in the practice of nursing and in the role of a nursing leader is critical thinking. Describe a specific scenario in which you had to bring your critical thinking skills to bear upon a problem or issue and how it was addressed? What was your role in its resolution?

Thanks!

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Hi JoJo...I'm currently a student in the BSN program and I thought I might be able to help. I can't tell you exactly what they are looking for, but I can tell you how I approached the essay. I was accepted with a pretty low GPA compared to the average so I think my essay must have been decent at least!

I started out by googling critical thinking and getting a good idea of what it exactly was. Then I chose a scenario from a previous mental health employment and tried to focus on the different factors of scenario that could have led to good or bad outcomes (who else was involved as far as clients/staff, environment, safety), then using those factors I explained my thought process as to how I came to a resolution. Along the way, I also tried to add in how I directed co-workers to handle the situation (leadership), and came up with a resolution that was taylored specifically to the one client having trouble, while keeping other clients safe.

Also, CU Denver is very much a research-driven environment. I think it would be beneficial to talk about any research you've done in the past somewhere in your essay (I think it used to be the 2nd question, but I'm not sure if it still you the opportunity to talk about previous experience)

Good Luck!! I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions :)

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Hi Lyndx,

Thanks for the help!

My cumulative gpa is pretty low so I am really nervous and am trying hard on my essay..

I plan on finishing my essay soon bc school starts on Mon :uhoh3:

How do you like the nursing program at CU?and did you apply to UCCS also?

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I like it a lot. CU Denver was the only place I applied and I got in first time around with a previous degree in psychology. I think its a quality program with a lot of resources and connections that other Denver schools don't have. The professors are some of the best I've ever had, and its half the cost of competitors like Regis or DSN. Do you know hwat kind of nursing you want to do?

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So I have a question about GPAs... I know you had mentioned that you got in a with a pretty low GPA... And the program mentions they dont accept cumulative GPAs below 3.0, but is that a pretty hard and fast rule? Or could a really good essay help a low GPA?

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I can't answer that, but I have not met anyone that came in with less than a 3.0. When I said low I meant in comparison to the average GPA for students accepted. With the number of applications they receive, I would guess that they don't flex on that, but I don't know for sure.

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I got into CU on my first try. I had a cumulative GPA of 3.1. Based on that, the essay is key. I have very little healthcare experience so used my personal experiences in my essay.

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Sry Lyndx!

I didnt see that you replied? I want to go into Nurse anesthesia! what about you? Are you graduating soon?

Hi Ikk0718

Did you have a high prereq gpa? Also, did you get accepted into the accelerated or traditional program?

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Sry Lyndx!

I didnt see that you replied? I want to go into Nurse anesthesia! what about you? Are you graduating soon?

I'm hoping to get into peds, but I haven't actually been through the peds course/clinical yet, so things could still change. I'm about half way through the program now...it goes by so fast!!! :)

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are you in the accelerated or traditional program? I am trying to submit my application before the weekend is over! so nervous! lol

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I applied for accelerated and was given traditional. I'm so glad though! I think it ended up being the right choice for me.

Good luck with your application!! What start date are you applying for? And when should you know if you're accepted??

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Thank you!! I am applying to the traditional one bc I haven't graduated yet. The start date for the traditional is in summer and I should know by November if I got accepted! :)

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