Thomas Jefferson FACT Program

AtomicWoman · Mar 2, 2009

Atomic Woman, I must say that reading your posts have been a huge help while I've been trying to get things ready. Im a college senior, so as I get ready to graduate I am trying to juggle my last semester of undergrad with trying to get all of the necessary "stuff" into Jefferson. I did have a couple questions for you...
1. Is there a separate financial aid application? Am I supposed to be doing more than filling out my FAFSA? I did that, as I have done now for many years and was wondering if there was more for me to do.
Yes, there is a separate institutional Financial Aid application, which is in addition to your FAFSA. It's a piece of cake to fill it out online. To me, it looks like a formality. To fill it out, go to banner.jefferson.edu and sign in with your campus key. Click on "Financial Aid" under "Main Menu". Click on "Apply for Financial Aid" and pick the 2009-2010 year. Fill out the Institutional application, the Verification Worksheet and the Stafford Loan Application. All 3 of them are required, and all 3 are pretty much formalities. Make sure you print out a copy of them before you hit SUBMIT, and make sure they are submitted.

Don't forget to send a copy of your 2008 IRS 1040 and/or your parents' form, if you are considered a dependent, to the financial aid office. That's the last thing you'll need to do to complete your financial aid app., other than making sure the FAFSA goes to Jeff. If you're doing FACT, you can't do work-study, so don't even worry about that form. You may or may not be interested in the Parent non-filing tax form; if you are, submit that one, too.

Be sure to read the definition of "independent" and "dependent" student, which I think is on the Institutional Financial Aid form (not 100% sure, it might be the Verification Form), because that will tell you what documentation you have to submit (i.e., do you have to submit parent tax returns).
Just wanted to add that I THINK FACT people can't do Work-Study, but I'm saying that because they "strongly discourage" students working while in the program. But since you are applying to be a resident, that may not be true. Don't take my word for it -- call the Financial Aid office and ask them. Or just fill out the form anyway.
2. Is anyone going to live in Jefferson housing? Im from New Hampshire, but am completing my undergrad in NJ- I have been a resident assistant at my current school for years and am interviewing for a similar position at Jefferson, but am unsure of how many applicants there are. The housing fees on the Jefferson website are a convoluted mess and I was wondering if anyone had any insight into that. I was told I was "guaranteed" housing, but I am unsure of what that means (a box?)
I don't know anything about Jefferson housing. Other people on this board may be able to tell you. I will tell you that a friend of mine lived in Jeff housing for a year and got out of it. She said that between the partying and the false fire alarms going off at 2:00 AM (necessitating a walk down the many flights of stairs between the ground and her room), she never got a good night's sleep. She was not in the nursing program, so I don't know if housing for nursing students is any different. Like I said, others may know. It probably depends on what type of housing you're in.
3. Do I need my car since Ill be living in Philly? My car is not the most reliable piece of machinery ever, and I was wondering if I should unload my car and look into a low-cost lease so I would have something reliable to drive. I'd rather just go without, but don't want to find myself having placements in NJ and no way to get there.
This is the question that comes up over and over. (Read the Drexel ACE thread and you'll see it there, too.) Parking in center city Philly is terrible and expensive, like any big city. I have my own car, but I'll be taking the train in from NJ as much as possible. I've heard that students do carpool to clinicals, but I don't have any personal experience with that. You might want to ditch the car for now and ask around experienced students once you get there. Remember we have a month or so (are you doing FACT? I'm not 100% sure whether you are) of 5 days a week at Jefferson before we start clinicals, so you have time to figure out what you want to do.

You may want to check out Phillycarshare.org, just to get a feel for their rates. They have lots of cars within a short distance of Jeff (do a search on their site and enter an address like 1020 Locust or something like that.) If you drive more than 2 times a month, they say their Advantage plan is better than the Basic plan:

http://www.phillycarshare.org/

4. I noticed that the FACT students can complete their MSN in one additional calendar year, is that really plausible with working? It doesn't look like it would be too overwhelming on paper, I just was wondering if people really do complete the program as advertised. My plan was to do the adult nurse practitioner option, is it possible to work and get the clinical time needed for that program completed?
I've been told (by an administrator at Jeff) that it's "possible", but that most students don't do it. In general, they work for 6 months or so before continuing on with their MSN. However, with the job market for new grads being so crappy, I'm betting a lot more people are seriously considering just going on for their master's once they finish the BSN. In that sense, the FACT program CAN BE like any other direct-entry MSN (all of which require you to get your BSN/RN in the first part of the program. All of the programs I've looked at, that is.) Again, this is something you'll have a much better feel for once you're in the program and can talk to some "been there and done that" people. :)

Is anyone going to see the facility or anything before they start? The website is advertising a JCHP accepted students open house event on March 14th, and I thought that it might be a good idea to check it out. Anyone going? Might be nice to meet a future classmate or two!
I am undecided about the Accepted Students event. I went last year, and it was OK -- saw the classrooms, etc. -- but not exciting. However, at that time I was going to do the APW program, so we APWers were mixed in with the other 2-year BSN students. I seem to recall that the FACT people did their tour by themselves, so perhaps they got a chance to meet other FACTers ahead of time. Maybe someone who's already in the program can give us more guidance there...

Good luck! See you soon at Jeff! And remember to breathe... :)

VoLiTioN88 · Mar 2, 2009

Thanks for all of your help! It's funny, I can post a question to this discussion board and get an answer overnight, but emailing anyone at the school yields a vague response, if any. I am doing the FACT program and considering the current job market, I believe that I will probably just plan on jumping in feet first and continuing on with my MSN. I'm one of those "lets rip the band-aid off and get it over with" kind of people.

The other comments I thoroughly enjoyed on this thread were those regarding the statements made by existing nurses and practitioners in the hospital claiming, "You cant become a nurse in a year." I am thoroughly looking forward to those. But hey, that's why we will all have each other, right?

AtomicWoman · Mar 2, 2009

Thanks for all of your help! It's funny, I can post a question to this discussion board and get an answer overnight, but emailing anyone at the school yields a vague response, if any. I am doing the FACT program and considering the current job market, I believe that I will probably just plan on jumping in feet first and continuing on with my MSN. I'm one of those "lets rip the band-aid off and get it over with" kind of people.
The other comments I thoroughly enjoyed on this thread were those regarding the statements made by existing nurses and practitioners in the hospital claiming, "You cant become a nurse in a year." I am thoroughly looking forward to those. But hey, that's why we will all have each other, right?

I have learned that when I need an answer to a question fast, it is always better to pick up the phone. I've written emails to financial aid that took 6 weeks (you read that right!) for them to answer. Sheesh. I guess they are understaffed (cough, cough).

Here's my plan: Start seriously looking for a job as soon as we finish Semester 2. Basically, take any job where I can get 2 years experience. Continue to take MSN courses at least on a part-time basis. If I cannot get a job, I will finish my MSN up very quickly, 'cause I'll do it full time. That's Plan B. :)

AtomicWoman · Mar 12, 2009

Everyone get the notice about the FACT get-together on April 13? I am definitely going to that; probably not going to the Accepted Students Reception. Although they keep sending me emails about that reception!!! :)

j450n, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 16, 2009

Has anyone received acceptance with a 3.0 GPA from undergrad? My bachelor's degree is right at a 3.0 cumulative GPA, which I know is the minimum. However, I think my last 60 credits may have been slightly higher. I'm doing my best to do well in the prereqs right now.

Many thanks!

sunshine0509 · Mar 18, 2009

So the book bundle is up and is 796.44! I dont need all brand new books..does anyone know if they will give us a list of what we need so we can look for the best price?

pennstategirl · Mar 25, 2009

Hello All - I'll also be starting the FACT program in May! Can't wait to meet you all!

whirledpeas1978 · Mar 26, 2009

Hi pennstategrl!

I know you :)

Hello all, I am also starting the program in May. Very much looking forward to it (and secretly a little nervous). I just found out yesterday that we have to have two TB tests for the physical. Did anyone else experience this? It seems a little silly to me. Anybody know why?

Bobbie

AtomicWoman · Mar 27, 2009

Hi pennstategrl!
I know you :)
Hello all, I am also starting the program in May. Very much looking forward to it (and secretly a little nervous). I just found out yesterday that we have to have two TB tests for the physical. Did anyone else experience this? It seems a little silly to me. Anybody know why?
Bobbie

Bobbie, 2 TB tests is pretty typical. I think they do a "2-step" in case the first one basically sensitizes you, and then the 2nd one gives the reaction. That's only if you've had TB exposure, of course. The 2 tests can be given 1 to 3 weeks apart, I believe. (Check the paperwork we have to have filled-out. It will tell you.) I just had my 2nd negative test last week, and my doctor's office called to tell me my paperwork is filled out. :)

I'll be starting in May. Look for the short coot with grey hair! LOL

Are you going to the meeting on April 13?

Haven't ordered those books yet...

AtomicWoman · Mar 29, 2009

Is anyone else starting to get nervous about the lack of jobs for new grads in the Philly area? I keep hearing more and more stories -- like this one:

https://allnurses.com/pennsylvania-nurses/thomas-jefferson-university-362417-page2.html#post3531711

That big tuition bill is completely reasonable when there are jobs available, but it's starting to look REALLY big relative to the number of jobs out there.

On April 13, I am definitely going to ask the current FACT students if they have been able to find jobs.

kdrose01 · Mar 29, 2009

Yes, I'm concerned, since I'm applying to Jeff for next May. I know the economy's down now, but I know it will improve over time. It's still very disconcerting, though.

sunshine0509 · Mar 30, 2009

I am very nervous!! I try not to think about it but I do. When first deciding this path their were so many jobs out there!!!!

Luckily I have the flexibility to move anywhere in the country, but would really like to stay in this area

I feel like not having a externship is going to hurt us. Im crossing my fingers the economy comes back by 2010, but I read on the CNN they dont expect the job market to start coming back till at least 2011