Direct entry and graduate entry programs II

Gennaver, MSN · May 24, 2005

Awww! Thanks Gen!
Can I ask why that is your last choice? I guess if you *know* that being an NP is ultimately where you want to be, a direct entry program is probably the fastest route?
-Jess

Hi,

Of course you can ask Jess!

One reason I am hemming from jumping right into the ADN so easily is that when it starts I will have my Associates and Baccalaureate degrees. I would like to pursue the next degree, (which would be masters level). I really also want to continue beyond the Master's also.

DePaul does not have a Doctorate in Nursing or PhD, (not that I saw or at least not yet) but they are the oldest MEP in the area.

I didn't look at them so hard the first time around because they will cost nearly double than UIC, (45000+ versus the 24000). Yet there is a very big however that I did not consider.

DePaul will grant an actual MS in Nursing after the first two years (5 semesters) whereas UIC will only grant an RN graduate certificate.

I really like that DePaul's MS portion, (the complete portion) will incorporate the masters nursing with a focus on community health.

However, in order to earn the NP there is a post masters certificate portion, which I would pursue.

There is a county hospital right down the road from me and while researching my Capstone project for undergrad, (senior seminar) I interviewed an administrator in the Ambulatory care center, (community health). When we were done with my project interview I mentioned I was trying to go to a non-nurse graduate program and she gave me an enthusiastic, "We want you, come back when you are a nurse!"

I really do want to go back and apply there, I see on the county website that there is an opening there.

Okay, I am really prattling now!

:)

Gen

Gennaver, MSN · May 24, 2005

Sorry to hear about UIC's decision. It sounds like you've got a lot of other options, though. Also, worst comes to worst, you can always do the ADN to MSN program, right? I know St. Xavier at least offers it.
Can I ask what ADN program you're admitted to? You're in the south suburbs, right? I'm applying to schools this fall in the area. I really want to get into either Prairie State or Moraine. I really don't want to do the extra chem the ABSN at Loyola or Rush require.
Erin

Hello Prenault!

There may be an email or forum mixup, :) I previously answered this in a forum and also responded to your email, (maybe mail problem?) Anyhow, glad to answer again! Best to work the kinks out, we are all trying so hard! :)

Thank you also for the condolences, it really helps to know that folks here can feel our pain and joy!! Really does.

My undergrad is from Saint Xavier University! I completed a few of the BSN non-nursing classed complete as I was working towards a BSN but wrapped up my degree with another major, (time to move and grow forward).

Yes, I am in the South Suburbs. I am accepted and enrolled at Prairie State College's Fall 2005 ADN program. Also, I am finally taking that last Chemistry! This is in hopes to get accepted to either DePaul, (1st) or the Accelerated BSN at Rush. Loyola is not taking apps until the next Year program and some of my sciences will be over the five year limit by then, (my A&P 1&2, and my Gen Chemistry).

I have not heard good words about Moraine but, do not know personally.

Good luck!

Gen

prenault · May 24, 2005

Hello Prenault!
There may be an email or forum mixup, :) I previously answered this in a forum and also responded to your email, (maybe mail problem?) Anyhow, glad to answer again! Best to work the kinks out, we are all trying so hard! :)
Thank you also for the condolences, it really helps to know that folks here can feel our pain and joy!! Really does.
My undergrad is from Saint Xavier University! I completed a few of the BSN non-nursing classed complete as I was working towards a BSN but wrapped up my degree with another major, (time to move and grow forward).
Yes, I am in the South Suburbs. I am accepted and enrolled at Prairie State College's Fall 2005 ADN program. Also, I am finally taking that last Chemistry! This is in hopes to get accepted to either DePaul, (1st) or the Accelerated BSN at Rush. Loyola is not taking apps until the next Year program and some of my sciences will be over the five year limit by then, (my A&P 1&2, and my Gen Chemistry).
I have not heard good words about Moraine but, do not know personally.
Good luck!
Gen

I have this forum hooked up to a near-dead email account...Just found your message! Sorry you had to repeat everything! :)

Gennaver, MSN · May 24, 2005

I have this forum hooked up to a near-dead email account...Just found your message! Sorry you had to repeat everything! :)

Hi,

Glad to read you then!!

Prairie State goes on a point system.

Points come from the pre-req classes you have completed and the grade earned.

The points vary from year to year depending on the highest score.

I applied only this year but, (and a very big but) I had just completed my final pre-req and had them all done. So, the first time out I got in. The whole thing is score based, (with a wait-list too for last minute droppers.)

My scored were all As except for three Bs, (A&P 1&2 and Gen Chem).

More points are added to your score for living in district! Also, by living in district your tuition costs are at $72.00 per credit hours versus the $220. per hour, (I live out of district.) This is all relative of course, (DePaul costs $527. per credit hour!).

They send you out an information packet and checklist when you request it.

Good Luck!!

Gen

elizabells, BSN, RN · May 25, 2005

You guys I'm sad . . .

My boyfriend totally backpedaled on our agreement to try a long-distance relationship last night and we broke up. The big stupidhead told me he loved me (for the first time) in a drunken state at my goodbye party last weekend - and last night he TOOK IT BACK when I told him I loved him, too. Well, I guess better for this to happen now than in a month or two when I'm actually at school. Makes packing kind of sucky, though. Like I'm boxing up all these hopes I had for us and the future. God, I'm so dramatic . . .

Jess RN · May 25, 2005

You guys I'm sad . . .
My boyfriend totally backpedaled on our agreement to try a long-distance relationship last night and we broke up. The big stupidhead told me he loved me (for the first time) in a drunken state at my goodbye party last weekend - and last night he TOOK IT BACK when I told him I loved him, too. Well, I guess better for this to happen now than in a month or two when I'm actually at school. Makes packing kind of sucky, though. Like I'm boxing up all these hopes I had for us and the future. God, I'm so dramatic . . .

:no: Oh {{{{{elizabells}}}}}! What a dork. I'm so sorry your ex boyfriend is being so lame. Mybe he will wise up or maybe it's for the best. In either event- eat lots of ben & jerry's and be kind to yourself for the next little bit.

-Jess

smile123 · May 25, 2005

You guys I'm sad . . .
My boyfriend totally backpedaled on our agreement to try a long-distance relationship last night and we broke up. The big stupidhead told me he loved me (for the first time) in a drunken state at my goodbye party last weekend - and last night he TOOK IT BACK when I told him I loved him, too. Well, I guess better for this to happen now than in a month or two when I'm actually at school. Makes packing kind of sucky, though. Like I'm boxing up all these hopes I had for us and the future. God, I'm so dramatic . . .

Hi Elizabells,

Sorry to hear that! Long distance relationships are hard. I had one and the relationship just didn't work out. We are still good friends, but he ended up marrying someone else.

Look at it this way, when you meet some cute guys at Columbia, you'll be free to date! Who knows, you could meet some doctor, nurse, tech, etc during your clinicals! Or meet someone at your dorm or on campus at Columbia! It will be a great new experience!

Smile123

P.S. Dial up at a motel is so SLOW! It's going 26.4 Kbps and I'm used to high speed DSL!!! But the first day on the road I covered 800 miles from the SF Bay Area, so I'm in Salt Lake City - yeah! Hugs to all!

elizabells, BSN, RN · May 25, 2005

Hi Elizabells,
Sorry to hear that! Long distance relationships are hard. I had one and the relationship just didn't work out. We are still good friends, but he ended up marrying someone else.
Look at it this way, when you meet some cute guys at Columbia, you'll be free to date! Who knows, you could meet some doctor, nurse, tech, etc during your clinicals! Or meet someone at your dorm or on campus at Columbia! It will be a great new experience!
Smile123
P.S. Dial up at a motel is so SLOW! It's going 26.4 Kbps and I'm used to high speed DSL!!! But the first day on the road I covered 800 miles from the SF Bay Area, so I'm in Salt Lake City - yeah! Hugs to all!

Thanks, you guys. I wish I had an appetite so I could gorge on ice cream . . . but it looks like this is the numb, can't eat can't sleep kinda breakup, instead of the crying, chocolatey type. I can't win.

Wow, smile, 800 miles in a day??? Do you drive the BatMobile? You go girl! Stay safe.

Gennaver, MSN · May 25, 2005

You guys I'm sad . . .
God, I'm so dramatic . . .

Elizabells,

Oh honey I am so sorry for you that you are going through this. If it is any condolence to you I have been doing an unofficial observation of this type of thing since my interest in school for nursing started, (mostly since 1998).

There must be threads in this forum somewhere! Unfortunately, this is not a unique circumstance for student nurses, (and no doubt for other women students too).

NO matter what happens or what turns out between you and your questionable beau I want to wish you the best!

This may seem devestating, (and if you are a caring sensative person, then it is) but, you can only take care of yourself, not his issues!

Even my husband came home one day from work, (before we were married) and told me how the 'guys' at work were working on him, telling him how that once I get my degree I would leave him in the dust....shhesh. He said he knew better but, it is common news also for women to get on their feet after nursing school and leave a 'bad' relationship so, it is not unknown for us to dump them too.

So, Maybe it is a good idea to NOT need to finalize this relationship right now, merely because you are not going to obviously and fine print wise do the long distance relationship.

Maybe the long distance thing is too scarey for him....maybe he is not the one forever....maybe he is...either way Elizabells you have a choice whether or not to choose to make this issue a "Relationship breaker" or not.

If this is how he is going to react when you really need him to be secure and emotionally strong when you are going through this flux then maybe it is best to finish your degree and THEN check in to see if there is anything salvagable in that relationship.

Why make it harder on yourself? This is sad, hopefully he won't drag this throughout your schooling and make you repeatedly sad, over and over...

Gen

p.s. good luck honey!!

pancake · May 25, 2005

Hi Everyone,

I don't know if you remember me, but you all helped me so much when I was heartbroken over getting put on the UCSF waitlist (#1 alt), then I got into SF-State's generic masters program. I emotionally adjusted to the change and switched to Psych CNS track at State.

Now I got a call from UCSF and a slot has opened for me in the Gerontological NP track. I"M TOTALLY FREAKED OUT. I don't know what to do. The students are more diverse at State (older like me), which is nice, the unit load is lighter and school is cheaper. Also psych is very interesting. And State just seems less scary. On the other hand, it seems stupid to pass up an opportunity to go to such a great school as UCSF. But I'm scared too, I worry that I won'tbe able to keep up.

Any input would be appreciated. I can hardly think straight. If I had gotten this call a month ago, I would have jumped at it. Now I don't know.

Jess RN · May 25, 2005

Hi Everyone,
I don't know if you remember me, but you all helped me so much when I was heartbroken over getting put on the UCSF waitlist (#1 alt), then I got into SF-State's generic masters program. I emotionally adjusted to the change and switched to Psych CNS track at State.
Now I got a call from UCSF and a slot has opened for me in the Gerontological NP track. I"M TOTALLY FREAKED OUT. I don't know what to do. The students are more diverse at State (older like me), which is nice, the unit load is lighter and school is cheaper. Also psych is very interesting. And State just seems less scary. On the other hand, it seems stupid to pass up an opportunity to go to such a great school as UCSF. But I'm scared too, I worry that I won'tbe able to keep up.
Any input would be appreciated. I can hardly think straight. If I had gotten this call a month ago, I would have jumped at it. Now I don't know.

Wooooo hoooooo Seahorse!!! Congrats to you.

What a tough decision. But it is nice to have the decision to make, no? What is your life like- do you have kids, husband, sig. other? What will your school/life balance be like with both programs? What about cost difference of the two programs? Are they the same length? Do you have a primal gut feeling that you are trying to justify intellectually at this point or are you not sure how you are leaning?

Anyway- CONGRATS!!!! That's awesome!

-Jess

elizabells, BSN, RN · May 25, 2005

Hi Everyone,
I don't know if you remember me, but you all helped me so much when I was heartbroken over getting put on the UCSF waitlist (#1 alt), then I got into SF-State's generic masters program. I emotionally adjusted to the change and switched to Psych CNS track at State.
Now I got a call from UCSF and a slot has opened for me in the Gerontological NP track. I"M TOTALLY FREAKED OUT. I don't know what to do. The students are more diverse at State (older like me), which is nice, the unit load is lighter and school is cheaper. Also psych is very interesting. And State just seems less scary. On the other hand, it seems stupid to pass up an opportunity to go to such a great school as UCSF. But I'm scared too, I worry that I won'tbe able to keep up.
Any input would be appreciated. I can hardly think straight. If I had gotten this call a month ago, I would have jumped at it. Now I don't know.

I'd say go to UCSF - unless you really think you'd like Psych a lot better. Choice of specialty is about the only thing I'd let keep me away from UCSF, but I'm a little impulsive. Just my 0.02! Listen to the practical ones first!!!