mcluvin

Any waitlisters receive news on the waitlist yet? I'm guessing no but thought I'd check in.

Yes, some do place you in a cohort you best fit based on completed and transferable coursework. A couple of schools in my area do this for students with 4 year degrees (but you have to make a special request and it's only if space is available). I am sure other programs do this or else you'd only be a part time student (or less than half time) for 2 years before clinicals began; this just makes no sense. Keep applying to ABSN and Direct entry Masters (I'm right there with you). It's just ridiculous to go all four years (even 3) when you already have a degree and prereqs under your belt. ABSN and Direct Entry exist for a reason and it's for students like us with degrees and professional experience. If you can apply out of state go for it, the competition is tight everywhere for these programs. Cast a wide net. You'll get what you need somewhere.

Hi Ryan, I wondered if you could tell me how flexible classes are at Fort Kent for ABSN (online classes). I was recently accepted to ABSN but I live in the Southern part of the state (I have a family and can't move them). Is there any distance learning component to the ABSN at UMFK? Any insights would be so helpful. Thanks!!

I accepted the slot as well. USM is my only option as I can't relocate and UNE ABSN is ridiculously expensive. Here's hoping!

Congrats! Great news! That's three on the waitlist so far. Did they offer to consider you for a spot in the traditional/transfer program starting in fall as well?

Hi gcano93, Did you ever get off the waitlist? I was waitlisted for 2020 and unsure of what to expect. I'd appreciate hearing about your experience on the waitlist for the ABSN. Thanks!

Got my letter and waitlisted, so I feel a bit better. Hopefully a spot opens up. With 50 slots I am sure someone may pursue other options and let me squeeze in. Any other waitlisters on here?

maybb, how did you find out you were waitlisted? Did you get your letter in the mail already?

Well, I'm definitely sunk (again)...no green check mark and it seems accepted people have them. This was my final try to get into USMs nursing program. Congrats to everyone accepted. I hope you all appreciate how lucky you are and do very well in the program.

Congrats. I checked earlier today, but still a green circle. I am pretty positive I may not get accepted. But like I said before, I'll just have to roll with it.

It seems far away but today is November 1st and the weeks are going to fly by...we'll know the decisions before we know it! Very exciting! If I don't get in though that will be okay as well; as we all know, ABSN programs have become very competitive especially in Maine these days. But no worries, we got this!!! It is really great to connect with others who have applied ?

My first choice, too! Yup, December seems to be the month we'll hear. Fingers crossed for us both!

Hi. I was unable to find a discussion thread for applicants for USM's ABSN class of 2020. Anyone else out there patiently waiting to hear back from USM?

I live in Maine. Maine RNs make below the national average for nurses and yes the cost of living is high, mainly due to taxes and inflated rents (in the Portland area). Nearly all professional jobs in Maine are underpaid relevant to cost of living. The nurses I work with make okay money (40-50k) but those who have gone out of state from where I work leave for significantly higher pay. If you need to pay off debt I wouldn't work in Maine. FULL DISCLOSURE: I am not a nurse. But no matter your profession, you will make less in Maine, it is a huge source of bitterness for most residents. I am also in my thirties and have BA to pay off. Maine makes it rough. Also, yes, USM is an adequate school (my alma mater), and they are very affordable. If you choose to live here, though, you'll sacrifice money for a nice view in the long run. P.S. my first year of undergrad was at UVM and it was awesome. Expensive school but Burlington will rock your world. I miss it, but they have no ocean :-(

Do it. In Maine, we take a 3 month course and I have been working as a CNA on an oncology floor for over a year now and I have learned A TON from nurses and other CNA's about basic nursing care that was not covered in an entire 3 month CNA course. I also ask RNs a ton of questions about stuff I learn in my nursing classes (my night RNs have been a huge help with my pharmacology studying). CNA experience will allow you to focus more on meds, charting and many other areas that will need attention during your first RN job. If you're still wearing training wheels while trying to change a soiled bed as a busy new grad RN you'll wish you had that CNA experience, not just the 5 weeks training you got in school. Also, working as a CNA gives you a feel of what's it's like to have a scope of practice and how to stay within it, advocate for your patients, and also how to set boundaries with patients, families, and coworkers; these skills will be huge to have before you get your first nursing job. They don't really teach any of that in nursing school, you get it through working experience. Be a CNA, just find per diem or part time and you'll be fine with time management. Also, I work at a teaching hospital and when we get nursing students or new grad RNs on their first day...it's real easy to tell if they have had CNA experience or not. Get the CNA, work as a CNA--it only helps, it never hurts.