CTmom

I recently resigned from a hospital job to explore other nursing opportunities. After a wonderful vacation, I was ready to hit the road with applications but then the pandemic exploded. I have written many cover letters, but have not yet applied anywhere. I love nursing. I truly care and want to help. But my friends and family have pleaded with me to stay home with my children and husband and be safe. I am considering a travel position as the only manner I will return to nursing, so that I would not be risking bringing the virus into my home. I have a close friend in Madrid and know in my heart that the United States is headed for a greater level of devastation because of the inexcusable lack of testing, lack of shelter in place orders, and most sinful, the lack of PPE for protection of the health care workers and the patient they care for. Seeing that other countries are outfitting their responders and caregivers properly makes me so angry that the United States is failing its citizens. No firefighter would even be expected to run into a burning building without full gear, an oxygen tank, and the ability to call for help. Prayers to you all brave, brave and loving souls.

Just a few thoughts about anxiety - It can keep us safe by listening to our inner voice and recognizing unsafe situations, but it can sometimes be a barrier to health - loss of focus, insomnia, decreased joy, etc. Therapy - the healthiest people I know have someone impartial to talk to. Holistic self-care - aromatherapy, herbal teas, breathing exercises, mantras, meditations, etc can really help to recenter your thoughts and place a shroud of positive energy around you. Best of luck.

I declined my spot at the Waterbury campus and will attend a different program in Massachusetts. Good luck to all whom are waiting to hear. In regards to prerequisites: I took all mine at CT Community Colleges, which are so much more affordable and comparable to other options. As they meet the requirements for many area Accelerated Nursing Programs, this is an indication of the quality of the courses.

RE: blackberrymousse I spoke to several students - all nice, smart, motivated people. Ages, and this is a guess, early twenties to mid fifties. I spoke to a woman from Florida and another from the Bronx, who are looking for housing, but there were several people who asked questions about relocating.

Received acceptance yesterday for Waterbury, my #1 choice. I have a little over one week to accept spot or lose, which is a surprisingly short period of time to finalize decision. Already accepted into the other program I applied for, so need to decide pretty quick. There are worse problems :) Best of luck to those waiting to here!

Re: blackberrymousse Attended reception in Springfield today. The campus/facilities are really beautiful. Very clean and fresh. Study lounge has large windows, allowing view of outside. Surrounding area is revamped and nice also. The positive vibe I received from the professors and administrators was the same as at info session - positive, supportive, and invested in the students' learning.

Re: blackberrymousse I am not sure how much I will see on Saturday, but will absolutely provide some feedback. A suggestion about exploring a new area - maybe look at Chambers of Commerce and Public Library "Things to Do" Calendar on websites - this can tell a lot about the community, based on how people fund programming.

Re: blackberrymousse Will be going to see the Springfield campus this Saturday, March 25th. It appears to be a newly revitalized area with parking, food, CVS right there. I live in northern CT, so this location will drastically cut down on my commute. For me, it was a wonderful surprise. The CT border is only about 20 minutes away, so that's another option to consider for housing, but quiet suburbs are definitely my preference. Best of luck.

Congrats! Curious if anyone else has heard from admissions? I submitted everything by late January. Have been accepted into another Accelerated Nursing Program that has a May 1st acceptance deadline. And although I love this particular program, I would like to know if I am being accepted into UCONN's CEIN, so can compare financials. (Research shows them to be equally reputable.) Really excited to bust my butt and become a nurse! Best of luck to everyone.