jpaschen

You are thinking of someone else, the post you just described is not me. Thanks for your thoughts on the matter though.

I got a call yesterday from the nursing school letting me know that my wait on the "alternate status" list was over- I'm in for Fall '06. If I had received this news months ago there would have been no question- I would be going to nursing school this fall. I guess I should explain a bit...You see, I currently work as an Acupuncturist and my career goal has always been to specialize in the treatment of children. I thought going to nursing school and obtaining my R.N. would be the best path to follow and be a shoe in. However, since being placed on the "alternate list" I decided to pursue my career goal aggresively and see what would happen. The result: my determination has gotten the attention of a pediatrician and now I have an interview with a pediatric office this week to discuss integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine into their practice. I just knew this would happen! In fact I actually said, "I know what will happen, I will land a job doing peds and get accepted into the nursing program-- then I will be faced with decisions of all decisions." I have been visiting this website since I embarked on this journey toward nursing school and have received some very helpful feedback. So I am asking for your input- what to do??? P.S. I should also mention that I am the mommy to two young daughters. Thank you!!! JP

Aimee, I sat for the NLN exam back in January and I, like yourself, have been out of school for quite a while. The Macdonald book was an ok tool to help you prepare, but beware--there are quite a few physics (ohms questions) that are NOT in the study guide! as well as several questions on chemistry laws. As far as the math is concerned, KNOW your ratio proportion problems! also be prepared to solve several story/word problems, there are tons of them! very little algebra on the test. In my opinion the reading and vocabulary was the easiest part of the exam. I do agree with the other people, in that you should allow as much time as you can completing the sample tests. It is a bit of a challenging exam- especially for someone who doesn't have the information fresh in their mind. Even though I studied for the exam, I did feel rushed for time trying to complete the math and science sections of the exam (although I did answer all the questions). In the end I scored in the 85th percentile and I am wait listed for the program I was trying to get into. Also just FYI- when I took the NLN exam, about 70% of the people that were there were RETAKING the exam! so just to give you an idea..... I hope this helps you out! Good luck!!!

I have also been chosen as an alternate for the fall '06 class. However, my school will not release my exact standing in the line up of alternates (and there are 212 people on the alternate list!). I did find out that I am in the top 25%, and with "a pretty high standing" per the nursing admissions person. They also mentioned that in years past approx. 25-30 people (out of a 120 seat class) do not end up taking their seat. So maybe there is still hope! Good luck to you!

Saw Bodyworlds in Chicago over a year ago and it was nothing short of amazing! I would encourage everyone (interested in the medical field or not) to go see this wonderful, respectful, presentation of the human body!

Thank you for the encouragement, but I would not really consider this a "success" until I am officially offered a seat. Does your friend know where she is on the wait list (top 25%, top 50%, bottom 50%, etc...)? I spoke with Harper College again today and they said I am in the top 25%- the person with whom I spoke with said (and I quote), "I can't make any promises, but you are pretty high on the list". That lifted my spirits a bit.

Just wanted to let you "to be Harper nursing students" know that I have been have chosen as an "alternate candidate" for the for fall '06 class. I called Harper yesterday to find out where I was on the list and they told me that out of 212 on the wait list, I was in the top 50. However, they would not disclose exactly what number- I really do not get what the big secret is??? They did mention that all 120 accepts accepted their seat, but in the past at least 25-30 students ended up changing their minds before the start of the program. Anyway, good luck and best wishes to you all!

way to go!!!

thanks for your input everyone! i did call the school this afternoon to find out where i was on the wait list, and they told me i was in the top 50 (out of 212 alternates). however, they would not disclose exactly where i was in the line up- is that lame or what?

Well, I got the long awaited "letter" in the mail today and I have been chosen as an "alternate candidate" for the Fall '06 nursing program. Oh well! I guess the waiting isn't over. Has anyone ever been in this situation or known of someone who was an "alternate candidate"?- what are the chances of actually getting a seat (this particular program has 120 seats available per year). Any feedback would help me feel a little more hopeful than I am feeling right now! Thanks!

i have applied for fall '06 as well. my school's deadline was feb. 2, and "letters" will be mailed out by the end of march. i know the end of march will be here before i know it- but the waiting!!!!! (28 days to go) maybe i will get an early letter??? it seems as though a good number of "people in waiting" on this site seem to have gotten some early news. tick tock, tick tock..............

wow! really? i wonder if all schools would relay that inforamtion over the telephone???

i am slightly anxious about getting "the letter", but i refuse to invest a lot of energy into it. the way i see it- if i am meant to go to nursing school, i will. and if not, then i'll take it as a sign that the timing is not right. i really believe things happen to us for a reason, even if it makes no sense. with that said, i am still keeping my fingers crossed! :)

what are the chances of "letters" being sent early? i have read a couple of posts where people got their news a little early (and they got in!). hummmmm..... chicago countdown...30 days

I am waiting to hear if I get into the Fall'06 class. I will post again as soon as I know something. Best of luck to those of you who are taking pre-reqs.