i<3mybeagle

Hi! I have a BA already and am currently in an accelerated BSN program at Villanova. Because we do our 1st med-surg clinical in the first summer, I was able to get hired as a CNA (really just nursing assistant) on the floor where I did my clinical rotation. So I'll be working per diem during the school year, and the hourly starting rate is $19.96/hr. For many CNA positions in Philly hospitals, unless it's a higher acuity floor, the job postings will say "will consider a nursing student who has at least one medical-surgical rotation." So, that's a plus. Some of the accelerated programs here don't do med-surg first, so you wouldn't have that option. The other thing is that CCP's post-bac program is in its first year, and it's nursing program overall doesn't have a great rep. So you're probably less likely to get work in the main Philly hospitals, especially with an associates, although it is much cheaper. CCP also is super competitive and has a pretty nasty environment--- although I may be able to say this about all nursing schools. What really erks me about this program is that you spend the same amount of time it would take you in an ABSN. In general, you really need your BSN here. I worked at a local hospital not doing patient care, and got a $5000 tuition reimbursement which I used to do my prereqs. I then entered the accelerated BSN which will be around 45K, although I don't have as much in loans from my first bachelors. To be honest with you, I'm not sure spending 37K for the RN-BSN is better than just paying 45K at a school like Villanova and getting the BSN immediately, and then making more to start and getting your foot in the door at some of the better Philly hospitals. If you plan on working in Philly afterwards too, it'll be helpful to have clinicals at places you'd like to work at. Feel free to message me if you have any additional questions or thoughts!!

Yeah I understand. I've met a lot of really nice students and I've decided to accept my admission to Penn (I'm in their combined BSN-PhD, so it's a bit different) so at least there will be one other supportive person there? lol. I also think it's important to look at the differences between those three programs. (I think) Yale gives you a certificate and then you advance straight through to the MSN, while Penn actually makes you get a BSN before going to the MSN. Hopkins makes you get a 2-year MSN and then complete additional post-masters programs (or a DNP) to get the NP. It would depend on what type of degree you think would be most beneficial to you. I decided not to do Hopkins' MSN because most of the additional coursework for the masters portion wouldn't be transferrable to a PhD, which I knew I wanted to do. Another thing I didn't like about Hopkins is that they don't give ANY need based/merit aid and there is really only one major medical system in Baltimore while Philly has a few. All the programs are unique in their own ways, and hopefully one of them stands out to you that really fits your goals :).

Hm so actually I'm not looking at doing the MSN so I didn't ask many of these questions. But in terms of #1: Penn has a VERY competitive environment, and I know this translates over into their nursing program, too. I asked this same question and was essentially told that you can find friends and people like you that are supportive, but I wouldn't expect that to be the overall nature of the environment. But you do get that academic rigor and are held to a high standard, and there are some very supportive faculty. Penn is an Ivy and it very much feels that way. 2. I haven't met anyone yet that's actually done a minor. I was also told that a good number of people are taking time off between the ABSN and the MSN portions, even though they didn't plan to given the rigor of the program. I didn't ask the MSN/DNP, but I really love this video on the topic:

Would someone be able to update when they get their financial aid package?

Yes, I have. What are your questions; maybe I've already asked the same?

Hey! I don't think you should worry about retaking the GRE--- I think it's more important to have those in-person clinical experiences and creating a great application. Your verbal is in the 80th percentile and quant is in the 90th-- those are great scores. I think my quant was in the 54th percentile and I've been admitted into at lease the ABSN (my verbal was 91st). I think essays and letters of recommendation are more important at this point.

Were you able to speak to any of the Emory students directly? I'd be interested to hear how they like their program.

Hey everyone, I got into the ABSN and am still waiting on hearing about the PhD. On the checklist it says financial aid awards should be posted in 7-14 days. Here's to hoping sooner rather than later....

hey everyone. I spoke with FC and she said that the ABSN decision should come out around Feb 8th or Feb 9th. The 8th is this Friday, so maybe we'll have a decision by the end of the week?