Dmg84

Thank you SO much for the guidance!! That is definitely more work than I was aware of. Currently the CA BRN is processing Nov 1-15, and I’m worried I won’t be able to test until August. Add on the time to complete the tasks you’re referring to and goodness I have a lot to do! It is one of my dream hospitals, but you make some great points I will take into consideration. Thank you for the help!!

I graduate 5/28 but haven’t applied yet. I’m getting really worried because the ATT is super backlogged here in California. When were you planning on applying?

Congratulations! You’re living my dream! I hope to bring the same level of passion and determination to my interviews. Hope to join you soon!!

Also following to stay in the loop! Hoping to join the NICU nurse ranks later this year ?

Any advise for those of you who went through the process? I’m eager to apply when the time is right for me, but I’m so scared of how competitive everything is!

I lived in both states and actually got accepted in California on my first go. I’m currently doing an ADN program at a community college (that isn’t lottery based), but what I love is that they offer concurrent BSN enrollment with partner universities (some CSUs and some online). So far my four semester program has only cost $3,000 and my BSN will be another $8,000. No complaints here!

In California they are currently processing apps from Nov 1-15 (according to the BRN site). It’s definitely adding to the anxiety. Never imagined it would be a 10-12 week wait minimum!

Ditto what Ricky said! Like you, I am a goal-oriented planner, but as an almost new grad I can assure you the only thing you can plan on is change. Some programs do not offer evening classes, but I imagine that varies by location. Some of my peers are really struggling with their children doing distance learning while they need to be studying themselves, so I think that comes down to a person by person basis. Focus on doing well in your pre-reqs so you have many programs to chose from when it’s time to apply, then go from there ? good luck!

I don’t think there’s a right or wrong age! My cohort has individuals aged 20 to 50s. It’s about the time in your life and if you’re able to dedicate yourself to the program and be adaptable to this learning style during a pandemic.

I think it comes down to your ability to organize time and say no to extra activities. Personally I’ve been able to work the whole time, about 16-24 hours a week, but I have a very understanding employer. It also helps that the pandemic means no gatherings so I don’t have to worry about telling people no to hanging out, haha. If you can get a job as a CNA or unit secretary you may also have time to study on the job which is a plus. If, however, you have a hard time juggling personal life and school as is, it may be worthwhile to get a small student loan. Thankfully nurses are in demand so you can take a loan out with a good amount of confidence that you’ll be able to repay.

Hd2200, congratulations! You are living my dream! I graduate in May but will be applying in April. Would you mind if I direct messaged you? I have 3 burning questions for you ? Congrats again, best of luck!! -Danielle

Okay, thank you! I’ll keep my fingers crossed my preceptorship goes as planned because that’s where I’d like to work. ????

Did any of you apply/get hired in a unit that you didn’t precept in? I’m nervous my precepting will be affected by COVID but trying to stay positive ☺️

Congratulations to everyone in this thread! it was so exciting to read the evolution of applicant to employee ? I’m nearing the completion of my degree (May ‘21) so I’ve been looking at various residency programs. I’ve scheduled ACLS, PALS, NRP and a few other certs to be completed before February. Does anyone have advice on things they would have done differently or recommendations on how to be more competitive? Stanford’s website says 650 applicants with 40-50 spots three times a year but I’m already feeling defeated LOL ? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! -Danielle

Hi, Ivar! Not sure if you still check the forums, but I would love to hear about your experience with the rest of the process! I was recently assigned a NICU preceptor (my *dream*), but I’m still weary about how things will pan out during the pandemic. Did you get a NICU position with UCD? How has the program been? Thank you in advance for any insight!