BelleRN2B

You are all so helpful! I love this board for the plethora of information in so many areas... Good to see there are a lot of people in the Mt. Airy area. Perhaps hosting a get together after the turn of the year might be on the horizon! I'll also have to look into the Harcum program.

Thanks all for your thoughts. I don't feel so bad now. It's hard not being from the area. I was starting to doubt myself. I do sometimes wonder what it will be like living so close to her. I love her, but she has a strong influence over her son sometimes, and, well, we're just not cut from the same cloth. But that's neither here nor there. I need to count my blessings as far as she is concerned, because it could always be worse! I'm excited about moving into the area! We'll be right by the train station, the R8 or something or another. Now, if I can just decide about applying to programs, everything will fall right in line!

Hi All, I've only posted a few times, but each time has been with respect to my relocation from NY to Philly. Well, my husband and I just looked at a townhouse in W. Mount Airy, a few blocks from Chestnut Hill. Could anyone give their thoughts/opinions? My mother-in-law lives in Abington, and her comments regarding the space were along the lines of "It's ok - if that's the kind of area you want to live in..." She said it with a slightly disparaging tone. I love the suburbs (I grew up in the suburbs in SC) but I am also coming from living in NY for the last 9 years. I kinda thought W. Mount Airy was a nice little happy medium. But now I'm not sure. Could someone shed some light? I need objective comments. Also, I am finishing up pre-reqs for nursing school. Is it too late to apply to some of the hospital programs for the fall? I am open to day or evening/pt programs. In your opinions, is one program easier to get into than another? This is a second career for me coming off Wall Street, and I have a 3.8 GPA. I'm 30 years old, and much more focused than I was the first time around for school. I hear that there is a huge demand for nurses, but I kee reading that all of the programs are hard to get into. I am not usually afraid of competition, but I am worried because I would be a new PA resident. Would this be held against me? Your thoughts on this would be appreciated as well. eta: Oh, I am considering applying to the following: CCP, Abington, Temple, Roxborough...I thought it made more sense for me to do RN then bridge program to get BSN.

Anyone know anything about the program? I have sent off for information, and I am trying to make an appt to get info, but I haven't heard anything yet. So I thought I'd reach out to you...also, would it make since to to RN program there, then do part-time RN to BSN program elsewhere?

I was told a "2-3 year" work commitment by the counselor. I asked if she knew if it was either 2 or 3 years. She mentioned that the hospital and selection committee had some discretion as to the length of commitment, but 2-3 years was the average.

This is for the accelerated BSN.

Hi all, I just met with an academic counselor at TJU over the fact program and just wanted to share some of the take-aways (all according to the counselor)...I have meetings at UPenn and Drexel as well and will share what I will be told 1. Money for school: First and foremost, she said that last year, TJU gave out 50 full tuition scholarships in nursing, and 45 of those went to FACT students! 2. Why FACT over UPenn or ACE: FACT is more clinical, UPenn and ACE are more research based - TJU nurses (allegedly) have more experience from day 1. 3. Clinicals: FACT has the same amount of clinical time as the traditonal nursing program. FACT is 24 hours a week over 1 year, traditional is 16 hours a week over 2.

Thanks Bill and Softballmama, I absolutely love the Philly area. We are both looking forward to the move. Although, I won't be too happy about the commute. Does anyone know about the nursing education initiatives in PA? Hubby and I had a conversation today...if we can get the money (as if we really need another loan given the amount we'll be borrowing for Wharton), I am strongly considering maybe finishing at Jefferson. I have heard great things about the program. Also, I figure at 30yo, it might be easier for me to find money as an adult student pursuing a BSN. Thanks again for all of your replies.

While the cost of living in NY is high, it is doable. Rent - at least $2000 for a decent 1BR in the city. This can come down a bit if you are willing to live in Brooklyn to maybe about $1500 for a 2 BR in Prospect Heights (by the Brooklyn Museum) or Windsor Terrace (by Park Slope). Can be even cheaper if you are wiling to move to QUeens. Astoria is an up and coming area and it is super close to the city. Don't be afraid to look at other boroughs. THey are much cheaper, and sometimes closer to midtwon/downtown than certain areas IN MANHATTAN. Groceries - You can get a month's worth of groceries at Trader Joe's for $200, so don't let the food bit scare you. Shopping at D'Agostino's and WHole Foods is really what is costly, but again, you can managage (Trader Joe's has been a GOD send!). Schools - Public school are free, but they are not that great. And usually your "zoned" school is hell on earth for kids. My husband is an educator, and there are many options for getting your kids into the better public schools. PM me with questions and how old your kids are in you seriously want more information. Car - We have a car, but we live in Brooklyn, across the street from the Museum. We park on the street and have never had any incidents. Save the parking fee (unless you live in Manhattan - then you have no choice). Before moving to Brooklyn, I lived on the Upper Westside, at 95th and Central Park West, considered "Prime Real Estate" - I had my car broken into twice with windows broken. I've NEVER had that issue in Brooklyn.

Hunter College CUNY for BSN

Thanks for your reply Lisa! I'm looking forward to moving to Philly. Reading your answer makes me feel a little better. I've heard so much about position shortages in other areas of the state. That, combined with the number of existing BSN programs, had me thoroughly worried! Thanks again, Belle

Hi all, I am new to the board, and my first post will (likely) be a whopper of a question. I am currently a nursing student at Hunter College CUNY in NY. Next fall, my husband will be attending Wharton for business school. I will keep my NY residency to complete schooling at Hunter (can't beat the cost!) and am concerned about job prospects since I will have attended school out of state. As a new nurse, how difficult will it be for me to secure a job given the number of nursing programs in Philly specifically? Does anyone think it will be better for me to bite the bullet and pay more to transfer into a Philly-based program? Just trying to get some feedback! Thanks, BelleRN2B