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The trick truly works! I took it Friday, got the good pop-up, & paid for my results this morning! I was soooo happy, I cried!

I agree with Jamie. It's sounds like you really want to go to Hopkins. It's ok to be scared after making the decision because you start thinking about the money, but that's to be expected. I felt the same way when I decided to go to UMB instead of a ADN program, but I don't regret my decision at all. Again, go with your gut, go with your heart...

You give me hope that it can be done! Just starting orientation & scared out of my mind, but I know I have a wonderful staff to back me up, like you do. Thanks for posting your story!

I recently graduated with my BSN from UMB and I honesty don't think you can go wrong either way. Since both schools are affiliated with hospitals, there are plenty opportunities to network for extra learning opportunities and jobs. I can honestly say that I wouldn't have my new grad position if I had not gone to UMB, so I biased! If you do go with the CNL option, do 23 months, unless you are a fast learner. Sinai Hospital actually offers CNL new grad positions, but I don't know if there is a difference in pay. Nursing school is what you make it, so search your heart and go with your gut! Which ever program you decide to do, learn what your strengths and weaknesses are and work on them. Get a student nurse job to hone your clinical skills. In that way, you'll have the critical thinking skills stressed in BSN/CNL programs and the clinical skills needed in patient care. Good luck to you!

I think the previous poster gave some excellent advice. I am 35, graduated last thursday, and had 2 new grad positions offered to me. One of the reasons why is that I started very early making connections while in nursing school. I worked as a student nurse in L&D and I did a summer internship in another area. In this economy, networking is everything and you have to have a way to stick out from the crowd. Personally, I would contact the nurse managers on the unit(s) that you want to work to make personal connections. The other thing about this economy is that it allows hospitals to be more picky when choosing candidates. A couple of the hospitals in my area have either stopped hiring ADNs altogether or their only allowed to apply for certain units. For all current nursing students reading this, it is so important to get CNA/student nurse positions while in school. It can make the difference between having a job and not having a job when you graduate.

Graduated from a BSN program in Maryland! Congratulations to everyone... it was a hard road and we did it!

Thanks for replying! Just come back when you're not so busy... you have soooo much on your plate right now! Congrats & good luck on the FNP boards!

I think that's a great choice, especially in this economy!

No problem. My average was 3.6, NET score - 80%, ATI (Essex/Catonsville entrance exam) - 85%. I used the ATI practice test book to prepare and did not purchase any study materials for NET. I know at UMB, they play attention to your core science course grades and NET scores, but they also look at your essay and your past work experience. BTW, I had a community health background with in prior health experience. It's natural to get freaked out during this time. Because you applied to a number of schools, I'm sure you'll get accepted to a couple of programs. If you don't mind me asking, if you get accepted to Catonsville, is it your 1st choice? Hope I didn't overload you with info! Good luck!

Thanks for responding. Yes, I'm in Baltimore. I'll be graduating from my BSN program in Dec. and already trying to figure out what I'll be doing for grad school. If she wouldn't mind, I would like to correspond with her about her experience with Vandy.

Thanks!

Thanks for letting me know. I"ll be graduating with my BSN in December, but I already know I want to go to grad school. Even though you're not in the program, how has your experience been at Vandy? Do you think that it's worth the cost of education? What made you decide to do their program?

Thank you for responding! I PMed you with more questions!

Looking for current students or graduates of Vanderbilt's FNP/CNM program for information about how they like the program. Any help would be appreciated!

Looking for current students or graduates of Vanderbilt's FNP/CNM program for information about how they like the program. Any help would be appreciated!