clhRN2b2010

So, if UPMC is so terrible (The DarkSide...as one called it) what are the other hospitals in the city to work for? What schools have a good RN to BSN program, other than Pitt? I grew up in Ellwood City...loved my childhood there. I love the area, the hills, the trees, the smell of the earth there. Currently we live outside of DC but dream of moving to PA with the kids after I finish school. Thanks for all the good info on this thread.

Also, 11/4 is an RN to BSM/MSN info session in the evening-6-7:30.

I was wondering how you may have fared in your externship or pursuit of one? I will be starting my nursing program in January and would love to find a similar oportunity in the area. (Balt.) Do you have any advice for me? Thanks!

Me either. I have a previous undergrad with a 2.6. I had a 3.47 or so in the 59 pre req's that UMB requires. I also had a 4.0 in all of the core sciences that they require. I know they look at those very closely, so focus on those if you can. Otherwise, it isn't all about your gpa. Write a rocking essay. Get some great recomendations, not just the same old, same old. Do something to set yourself apart from the other 500 applicants-something distinct from a good gpa. Heck, lots of people have good gpa's..... Finally, have a back up plan. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. It helps to keep your head level when making very emotional decisions and when waiting for very emotional decisions to be made!

At this stage of the game, all you can do is wait. There will be people who choose to forfeit their spot, and then they will be systematically opening up spots. Try not to let it eat you up. I know how stressful the process is...I'm walking through it too!

That is really affirming too. I am currently deciding between a spot in a BSN program and a scholarship paid ADN spot. Duh? Why I am confluxed is beyond me. I understand that it will take longer for the BSN but in the end, it will cost me next to nothing conmpared to the BSN route...where I might end up 20k in debt. Yes, I prefer the shorter time frame, but not for 20k in debt. At this stage of my life, I just can't justify it.

Kiero..., I know how it feels to get yourself all worked up over something. It likely doesn't make you feel any better but, it will work out somehow. Have you applied anywhere else? Do you have a back up plan? Sometimes your "first choice" really might not be the best choice for you.. Best wishes to you!

Thanks everyone. I have to decided to mail in my letter declining the university offer. I finally got a hold of someone in FA who confirmed to me all that I had researched on my own (no free $ for me) and while singing the praises of the low interest rates of the loans these days, had no arguement against getting a practically free education at my CC. Now that the decision is made I feel much lighter. It is the right one. I remember that heavy feeling of being burdened with student loans and I don't want that again. Plus, I ggogled my anticipated student loan payment, if I took out the least amount I could get by with, and it was still close to $300 a month. So, I'll write a very nice letter thanking them for choosing me, and tell them that I will see them in 2 years for the RN to BSN!

Last year, there was a huge long thread on the JHU ABSN progra. Do a search for JHU, Hopkins, John Hopkins...on the forum search.

First, you will receive your acceptance letter which will tell you that you are required to place a non refundable tuition deposit. I'm a little unnerved by having to put a large down payment down without having any idea what the FA offered might be. Does that bother anyone else, is it just me?

You need to go to a session or email the coordinator. The RN to MSN page is really quite confusing. It looks like it takes a similar amount of time but that is only because the page doesn't list the 28-40 credits you need in addiyion in your specialty area. (It varies by specialty)

If I were young again, 20k would be relatively small. What i didn't mention, is that this is second degree, I have a family, and my husband and I both want to begin spending more time focused on the various urban ministries that we are interested in working with. (=no pay) I really do lean toward the CC, precisely because of the cost difference. However, there is a glamour and richness (in variety of classes, lectures, networking, hospital connections) available at the university.

Would anyone like to give their opinion, please. I am deciding between a BSN program and a CC program. The CC program would cost me almost nothing ($2500) b/c I have gained scholarships there. The BSN has not shared any information re: aid yet, but my gpa is not upper echelon there...it is much less likely. The BSN would likely end up costing me 20-22k total. Now, if I chose to CC program I would like to move right into the RN to BSN (within six months of beginning work) and if I did it PT, I could finish in two years. It would also be paid for completely by my local university affiliated hospital. My question: How much is it worth, to have to go to school p/t and work as a new grad? How hard is that? I do not want to have 20k in student loans after school, but I also don't want to be completely stressed and miserble while trying to balance too much. I realize that only I can answer these questions, for our family; but I just was interestedin other's experiance and opinions. Thank you!!

Thanks for the info on the skin tag...I was just been advised to try the dental floss route by some family memebers but think i will stick with the friendly derm.

How long is the winter session? Our winter session's (AACC) are only two weeks and I don't think A&P is offered in that format.