northernmel

Thanks for your response and words of encouragement! I applied for a few jobs in Kodiak and have been in touch with the recruiter for ANTHC. Some places have told me not to even apply until I have a license, which I won't have until late January after I take the NCLEX. I've also heard from a recruiter that it's pretty competitive in Fairbanks, and tough for new grads to find work. So it sounds like there are positions available in Anchorage? I'm curious, guessing from handle, you are from Canada? Is it difficult for U.S. RNs to obtain a license in Canada? I would love to someday work in Nunavut.

Hi Angelstrings, Hope you have a better response to your question than I did. I'm also wondering what the job scene is like for nurses in AK. I moved from Fairbanks a year and a half ago to attend nursing school and graduate in a couple weeks. I want to get back to Alaska, but see very few jobs for new grads—and I'm willing to move just about anywhere in the state. At least you have some experience, so that should give you an advantage in your job search. Have you looked into the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium? Good luck with your search!

Hi meg816, I realize this is an older post, but thought you might have some info. I'm wondering what the current job situation for new grads is like these days in Fairbanks or anywhere in AK for that matter. I moved from Fairbanks to enroll in an accelerated BSN program and will graduate this December. I am hoping to move back to AK but hear mixed reports on job availability for new grads. Since I am interested in rural health, I would like to work in a remote location. Just not sure I have the experience being a new grad. Would appreciate any advice!

Hey, I finally received word--I'm IN!!! I found out on Wednesday, right before leaving on a road trip. I'm on a mini book tour in Anchorage, helping my boyfriend promote an anthology he put together. I am so excited and now that I know I've been accepted, this big life change seems more like a reality. I already mailed off the scholarship applications because I thought the deadline was March1. Plus I've been trying to get all the paperwork done since I'll be on the road again for the next two weeks. I was a little confused about some of the deadlines for sending in documents such as the fingerprint clearance. They stated two different deadline dates in the packet? Jac20, to answer your question about housing, we have found a place. Fortunately, we have an acquaintance in Flagstaff who needs a couple to occupy her house for the next year or so. A few years back, while my sister was a student, she lived in one of those condo/housing developments near campus. I think it was called the Pines. She said they have good deals on rent during summer. I'm glad to hear that we all had good news to share on this thread!

Hey you two Congratulations!!! You must be soooo excited. I still haven't heard anything...although mail usually takes about a week to get here from the lower 48. I wish I could just call NAU rather than making that anxiety filled trip to the post office.

Hey there, My move has not been made yet--I'm still in Alaska but plan to head south in a couple weeks. I can't wait to experience warmth again! I did log into LOUIE and like you and jac, it states that my major is accelerated BSN nursing. So I'm not sure if that means anything or not? And yes, checking the mail has taken on whole new dimension! Have you applied to any other programs?

Hello, Anyone else out there apply for the aBSN program - Fall 2009?

Hello, I haven't heard anything yet either. When I asked a while back, I was told that they would make a decision in early March. I haven't logged into LOUIE yet, so I'm not sure what it lists for my major. All I know is that the suspense is killing me! Good luck to everyone. Let me know if you hear anything.

Hey Y, I finally sent out my application out last week, so now for the hard part: waiting. A few months ago, an adviser told me they send out letters in mid-March. I was going to hold off on moving until then, but that doesn’t give me a lot of time to work out the logistics of leaving Alaska. So, with that in mind, I decided to move to Flagstaff whether I’m accepted or not. If I don’t get in, I will take a couple more classes and do some more volunteer work. That way I’ll be eligible to apply to a few other programs next spring/summer. I’m still applying to the UNM program, though that may be a long shot. They get around 75 applicants per cycle and only accept eight. And residency accounts for 10% of the points. I’ll let you know if I hear anything. Good luck to you too!

I would think with your qualifications you should have no problem getting in! You have the grades and health related experience, plus AZ residency. I'm also applying to University of New Mexico, but have been hard pressed to find more alternatives that don't require more/different pre-reqs or that are in the areas where I'd like to relocate. I have a BA in anthropology and a BFA in graphic design. For the last 10 years I've been working as a designer and decided two years ago to switch careers. It's a big jump, but I'm really excited about taking a new path. Since studying anthro, I've had an interest in medical anthropology and hope to somehow apply that to nursing.

I've been wondering the same things myself as far as the level of competition. My HESI score is 93 and for the pre-reqs I have a 3.9 GPA. But I'm still a little stressed about making the cut since the number of openings is so limited. Have you applied to any other programs?

Hello Y: I'm also new to this forum and applying to the NAU aBSN this summer as well. A few months ago I sent a out a post requesting feedback about the program but didn't receive any responses. There were a few posts from a couple years ago that were mixed, both positive and negative, but not too informative. When I talked to someone in student services, he mentioned that last year they had about 15 slots left open due to not enough qualified applicants. So, I'm wondering how competitive it is to gain admittance? I would think having a HESI score of 95 would give you an advantage. Good luck!