deedledumpling

I have just read some of the posts regarding the "fast track" RN-BSN programs and the speed with which you may accomplish them. I just wanted to say that in my case, only having an A.S. in Nursing, my credit hours did not transfer as 1:1, since I had been on a quarter system. perhaps all colleges these days are on semester schedules and "losing some credit" in the translation to the semester system will not be a problem. Also, there are other courses I have not had, that will be required besides the actual Nursing courses. You really do not know exactly how many classes you will have to take, until you apply and they evaluate your transcripts from previous schools. Then is the only time you will know for sure what you are lacking for a particular school.

I can only answer that everything I had read recommends that the school be CCNE accredited. Since I want to move on to a Nurse Practitioner role, and have not yet decided in what specific area, either Family Medicine or Adult Medicine, I wanted my BSN to be from a recognized school. I reviewed about 6 different options and chose Penn State. Hope that helps.

I started the KSU reentry course on Dec. 3rd, 2008. By that time I had filed the first form with the Ga. BON. From then on, KSU handled the paperwork for the final approval. Once I finished the KSU course it was about early Jan. Then I had to wait until I got my temporary license which took about 3 weeks. I began my required 160 hrs. of "clinical" time working the my appointed preceptor in the unit. That took about a month, maybe 6 weeks. There was a week or two then awaiting my permanent license before I began my new job (in the unit I had done my clinical 160 hrs), on March 16th 2009 Debra Reda at KSU reentry program was hugely helpful, I felt all of the instructors, Dr. White the director and the clinical supervisor were all great. I do definitely recommend the program!!! After such a long time away, they made what was a very fearful situation into one I believed I could do. They told us all along that it will not be as bad as we thought. And they were right!!!

Hello All, and sorry I didn't reply sooner!! I still can't say enough about KSU's reentry program!! I realize that it has now been 1 year since the time I started my clinical in the Med/Surg ICU. Ms. Brannon was very helpful and it was obvious she does her best to get you placed as best to your situation and location as possible. Also Ms. Reda was a godsend in helping me through all the paperwork and details of both applying and finishing the program. They are a great new beginning for your career. I was indeed offered a position in the unit where I did my clinical. I will urge you all to be flexible about your hours and shift requirements. Initially preferring days to nights, I realize now that not only to get into the door, nights was the correct choice, but also starting back after so long, nights is the perfect place to become comfortable with the pace and specifics you will learn after reentry. I am currently enrolled in the Penn State RN-BSN program online. I have just begun and am very excited to complete this degree. It will give me more opportunities for my future in our exciting, developing field, and I look forward to becoming a part of the "future of Nursing". To answer another's question, I sold coronary angioplasty catheters. Much luck to you all!! Pray for Haiti!!

Hello out there, I am a "return to practice" RN and have been back to work for about a year. Looking for some feedback on Bernau University in Gainesville, Ga., or any other online programs done by RN's in Georgia. Georgia State has a campus but thinking I want to go the online route. This is a great thread and now realize I need to read backwards instead of from the start. Thanks to everyone who participates.

KeithMock, Yes I have just completed the reentry program and have probably secured a job. Will know soon. I would heartily recommend the program.

Thank you all for your input on this subject. It is good to see someone in CVICU that has some "miles" on them as well. I am about to be precepted for my reentry program in a very busy CVICU. I have always been in CCU and cath lab, but never on this side of the surgical fence. I have ordered the book refererenced earlier and will hit it tomorrow when it arrives so I am glad about that. Thank you all for the input on working in such a unit!!!:redbeathe

Thanks for your post on this. I have been away from Nursing for some time, and am about to start the clinical portion of my Reentry program in a CVICU. All of my past experience was in CCU, with a very strong interventional cardiology background as well. I plan to study CVS nursing books between now and then, and looking forward to this experience. I am hoping with my past background, and the maturity I have, this will be a good transition for me back into Cardiovascular Nursing. Any tips prior to my starting would be appreciated. Thanks,

Awesome, congrats. Thanks for your input.

Thanks NorthGa. gal, where are you?? So where did you do your clinical???

Disneyfan, No, I have been out too long, so think going thru the refresher is the best for me. Thanks again.

Disneyfan, thanks so much for your response. I spoke to someone today who did it some years ago, and had to do all clinical at Kennesaw, then Piedmont didn't seem to want to hire her. I have emailed and asked about current clinical alliances with Piedmont and other intown hospitals. Still thinking I will do it, the hosp. is just down the street and I loved working there years ago. Thanks again.

Hello, I am thinking of starting the Kennesaw (Wellstar) RN reentry course in Atlanta. Does anyone have experience with this program?? I have not practiced since 1985, but had extensive critical care, cath lab and CCU experience. I then went into a sales job in medical devices. Time to return to Nursing. Thanks