MOMINMA

thanks for your honesty. i did read through the posts, i didn't find exactly what i was looking for so i figured if someone wanted to answer my post even thought here might be others they would - if not no big deal.

Mon/tues is your clinical at the outside agency - the other 2 hr is your on-campus lab:wink2:

If I were you I would take the HESI again after brushing up on the science portion again, they will take your higher of the two scores. I would also introduce yourself to the Dean and get your name out there. Your grades sound pretty good so far, so even though there are only 100 spots, if you keep doing well you have a shot. Get your sciences done and score high, that will go a long way. Good luck! But as the Dean always says "don't put all your eggs in one basket" Apply to a couple other area schools as back up. AIC is much easier to get into, for example.

I believe nearly 1000 people applied to the nursing program at STCC this past year for the 94 slots they had available. They notified us in April of the admissions decisions. I know that I personally have a 4.0 and had all of the non-nursing classes completed when I was accepted -except for A&P2 which I finished in May. As far as the HESI goes it was used, as I understand, as secondary criteria after grades as was the med calc class grade that is required before you can apply.

I am starting the STCC nursing program well in about a week. For me personally, I took the HESI before even starting A&P. I was nervous about it and figured I would take it to see what it was like so when I was ready I could take it again. Someone recommended brushing up on my latin roots to help with the anatomy terms, so that was all I did. It was very helpful in figuring out what words meant in the A&P section. I ended up getting an 88 so I didn't have to go back - thank goodness!

I actually do not have a specific hospital that I am set on working with. Maybe I am crazy but I didn't want to base my career choice on what is available now at a certain place because that can change, I might not end up liking the place, etc. I want to have a broad range of opportunities available to me. For example, I want to work in a fast paced, hospital environment now but in ten years I will most likely not want to keep up with that pace and want to work in a practice setting. I also want to volunteer my services in my "free time" in clinics and with those less fortunate. I am hoping to get some input from other NP or those who work with NP's to hear the range of opportunities available in both specialties, drawback/perks of each, etc. I see what you are saying though about contacting employers. I have looked at several hospitals job postings although I have not contacted them to ask questions. Several positions were in say med/surg, NICU, neurosergery yet said the position was for an NP that graduated and is certified as a FNP with med privilages - so either the specialty(family or acute care) is not a factor or the person posting the ad didn't get it right. Thanks though!

Any opinions on job opportunities for FNP VS. Acute/Critical Care NP? I live in MA. I would like to know if one offers a wider range of opportunities than the other. Is there a site out there that lets you know what job prospects would be in a certain place (that is accurate) I have looked at classifieds but I am not sure that gives an accurate scope. Thanks!