bellasalsera

I only applied to U of T. I did my MBA at York and like you, need a change. I also live close to U of T, and don't want to have to make the trek out to York every day--too much of a lifestyle change, plus I have a pug who needs attention at the end of the day. My best buddy! As for the academic reference @ U. of T, the nursing school just told me to use a work reference, as I have been out of school for 10 years. One thing I learned last time I applied to York is that their application process is a bit disorganized and I don't get the impressions that they have enough staff in the office to keep the process running smoothly. If I get accepted, I won't be able to keep my current job, but I will have to find part-time work. I figure the first semester I will not work, and just focus on getting re-adjusted to student life, and then after that look for something. The financial aspect scares me a lot. When I was accepted to U. of T. three years ago, I won one of those bursaries on their website, and I was really pleased, but it was only $1,200, which doesn't really go far. You should apply for them though--can't hurt! As for specialization, I think I would like labour and delivery. What about you?

I had to be vaccinated three times against Rubella (German measles) before I devleoped antibodies.

Really? But with overtime, can't you make at least 70K there in Montreal? I just got a promotion--will probably gross about CAD85K this year. But I absolutely despise it. I dread getting up in the morning. And I never really know what time my day will end, so I have to pay for a dog wlker (not cheap and NOT tax-deductable!). And working in the head office of a bank means spending $$$ on work clothes and shoes. (I sure do like the idea of more econonimical scrubs!) I work on very academic stuff. My new job will entail re-vamping our bank's audit methodology and then creating a training curriculum for 200 auditors at varying stages of their careers. For me, it's like watching paint dry. I prefer to just "do", rather than just plan, you know? Do you really think I am nuts? I am trying to figure that out myself!

Thanks so much for the feedback everyone--it is really appreciated.

I like the idea of helping people, and I worked my way through my undergrad with Comcare as a "Homemaker". I briefly attended nursing school at U. of T a couple years ago and really liked it. Just couldn't afford it! Where are you applying?

Hi all, I am hoping to start by BScN at U of Toronto this coming fall. (I actually started a couple years ago, but realized a few weeks into it that I didn't want to take on any more student debt, so I quit and went back to work). Anyhow, I am a bit better off financially now, and really hate my career (banking), so think it's time to give it another shot. I make about 75K now and am worried that I will never again be able to attain that as a nurse. Is it possible? (I do have an MBA, which I hope will help). I'm not in this for the money, but still need to survive! As we all know, TO is not a cheap place to live, and I don't have a spouse or parents to rely on. Any thoughts? Thanks very much.

Hi Nashima, Yeah, they will not accept anything but the CPT. It's a giant pain, given that it can only be written at the college. Thanks for your reply.

Three years ago I took a leave of absense from my high-paying, full-time job to go to nursing school. Three weeks into the leave, I freaked out b/c I was afraid of change, lost income, etc.,. I quit school and went back to work. I regret the decision every day. Yes, I have more money, but I hate my job and just end up shopping to make myself feel better. I regret the lost time. So take a lesson from me--if you really love nursing, do it.

I'd like to know if anyone who got accepted to the Accelerated nursing program at Miami Dade was exempt from the CPT. Funny, the college itself exempts people from the CPT if you have a degree, but the nursing website states that you have to write the reading/comprehension portion of the CPT to apply to the Accelerated program. My problem is that I am in Canada and it's really expense to fly down just to write it. And the real kicker is I already have two Master's (one in Spanish, the other in Business), so this seems kind of moot to me. Anyhow, I have completed my application but still have to decide if I am going to write the CPT this month in time for the Sept. 1 application deadline. Anyone out there have a similar experience?

Can anyone tell me what a newly graduated nurse makes in the Detroit area?

In Toronto, where I live, $34/hour is ok, but not great if you have student loans and a family to support. I made 60K last year as an internal auditor for a bank, and I still don't own a car or a home. A decent home in a decent area will cost me at least $300,000--and believe me, this will not be a special home. I am faced with having to move home to my parents (in another city) so that I can complete my dream of being a nurse. I guess it all depends on what one is accustomed to. $34 may be a lot to one person, but not another.

I find that getting to know the instructor helps. I am generally reallllly nervous in front of people I don't know, and less so in front of those I DO know. I know it may not be always be posssible, but if you can, try to build up a nice rapport with the instructor, make chit chat at appropriate times, etc.

For those of you working in Canada, do any of you make more than your provincial collective agreement? I am in school and am wondering what to expect when I get out in 2005.

I think I might be going off on a bit of a tangent here, but someone said somehting about a full moon--for those who have worked the night shift, do you find that full moons actually do have an effect on people? Just curious