jilajila

That's a smart idea. If you don't get in, just remember that it'll be a much more relaxed pace getting to that ADN and then you can always get into a hospital job and do the online ADN-BSN program and have the hospital help with tuition. The Plan B option is not too bad in my opinion - much less of a financial strain. But if time is off the essence the accelerated program is a good option. Good luck either way!

I also got in! But I had to decline. I just got hired to teach A&P at Western Technical College full-time - great pay and benefits. I will get my RN slowly over time there. I am happy that I opened up a slot for another qualified candidate. Congrats to everyone who's getting those emails. And for those who didn't, there's no such thing as failure, just another opportunity to begin again, but differently.

Yes, if you meet the requirements for the program you get an email interview. Then, if they like your responses via email, you get chosen for the phone interview. Basically that is a conference call with 3 nurse educators in the program. They ask you about your knowledge of the intensity of the program, ask you to describe yourself, and if you understand the technology required for the program. Then you sit and wait! I had the phone interview last month and they said it would be early June before they sent out letters of admission/denial. Good luck to you in the process!

Amen to that! I have another job offer and I DON'T want to go back there tomorrow. I have to follow around the CNA while she does these things and if I say anything she gets mad because I just don't understand. They never use gait belts and I was told to always use them when I was in clinical. Also, if they drop something on the floor, they still use it on the resident. Even if its a facial washcloth! Argghhh.....

Yes they do, they just don't want to change the bag every time. So they just bring one bag along from room to room as they work their way down the hall.

Well, here's an update. I did report the issues to the nurse who hired me. She was very quiet and didn't seem to be upset about it. It's almost like she was embarassed that I was bringing it up. When I went in for my next shift, the rude 19 year old wasn't working with us. I don't know if it was her day off or what. The other CNA didn't mention anything, but didn't seem to know I reported anything. At the end of the shift when it came down to sharing one common bag for soiled briefs, I tried to grab a few bags to take along with us. She very quickly stated, "Bring one, that's the way we do it here. What you learn in clinical is different how we do it here." I said I feel uncomfortable doing that because it isn't healthy and isn't good quality care." She said nastily "That's the way we do it here. That's the way I was trained to do it." I said we can't cut corners to make our job easier if it compromises quality care." Then she got mad at me and said that this job is very hard, and they're not trying to make it easier. And I shouldn't say such a thing. Then she snubbed me the rest of the night and hid in the linen closet talking on her cell phone. I was offered a job at the hospital this week. I think I'll write a letter and quit. I can't work in an environment where people don't care and will chastise you for caring.

I started working at a LTC facility last week. I enjoyed the residents and a few of the CNA's. However, there is one CNA who is 19 and she is so rude to the residents, especially those who can't talk or defend themselves. It breaks my heart and I want to grab her by the arm and tell her to knock it off! She tosses them around while getting them changed or moved. She even talks to them like they're naughty children, saying "Roll over, or open up" (if the women don't spread their legs for peri care). The residents seem sheepish and you can tell they're being bullied. I am so new that I am afraid to say anything, but I am SO bothered by it. I am 40 so I have been around the block and I love old people. This girl has been there a year and they cut so many corners. They only have RN's who are contracted and aren't really in charge of the CNA's. Those of you who are experienced tell me if I'm wrong here. About a 10pm the CNA's make round to check for incontinence. This girl flips on the light over their head, rolls them over harshly and then changes them with another CNA's help. They use the same bag going from room to room which reeks of BM from multiple people by the time they get to the end of the hall. And they are placing this BM bag on their beds! I wanted to scream! I don't think I can go back and be labeled as one of these CNA's that tosses around the residents. She's bordering on abuse, but doesn't really HURT them, but she is rough with them and has no respect for the really dependent residents. I am too new to start blowing whistles but I am at my whits end! Advice anyone????

I agree. Just be aware that your LPN job will most likely be in a nursing home. It's not a bad place, but it is different than a hospital. Good luck!

Thanks! I hope you are able to get in as well. I have a 3.6 GPA from my last degree (MS Biology) but just starting a CNA job this week. No other experience in that area. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I am able to get in the program. Good luck with your application process!

Oh Erica, I'm so glad you replied! I've been dying to talk to someone in the program. I had my phone interview today and it went very well. I agree with you about it not being as competitive in terms of numbers. I do think I have a good chance I'll get in. I have a good GPA but no CNA experience. However, I just got on the nursing assistant registry and start at the nursing home near my home this week! So by the time I enter the program, if accepted, I will have had a few months of experience. It's the same place where I did the clinicals for the CNA class so it'll be a little familiar anyway. And my daughter volunteers there playing piano once a week too. So anyway, the cost if the most prohibitive thing for me. I have students loans from my other degrees so I am worried about sinking further in debt. I have a good credit score and don't have other debt besides our house, but I really could use some scholarships or something. Are you having any luck with that? Congrats on getting in the May cohort. You'll be hard at it soon! Do you have a family to balance during your schooling as well? I do, but my husband is very supportive of my going back to school.

Anyone out there applying to the UW Oshkosh Online Accelerated program? I applied and am excited to hear if I got in! I'm worried about the expense and intensity, but at 40 years old I don't want to waste any time getting to that BSN, which is my ultimate goal. I live in Wisconsin but 3 hours from Oshkosh so it won't be a quick commute for the on-campus weeks. Just hoping to connect with other applicants while we cross our fingers and wait!

That's a hard question because I have poor undergraduate grades (mostly C's) but mostly A's in my graduate level science grades so I'm hoping that will make up for it. Let's keep our fingers crossed for us.

I too applied for the October cohort! I really want to get in. It would be great to be a BSN in only 1 year. I am worried about the clinicals. I have kids who need childcare for after school until my husband gets done with work. Third shift would be tough, but I think I could handle that better than 2nd shift. But who knows, I may not even get in! I have no CNA experience, but I have a master of science in biology, a master of education and a BS in biology. My BS gpa was only a 2.75. But my two master's degrees are 3.6 and 3.8. I hope they look at that. I am just finishing my CNA course next week. I'm not sure I want to BE a CNA though. I am a teacher part-time at the local college and I get much better pay doing that. But I wouldn't mind working a few shifts here and there as a CNA. Not sure if I can find something like that though. Anyone else out there applying for the October cohort? Let's rally together while we wait to hear the news!