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Update: I went to BoN website, still no license for me. Then I went to Pearsonvue and it FINALLY said my results were available and...I PASSED! Whew! I don't have an explanation as to why my results were delayed but I did have two "incidents" during testing. The first was during the practice questions at the beginning...I tried to use the calculator and my computer froze up and the proctor had to come re-start the test for me. Then, as I was leaving, my palm vein scan failed twice. Either one of those could have caused a red flag to prevent my test from being released until it could be reviewed. That's what I am thinking anyways....But at least the wait is over! Good luck to the rest of you!

My results are also on "hold" and I am going crazy! A whole bunch of people who took the test the same day I did had their licenses posted on the BoN website at 9 am this morning. I can't decide if I want to or

I started as a tech in a psych hospital while in nursing school, with every intention of going into perinatal when I was through with school. I graduated last week and accepted a job at the psych hospital on the very same day. I had many people tell me to work in med-surg for 2 years to "hone my skills" but I decided against it. I love where I work and I love the population I get to serve every day. During my final evaluation, my clinical instructor said to me "It's too bad you are going into psych." And when I asked why (thinking it would be something about "REAL" nursing), she said simply "You would make a great acute care nurse." While I was flattered that she thought that about me, I don't regret the decision I've made. Every single patient has some psych component and most med-surg nurses are terrified they are going to get the psych patient assignment. I don't have to be worried...I know when I walk through the door every day I will face someone in crisis and I can try to meet their needs because I am a psych nurse!!

Stethoscope and white shoes (yes, all white and I suggest leather). Once I got my acceptance into the program, I started buying my Level 1 books one at a time. I ordered off Amazon and bought used when I could. But, believe it or not, the Lewis Med-Surg book is worth buying new because you will use the dickens out of it. The student association sells used scrubs as a fund raiser at the beginning of the semester but I know a couple of students are selling on Craigslist... Good luck!

I am in Level 4 at CEC and I love it! It has been a wonderful experience and I am glad I got placed there (since I thought I wanted the hybrid....). Additionally, most of my classmates have jobs, so it is possible....but be prepared to really go after the job you want!! Good luck to you all! m ps. if you are looking for used scrubs, search Craigslist

I didn't get anything in the mail. Email was the way they let us all know. And yes, they changed the status on the ADN website to something along the lines of "Letters of acceptance have been sent."

From my expierence last year, we were told that we would have our emailed letters by May 1st. Then they bumped it to May 7th. And at about 4:45 on May 7th the emails went out for the acceptance and at a few minutes after 5 the rejection letters went out. Then on the 8th, those who were rejected (including me) got "informational letters" that told us what our ranking was and what our options were for reapplying for Spring semester and what we could do to boost our points. (Happily for me, I only had to wait about 2 weeks to get accepted into the Fall semester because of deferrals or opt-outs!) If the ADN office is saying "By June 1st" I wouldn't hold my breath for mid-May!

I had personal experience with one of the EVC instructors and didn't think I could withstand an entire semester of that again. Also, since I take the bus, getting to the EVC was also more complicated for me. If I had been placed at EVC, I would have deferred for a semester based on the big picture, not just on one instructor. We did have one person fail during Level 1 but she had some personal things going on in her life and she is currently re-taking Level 1 at CEC. We had 2 students removed from the program during Level 1 and we had 1 student drop at the beginning of Level 2. Like I said, I'm sure every program has at least one instructor that rubs someone the wrong way. There was a lot of negative talk about one instructor and I am actually thankful I am in that clinical group. I am learning tons and, despite all the "talk," there isn't a lot of drama. Yes, the paperwork load is tremendous...but then again, show me a group who doesn't have a lot of clincial paperwork in Level 2. No one ever said Nursing School is easy!! :) All that being said, the only negative thing about classes at CEC is we have to share the lab space with other programs. So, you have to take advantage of the Open Lab time and not wait until the very last minute or you run the risk of not being able to practice your skill.

CEC doesn't have the same lecture schedule as EVC. I met a couple of students from EVC during my mental health rotation and it seems like our lectures made a little more sense...like we learned acid base balance before we talked about specific illnesses (like diabetes) so it came together a little better. Also, I heard there were a couple of instructors to avoid at EVC but that is probably true of any program. I just know there was a Level 1 teacher I did NOT want and it I had been placed at EVC I would have deferred until the next semester. As it turns out I am doing better, grade wise, than some friends of mine who are in the hybrid program so I am thankful to be where I am and I recommend it to anyone who asks.

RadiationRN2Be - I don't know what you heard about CEC but that is where I go and I love it! I' currently in Level 2 and even though I thought I wanted the hybrid program, I am glad, glad, glad that I got placed at CEC. I've had some great teachers and being in the hospital setting is great!

We had to take Pharmacology as a pre-requisite to get into the program. So they assume that we already know the material. It was only over dosage calculations, nothing about specific drugs...thank goodness!

I, too, just finished my first week. Lecture on Monday and Tuesday with a dosage calculation test first thing Tuesday morning. Lab on Wednesday and Thursday to practice Physical Assessments, with a check off for vital signs on Thursday. And then a Mastery check off for Physical Assessments on Friday. Whew! I take the bus into downtown since I live in the 'burbs and so I usually get there really early and stay after and spend my extra time in the library. Being prepared ahead of class/lab has REALLY helped. Well, off for more homework!

RaditionNurse2be and Purkinje~ I just started the ADN program this week and the classes you take in the Spring semester do not count in your Fall application. For example, this year the Fall 2009 application period was from the beginning of January to the beginning of March. I was taking Nursing Skills and Human Growth & Development during the spring semester. Because the classes were not complete by the end of the application period, they were not counted in my points. If you take a short class that is done by the end of the application period, that may count. Good luck!!

Dr. *** is great!!

I am taking speech, too. But not online. I looked up my professor on ratemyprofessor.com and he had horrible reviews so I dropped the online class and am taking a short semester M/W night class (filled with HS kids!). You are right though; it is hard to stay motivated when you aren't taking any science/nursing classes.

little bird...thanks! there's hope!!

Congrats little bird!! I know just how you feel. What was your ranking? I only ask because I have a few friends down in the wait list and they still have their fingers crossed.....

Yes, little_bird, I did accept and, like you, I was afraid they would wait until the last minute to fill vacant spots. But they gave me until this Friday to accept and then after the 26th, they will send out the "formal" letters to everyone with instructions about background checks, CPR, paperwork, etc. Then, anyone who has accepted a spot in the fall can back out up until July 24th. So more spots can open up at that time or if they hire additional teachers.... So there is still hope!

Update: I got an email today from ACC with my acceptance into the Fall semester! Being fourth on the list, I figured I would have a shot at making it in for Fall, but I didn't want to count my chickens before they hatched! Also, I was a little worried about getting accepted at the last minute and having to rush to get everything done in time (and I'm not great with "last minute" or "surprises.")

Yeah, but I may not take a spot if one gets offered. Before I got the second email from ACC, I had already accepted the outcome and I can see the bright side of starting in the spring, including saving more money, helping my youngest daughter start high school, helping my oldest daughter start college, having a semester to take an easy course or two or NOT. Besides with the economy the way it is right now and the hiring freezes at the local hospitals, I'm not in such a hurry to get done! That all being said, if the "magic" email comes, I'll have to make a decision then but not now!

I didn't get in for the Fall semester I was #124 out of 120 accepted and I had 48 points. But I'm ok with it now. Everything happens the way it is supposed to and I know that when I reapply (on July 8th - the day after I finish my speech class) I will be receiving an acceptance letter for Spring semester. Good luck to those of you who made it!!

mhaley and editor2rn...good news for you! How many points did you have?

I agree with lunden. I can't say enough about my community college! Not only is it cheaper but the classes are smaller so you can really build relationships with the teachers and the other students. I know that some people really think that a BSN from a big college means more money but I've asked around and found that it doesn't matter if you have a BSN or an ADN, an RN is an RN. Our community college has a great reputation among the local hospitals because they have a partnership and a long history. As for "old," forget about it! I will not graduate from nursing school until I am almost 45! And I can't wait!

I agree with GeekGirl. I hadn't taken a science course in a very long time and never in college. When I got ready to take the Biology assessment test, I got a tutor which helped tons. But other than that, I took one class at a time so I could concentrate and do well. Another good anatomy teacher is Dr. ***.

I hear ya, Sand Dollar! I have been taking my pre-reqs one at a time since last spring and now I am waiting to hear if I've been accepted into the Fall Semester (which I should know TOMORROW). About 3 weeks ago I had a mini-meltdown and had talked myself into waiting until Spring semester to start. When I told my husband the decision I had made, he told me I was crazy to put this off any longer and "there will never be a perfect time to quit your job and go to school, so you might as well do it now." Is it going to be easy? No, but it is only two years and I might as well get started now! I know I count my blessings that I have a supportive husband!!