KL2010

Lisa : Message me. The state has a few part time jobs that pay around $ 17. hr. Not as Lpn but they are partial to nurses.

This thread gives us an outlet to relate some of our stresses and it is also a nice common ground to show/give support to others. #1 In regards to military. sigh.. Hawaii is limited in space just a Makoa said. Sorry. We are just an island. Really no comparison to North Carolina. Although, both sides made great points. Not long ago we had a nursing shortage and the vocational school ( KCC) gives priority to the needs of the community. Unlike UH that doesn't have too. This is why we have an lpn program again. Although, we are not in a nursing shortage today we may be tomorrow. The military folk can be very nice but feel so badly but are just "not" getting the whole community thing. It's not about the taxes folks, its about servicing the people and future people of Hawaii. #2 Has anyone recieved their letter ? I know it's only the 15th but if I don't get in for spring, I need to go to plan B very quickly. I thought I could just forget about it but I can't. sigh. This is the first time I have applied and it's nerveracking. Although, Lan Vo said I would get in. lol...... #3 Wes said they are attempting to get them out earlier this year. Before November. Who knows. If you get your letter please state it. Good luck everyone !

Thanks, AugieBear for enligntening us about the "realities" of the program. Working sounds insane but I know we also have to eat. Years before I worked with another nursing student and we did home care making about $ 15.00 per/hour for short 4 hour shifts. I hear the pay is no longer that high. Not sure how to get that type of job now but we used to study while there, mostly while our elderly patient/client slept. Doesn't seem like there are many of these jobs right now but cna's can still get some interesting hours and short shifts through nursefinders etc. Has anyone tried these ? Lalalia : with your scores UH sounds like a winner and with only 1 more year for a bsn. I honestly don't know what you are worried about. But I do understand about the anxiety. Did you take pharmacology this past summer at KCC ? These will be the longest 3 weeks ever. I think we get our letters after the 15th more like the 21st after what Wes, said. sigh !

Augie Bear: Can I email you questions about the KCC program ? How has the program been ? Honest, level of homework and difficulty ? How is the first semester ? Thanks.

Calimom: Seems you are angry and perhaps are barking up the wrong tree. What are you REALLy frustrated with ? KCC as I mentioned above is a VOCATIONAL career ladder school. This may be funded by the state , federal and heck, aliens but their mission is to educate to local first to fill vocational needs. ( its their mission and right) This really is not discrimination. And the line is clearly drawn between UH and kcc both state and federally funded. Hawaii is not the mainland and caters to many ethnic and cultural groups. We are not sustained by as much big company money. Why are you so freaked out about your fees ? Hawaii is expensive, you knew that before you came. Rant and rave but eventually you will get yourself sick. Its not negativity being placed on you, its the fact that Hawaii is unique and partial to its local community. You can't just get in a car and drive. I repeat this is not the mainland. Attitudes need to be left at the airport.

In regards to exspenses in Hawaii. I always say that once someone starts complaining about the price of bread and/or milk they are within 6 months of moving to the mainland. Hawaii has a special magic that appeals to some, comes with a big price tag and goals must be assessed. Its hard to retire her in style without an income over 100k per year. Mostly due to the high cost of living. However, to someone breathing in smog every day that may seem like the perfect trade off. We have limilted jobs and the graduates are stressed. Hopefully that will resolve when the economy turns and people start feeling relaxed enough to retire again. No new grad stuff going on right now. What will I do when my time comes ?

Aloha, Sorry to beat a dead horse and for those of you who have been reading this thread... Anyway, in regards to KCC, as a student here it's very very competitive for lack of enough nursing schools. In regards to military wives, think how many military wives fluctuate in and out of the state, now if 5% of those were competitive at the Community college level for ADN it would make the nursing school situation that much more upsetting to those on the island. The ADN program is considered a vocational degree. The BSN is considered a university program which is why the military clause sticks to the community college level and not the university. It really would be unfair to have those without residency beat the locals for the vocational ADN spaces which are already hard to come by. However, the BSN is fully open to those in the military. Why such hostility at understanding the reality of the "local" situation? Being in the military has its perks and drawbacks. The drawback is vocational education is reserved somewhat for state residents, understandably so, but the University is open to transient military folk that must come and go. If the vocational programs were not filled and in such demand then non residents could fill that quota but its pretty obvious. Nothing personal against the military. I hear the frustration and see that its gaining a ridiculous life of its own. Basically if you are in the military or a spouse , you have certain options for nursing. Community college is not one. HPU is, UH is and Chaminade will be. This is not discrimination. Its vocational school.

Hey Makoa, I hope all is going well in Pharmacology. I dropped it and will have to stay satisfied with my B. Had to make an emergency trip to the mainland for my elderly dad. The other classes were online. This waiting for the response after applying is grueling. But I figure that it will all work out. If not I will try for fall or go to Chaminade since I attended there before. After visiting with my sick father I stopped stressing about the nursing program which was driving me insane , worrying about grades, whether I get in etc. EVerything does need to have its time and I need to relax. sigh ! I could really worry myself sick after all that hard work during the summer. You are right, about so many nurses and I need to have faith that somehow I will end up with a job in a career that I love. Preferably at Kapiolani or Queens , near my home. I haven't heard how many applicants there were but know that alot apply that are not really qualified at the time. Have fun on that trip. Enjoy because if we get into the program it's going to be busy. Has anyone else applied ?

Sorry for the late reply but summer school has been very demanding. I just applied for the program and am awaiting response in October. Another avenue is to go through the LPN route. There are less requirements and you need to be a certified CNA. You can complete most of those courses in one semester provided you are at their levels. The next LPN entry is in the summer. In all honesty, I would have gone that route but I opted to complete all my co and pre reqs. However, LPNs have an easier time getting into the program for ADN and can move up the career ladder. They will have more information at the nusing sessions. If you need to register for classes, go to the walk in counseling at the nursing department. The Kcc website has all the info on that. Good luck.

Okay, I am taking a small break from studying and wanted to address your questions. Goodnews: Firstly, The nursing program itself in totality is about 12,000. Each semester around 3000. for books etc. supplies. This is really not that much and is the lowest price in the state for a nursing school. Also there is lots of aid for loans and pell grants. First you fill out a FAFSA form at FAFSA.gov. This tells the school and government what you qualify for in terms of financial aid. Secondly, apply to KCC. This should not be difficult, however respect the deadlines. I have no idea how far you are so I will start at the begining. The basics for nursing include Eng 100, Chem, MAth 100, Zoo 141, Zoo 141Lab ( anatomy and physiology). Second important set is Anthropology 200, A humanities credit, micro 130, psy 100, Zoo 142 , Zoo 142 , pharmacology. Start with the first set. Chemistry is a prerequisite to get into anatomy and then you can work your way down. These are the pre and co reqs to APPLY for the program. You must show them that you are serious and work hard. Then if you get in the program expect 4 semesters plus a summer of hard core learning. Not so good news: You must get very very good grades. A's. a few B's. And almost no C's. The competition to get into the program is tough. You must also take the NLN nursing examination and score high. You can do it if you put your mind too it. Visit an information session as soon as you can: The nursing department has many of them. Visit the advisor to start you on your journey and good luck.

Forgive me for regurgitating this thread but I couldn't resist. Firstly, Future Male Nurse it seems that you perhaps are coming across in a direct manner that is okay but could be taken as a misunderstanding towards the "care" part of the nursing profession. As a pre-nursing student I run into other students mostly women but a few males that seem to want to be a nurse for the money. It's as if they went down this list of careers and nursing said it made a higher amount that seems reliable and they go for that. There is nothing wrong with wanting financial gain and it is a large component of my own nursing desires. Lets face it I wouldn't switch from a career making around $ 80k to be a nurse if it potentially didn't have the same returns. However, sometimes male or female students ( mostly male) are good at the science but lack the caring portion for patients. At our school and it's very very competitive. NLN's 130 and up 3.8 and up to get in. A few of the people that have gotten in realized that they couldn't acheive nursing success by being a robot. The patients complained about them not being able to handle that empathy portion and making patients "feel" uncomfortable and rushed. Anyway, one the other hand some not so "caring" type nurses do extremely well in the OR. They don't have to do the same patient follow up care and technically must be very very good. My OR friends get paid well. One is the RN nurse OR manager and makes around 90k. There is alot of flexibility in nursing. You will find your way. I am a caring person but very logical and will be seeing where I am a good fit as well.

Bicster- Where is your program located ? I am in Honolulu where, its competitive. NLN scores need to be starting in the 130's and GPA is 3.8 or higher. I couldn't do that when my children were younger, I had a 3.0 and was very discouraged because I felt like I could never get in. Now I am back in school again with A's. I will be taking pharmacology and micro during summer and guess what, no matter what I have to get A's or I won't get into the program. My 133 on NLN is low even though I am in 93% for ALL. I am trying to just keep bettering myself. My concern is that there are people in our program whom score really well and have perfect grades but really do not have the passion for nursing. They sometimes take up the slots because they heard that nursing pays well. Best of luck to you.

I came across your post and am hoping that within the two months of your post you have found some answers. Firstly, nursing is a very competitive school to get into. Sounds like you will test great. Mostly schools require an extrance exam such as NLN or TEAs, some NET. Although you score high, you will need to get very good grade in the pre-req's and they take some time. If nursing is what you want you will find a way to get there. There are numerous programs in California and the us. Unlike Hawaii where there are 2 and a 3 private expensive school. Having more choices in programs makes it better for you. To do an accelerated 18 month program you may want to get that GPA up. The schools need to know that the nurses will be able to pass the NCLEX to recieve licensing in the end. GPA and exam scores are the ways that they access this. Once you get even an lpn/lvn you can climb the academic ladder online to other degrees. Good luck. Do your research you will find that nursing students are rather serious and hardworkin. Not the doctor dropouts people used to think.

I have heard that the ADN-BSN program will be available again in a few years. UH has worked this out with KCC. The KCC counselor said that it will change because the nursing program have to give what that community is looking for which will be bsn and the state will need to provide again. Although, I believe there is an online version through UH HILO. What is troubling me the most is the new requirements for UHM nursing starting FALL of 2010. They have changed the organic chem and general chem pre req's to DP and DS electives. However, when you speak to either counselor at KCC or UHM, the general information is that when you get up to the 4th year level you will not be able to understand coursework without Organ. Chem and you could possible fail out of the program. I felt "Brian" at UH was rather flippant about it. This brings me to two thoughts: #1. Make sure Organic chem is one of your last classes so that you can actually remember all of the material. Who wants to fail out of the progam after that long of an investment. #2 Why aren't they suggesting a switch of electives so that you can fill a summer with organ. chem and not FSHN. I guess I don't know why they changed it. Right now I am planning that layover semester while you wait for your acceptance and it is difficult to gauge what class is gonnna be the best to take. Just venting about changes that don't seem to be well thought out in regards to helping the students.

I got up after no sleep at 4:15 to catch a flight to Maui to take the nln. I am exhausted and thought it would all end after the test. I did okay with 133 composite and 93%. I now worried that this is not high enough. Does anyone know if this is competitive enough for uh or kcc? verbal 92% math 90% science 73% overall 93%. I really don't want to take again. But if I need too, I have to register soon. Thanks in advance.

I heard last semester had a low of 125 applicants. One thing I noticed was that the competition seems a bit stiffer at KCC with 3.8 gpa. There are people on campus retaking B's to A's but have everything done. It's brutal. I am terrified of the NLN, got advice? Tommorrow I take the NLN and then I will know where I stand. I am terrified. I will be done with all co's and pre's this summer but all the test dates were sold out. I am flying out to Maui to take test at 8 am. Plane leaves at 5:20. It's going to be a long day but you do what you have too to get in. :icon_roll Its so exciting to hear that everyone got into the program. I seem to be hearing horror stories and I am just too old to fart around for the next 2 years.

Hey Y'all, What are the new rules for application to UH in regards to the Chem 151/152 ? I think I can apply for spring if they have opted those out and I can take over lay over. It sounds like it's better at UH than KCC in regards to sheer number of applications. Thanks,

Also I will be taking the computer version if anyone has any input on that. I've heard that you get your score right there at the end. Has anyone had any experience with the computer version ?

Emdee511, I am set to take the next on Saturday. I am studying the guide ( Macdonald). This is a second career for me and a long return back to school. Although I have done many of my pre-reqs, I am wondering what is really difficult on the NLN. I need to get a score like yours to get into my program. It's very competitive here. Any advice ? or anyone else, who just took the test. Thanks in advance.

The one thing I will say is that sometimes the "weasels" bring a little humor into our class but it's usually dragged out for too long. Since I am a career change from an Interior Design profession at 41, in school its been very interesting. I was a pre-nursing student 11 years ago but switched to go to law school but kept having babies in between. So here I am with old A & P courses and redoing them. In my neck of the woods program competition is fierce. Nln scores are low end 130- 152. GPA is about a 3.8 into program , it's tough but worth it. 200 applicants for 40 spaces. Unfortunately, they do no interviews and its all based on numbers. Everyone just prays that their group applying is reasonable. In case anyone wonders, as much as I love design work it was not satisfying a part of me that helping on a more direct contact way would. I am taking the nln in two weeks and praying that I am in the range despite my being away from school for a while. Good news is my high school daughter is helping me with any math I've forgotten. Glad I paid for that uppity prep school, she's a great tutor. :icon_roll

I am an older returning second career nursing student. One thing that I've noticed and it does get under my skin a little is that many younger students lack the compassion needed for nursing. Perhaps they will acquire this as they go along but sometimes I notice that older students are more likely to have found their "calling" where as some of the younger folks as interested in nursing just for the money. I would be horrified to have a few of my fellow students as my nurse, because they lack compassion and are doing it for the "money". Would you want a nurse on your rotation, if you were ill, being there solely for the money. Giving you an enema or any other care in sensitive ways that were not up to their maturity level? Now don't get me wrong there are many compassionate younger students that I see are mature enough to show compassion for an elderly ill patient that won't take her meds despite having a severe illness but many are not. Some are downright not suited well for nursing but take up the slots because they are good at the pre-requisites and are aces at testing. Sometimes the older students have chips on their shoulders so big they are out as well but, majority of the older students with the compassion are very well suited. I am biased against older or younger students out for the money. story: A military veteran that was so obnoxious and clearly problematic, uncaring, narcissitic and just plain annoying was being rehabilitated for nursing. He was middle aged but not mature enough to have the sense to shut up during Anthropology and stop heckling the teacher. I thought mentally he was not with clarity ( mildly put) but he was headstrong about being a nurse and we hated him. I thought if this loud obnoxious sob came into my room or a relatives as a nurse I would be terrified for the patient. He was smart but man a s.o.b. with a chip on his shoulder. To me he was no different than the young guy with no compassion in our A & P. But they all wanted the money.. I like nice caring people with maturity no matter what age. :icon_roll