ICU11

I landed a job in a clinic recently by applying within my specialty, Neuro, and emphasized my desire to work with this population, wanting more time for patient education, etc. I also asked to shadow. When she asked in the interview what I wouldn't miss about my inpatient job, I did mention the hours. I thought it was a mistake at the time, but I got the job anyway!

I applied and got into both Duke and UNC. I loved Duke when I interviewed, but ultimately the price led me to pick UNC. I am so happy I went to UNC. I would have really struggled to pay the Duke loans on a nursing salary. Go with UNC if you get in.

Do Dallas hospitals pay more for CCRN? I am applying for jobs in the ICU at Parkland and Baylor and just wondering what hourly pay to expect. I only have 1.5 years experience but BSN and CCRN.

All of the hospitals in the Triangle area are hiring new grads. UNC, WakeMed, Duke, etc.

I agree with the previous posters to get experience, but in my case I did turn down the first job I was offered. I had an interview lined up for an ICU position, so I gambled and turned down the first job offer. I did end up getting the ICU job that I wanted so it worked out for me. Good luck.

I ended up being hired into an ICU at a teaching hospital where I live- I asked to shadow after my interview and hit it off with the nurses. I think being a good fit for the unit is a plus, so if you can shadow and be friendly while you are there that might help you get the job over others. I didn't even have nursing assistant experience, but I had great clinical experiences that I spoke about in the interview. Good luck.

Do the prereqs at a CC. Some you can take online. It is much faster to go the UNC route. I had to take ALL of the prereqs and did them in just two semesters at a CC. UNC is extremely competitive, so you need to get all A's in prereqs and write good essays. UNC is the #5 nursing school in the country. Really calculate the time it would take you to get into the ADN program and do the program. I am getting a BSN in 14 months at UNC, plus the 2 semesters of prereqs. The ADN would have taken much longer and then I would still have had to the BSN classes on top of that. I have three children under 5. It can be done! Go for it, no matter what school it is. I am about to graduate and can't believe it. It seemed like such a long time when I started but it has flown by. If you really want to be a nurse, pick the right program for you, and go for it.

I have a BA, have kids, etc. I chose to go to UNC. It is much less time than doing an ADN or Diploma program, esp. if you want to get an MSN later. If you have a decent GPA try to go to UNC. I did the ABSN program, 4 semesters, and that is much cheaper than doing the 6 semester route. I definitely encourage doing the BSN.

I know of people who got waitlisted for last January and got accepted anywhere from a week later to right before school.

No, but if you do well in clinical you probably won't have a problem. I am not worried! :)

I applied to both and ultimately went to UNC. It is a great program for a great price. I ended up spending a lot of money to apply to Duke. If I had it to do over again, I would not even apply to Duke until hearing from Carolina. Good luck!

I am in the ABSN program now. It is very competitive. I really love it. Great program!!!!

I have three kids, 4, 2, and 1. I am in an ABSN 14 month program. I have more time with my kids than if I worked full time. The kids stay with their grandmother or my husband while I am in class.. I have class 4 days a week. Anyway, I think in some ways I have it a lot easier than the moms with older kids. It is doable if you have family support! I absolutely love nursing school. Doing great!

Well, I live relatively close to Wake Med and not far from Rex where clinicals might be. I own a home so it seems silly not to commute. Uprooting 5 people for 14 months of school doesn't seem worth it. I am focusing on the positives I guess- I will get to unwind on the drive home! :)

Nogames- I have about a 40 minute commute too. I will probably be parking at the Friday Center park n ride. You don't need a pass for this lot. Congrats on your acceptance BTW. :)