NursKam

Thank you for your response. I am actually already an NP with my MSN, so I’m not worried about clinical sites and preceptors etc. I’m more curious about the capstone project, but I see you have addressed that as well. Thank your

Hey guys! I'm starting to think about going back for my DNP and I want to know how intense the project is. How was your experience in the program and with the project? That seems to be the only thing scaring me off from going back for my DNP. I know it is not necessary for me to practice, but earning my doctorate is a personal goal for me. Thank you in advance for your responses!

Does anyone know when we'll hear something? I'm guessing by late June or early July. I hope it's soon!

Good luck to everyone! I hope we all get chosen! Let's stay in touch throughout the process! Also, For anyone who did not have a preceptorship in their program, like myself, they said we will still be considered. They will go off of clinical rotations for placement instead.

Hey guys! I wanted to start this thread for those of us that have applied to the UC Davis RN residency program for the August and October 2017 start dates! This is so exciting! Let's keep each other updated and support each other along the way!

I agree. It sounds like that particular nurse was being unprofessional. That kind of talk should be saved for outside of work.

I should probably also add that I live in California. That may have a lot to due with my experiences in the workplace, versus someone from a more conservative area.

I am gay and have never felt discriminated against in the workplace. My sexual orientation just does not seem to be an issue for my colleagues or my patients. If they do have an issue, they respectfully keep it to themselves. I am not overtly flamboyant, but I'm no macho man either. I'm just me. I am also laid back and not easily offended. I think more people should lighten up a bit. Be professional yes, but don't be stale. This field will eat you up alive if you take yourself too seriously! Take care!

Unfortunately, most hospitals around here offer very little tuition reimbursement. Nowhere near even half grad school tuition.

Thanks for your reply! You're right. There is no real DNP requirement for NPs in the near future. I've had some time to contemplate the issue and for now, I'll save some money and go the MSN route.

Hey guys! I am looking for some input. I have been in the field for 7 years, working as a CNA and an ER Tech. I am about to finish my BSN this summer, and have already applied for a BSN to DNP-FNP program. I work alongside RNs and NPs in the ER, and am pretty sure that I would enjoy the knowledge and challenge that a career as a nurse practitioner would bring. My dilemma is the money. I have $60,000 in undergrad loans already. The DNP program would be another $82,000. That would leave my $142,000 in debt. I know here in CA, NPs do not make much more than RNs. I just wonder if I should really take on this amount of debt to make the same amount of money. I could go the MSN route for $40,000, but the DNP program is only one semester longer than the MSN and I am sure by the end of my career, the DNP will be required. At this point, I kind of just want to knock grad school out of the way. Any input? Advice? Thank you all!

Hey there. Sorry for the late response. I've been really busy lately. First off, Bio Stats was easy! I hate math and aced the course. Just do your best in your prerequisites. Realistically to get in, you need to have above a 3.0 in your core classes, score in the 80s on your TEAS, and get the best possible essay score you can. The essay is not hard if you are a good writer. Like I said, just do your best and apply. You never know. They take the top 20, so the average points vary. The cutoff is usually around 80-84. Best of luck!

In response to Kooky Korky... I think you mean well, but I have to disagree with you on some points. First off, a floor nurse is not the boss or in charge of anyone but herself and her patients, so a floor nurse does not have the authority to give the aides the "do your job or else speech." Maybe at your facility, but certainly not any I've ever heard of or worked for. This is the responsibility of the supervisor or manager. Secondly, having an attitude that you should not be involved in ADLs is not the right attitude. Sure, there are many things that the aide can't do and only you can do, but don't say that assisting with toileting, bathing etc. is only an aide job. You are a NURSE and those duties are part of NURSING CARE. In my hospital they actually frown upon aides working together, because the aide and nurse should work together to take care of their patients. After all, they are YOUR patients and you should be involved in every aspect of their care. Nurses and nursing assistants should work together as a TEAM to provide the best care possible for their patients. With all of that being said, there are lazy CNAs that hate their jobs and don't want to help out with anything. This should be brought up to MANAGEMENT. It's not the floor nurse's job to manage them. And with THAT being said, where there are lazy aides, there are lazy nurses. The two feed off of each other and make for an unproductive and work environment for everyone. Rant over.

Having been both a CNA and now an ER Tech, both within the same hospital, I'd say either one will give you good experience. I was bored being a CNA on the same Tele floor for almost 5 years! I like the ER because it challenges me and is always something different. Aside from that, the scope of practice and the skill set is more broad as a tech. There are more things you will be doing and learning, as well as more things you will become exposed to. It also gives you great experience working with physicians. I am in constant contact with our MDs and have started to build a rapport with them. I, too am in a BSN program. (Just got accepted, actually!) I feel that both of my experiences will help me to become a better nurse. I say go for it! Let me know if you need any help or guidance! :)

Hey! Did you get in? I just found out yesterday that I was accepted!

Hey guys! I made this thread for everyone who was accepted into Cohort 15, starting in October 2015 at the Fresno campus. Congratulations, guys! We did it! We got in! I don't know about ya'll, but I'm beyond excited and thankful! Let's chat! Can't wait to meet you all! =)

Hey hwilbourn! I just applied too! I wrote my essay last Wednesday! It was a bit nerve-wracking, but I feel that I did my best. I got an 82% on my TEAS and my GPA is a 3.32. I'm pretty nervous, but optimistic that I will get in. How did you essay go? Hopefully we both get in! Fingers crossed!

One more thing. I think it is a given, but if you work as a CNA you are only allowed to work within the scope of practice of a CNA. However, the hands on nursing experience may benefit you on future applications for LVN positions.

You definitely can work as a CNA in the state of California even if you are licensed as an LVN. I, too live in Fresno, CA and work as a CNA at a hospital here. I have many coworkers that are licensed as LVNs and work as CNAs to hold there positions at the hospital for when they finish their RN degree. One of them even works at another facility full time as an LVN and per diem as a CNA at our hospital. It is totally fine if you are still certified as a CNA. Don't give up on finding an LVN job here but if you choose to, you can find work as a CNA easily in the meantime. Best of luck to you! :)

Thank You both! I will definitely buy both of those books and get started on studying! And yes I will definitely wait to take the test until after I finish my science pre reqs! Thank You and God Bless! :)

Thank You! Congratulations on graduating and becoming an RN!

Dust yourself off and try again! If you really want to become a nurse you will find a way. It may not be an easy road and it may not be the way you planned it out. But hey, God laughs while we're making plans! YOU CAN DO IT! Have faith in yourself and turn in apps anywhere and everywhere! Consider private schools. The costs suck but not achieving your dreams sucks worse.

Hey everybody I am kinda freaking out about this Teas exam. I have heard mixed feedback from others about it. What's the scoop? Is it really that hard and what is the best way to study for it? Do you have any suggestions for study books? I am shooting for a 90% or higher since my school uses your Teas score as part of their admissions. How can I get there? I thank you all in advance and look forward to your advice! :)

Hey everyone I am here in Cali and finally starting at National University next month. I got tired of the CC system and am going to bite the bullet and take out loans. Anyways, has anyone taken their pre-reqs at national? I have taken some at CC but need to finish up before applying for the program. I was mostly wondering about their science courses and biomed stats class. How were they? Manageable or overwhelming? Please help me out with any info you have. Thank You!

A PCA/PCT is basically just a CNA in the hospital setting. Every hospital calls us something different. Sometimes it even changes with the department. Anyways, we are allowed to do a few more things than your typical CNA working in LTC. I love my job and you will learn alot in the hospital that will better prepare you to become a nurse.