peaceofmind8

Have you looked into Stafford Loans? I think those are pretty much available to everyone but I'd look it up first. Also, what number were you on the Spring '11 list? I'm on there too and was wondering about getting bumped up. Good luck!

Moogie - Thanks for your thoughts. I'm still up in the air but feel lucky to have choices! The cost difference is substantial -- $1000 per unit vs. $25 per unit. Of course one is graduate school so that's understandable. The grad program is clearly superior academically but unfortunately does not lead to an advanced practice degree. It is a CNL program. The slower pace of the ADN would allow me to flesh out my interest in complementary care, see how the field adjusts to healthcare reform, recession (recovery?) etc. and will perhaps give me the opportunity to customize my own path and decide whether nursing really is for me, and if so where I want to take it (MSN choices/NP) etc. As one on the Educator track, what is your opinion about CNL programs and positioning in the field? Thanks!

Does anyone have a list of textbooks used in the CCSF RN program? :)

Wow, Maximillian333, thank you for your insight! I too am a BARN, accepted to a very expensive private MSN program as well as the CCSF ADN program. Both programs are well-reputed but carry obvious differences. Your argument for the ADN is compelling, particularly because like most new RN's, my weakness in in the clinical arena I have critical thinking skills, second language skills, etc. ... Do you have any suggestions about BARN to MSN programs that don't require too much of a bridge? It's a very hard decision ...

I am in the same position ... I was accepted to an MSN program and an ADN program both with good reputations. The MSN program is expensive, the ADN almost free. I wonder though, is it worth going the ADN route which provides a strong clinical foundation to find that elusive first job in a bad economy, then continuing on to an MSN later with the money saved? Another concern ... if I go into the direct entry MSN and find for whatever reason that nursing is not really my 'calling', I'm out some serious money. Suggestions?

I was accepted to an expensive ABSN program, to a more expensive ELMSN program and then to an inexpensive ADN program! Due to the state of the economy I am leaning towards the ADN since I don't want to accrue debt with job prospects looking so shaky. Very hard decision. Also, I am of the understanding that ADN+BA qualifies me to apply for advanced practice master's programs. It also gives me an 'out' if at any point along the way I find out that nursing is not 100% for me and I won't be throwing thousands of dollars aways. Any thoughts about this?

I believe they accepted more re-applicants (the majority of the incoming class) but am not sure. I got in for Spring 2011. It is shocking.

They only accepted 10 new applicants for fall and (I think) 10 for spring 2011.

Would you mind sharing what program you went to?

I talked to the recruiter today who told me that they place about 50% of the grads right off the bat and that number will improve with the economy. Hopefully in two years we will have a shot!

Thanks for the suggestion. unfortunately i already turned SMU down but am still on the roster for USF Master's. Another question: are new msn grads in the same running as new BSN grads for new grad positions or might they be overlooked as well?

nurse hila, so how do you like the program so far? i've only heard good things about it but have yet to talk to anyone enrolled in or graduated from it. glad you're here! also, i'm wondering if the me-cnl grads have had any more luck in finding employment than some others i've been hearing about on this site? the curriculum sounds very exciting and comprehensive but like most I am concerned about the job market after graduation. also, do you have any idea whether the msn earned can apply towards an advanced practice degree (eg ucsf) or whether the only option is to move towards a dnp? any input is appreciated!

mixtapes - yes, the usf program sounds great, i've only heard positive things about it and the fact that it runs for two years makes me feel that it will be a long enough time for the economy to warm back up so I chose that over SMU ... then i got accepted to ccsf (yesterday)and that threw me into a tailspin because of the low low price! the curriculum definitely is not nearly as comprehensive and now i realize the difficulties in bridging an adn to a bsn and then an msn. yikes!

Wow, I just turned down my acceptance to SMU ABSN after reading about the hiring freezes and decided to go with a two year program (despite the fact that I am an older student). I was accepted to BOTH USF CNL and CCSF ADN. USF costs about $70,000 and CCSF will have minimal costs. Of course there is quite a difference between an ADN and a Master's but from what I hear everyone starts in the same position on the floor. Any suggestions?

Thanks for the heads up SMUgirl ... I found out this morning that I was in the top 20 for the CCSF new applicant lottery which I'm pretty sure means I got into the RN program there but I'm not assuming anything until I check with the office tomorrow ... It sounds like it makes the most real world sense to follow that route for a minimal investment and low risk rather than doing the BSN at SMU or the MSN at USF (I was accepted to all of them which is pretty shocking!). I can patch together a BSN with all the prereq's from SMU and continue on to a Master's when I have some time in the field. That seems like the smartest move right now although the USF program certainly is appealing (for $68,000) -- still time to decide. I really appreciate your comments because unfortunately I think alot of people are paying alot of money and dedicating tremendous time and energy to this path which has become so uncertain in these times.