diamond350

17 points for me.

I was the last number chosen. I didn't get to choose, so the VA was chosen for me, but that was my second choice behind Parkland.

We are kind of in limbo at this point. They will give us an idea during the 3 days of orientation. But from what I understand from past students, the times change during those 8 weeks. I am guessing we have to be flexible. Hopefully my job will be as flexible as me.

Requirements for PCT position are usually a CNA license or completion of your first semester of school. You are actually more qualified than a CNA after your first semester of school. CNA cert is only a month long with like 24 hours clinical. You will have way more action than that after your first semester. You just have to look at the job postings at the various hospitals. I have seen those requirements posted many times. I considered getting my CNA prior to school, but kind of a waste of money IMO.

I think the key to getting a job is taking the advice of many people and taking a position as a PCT at a hospital. It is a great way to get your foot in the door, and you may get them to pay for some of your school as well. And Brookhaven has just as good as a reputation. I think the schedule was the biggest factor for me. If I didn't have to work, and could just take off sixteen months, then I would probably have chosen Brookhaven. I wasn't trying to be pro or con for either one. There is no doubt that El Centro is known for there no nonsense attitude. The instructors and counselors are not the most cheery bunch. That rubs some people the wrong way. But, I think you get a mix of both kinds of people in both programs. And I guess I encountered more nurses that went to El Centro than Brookhaven for the fact that El Centro has been around for so long. And in the end, we are all nurses, so it doesn't matter where you go or finish, it only matters how well you do your job. A good friend of mine is finishing El Centro this semester and preparing for his NClEX. He made it through. It's tough, but he survived.

And I fully plan on being a rockstar, so I'll get the most that ECC has to offer.

I would say there are maybe few other reasons, but by no means should this change anyone's opinion. I know that El Centro has a great rapport around the area hospitals. They have been doing this for 25 years. Brookhaven, at one point, was a satellite program for El Centro. El Centro is pretty hardcore. From what I understand, you better know your stuff. There is no spoon feeding and coddling. I also have spoken to nurses who have been through both programs and have heard more favorable things from the El Centro trained nurses. But, after all that has been said, you get out nursing school what you put into it. I don't think there is any difference between an El Centro trained nurse and a Brookhaven trained nurse. If you are a rock star, you are going to make to most out of both programs. If you poor student who doesn't pay attention to detail, you are going to fail in both programs. If I had not gotten accepted into El Centro, I would be at BHC in a heartbeat. After weighing the pros and cons, neither had any cons per se, I just felt like El Centro was the better fit for me and my learning style. I applied to both because I could. I increased my chances of getting into somewhere. It was a lot of extra work on my part, but with the competition, I had no choice. I have already let BHC of my intentions to go another direction, so this opens up a slot for another person who is just as qualified. All I can say is that it feels good to get to turn one down for once instead of being turned down. I have gotten that email a few times already.

I got in as well. I also got into El Centro. It is a tough decision, but I have chosen El Centro over Brookhaven. My wife is expecting in March, and I think the schedule for me is much more doable at El Centro than Brookhaven. Although I live right behind Brookhaven, I think it just works our better for me. There will definitely be another slot opening up. I had 32.66 points when I applied. This had been my third time for Brookhaven. Third time was definitely a charm. It was going to be my backup plan. So, to whomever didn't get in, there is another chance for you. Good luck to everyone. I am sure the blue scrubs of El centro will cross paths with the green scrubs of Brookhaven on the floors of the area hospitals.

In regards to job search, I have always heard that it is best to take a job as a tech while you going to school. Your chances of getting on at a hospital increase tenfold as you already have a foot in the door. In fact, El Centro encourages their students to work part time as a tech after they complete their first semester. This notion of not working that Brookhaven preaches is sort of ridiculous. How else does one gain experience? I guess I can only speak for myself, but I will be taking that job as a tech as soon as I can.

I haven't heard anything yet. I figured we might get that information on Dec. 20th.

I figured that they would not come until closer to Thanksgiving. I received my acceptance to El Centro already. If I get in at Brookhaven, that will be a tough choice. Hard to choose between the two programs.

From what I understand regarding registering for classes, is that it is all done for you. Now if you need to still take a support course, that is up to you to register, but as far as nursing specific courses, the nursing adviser makes your schedule. According to a friend of mine who graduates from the program this fall, be very flexible. Things change, classes change, rooms change, class times change. I am not sure if we will find out our schedule on the day of orientation or not. I would like to find out clinical rotation if nothing else. Personally hoping for Parkland.

No, I don't mind sharing my points. I had calculated 17 with overall 96.3 on HESI for any tie breaker. If letters aren't here today, they will probably be in tomorrow. No way everyone gets there letter on the same day. BTW, looks like I'll be at El Centro Campus.

I got my acceptance letter. Congrats to all that got in and for all that did not, do not give up.

Okay, so who is leaving early to check the mail....:)