joyousdg

Hi! I did feel butterflies, here in WA there are so many applicants that I had to apply to several schools. I am glad I did. I didn't get into my first choice (an entry level MSN) or my second choice (ADN) lottery, so I am glad I was on a waiting list for an LPN program that I start this fall. In the end I think it was the best choice for me anyway . Good luck I hope that you get in!

Well I hope it (my note) works, if they are so specific they should provide a form, right? Anyway the letter said I "may start nursing school without any limitations" but I will call tomorrow and make sure that is ok. My dentist is giving me the form they usually use for preschoolers to get in/ the only form they have there. I was thinking of bridging into an RN program as well when I am done. I have my BA in a non nursing field and originally I was applying to entry level masters programs to become a nurse practitioner however I only applied to one program and didn't get accepted. So after my LPN I will see what kind of work I can find while I apply for RN programs and then I may either go back to pursuing the ARNP or physicians assistant maybe. I will start here at Bates for now and take it a day at a time. I have no uniform yet, or books or anything, So this is me scrambling I know it will all work out in the end but this late notice is kind of a challenge. Better late than never right? Thank you so much for all your help, I really appreciate it.

All but the Hep B (I have had shot one but still need 2 & 3), I have had the titer immunity or am current for everything else. Thanks for the reminder on dentist/doctor release- I got a letter from my primary provider and will pick one up from my dentist Thursday, then besides the rest of the Hep B I am good. I saw that I could sign the waiver if worse comes to worst and then finish the series anyway. Same with the flu shots, I have had them within the last year but they aren't giving any out now. Some schools provide the vaccines for you once you get started. I really hope this school is worth all the running around. What is your ultimate goal with nursing?

Hi ladynesh, Thanks for such a speedy response. They called me two weeks ago to see if I was interested so I hope they understand about the immunizations, I got in to get them done as soon as I could but it takes a little more than 6 months for the Hep B series to be completed. When I got on the waiting list last spring he told me the wait was 2 years. I hope this works out, I need to get financial aid going and everything, I don't really like last minute stuff and this is stressing me out. I better not let it. I did call Brenda but I lost her number she said that I had to turn in the completed packet first. I will call again now. I feel like I need more answers. Did you go to an orientation or learn more about the program yet? I am glad to know someone who is also starting this fall, despite trying to get everything together in a hurry I am excited :)

Hi, I start Bates in September too but I don't know how to get the list of books I will need. They want me to have completed all of my immunizations etc. before I will get any more information. This is kind of a frustrating process. I have most of my stuff done but am now waiting for the results of my PPD and I think they want a two step, I will barely be done in time with that before starting classes. How did you get the required books etc. without having all of your immunizations in?

That sucks, I think that is discrimination BUT you probably don't want to work there anyway. I am sorry that you had to experience that. Keep looking and I think you will find somewhere that will appreciate you for exactly who you are and how you are. Good luck.

I am in WA we have a lot of schools around here but they are still pretty competitive. I don't know exact numbers but I hear with the "economy" (I hate to say that) that applicantions have risen markedly. What about you?

Ruby, I am glad you shared your point of view. I am a pre-nursing student applying to entry level MSN programs. I volunteer in an oncology unit and was surprised by the lack luster response to my career/school goals when asked by nurses on the floor. Now I just say I am applying to several programs being, open minded, and keeping my fingers crossed. I think it is so important to look at both sides of an issue and your post was illuminating to say the least. If I am lucky enough to get accepted into my first choice school I will try to remember your words and be a team player as much as possible.

I am in a similar situation. For me the answer depended on a few things, how long do I want to spend in school? I have little kids and don't want to spend their whole childhood stressed out about school if I get my ADN and then a masters later that takes even longer. What is the cost difference? If money is a big deal some employers will pay for you to further your education (or at least a portion of it) after you are hired. Others even have on site masters programs. Most importantly for me was what do I hope to do with my degree? If I want to be a staff nurse in the hospital and nothing else then it might be a good idea to save the extra $40,000-$50,000 and just get my ADN. On the other hand if I want to have more specialized training (and I do) and have other goals for the longterm like being an NP (I do), then I should go ahead and get my masters. If I choose I can work as an RN first for a time before working as an NP, I can also get experience as a nurse tech while in school. In my area there are different philosophies in different schools, my first choice school encourages students who have passed the NCLEX to work as an RN while finishing the masters part of their program which takes another year and a half to two years depending on your concentration. Good luck, I know it is a tough choice. I have gone back and forth and finally decided that I will do my best, apply to my top choices but be prepared to apply to back up schools if my first choices don't pan out.

Yeah, that was a sad. I was really difficult some of the students left in tears that night. I reported it to our school, I wish now that I had reported it to the state but I didn't. Next time, if there ever is one, I will.

No plan B for not getting into nursing school, just plans B,C,D, & E for which nursing program. Originally I was going for an entry level masters but it costs at least $58,000-$73,00 in tuition, so now I plan on an ADN program ($10,000-15,000) or accelerated bachelors (+/- $45,000), and pursuing my masters afterwards hopefully then my company will help pay for it. Oh my gosh just deciding which way to go is a headache. But I will just apply until I get in- either way whatever route I go I should be working soon enough and can then try to pay those loans off, ugh :)

I just remember being shocked that there was a woman in her wheelchair directly in front of the nurses station who smelled awful (C-Diff) and no one took notice of her. We got there at 4 and even after we (the students) mentioned it to the aid and our instructor to the nurse several time she wasn't cleaned up until right before we left. The nurse aid said "well we will just have to change her again before she goes to bed so it is better to wait". It was terrible. She even had to eat that way, her daughters came to visist her and they smelled it too, the staff wouldn't even listen to them.