RahRah

Hello, I am a student from the new orleans area due to start Charity School of Nursing in January 06. Of course those plans have changed and I have relocated to the stafford tx area. This semester I was taking A & P 1 lecture and lab and I need to find a nursing school. It can be a full 2 yr adn program or an accelerated program because I already have a BS. I want to add that the people of Texas have been nothing but nice to us since we have been here. I am proud to call Texas my new home and would appreciate any help in finding a new nursing school.:)

I already have my CPR card. I took a three week CNA class this summer because I needed to get over some patient fears. It worked and even if I never work as a nursing assistant, I will always see the experience I had at the nursing home as a great one. As soon as I hear something I am going to make the appointment with the doc. I already choose a company to buy my student liability insurance from, and I know where to buy uniforms from, all thanks to this board. I don't want to jump the gun so I am waiting for official word before I leap. Now I won't feel so rushed. I wish I knew more about the parking situation, if it is certain spots or general parking. I would get there at the crack of dawn to park. At Delgado I always have a good spot.

Thanks for the info. Congrats on getting in!!:kiss Are you scared and excited at the same time like I am? I've already tried on uniforms but will not purchase until I get the information. My medical papers are in my chart at the doctor's office waiting for me to come in for the TB skin test and needed shots. I finished my hep shots already. I just want to be as prepared as possible since several people said that you have a lot to do at the last minute. The biggest thing I am worried about is parking. Are you in the day or evening program?

I think Charity needs restructuring to fix the entrance process. The hardest part is waiting a year to enter, but I guess it gives you time to finish the prereqs. Despite the problems I do have to say this: I think Charity is fair in it's admissions and point allocation for applicants. If they can keep up with forms and papers students turn in, then I would be a little happier with the process. I didn't score high on the pax, but I have other college degrees, so I guess that was my selling point. As far as getting classes at the last minute nursing stdents have to be counseled in order to register for classes. As far as I can tell, we cannot register until December for Spring 06, so what I am trying to say is that it is last minute for everyone, not just students who get in at the last minute. This is why it is so hectic before the semester starts. Maybe someone who is at Charity can respond to this post and let me know if I am right.

I'm taking a&p 1 lecture online this semester and so far it seems like a good deal. I have the same teacher for lec and lab. Listen, ask questions until you get clarity. That's what advisors are for. THe packet from Charity tells you who you should speak to depending on what stage you are in the process, i.e. whether you should talk to the science and math department or charity school of nursing. It get's clearer the more you inquire.

Spring 06 (next semester) notices have already went out. I had everything except pax in by the august 04 deadline and took the pax right after the deadline so I was only considered for the Spring semester. You wait approx. one year from the deadline where all of your documents are in includung pax. I don't know about early entry, but when I called to find out about my application, they told me when it went to the board for review and everything. As far as prereqs, the application packet that I got from Charity School of Nursing and the Delgado Catalog lists what is needed before you can take any nursing classes. I am in a spot now where I was accepted for spring, but I have to finish a&p 1 lecture and lab this semester or I can't start nursing classes. I know that I'm going to pass, but that is a lot of pressure. Anyway, if you are confused about the process, call Charity School of Nursing and ask for the admissions office for the RN program. If you are extra nice to them(say good morning), they will be very helpful to you. Trust me when I say that the nicer I was, the more patient they were with me and my questions.

Oh yeah. On my budget I should ask them if I can get a "cute baby" or "good grades" discount.

NSO seems like the better company. :)

Did they tell you which insurance to get and from where? Is it from a place like this http://www.nso.com/index.php ? I'm just getting prepared for Spring 06 as much as I can. :)

University of Phoenix has an RN to BSN program only, not LPN to BSN. All states recognize recognize UOP degrees because they are an accredited university. Yes they are expensive, but you have to pay for the convenience of taking classes online. Also a lot of jobs have tuition reimbursement. They do have on ground, face-to-face, RN to BSN classes, and they also have a program called Flexnet. With flexnet you have a 5-6 week class, you go on ground for the first week and the last week and in between you are on the internet or in email newsgroups. I am working on my MBA/HCM through flexnet and this is the only way I could go to nursing school. When I finish Charity I am going to do the bridge program (RN to BSN) at UOP because most nurse management positions require a BSN in addition to a Master's Degree. Here is the info from their website, I just wanted to make sure everyone has correct information before ruling them out. :) Accreditation The Leading University For Busy Adults University of Phoenix was founded in 1976 and accredited in 1978. University of Phoenix offers a unique approach to education, with a multitude of targeted academic programs and locations that stretch across 25 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, British Columbia and through our Distance Education. Over the years, we've grown to become the largest private university in the nation for working adults. University of Phoenix is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Master of Science in Nursing degree programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs accredits the Master of Counseling in Community Counseling program in Phoenix and Tucson Arizona, and the Master of Counseling in Mental Health program in Utah.

Hi!!! If you call admissions and ask for a packet, I swear to you that all of those questions will be answered. 5045686411 Classes are accepted twice per year, you have to take the PAX exam, there usually is a year long waiting list, the more prereq classes you have, the more points you get towards entry. I'm in for spring 06, I waited a year, and my GPA is just a 3.2. I have other degrees so I guess that helped. As far as transfer credits, depending on what school the credits were from and the grade made, most science classes transfer. I am picky and unless it was a real advisor or counselor, I will not deal with student workers. Don't get deterred by someone telling you that you have to take something over. You don't have to have all of the prereqs done to get accepted, but you do have to have A & P 1 lec and lab finished, among other classes, to start nursing classes. THat packet answers all of your questions and it doesn't take long to get it. OK? :) That year you wait for entry if you have passed the other requirments goes by fast and will give you an opportunity to finish prereqs. Hope I helped...Rah

Thank you...It's always strange how people you don't know can give you more support than your own family, but better the support of strangers then no support at all. With regards to Delgado, if you need help picking teachers, let me know, and if I heard anything, I will share. Take your time with the prereqs and apply and take the pax before the deadline. It may seem like a lot of classes, but it'll be over before you know it. Years ago when I made the decision to start school I had to take several remedial math classes and I thought I would never finish. I am proud to say that I have two degrees and am working on 3 and 4. It was not easy and from day one I had children. I have gone to classes sick, pregnant, in the rain, on the bus, you name it, I did it. I know that I am a tough person with a creamy center, this is why nursing is for me. I am proud of you.

Charity and University Hospital are in desperate need of nurses of any kind. If you want something other than med surg, you will probably do better at University hispital, which is the sister campus of Charity. That's where the maternal-child cluster is located. If hired, they orientate you to the unit as long as it takes for you to get the routine. You can call human resources at 504-903-0663 or nurse recruiting at 504-903-1015.

THANKS!!!:) This is exactly what I needed.

Thanks for the info. I just want to be prepared for this...This is a change of career for me and I have a lot riding on my success. Any heads-up is appreciated.

Are there any current Charity School of Nursing Students out there who can tell me specifically what type of uniforms are needed? I heard there was a specific brand and type. I need to start looking for sources for uniforms because I am a large woman and large woman uniforms are expensive. If I know what type of uniform, then maybe I can buy a piece every so often, then when school starts, I will have more than enough.

Thanks, when people say things like this, I get that extra nudge I need to press on. It isn't easy, but I know that I am on my way to finally having a career that will make me happy and give me a chance to make a mark on this world. You would be surprised to see the rest of my family(lunitics) :) . They mean well but are very discouraging saying things like, wait until the kids get older, you're too fat to be a nurse, you are going to miss out on the kids growing up...I figure as long as my fat a** can walk and talk I can be a nurse. I am going to look into Touro. I am finishing up my little three week CNA course so I am going to look for a part time CNA job. If this doesn't work, I will volunteer. Thanks for the idea.

Woo hoo, I will see you there!!! :balloons: :uhoh21: :balloons: This has to be one of the most important times in my life! Maybe it wasn't meant for me to go to OLOLC.

It sounds like you have a plan. As long as you follow through you'll be ok. Just meet your deadlines for applying and stay on track. I'm starting/changing my career and I know that the wait to get into nursing school is worth it. Look at the choices we have.

Day!! I have Mommy duty in the evenings. :)

OK I am currently doing prereqs at Delgado and going to University of Phoenix at the same time...my philosophy is to do as much in the daytime as possible. I like spending a couple of hours in the evening with my kids and I don't study well at night so I try to study during the days I don't have school. When nursing school starts and I have things to do in the evening I can ask my mom to sit with the kids maybe once each week. My husband works evenings so I can count him out. When he has off days I will go to the skills practice labs. I know it sounds hard, but if you manage your time it can work. I never thought I would get this far with my MBA, but I'm almost finished. I know nursing school will be a challange, especially as a single mother, but if you have at least one person you can depend on, even for one evening per week, you can do it. Another thing is to seek out people in a similar situation as you. We would work great together because I understand that your time is precious. If we are working on a project together we would assign certain parts, complete the sections on a timely manner and compile and polish the project. If you manage your time you can squeeze anything in, anywhere. I study while cooking. I study all week and take Sundays off. I do nothing but veg out in front of the tv or computer. I go to the park with my kids or we just sit around with each other catching up. I don't open a book on Sundays. You have to make the time work for you. I know I'm going on and on, but don't let me come across as being perfect. I get frustrated, My hair is a mess, I yell sometimes, and I get the urge to quit quite often. After I look at my kids I get back on track. Like me, you have to soul search and do what's best for you and your child.

My MBA is in health care management and my bs is in Management (Information Systems minor). I couldn't get any financial assistance so that is one of the reasons to get the MBA. So I take out student loans to pay for nursing school. I will finish the MBA by April 06, but should have enough money for nursing school. I wish there was a better way like grants or even scholarships, but I have researched and the scholarships are just not out there. I never meet all of the gualifications. I am at the University of Phoenix doing a program that they call Flexnet. Your classes are six weeks long. You go to campus for the first and last classes. Between this, your classes are on the internet. It's expensive, about $1100 per class, but I have enough fin aid left for nursing prereqs and my first 2 semesters of nursing school. By the end of the year I should have enough for the whole nursing program. When I start nursing school in January 06 I am going to the all online program to complete my MBA. I will finish by April 06 so it shouldn't distract from nursing school. If you knew me you would know that I am determined. I have three young children and some other challenging issues (weight, money, etc). Believe me when I say that if I can do this, anyone can...and I still have a head full of hair!!!

I was just accepted to Charity Spring 06 class. I have a BS degree and my gpa is a 3.4. I am also half-way finished with my MBA/HCM so I guess that played a part in getting in. OLOLC turned me down for the accelerated program in New Orleans, but I heard some things about the program that made me happy that they did turn me down. Charity is a great program that, if completed properly, leaves you as a well rounded nurse. OLOLC in New Orleans is breeding Med-surg Nurses for Tulane. I need more than med-surg experience. If you pass the pax, complete your prereqs, and wait your year, chances are you will get in...but...have a second and third choice waiting. One of my psyc classmates had a degree also and was turned down for Charity's fall class.

I'm in!!! I started my hep shots in december so next week I am going to get the tb test. I am so excited!!

I got my letter today and I'm in!!! This is good news because I was turned down by OLOLC. I'm excited and scared at the same time.