amg1961

First, it's a great profession for the right person. That applies to both being a nursing student as well as being a nurse. I finished my BSN in December and just finished my first year as a floor nurse at a large urban hospital. There are a lot of differences between being a student and being a hospital nurse that doesn't get covered in school. While you are a student, you are juggling the coursework, studying for tests and attending clinicals. I found it all-consuming time-wise but very rewarding. You make some good friends and you learn how to manage your time really well. As for work - 12 hour shifts (day or night) are bone-weary but when you walk out the hospital door you are leaving your work behind. Your time home is spent as you want - family oriented, exercise oriented, hobby oriented. All these were sacrificed while I went to school. If you really want to work with people, feel a great deal of satisfaction for your efforts and make a difference in other people's lives, can stand the physical abuse your body will take, love to be challenged - then continue on and become a nurse. Good luck!

I agree with amoLucia that a good flashlight/penlight is important (buy more than one as you tend to lose them when you lend them to other nurses). Also a few pairs of scissors (all great stocking stuffers for the holidays).

Be careful - the GW nursing program is located the suburbs of DC - Ashburn VA. There is no access to metro from the location (used to be farmland). There is great biking opportunities on the W&OD bike trail, though. I just wanted to make sure you don't think the program is in DC - which is turning into a big biking town slowly.

Have you considered George Washington University Hospital in DC? They hired me last year with just a ASN and I am currently working on my BSN at GWU online. This is a real urban hospital - fast paced, 12 hour shifts but fantastic learning opportunities. Look at their online job postings - especially those labeled intern. You will need your DC license but having that opens doors in DC. As for INOVA, I heard they really only look for BSN and experience. With any of these hospitals, it really pays to know someone who can vouch for you in HR. Good luck!

Summer03 - I'm graduating this May '13 and would love to get a job at INOVA. Any advice in applying?

Tricia328, I'm in the online hybrid program, last semester. My credentials where : GPA - Somewhere around 3.7 TEAS - 96 No certifications, besides CPR when they made me do it. Here's some advice I can pass on - it's easier to get into the program in the Spring class than the Fall. There is no perfect application -just be organized. The office and instructors can seem very disorganized and they can give conflicting information sometimes. Also, there is flexibility in the pre-reqs. For example I took only one semester of chemistry because I needed to get into the microbiology course to meet the application deadline. I visited the assistant dean and she signed off since I was going into nursing and got a B+ in the chem class. There is no essay in the NVCC application - just follow the checklist requirements (if there still is a checklist?!). Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.