spoon

Hi margaretmcg! I just graduated in December 2013 and was hired for the March New Grad RN Cohort at Lurie Children's. While I'm from IL originally, I went to school out of state so I didn't do the SNA program either. I was however a volunteer there for almost a year before nursing school, but I don't know how much that helped me during the application process. I was told that there will be 14-15 people in my cohort, and I have no idea how many applied. I had been given some tips from an alumni from my nursing school who works at Lurie Children's. The first was to get your practicum in peds. I know this is hard for a lot of people, as many schools don't allow a choice. My school allowed us to show preference for where we got our practicum, but they had final say. Thankfully I did get a practicum in peds. Additionally, if there is a specific unit you want, try and join that specialties' association or show dedication to that area (fundraising, etc.). I didn't have a specific area of peds I was drawn to, nor did I feel like paying the money for professional organizations while I was still in school. Keep in mind too that not all units hire new grads for each cohort. So maybe your really gunning for the PICU and pay for associations, but the PICU may not be hiring when you go to apply. I was in the leadership of my schools pediatric interest group, so I think anything extra circular that's peds related is a bonus. I also had non-peds related leadership positions in nursing school. Make sure to check out the RN Internship Page, as they now list when the applications open up for each cohort. Saves you the trouble of obsessively checking everyday. Hope that helps!

I got an email offering me admission to the Fall GEM program today. However, I've already accepted a spot at Johns Hopkins. Hopefully you can take my spot anitadoula!

I just got an email saying that I was wait listed for PNP. However, I've already accepted at Johns Hopkins. Hopefully someone else can move up the wait list!

I've been accepted, and I'm like 80% sure I'm going to Hopkins. Just waiting for ASD day to seal the deal. Ironically I was in Baltimore this weekend too for a bridal shower. Drove past a couple of apartment buildings I was looking into!

I got an interview for the PNP track last Thursday as well. I'll be there April 11th! Good luck to everyone!

Yeah I spent a lot of time freaking out over how expensive Hopkins is. Until I made an actual chart of all the schools I've applied to, what they cost and what I might get in aid. Turns out that they're all pretty much the same (with the exception being the state school). It was even more shocking to realize the Hopkins was only about $2000 more expensive than a school that is only known locally to me! I'd gladly fork over the extra $2000 for the Hopkins degree. As a side note vnmeltzer, I saw on the summer entry thread that you went to Goucher. So did I! Small world I guess. I graduated in 2011. We'll have to import HvZ or some deer if we miss The Bubble.

I turned in my application in January (had others that were due then). Excited and nervous about the deadline tomorrow! I hope we hear something soon.

Well I'm just out of my undergrad too (graduated in May 2011) and I've at least applied. Like you, I'm in 'lack of real world' experience boat. I volunteer at a hospital too, and if you are able see if you can do an internship or shadowing if at all possible. When I was changing my life over from large animal vet to human medicine I did an internship in a Peds ED and that really helped me solidify that NP was something I wanted to do.

tinatac and adlog, I'll be a Hopkins on 4/20, though I'll be coming from Illinois. I haven't had an opportunity to visit the SON, so I'm very excited to match the program with the all great things I've heard about it. One of the things I really want to look into is 'competitive vs cut-throat'. The former I can deal with, but the later I wish to avoid. vnmeltzer, I used the Hopkins website for application. I did have to use NursingCAS for my application to Rush University, and it was a pain in the butt. For Rush at least I had to email and confirm that they had my application. When I interviewed I was told decsions would be made in late February and early March, so try not to freak out too much. Best of luck!

Hi all, I just had my phone interview with Northeastern. It was very quick, about 20 minutes all together and my interviewer asked me only two questions. She was familiar with my essay and resume, knowing I had studied abroad in Ghana and diner with Jane Goodall. She did concluded with, "over 300 applicants for 24 spots". Overall I'm not enthused about my chances, but I already have an acceptance at another school. She did mention that there will be definitive decisions by April 1st. Good luck to everyone!

Hi all! I must admit, I've been lurking for a while and finally felt the need to create an account. I got the call yesterday that I've been accepted for the ABSN-MSN (Peds)! It was quite a shock, I never really thought I'd been admitted to Hopkins. That being said, I'm on the fence about Hopkins. Does anyone know when they require a deposit? I was planning on the April 20th accepted students day, but I might visit before then if they require a deposit before then. Hopkins is still the first school I've heard back from and I still have a couple more schools to interview with. I've lived in Illinois all my life, but I went to college in a Baltimore suburb, so I'm not completely unfamiliar with the area.