scwolf

Again, it has been years since the last post and this is STILL happening! I am a new grad RN at a hospital. My manager assigned me the usual list of 20-30 online trainings that a new RN must complete. I told him that I hardly have time to take lunch each shift and asked when I should do these trainings. He informed me that "There is no paid time allotted for these." Basically, I FIND time during my shift or I do them at home without pay. He's a good guy. This is just the current culture. As a new nurse, I don't want to be labeled a "whiner." Clearly everyone before me has just sucked it up and put in the unpaid overtime. I really don't think I'm the only new RN who is not efficient enough to fit these 30-45-minute modules into my work day. So thanks, HouTx, I plan to work -- as tactfully as possible -- to get this changed on my unit.

Hi mtnWoman, Thanks for the recommendation. I have actually decided to accept a place in another program. It was a tough call but one of a "bird in the hand." I start at CA State Univ, Sacramento in the fall. I'm excited. Best of luck with WCU's ABSN. It really does sound like an excellent, if intense, program.

Hi VintageSwagger, The program director sent us the direct link to that newsletter. It was great! So informative. It was really nice of you to post it here. I'm pretty sure, though, that everyone in our program had it sent directly to them.

Hi wanisai It's quiet because everyone who was accepted (or most of us) has switched over to the class Facebook page. If you PM me with your email address, I can add you, if you want. Join us! You can also search for the page on FB, but it seems kind of hit or miss that way. It's called "Sac State BSN Spring 2015." See you around!

OK, crebs, thanks for the advice.

Hey wanisai, I just PM'ed you the link. Hope it works! Everyone, you should now be able to search Facebook for "Sac State BSN Fall 2013" and find it. See ya there!

I changed the Facebook status back from "secret." Try again, Christine! Also, look in your PM, I sent you the link. See ya soon!

Hey any other Second Bachelor's students- We are not (yet, at least) supposed to go to any orientation session, is that right? That's how I understood the letter but it makes me a little nervous. Are you going to an orientation?

forgetmenot21, I know what you mean about insurance costs; it's terrible! I think the Medi Cal idea is an excellent one. You might also look at 'regular' insurance companies (much as I dislike them). I use Blue Cross. They have some quite low cost plans for young people. Usually you need a high deductible (or "catastrophic") plan, but at least you're covered. Plus Obamacare requires ALL insurance companies to cover your preventive care so things like annuals and paps are free. I bet you can find a plan for cheaper than CSUS's. Check some insurance co websites.

Hi ElliotPB and other 2nd baccalaureates who are accepted to start this Fall. Here is what T__ says in the Nursing Dept about how and when we need to apply (and get transcripts) to the University: "Instructions how to apply to the University will be provided with your orientation materials. Last semester, my contact in Admissions graciously let me forward the official transcripts on file with the School of Nursing (we made copies for our records). If this changes, you will be notified and given sufficient time to provide transcripts to the University." Just to be clear, this only applies to people who already have one Bachelor's Degree.

I will be freeing up my spot in the Fall 2013 cohort for one of you on the waiting list. I've accepted Sac State. I wish all of you the best of luck!

Hi ElliotPB, I'm a 2nd Bacc. I was wondering the same thing so I emailed T__ (not supposed to use names here) in the Nursing Dept. She emailed back saying that she would get back to me within 3 days. It has now been 3 days, so I'm planning to email again tomorrow just to remind her. I think by the time we go to orientation in August, it would be too late. I'll post here what she says. Please let me know if you learn anything. Are you also on our FB page. If you're not, you can PM me and I'll give you the link.

rafaeia, two things: I think there is a Housing resource at Sac State. I don't have the link but I remember seeing one with rental listings, I think, and ways to connect with other students. Also, a current student told me that Arden was a nice area to live. When I searched Craigslist (Sacramento) for it, I came up with a bunch of 2 bdrms for $700-800. You might try that. I'd room with you but I've already got my husband. Good luck.

Hi swinglifeaway12, I am on my way to applying for the next cohort, Jan 2014 (ABSN at WCU). Now that you are in the program, what do you think? I'm sure it's a lot of intense work. Do you feel it's preparing you to be a good nurse? One thing I'm wondering about is: do you have opportunities for a preceptorship (one on one shadowing with a nurse)? I really appreciate any thoughts you can share ... in your busy schedule. Thanks!

Oh, thanks for that info, vickymarie. Oops. I'm thinking I should keep the Facebook page name the same for now, since it took me so long to get it set up and get word out. Once most of us are on it, we can see about changing the name. (Can you change a group name? We'll find out, I guess.) BTW, I'm the "administrator" of the group by default (because I set it up) but I'm happy to have anyone else in the role with me or instead of me. I'm not at all attached. For now, please post here or on FB anything you'd like me to do.

Oh, wait! It IS searchable! Finally. Search for "Sac State BSN" and it should come up. The full name is Sac State BSN Fall 2013. Sorry for all the posts about this. Moving forward...

Thanks SO much for the help everyone! This eases my mind on a number of points (like taking Pharmacology this summer). If anyone else wants to join us on Facebook, the page still isn't searchable for some reason. Just use the URL facebook(dot)com, then add /groups/142312835955474/ and it should take you right to it. So far it's an "open" group, so anyone can join or see what's on the page (maybe even non-Facebookers, not sure). If we want to change that later, we can.

Thanks so much, Nurseinthemaking20!

Yeay, michelle_13!! That makes 3 members. Thanks, eama4444, for the tip.

I guess for now, anyone who'd like to be on the Facebook page should PM me with their email. Then I can "invite" you. I did make it Open but it still doesn't show up when I search either. Darn. PM me!

Argh, sorry I'm not better at this. I made a "closed" group, but not "secret," named "Sac State BSN Fall 2013." I'm sitting there all by my lonesome. ... Is there something else I should do? If you PM me your name (whatever you go by on FB), I could probably invite you.

All right. I think it worked this time. Try it!

OK, thanks. I'll try again.

Well, it was a hard decision but I have just submitted my form to decline this program. It is too much debt for me to take on at this point in my life. Also my husband has reservations about living in SF, even though it's a GREAT city. On the up side, I have freed up a spot for one of you who is waiting. My acceptance letter gave me until May 10 to decide. I guess they extend the date, depending on when they notify you. I wish you all, those accepted and those not, an excellent career wherever you end up.

Well, let me know if anyone can find it (I can't). And, as I say, if anyone else knows how to set up a page for us, also let me know. I did it but I'm not sure it's right.