PediatricRN73

Wcsu1987, this is not intended to be rude at all, I've come across many of your posts, and you seem very indecisive of what you want to do. Nursing isn't just a simple career choice, it's so much more. The field continues to grow and advance especially in the state of CT. Degree requirements will continue to evolve for nursing positions. You should make a pro/con list of all of your program ideas and compare them- time vs cost vs job stability etc. On a side note, as a former LPN in CT and a current RN, there was a significant salary difference and there are so many more jobs and paths available to RNs in CT. There are LPNs I graduated with almost 5 years ago who aren't working full time still, some only found work per diem, a few are working as technicians or phlebotomists as they were before LPN school. Some went on to become RNs because they couldn't secure a decent LPN position. Just a different point of view that may help. good luck in your decision.

I was wait listed as a LPN. It is the same process for regular and LPN applicants. The bridge program doesn't come into play until after acceptance and passing a bridge course. I found out I was waitlisted at the exact same time as my friends who applied that were not LPNs. As for being waitlisted, you'll receive a letter usually within a week or two in the mail with your number. I was #4 so I was actually called and offered a seat before I even received my letter. They told me over the phone I was #4 & four people already called to decline acceptance.

http://www.ct.edu/files/pdfs/nursing-info-packet.pdf

if you take algebra and lifespan in the summer, Chem and AP1 in the fall you meet the minimum requirements to apply. You should read the information packet available online under admission requirements. All the requirements to apply are listed. AP1 needs to be in progress or completed to apply, which is why that course is 25% of the admission decision. Teas can be done whenever. You can take it next week if you found an open seat for a test. And you can take teas as many times as you want, they will only consider your highest grade. AP2 can be done in the spring while waiting for admission decisions. I applied in December after completing AP1/Chem together in the fall. Applications stay open Novemebr until February. I was enrolled in AP2 when I found out I was accepted into the program.

If you're looking to apply to the program sooner, you can take Chem with AP1 in the fall and lifespan over this summer, then you'll have the minimum requirements to apply this fall when applications open in November. Chem and AP 1 together weren't a difficult combo, and the material overlaps at points. It's good to get used to juggling more than one difficult course at once, plus the lab courses are usually available as minimal as one day per week. I took Chem on Fridays and AP on Wednesdays. Each once per week. It wasn't too bad even with working full time. Goodluck

I agree with CT Pixie. Being a former LPN who bridged through the CTCCNP RN program I can tell you first hand being a LPN does not guarantee you acceptance and you still need all of the prerequisites to apply to the program. Be aware that when you apply you are selected the same way as those applicants who are not LPNs. Once accepted THEN you get a nursing advisor who determines what is the best way for YOU to complete the program. There were several LPNs in my class who the advisor did not give the option to bridge into the second year and they needed to complete the entire program, obviously they didn't oppose that because they would lose their spot in the program. For NVCC there's first an extensive phone interview with your advisor about where you work as a LPN, skills, strengths and weaknesses. If the advisor feels that you are up to par to bridge into the second year, you then have to take the bridge course, and there's several tracks to start in the program. There also needs to be available seats in the program for you to enter after successfully passing the bridge class with a "B" or higher, AND pass the clinical LPN course at your school before you can begin. It's not so black and white. They make it tough to bridge into the program. Not all LPNs are accepted and not all LPNs are allowed to bridge into the program. The LPN market is fading MUCH faster than the market for ADNs. There are multiple private and community hospitals, state facilities, schools and camps, etc who still hire ADNs. Many bigger hospitals also hire ADNs as long as they are enrolled for further nursing education. Many people are excited or eager to start their nursing career and jump to the quickest route but end up jobless for quite a while. The cost ratio is losing money on expensive school and losing money not working. Spending a little more money to bridge from Bachelors-BSN is 100% worth it in the end. Taking multiple bridge routes can add up to be just as expensive.

A strong resume, references and persistence to keep applying are key to landing a position... Try job search engines as well as hospitals' personal websites to apply. Consider applying to home health care or visiting nurse services if you're not getting many call backs from hospitals. There's many opportunities in CT !

You can call the state dept of public health and get your number if you need it for a position. Just because the website isn't updated doesn't mean you're not active... Also you won't receive a hard copy of your license until the third week of the month (that's when all licenses and renewals get mailed)

I graduated from CTCCNP if you have any questions, I bridged from LPN to RN :-)

Wow that's awesome you're going for APRN. I'm loving USJ so far.

I forgot to include I also went through the state LPN program :-) worked as a LPN for three years!

Hi CT nurses, I thought it would be interesting to start an updated thread for everyone to share where you received your nursing degree, if you are continuing education and where, and where you are currently working. I graduated from CTCCNP, currently attend USJ online for my BSN, and work at CT Children's Hospital :-)

Hi! From what I know about St Marys and Waterbury through my nurse friends who have in the past or currently work at these hospitals, base pay is between 29-31/hr depending on experience. Differentials I believe are similar to what you mentioned YNHH pays. I have heard that Griffin starts low to mid twenties as base pay for nurses with little to no prior experience. Im not too sure about Danbury or Hartford for exact numbers

You definitely should speak with an advisor. Certain courses have prerequisites to them if you already have a a degree you should meet many of those pre courses. Also the advisor can inform you which courses are prerequisites for the nursing program (must be done prior to applying) and which are co requisites (courses that don't need to be finished before applying that you can take while waiting to hear back).

I don't know many Goodwin graduates from my experience at two different facilities but I have heard their program has gotten better and I believe they now accept applications more often than any other program. I personally feel they are overpriced when the community colleges offer an associates degree for so much less money. I completed my prerequisite & ADN for Everyone still has to take the NCLEX regardless of which school they graduate from. It's all what you make it and the effort you put in throughout school. Making good impressions at clinical sites and with clinical instructors so you can have good references. Set up job shadows during school or maybe get a student nurse tech position at a hospital. What you put in is what you'll get out! :-)