studentbear

Hey, I'm considering applying to WCU (specifically their LA campus.) I'd love to hear any and all first hand experiences from graduates of their BSN program. I'm generally very skeptical of for-profit schools, but I've come across some good experiences with their program so I'm curious to hear more.

I'm considering applying to WCU and would love to hear first hand student experiences. I am generally very skeptical of for-profit schools, but the only other options in the LA area for a BSN degree seem to be tremendously difficult (for a degree that is already quite competitive!) to get accepted into.

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone knows what the starting/base pay is at Orlando Medical Center for a CNA with experience? Seems like the going rate is $10-12/hour based on a cursory search on Indeed. Thanks!

I'll try to be as brief as possible with the backstory for brevity but this post will probably be quite long. I had some health issues during my second clinical semester (fall 2017.) Near finals, it became apparent I would need to withdraw, regroup, and return to retake the classes the next semester. I ended up needing more time than that and then some other life things occurred (my marriage fell apart and was followed by mental/financial issues related to that.) Needless to say, the time off from school was much longer than originally anticipated. I always did the appropriate paperwork (readmission application, etc.) and made sure to stay in contact with my advisor. Each semester I touched base with her and each time she said it would be okay for me to delay. Fast forward to now and apparently the nursing director needs to review my application. My advisor never mentioned that someone else would need to review my application so it's not something that I anticipated. It makes sense but now I'm unsure what the outcome may be. I'm beginning to get anxious because some of my pre-reqs are 5+ years old, which obviously could create complications should I need to reapply at the same school or elsewhere. I'm just wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation? What was the outcome? Were you able to return? Did you get rejected? Etc. Obviously nobody can predict my situation but experiences from others in the same situation would be so appreciated! TLDR; I had to withdraw from my nursing program in fall 2017 and am hoping to return fall 2019. My advisor unexpectedly needs the nursing director to review my application and I'm concerned about the outcome. Looking for experiences from others.

I know ABSN is more rigorous than BSN, but almost all of my BSN classmates work. Many of them live with family but many of them do not. Our program discourages working above 20 hours/week but I know many classmates that do. Point is, it can be done.

Wow, this thread went an interesting route. Came here to contribute my anecdotal experience as a former anti-vaxxer and somehow we've entered Duggarland.

You need to speak with an academic advisor as well as the financial aid office at your school. Things like that vary widely school to school and program to program.

I would personally attend the private school. You mentioned that you don't have any loans, yet, and if you don't mind obtaining some then I don't see any reason to delay your education further. If for some reason you're not accepted to the private school, you could always do the things you mentioned to strengthen your application for the public school.

I volunteered for a week in Costa Rica last winter through International Volunteer Headquarters. The cost I paid included lodging with a host family and 2 meals per day, plus support from the local office/coordination with my placement. I was placed at a clinic/nursing home type environment for those with HIV/AIDS. I would definitely recommend it! I learned a lot and the company provides a lot of info so that you're aware, safe, and prepared. They have placements all over the world and the cost is very affordable.

What about a traditional BSN instead of ABSN? The required GPA is usually a bit lower. If you have all your gen ed done because of a previous degree, you may be able to enter in at the junior level.

I'd like to think of myself as an average student-- I'm not always 110% prepared and I don't get straight A's. I got A's and B's last semester and I just try to concentrate on retaining this information so I can be a competent/safe nurse. I also really value balance in my life so sometimes time with my husband takes priority over something school related. That's not to say I'm a slacker but I'm not perfect. IMO nursing school is hard but doable as long as you're organized and do what is required. Last semester (my first-- we had 4 classes plus clinical) was very stressful for me and I think they make it a bit chaotic/difficult to weed people out. This semester I've been having some personal struggles unrelated to school, so this term has been kind of weird and I've felt a bit off my game. But I'm passing and it feels infinitely easier than last semester. That being said, this is only my experience in a BSN program at an East Coast university. It varies a lot depending on your school and even the cohort. Anyway, I hope my ramble was helpful!

What else is this pt suffering from aside from the weight loss/nutritional issues? What other issues do they have? Remembering ABC= airway, breathing, circulation, is there anything that relates to one of those that you could base a nursing diagnosis on?

NCLEX style practice questions (I have an app that I use that you can trial for free-- I think it's called RN NCLEX Mastery or something like that) and learn to skim read. There are some great videos on YT about how to skim read nursing text books :)

Would you have to work if you moved? Either way, I'd probably go the stay with parents route because having expenses covered alleviates a lot of stress/is less to think about.

It felt cutthroat when I was at a community college completing pre-reqs but I haven't had that experience now that I'm in my BSN program.