kgrands

Hey! Congrats on your first day alone! Glad that you got through it seamlessly. My 12 weeks are almost up! I'll have my first day in about a week. So scared! Sorry that I missed you while you were in the PICU. Maybe I'll see you if you come down for burn care. -katie

Hi Liz Thanks for responding! It's such a strange thing - wanting to get pregnant, deciding to start a family, etc. But, I know that you're right - I want to be good at what I do and I know that the last time I was pregnant all I could focus on was me! lol. So...we're thinking of starting to try in April/May. That'll give me a good enough time to get somewhat used to my new job and get a full maternity leave when I do have the babe. Again, thanks for responding and giving good advice. I really appreciate it. Good luck to you with your new baby and your return to work. Take care, katie

Hi everyone, I'm a new grad about to start my first job as a nurse in the PICU working nights. My husband and I want to start a family and are trying to figure out the best time to do that. A little background, I had a miscarriage in June. Things changed after the miscarriage in a way that was completely surprising to me. Ever since then we really want to get pregnant again. BUT, I'm pretty sure that my first year as a nurse (let alone an ICU nurse) is going to be stressful in itself without being pregnant. Does anyone have an advice on how to handle trying to conceive and your first year in nursing? Personal experience? The idea of waiting hurts my heart but my brain knows the answer. Help! I really appreciate any advice and help! Thank you!! -katie

BICU - wow that's an amazing opportunity. Good luck to you! Maybe we'll bump into each at some point.

When are you starting at Cornell? I accepted a job last week for the PICU. I start on December 10th. Are you part of the Residency program? -katie

CONGRATS!!!! I hope I have the same outcome. I did take it under the Manhattan bridge...1st time taking it...Computer shut off at 75 questions...lots of pharm, tons of mult response, priority, and precautions. Prob the weirdest test I've ever taken. Thanks for the well wishes and the information!

Moeroe1: Did you find out your results? I just took the NCLEX today (I'm in Bklyn). I went to the pearsonvue site...I know they won't be ready till sat...but it says "ready for delivery." There is no quick results link. Does this show up later on? thanks!

Nyforlove: Understanding that you can't start working until you have license at Methodist. Do they let you start the application proces? Thanks so much for your advice. It has really made me start thinking about Methodist more seriously. Hearing your good reviews of this hospital has kind of opened up new doors for me. Thank you so much! -katie

Nyforlove: I'm a recent grad searching for a peds position. I actually live in Park Slope and have been considering Methodist. Could you tell me about the orientation? How long is it? Do they have tuition reimbursement? What are the ratios like? I really appreciate any advice you can offer! Thanks! -katie

Hi everyone, New question: What do you do if you're pregnancy is showing (like 5-6mths) when you're supposed to be going on interviews? I graduate in August. What are the chances that I'll be able to ge a position while having a visible pregnancy? Thanks for the advice. -katie

Usually a nurse will work three 12 hour shifts a week - a total of 36hrs for the week.

Curls105, Although the administration at Downstate is disorganized and usually unhelpful, please don't feel intimidated. This program is doable and if you are proactive (like Shuffler said), you can create a really good experience for yourself. Our class (graduate in August) has been working to put together an "unofficial orientation" packet to give to the incoming class of '08. It's going to have tips on clinicals and setting up your independent study. Hopefully, it'll help you guys more easily navigate the system. Good luck - feel free to PM if you have any other questions. I'm sure I'll meet you at your orientation day. -katie

Hi Kristen, Just wanted to let you know that I private messaged you to give you my take on this program. PM me if you have any other questions. -katie

Hi Kristen, We had two women give birth during this program (so far!) One gave birth in October 2006 - she had a C-section and was out for one week. The professors were super supportive and allowed her to make up the clinical time. At that time, we only had lecture one day a week and clinical one day a week. So even when she came back to class, she was only away from her new baby two times a week. The other woman gave birth the second week of December. The professors let her take the final at the beginning of January (as opposed to one week after she delivered). Same thing happened for a girl that got married - she was able to take the final at a different time. I think overall, the professors were very accomodating to these new moms. Another little note, I'm going to Greece for a family wedding for a week right in the middle of our summer session. I spoke with the dean about this and she was very helpful and just told me that I can make up any work that I miss. I thought that was pretty cool. Hope this helps. -katie

I'm a student in the Downstate program right now - finish up in August! As far as the time committment, all of the other posters are right, it's very intense. The first summer you take 7 classes and are in lecture or lab 4 days a week minimum from 9-5 every day. The fall lightens up a bit but you still are in school 4 days a week. There have been people that worked at night, on days off, etc. The clinicals so far have only been on weekdays - either a 12hr shift or two shifts (one 8hr, another 4hrs). It's really the first summer sessions that make you feel a bit crazy. That said, we've had two people have babies and one get pregnant while in the program. They were able to figure it out somehow so it is possible. Hope this helps - if you have any other questions please PM me. Thanks! -katie

There's also a 12mth program at Pace University. A little cheaper than NYU but still private.

Hi, I took Stats and Chemistry as a non-matriculated student at Hunter. It wasn't hard to get into the lectures but the labs were often filled up before I was able to register for them. The downside of being non-matric is that you get a late registration date. I matriculated - and b/c I already had a degree from somewhere else and so many credits, I was considered a senior and got a really early registration date. Good luck! Ps. I took Micro at BMCC - PM me and I'll tell you more about my prof.

Hi Eli, I don't think it's too late to send them your FAFSA - I'm not sure that they have a ton of aid to begin with . Also, there is an additional financial aid form to fill out on the Downstate website. It came with the acceptance materials. -katie

I haven't heard anything since getting my acceptance letter. Thanks for the info PoohGirl - I had a feeling that it was last-minute like that. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. See you in June! -katie

The name of the school is actually SUNY Downstate Medical Center. It's in Brooklyn. -katie

Wanted to see if anyone else has heard from SUNY-Downstate. I'll be attending starting this June. Anyone else?

Hi, I took Organic a couple of semesters ago. It took some brain-games on my part (convincing myself that I could do Orgo) and a lot of practice. I took the advice of a friend of mine - she said to get the basics down pat and not fall behind. It seemed to work. I also drew diagrams until I knew them all and carried flash cards with me everywhere. You just have to stay with it. You'll get it. Also, like everyone else said, the tutoring center at your school is a great resource. Good luck! Katie

It will probably be hard to find a program that is less than 12 months. In the NYC area I know of the following accelerated programs: 1. SUNY Downstate - 15mths (tuition/fees @ $8K) 2. NYU - 15mths (tuition/fees @ $56K) 3. Columbia - Entry to Practice Program (BSN-MSN). The BSN is about 12mths and then you continue on to get the Masters degree. The tuition is about as high as NYU but I hear that they offer pretty good financial aid. 4. Pace University - BSN/MSN program. BSN is 12mths, require GRE. Tution is a little less than NYU and Columbia but still pricey. 5. SUNY Stonybrook - 12mths (affordable tuition similar to SUNY Downstate) 6. Wagner College - 15mths (private college so tuition is a little pricey - similar to Pace prices). Well, that's all I can think of right now. Sorry I don't have more info for schools outside of NY. Also, most of the deadlines have passed for summer and fall admittance. I'll be attending SUNY Downstate starting in June. Feel free to PM if you have any questions. Good luck with your search! katie

I took some pre-reqs at Medgar Evers. Like most CUNY schools, the facilities are not top notch but it's a good learning environment. The professors that I had were always willing to help you if you were having problems. And, I've heard really great things about the nursing program. Like TriniAngel said, the RN and LPN programs are very competitive. You really have to have top marks in pre-reqs and on the entrance exam. Also, from what I understand the BSN program is only for people who already have an RN license - it's a bridge program. Also, it's really not deserted - the building that the nursing program is in is only 1.5 blocks from the President Street subway station. The walk to the Bedford buildings is a little farther from the subway and can be described as somewhat industrial but not that bad. Good luck with your search!

Hi Eli, If you have concerns about safety around the school, you could always set up a subway-pool with other students that are heading that way. It might make you (and your husband) feel better about the commute. And you could do a study-group while on the train! :wink2: Also, from what I understand, most of the classes are daytime which helps. -katie