Morjayne4

As a recent graduate of an accelerated program, I can clearly remember my first clinical instructor (who is an acute care np) telling my clinical mates and me that some of the best surgeons she knows have Asperger's. I think you're looking into a career (as an OR nurse) that could be right up your alley honestly. I'm not exactly a people person so I understand the "faking it" aspect at times but I know I have to in order to get where I want in my career which is in an OR-related field. This may not be advice but wanted to give you some encouragement nevertheless.

I was accepted to VCU. I chose GMU over VCU for my own personal reasons. I wouldn't have to move and find a place which would have cost more $. Also, VCU is a year and a half program and I was able to take a leave of absence from my current job for up to a year so GMU would fit in to that. I have a full-time salaried job waiting for me when this program is done which is important because it will take a few months for me to study/pass NCLEX/ begin a new job and then finally get a paycheck. GMU's program is technically 11 months and 1 week and was just more cost effective for me. I went to visit VCU and the facility is awesome and the program seems very comprehensive and interesting but for me, an independent student who doesn't have help from my parents or spouse, I decided on GMU because of the cost and time. I am not trying to boast about myself but I can handle a shorter program because for some reason I thrive when under pressure and honestly I haven't been overwhelmed with GMU's program. Everyone needs to reflect on their learning style and needs and what type of length and pace you feel you can manage. So these are my reasons for choosing GMU over VCU and GW. I hope this has been helpful.

Congratulations to you all! I'm currently in the program as well and live in Arlington. I wasn't thrilled when I found out that all of our classes were at the PW campus but it's actually not that bad of a drive and I can only think of one time traffic on 66 was REALLY terrible. Last semester I was at Inova Fairfax and it took me about 20 minutes to get there in the morning and about 30 minutes to drive home. This semester I was there again for psych rotation so it wasn't bad. I think for pediatrics or OB just about everyone in our class had to haul out to Loudoun at least for one rotation because Fairfax hospital was closed to us because of their new Women's and Children's building being under construction but I'm sure by this time next year it won't be a concern. And even Loudoun wasn't terrible when I think about it, I only had to hike out there 4 times and I did one 6-hr day at the Manassas clinic which flew by. Right now I'm at Inova Alexandria for OB and that's 10 minutes from my house. You have some say for your community health clinical and there are a lot of sites so most likely you'll find one near you. I think during the summer semester all of our classes will be in Fairfax so yay. The driving has never been a life-altering issue for me. I got in to VCU and GW's accelerated programs as well and I'm happy I chose George Mason because of the cost and I was fortunate to have an awesome clinical instructor for the first semester during our medical-surgical rotation. It is totally manageable and I personally haven't been overwhelmed (yet...there are still 4 months left) but we all handle things differently. Again, congratulations to you all!

What kind of laptop and software did you use? I don't really see any specifics in any of our material. Thanks again as always!

Deej394- Did you not buy any textbooks beyond the first semester? Also, would you recommend using the shuttle between Fairfax and Manassas or was it more of a hassle? Thanks again

Thank you for the info! Which type of parking pass would you recommend?

@deej394 - I was wondering if you could recall when your test etc. were done for the Fall semester? I'm just wondering for winter break and will be flying across the country so I want to get an idea of when in December we more or less will be done with exams etc. Thanks!

Ugh I am not looking forward to the shoes...they're all so ugly. Also, check out pulseuniform.com, they've got pretty cheap scrubs in a variety of styles and colors etc. @deej394, thank you for all of the information you've provided, you've been EXTREMELY helpful and it helped me make up my mind between schools. Are most people in your class commuting from closeby like Fairfax/Manassas. I live in Arlington and plan on staying there throughout the program but I think it'll be a manageable commute. I'd just like to know if there are some people doing the same thing and it's not killing them. Thanks!

Thank you kaw5cv! I just have a quick follow up opinion question. My friend used to live in Richmond so I know the area pretty well and I grew up in DC. I know that after school is over I want to return to the DC area so do you think it matters where I go to school for that? I feel like I'd be better prepared at VCU but I'm concerned it might be more difficult to find employment back up in the DC area. Do most people in the program stay in the Richmond area? Thanks again!

Thank you for your insight! You may want to consider George Washington University in Ashburn, Virginia since they have Accelerated BSNs that start in the Spring as well if you don't want to wait for the Fall 2016 cycle. Good luck!

@deej394 Thank you so much for all of the information you've provided. I was wondering how you and your classmates are doing grade wise. I don't need specifics but are most people feeling good about their GPA's as far as you know?

Thanks Amanda! I know from previous years that usually a June or later orientation is best because then they'll have more updated information about any changes to the program for the upcoming year.

Hey Talfan, I was admitted to this program last year but had to withdraw for family reasons before it began so I'm happy I've been given a second chance. I didn't attend the Patriot prelude but did do an evening transfer orientation. The first half of which I honestly could have skipped because it had nothing relevant to this program. I feel like the Patriot Prelude would kind of be in line/more geared towards students that are transferring in from community college etc. I could be wrong but that's just my impression.

Congratulations Teena! I am in the same boat as you. I filled out my FAFSA back in February but I will definitely need personal loans as well just to live while I'm in the program. I know Wells Fargo has healthcare related loans and just research and apply for scholarships. We're lucky though to get in this program since it's the cheapest in the area for an Accelerated BSN!

Hello to everyone! This forum has been a great resource so far so I thought I'd throw out a call for advice. I am very excited that I was acceptd to both VCU and GMU's accelerated nursing programs but now I have a tough decision to make. The environment at VCU is wonderful and seems very supportive but it would be a much greater expense with moving, tuition, and covering cost of living for a longer program. George Mason would be great in that I wouldn't have to move and it would be less expensive and a faster program. My main concern is that I'm extremely interested in VCU's CRNA program and am wondering if going there for undergrad would help me at all when it comes time to applying to the CRNA program? Or should I just choose the cheaper/faster option and hopefully gain valuable experience here in the NOVA/DC area? Thank you in advance for any help!