LizzyBennet

Thanks for the update! I'm taking it at Wall St too. There were no dates at 34th St. Oh well. I'm a nut when it comes to tests. I'm just going to study and try not to stress too much. LB

It all depends on what you want. I've heard too many stories about ADN programs with near 50% attrition rates and a 60-70% first time NCLEX pass rates (not only from students, but programs trying to get you to go there!). I'm the first to admit that I am an education snob, but going to a school with ~5% attrition rate (started with 160 students last June and 152 of us graduated this May- + 2 babies!) and a 98% first time pass rate in the past 2 years (IIRC, the 1st time pass rate was around 95% before this) put my mind at ease that I was going to get the education I needed. I have no debt left from undergrad also, and plan to work with underserved women as a CNM, so there are many opportunities for loan repayment available to me. LB

Congrats! How was it? Where did you take it? LB

Yup. Don't forget that the first year at Columbia is 60 credits and tuition is $933/credit. The first year involves 10-12 credits towards the masters portion as well. Perkins is the one that is forgiven. Elizabells, you've taken the NCLEX already? Wow! You go! I'm taking it at the end of June and am totally nerve-wracked about it. :chair: LB

Take a long weekend and enjoy your new nephew! Have someone tape the lecture(s) you miss for you and listen to them when you get back. I did this for the Jewish holidays all year and still did quite well. Congrats! LB

Columbia is pricey and you do have to take out a large chunk in private loans... in NYC the only 'reasonable' (accelerated) program is downstate, but it is not a direct to ms(n) program. You have to do the accelerated BS and then work/reapply for the ms, which is not necessarily a bad thing... it depends on what you want. There is other scholarship available as well. On top of the $28k, I got a $5k alumni assoc scholarship towards the masters program plus a TA-ship that will earn me credits towards my fall tuition. When you continue into the masters program there is also a $1k advanced study grant awarded. Not much, but it is something. Since you want to be a CNM, there is the NHSC, if you are interested and there are lots of loan repayment opportunities out there for CNMs. Ivys in general are pretty notorious for their endowment-scholarships being need-based and not at all based on academics. The ETP program has changed a lot in the last 2 1/2 years since the current director took over and is continually evolving and becoming better (IMHO). The school did have some problems a while back, but I think the fact that most of my friends have easily gotten jobs at Cornell (mostly in ICUs and more specialized areas) before finishing or immediately following ETP, before they've taken the NCLEX speaks well for the program. If they turned out crappy new grads, their new grads wouldn't be so heavily recruited before getting licensed. The Midwifery faculty is awesome and I am totally psyched to learn from them. The head of the program was recently given the excellence in teaching award by the ACNM, a student-nominated award, which I think is very telling of her abilities and teaching style. The current midwifery students I've spoken with are very happy. Whatever you decide, you need to do what is going to be best for you. Going to a private school is pricey... and if you want a 'name brand' you are going to pay for it. Maybe go to a city/state school for the RN portion and then apply to a masters program like Yale or Downstate where you can go part time and work full-time as an RN. Many hospitals will give you tuition reimbursement towards your masters. Good luck, LB

Those are fine. Good luck to you all! LB

There is a place on 181 between Fort Wash & Bennet that sells them. It's a comfort shoe store. You can also order them online at zappos. LB

All white shoes are a must and they are being very strict about it this coming year. Get yourself a pair of white dansko clogs. They are unbelievably comfy and easy to wipe down and clean up when they get dirty. LB

Yup. Staying on top of Oscar is the #1 primo thing to do with financial aid. If you have probs with him, do not pass go, head directly to student financial services in the black building. LB

Summers at Columbia are definitely considered full semesters... especially in ETP when you are taking 20 credits! 6 credits is considered full-time in the summer and 12 for other semesters (for the masters), IIRC. Columbia utilizes summers as full semesters for all of its programs and financial aid *is* there. They know it takes time for summer loans to come in, and no one is charged late fees for that. No payment is expected until Sallie Mae pays up, and since the money is deposited directly into your university account, it is deducted from there. Whatever is left over is for living expenses and you must request a refund to get the cash. Hope this clears things up. LB

I wanted to add to Elizabells' comment... One day when I was feeling a little blue and a touch like an idiot, I asked my preceptor how long it was before she felt comfortable in her job as an L&D nurse...she said a year! So, now I feel quite a bit less dumb. LB

My insurance a the time didn't cover lab tests, so my titers cost me a small fortune. Unfortunately, covered or not, you've got to do them... they won't let you in the hospital without them and they'll put holds on your registration and account until they are done. The only thing that doesn't have to be completed when you arrive (but should be started) is the Hep B shots. I got my 3rd in December. Hope this helps, LB

Thanks for the info Elizabells, I will definitely try to hook up with her. I just talked to my preceptor and she was sooooo nice. I am super excited!!! :w00t: LP, I did my medsurg rotation at Cornell, it's a gorgeous hospital... nice, nice place to work, and everyone told me today that the nurses in L&D are great so I am really looking forward to it. :) LB

Wanted to add that if anyone is interested in a pair of white dansko clogs in good shape, size 38 (7 1/2-8) for clinical, or a pharm book, PM me. I'm selling both at a deep discount. :) LB