Salem State University (SSU) BSN starting spring 2015

[Mrs.D., BSN]

Good evening!

I have peeked through these boards for a few years, and since I finally sent in my application to the SSU BSN nursing program yesterday (spring 2015), I thought that I would make a profile name and start a thread. I am more nervous about going to a university than the nursing classes, if you could imagine! Having some people to talk to before I get there with similar interests may help my nervousness. I am a perpetual community college student, so I have ZERO experience with the big schools--even though it is a small-big school :)

Some of the things I would love to hear about are: family/career/education backgrounds and how you became interested in this nursing program (or nursing in general); what your end ideal dream/goal is as of right now; if you have been admitted yet (!); anyone that has experience with this specific program at this school, or what you have heard; if you live in the area already, or when you are moving out; and anything else really. I know the deadline is still a ways away (November 1st, I believe) so I might be alone here for a bit, but answer anytime because I probably won't have another thread until I am about to graduate, and will continuously check back.

I will answer these questions myself soon, just wanted to get it out there.

Pleasure to meet you!!

[Jackie118]

i am applying to SSU too! I am a little nervous because it seems that a few of the courses i took will not count towards the prereqs, but im going to apply anyway. Did you submit a resume with your application?

[Mrs.D., BSN]

Awesome :) I did not send a resume because I have no relevant experience--plus, I just plain never thought of it. I have all general education taken care of (minus one 300 level psych and one 300 level sociology), so it's all nursing classes for me. Do you have some healthcare experience already? If so, you are leaps and bounds ahead of me! Honestly, if I were you, I would send all the information that I could (recommendations from professors, work and volunteer history, etc.). With so many people in school these days, it takes a lot to stand out. I am hoping that my GPA is what makes me stand out, but I don't know the average GPA of applicants...

That really stinks about your prerequisites. Might I ask which classes you are talking about, and where you took them? I ask because, as far as I knew, there were no prerequisites to get into the program besides a minimum GPA. I never looked that hard, though, because I already had all of the classes that they could possibly need, but I am still interested. I did need to write to the chairs of some of the departments in order to receive a certain class for transfer that would fit into the BSN (it was minimal work, but a lot of waiting--it can be done... sometimes).

[Mrs.D., BSN]

I forgot to leave some information about me before because no one really found the post yet, so I was not reminded of it...

I am married (love it!), no kids (love it!), almost 30 years old (loving it!), work as a waitress on the weekends (love that, too!). I have 73 credits that could fit into many AA degrees, but I chose psychology because it seemed like a good choice at the time. I can't really do anything with it though, but apparently it looks good for the school if people leave with degrees, so my CC in NC kinda pushed it on me. NSCC is trying to get me to leave with an AA in something too. I have received one B in a precalc class, so no cumulative 4.0 GPA for me... But I do have one at my current CC.

I am kind of a science nerd, particularly biology and the human body, plus I love customer service and people, so BOOM, nursing is what seems to fit (by the suggestion of my A&P II profe). I have changed my major at SSU from psych, to BS biology, to BS biology + secondary education, and now to nursing--all while never actually attending (since 2012... I just keep postponing it because I can't make up my mind). I haven't told any friends or family about the nursing program besides my husband in case I change my mind again. They would make a big deal about it, and I don't really like that. I don't really know what nursing is all about, so I will give it a go, and see if I like it. I'm pretty excited for the challenge, as I hear it is a tough course to make it through.

I have always had an affinity for the biology, process, and history of maternity, birth, and breastfeeding (though I have never wanted to do it myself--so far), so I imagine an end goal to be a lactation consultant or midwife. I have done scholarly research on the subjects for years, as a hobby. That journey for my masters wouldn't be for years after I am an RN, but if I got an itch for furthering my career, that is probably where I would end up. However, I know that there are MANY areas of expertise, so I am looking forward to trying the different avenues with clinicals (and wherever takes me for my first job).

I live very close to school, on the Lynn/Salem line, about 10-15 minutes away. Honestly, I probably wouldn't even go to university if it wasn't this close, so a degree at SSU is my only option, and I feel lucky that I live so close, and the cost is so reasonable.

I hope some students find this post here and join in. I've always been told that I am a nice connection to have in college because I just *get* school, and it comforts people to know that I am always there if they are freaking out. I am an empathetic people-person, mature, respectful, and responsible, and helping people who need it (even if just to make them feel like they are not alone, or talk) gives me great pleasure.

Maybe I will talk to you soon :)

[Duxfeminafacti, BSN, RN]

Hi Mrs. D,

I received my acceptance letter into SSU program for Spring 2015, wondering if you have heard back yet?

[Mrs.D., BSN]

Hey Dux, very creative name, congrats on getting in to the program! And yes, I will be there right along side you :) I already signed up for orientation @ 11:30 am on January 12. See you there?

[Linexox]

Hello everyone

I thought I might use your Advise on here. I am a freshman at Middlesex community college but I am really interested in joining SSU in the fall of 2015. I have only done

(Sociology 101,psychology 101, Eng 101 and 102).

With a 3.4 GPA. What advise would you guys give me on transferring to SSU?

Thank you guys?

[Mrs.D., BSN]

Are you looking for nursing, or just general admittance? 3.4 GPA, that's a B. That is an above average grade if you consider C as average. I don't know what the school's minimum GPA is, but there are always exceptions anyway. I can't imagine it is higher than a 3.4. I doubt you will have a problem getting in with a B and some credits. I would just continue talking transferable classes until you make the switch. If you know your intended major, then make sure they fit into that. You really should talk with an adviser at your current school. There are so many articulation programs to make the transition smoother (not to mention cheaper). The most helpful advice that I can give you is to get the best grades possible in the most relevant classes. If you do that, then they will have no reason to say no. Good luck.

[Duxfeminafacti, BSN, RN]

My advice would be to take A&P 1 and 2, as well as a college level statistics course. Most CC are cheaper and you could continue having the flexibility of a CC. SSU Nursing program doesn't allow part-time. I believe when deciding on transfer students they want someone with a strong math and science background. I was allowed to transfer 70 credits in.

[Duxfeminafacti, BSN, RN]

Mrs D- they let you defer your admission?

[NursingStudentSSU]

I am a first year student at SSU and I wish someone told me what I am about to tell you right now.

Here it goes:

1. Try to get all prerequisite classes out of the way like Biology, A&P I & II, Chemistry I & II, Microbiology (they will accept micro from community colleges although they say they do not. Call just to make sure about the Middlesex microbiology transfer), Anthropology, English Comp, Public Speaking, Psychology, etc. THIS WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE A LOT EASIER!

2. Unfortunately, I started the program after they changed the Health Assessment professor and it has been extremely tough. So tough, that more than half of students failed the first exam.

3. If you are going to take another course with Health Assessment, take easy courses! I am currently taking Chemistry and am extremely stressed because of the decision.

4. Going to a community college is both cost effective and will save you a lot of aggravation -- trust me! CC courses a lot of times are easier.

5. Have all your fun now because once you're in the program, it is extremely hard to do anything else. I am feeling really guilty about taking a break from my nursing school studies to write this advice at the moment but I know at least someone can use this information.

Let me know if anyone else has any questions about the program!

[Mrs.D., BSN]

Mrs D- they let you defer your admission?

Yes ma'am. A bunch of times. Each time I did, I switched majors. I did it all on my own though, through navigator and such. I just didn't know what I wanted to do, so I just put off SSU and continued taking random transferable classes @ NSCC. The woman that helped me this last time, though, told me that if I leave the nursing program and defer once more "we are going to have problems." She said it in a joking way, but I know she was serious. I messed up their files, so they had to wipe out everything and start over for the spring. I had to reapply and everything. It was no big deal, though, because I was just happy that they were helping me. I don't think that students are supposed to do that regularly--it causes paperwork problems. Nursing really does have a lot of things that I am looking for in my studies, so I will not defer again... Most likely Naw, I will stick with it this time

Are you thinking of deferring until the fall? I don't know how it works with the nursing program. It may not be that easy because supposedly it is hard to get into. I would definitely ask ahead of time before you do anything.