SUNY Downstate info

Hi, The class sizes vary. My class was 60 people but the ones before and after were closer to 40 people. They don't place as much importance on the GPA as other schools. Of course a high one helps but if you are form the community, or if you have a history of working in community based non-profit efforts or a social work background they'll love that. They want to see that you are community minded. Also, if you have any past experience volunterring that helps or even working in health care. It would help to have a track record to tie you to your present goal of getting an accelerated BSN. The program is hard - it's demanding - even if you are good academically it's hard in other ways - i.e. administrative red tape. The clinicals are mostly in Brooklyn, but community health clinical could be in Manhattan or Queens. Hopes this helps. - Durable

Thank you so much! I appreciate your response!

Do you have to go to the clinical sites the night before to assess your patients for the following day?

No, you can't go to the sites without the clinical instructor and they don't go there the night before. Just your assigned day and hours at clinicals.

Thanks again!

Hi Durable. Can you tell me how difficult the program was? Did you feel like all your time at home was for studying after classes and clinical ended for the day. Was the tests and papers hard?

I thought it was very hard. I went to bed at 3 or 4 in the morning and woke up at 6 or 7. Weekends and holidays were spent studying or preparing. Friends went on fun vacations and left me home alone working my behind off. I remember my first summer I cried so hard I couldn't see, my eyes were two swollen balloons. It is an accelerated program and I found it very difficult. But there were people who were not as challenged as I was. I guess it depends on your previous habits and what you're used to. I thought it was like having my fingers stuck in an electrical socket for 15 months. But plenty of people actually enjoyed it. If I could do it you can. I'm a big baby so I'm told :) But I think you have to want it badly. For me it was a supreme effort but I wanted nothing more than to be a nurse - so badly I wanted to graduate and be a good nurse helping people, with something to give back for a change instead of just wishing for it and that got me through - just pure determination - no way was I going to fail any course - my attitude was 'Just do it! Do anything, but don't fail!'

For those deciding between Downstate or a private school...if I could have afforded it I would go to the private school, i.e. Columbia, NYU, Pace to save myself some supreme headaches associated with public schools. But if you're poor like me - Downstate is a good school, albeit a pain in the behind sometimes and you get a great yet affordable education. You have to be able to discipline yourself and to figure some things out on your own - no hand holding at this school - but that will serve you well when you start working. Nursing can be a tough job so coming from a no frills school can only help you.

Also, They often turn down people with high averages who sound very self assured, but have no altruistic-socially responsible history. You need to be a little humble when you write your essay, express a desire to help people who may not have money or insurance, be willing to take on boring, no-glamour roles, be part of a team. If you have a high academic average, but never volunteered for anything community minded, have no proof that you care about health care and people and not just a good salary and employment prospects, that will turn them off. The school is located in a community that they are committed to serving - visit the neighborhood - read the bulletin boards, it's a very good school but it is inner city and it does not have an Ivy League following.

Thanks for all these fantastic responses! This has been tremendously helpful!

As for the community service, I would love to volunteer in a hospital, but every one I've seen requires several hours a week. I just don't have that time right now between work and school. However, I do have a record of community service over the years (volunteering at film festivals, election polls, for a community center that caters to inner city immigrant youth, and my college). Do you think this is acceptable? Also, I've been considering volunteering for Housing Works for awhile. Is that a good option?

Thank you Durable for all your advice. I am very nervous about the time constraints with homework. I have always worked in Community Serving jobs so I am not worried about that. You have been very helpful and honest.

Durable,

Thank you so much for all the info! I am starting this summer and it's important for me to know what I am getting myself into.

If you don't mind me asking, what was your major before you went into accelerated program?

Hi Lena, All the best to you. Enjoy the experience - I miss school to be honest. I have a B.A. in English literature. Math and science were never easy for me - if I can do it anyone can.