This WA forum is so idle

I agree that it's idle...I hardly ever check it anymore. Plus I live in a smaller community in SW WA and most of the topics are about Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane, not having much to do about me.

Feel free to liven things up a bit.

Check out some of the other states. I wouldn't call this one idle!

I'll bite. I live in Seattle (suburb) and am impatiently waiting for a letter in the mail from Shoreline CC to see if I am accepted to start their program this Spring. Anyone out there a current or previous Shoreline student that could offer some guidance?

I am also in a very small community North of Seattle so I tend to just check in periodically. :)

Ok, I'll bite too.

I just got accepted to a program and I start spring quarter (in like a week and a half!) YIPPEE!!!

I live north of Seattle, and I do agree that this thread is a bit idle... so maybe we should start chatting...

I'm stuck in eastern WA-Tri-cities area taking care of my 86 year old mother with advanced alzheimer's. All I know for sure is that when Mom goes to heaven I'm outta here.Actually, it's not so bad here. I just prefer to live in places that have lots of trees. There are jobs available here for RN's in both the hospitals and nursing homes in this area which includes Richland, Kennewick and Pasco. Kennewick General Hospital,Lourdes and Kadlec hospitals are always looking for RN's.

Ok, I'll bite too.

I just got accepted to a program and I start spring quarter (in like a week and a half!) YIPPEE!!!

I live north of Seattle, and I do agree that this thread is a bit idle... so maybe we should start chatting...

suppose I can begin a topic about applying to WA(Seattle, King County etc) Schools and dealing with the pre-reqs that tend to be different (by one class - of course) FOR EACH PROGRAM!!!

I will begin working on my Pre- req's at BCC and was wondering how one can navigate through the differing requirements so that hopefully a applicant is not 'stuck' applying for 1 or 2 schools only. I want to cast a large fishing net because the competition is SOOOO high and I don't want to sell myself short. OCDChick... What has been your experience in the whole "nursing application" craziness? Should I concentrate on becoming a CNA first and then working on Pre-reqs so that I can gain experience while I mutter through Micro etc?

Here is a little snippet about my situation. I currently have a BA in psychology and I would like to enter the nursing field specifically for Psych nursing. I have been a medical biller for many years. I am also currently pursing my CDP license. (Chemical Dependency Professional)

I will begin the science pre- reqs spring quarter, but am having doubts about rushing and stacking Mico/A&P etc in order to finish by fall 2008 so that I could apply for 2009. I feel the 'slow and steady' method might be the best thing. I am wondering if I should take the time this semester to complete my CNA and then begin my hard sciences in the fall and apply for 2010. My fear is that I will do the slow and steady thing and then have to wait YEARS to be accepted into a WA program... Geez my sciences may expire by then!

How long did it take for you to get accepted into a nursing program? Is it true that it could take years in the WA area? Will a CAN open more doors for me? Is it worth the extra expense and time to pursue it first?

Any input you have would be appreciated!!!:bowingpur

Dazed and confused in Issaquah:cry:

moycoy I believe you were asking another poster, but I'll jump in and say you have a lot to offer so take a deep breath and get a strategy together for your applications.

in my experience it is very competitive to get into any nursing program in the King County area. However, you need to figure out what it is you ultimately want to do. To be a psych NP or psych RN?

Certain schools such as Shoreline and BCC used (it's been about 4 yrs so I can't be sure if things have changed) very rigid point systems or classes completed systems. In your case you can tally up the points you have for Shoreline and get some idea of your competitiveness.

Other schools are more holistic in their approach to applicant selection, each program may favor certain things and you need to find out what those are. For example UW tends to favor those who have their CNA.

With your qualifications I think you may want to consider one of the masters programs to go in and become a Psych NP. Those programs will also focus more on your undergraduate degree, life experience, and overall take a more holistic approach to applicant selection in my opinion. You can always work as a psych RN at Harborview or Fairfax during school to build experience.

I focused on which schools would be the top of my "dream school" list and focused on finishing classes/certs/essays that were important to those schools. It isn't possible to be everything to everyone within a reasonable timespan, so your best bet is to be the ideal candidate for the school that best suits your strengths.

you can look into the other programs that people have talked about here that are newer but farther out but might be more favorable for your background. Good luck!

I couldn't agree more! I think that should answer any questions, although we are in the same boat. I have just completed my pre-req's and i'm at home now waiting for baby to be born(1st!) in the meantime. I staying hopeful about the schools I have applied for!

Go for the direct-entry masters at UW, Seattle U, or PLU. I found that the Seattle-area community college programs are geared more toward people who don't already have a bachelor's.

You sound like you have hands-on patient experience. Unless you think working as a CNA would be personally fullfilling, I would spend the time and $ focusing on the pre-reqs (and crazy-making application procedures).

Go for the direct-entry masters at UW, Seattle U, or PLU. I found that the Seattle-area community college programs are geared more toward people who don't already have a bachelor's.

You sound like you have hands-on patient experience. Unless you think working as a CNA would be personally fullfilling, I would spend the time and $ focusing on the pre-reqs (and crazy-making application procedures).

Thank You for your advice. I will contact PLU, UW, and, SU about those programs. I wonder though... How would I rec. hands on nursing skills in such a program. Would you rec. a BSN first and than continue on with a Masters in Nursing-- I will find out.

Thanks again!!