Trying to decide if UW is worth it! (Versus SPU or SU.)

Elizabeth Renee · Sep 26, 2013

What I did to apply to UW (ironically I ended up not applying but that's a whole other story) was volunteer as a CNA on a med-surg unit at Madigan on post for 12 hrs on Saturdays and 12 hrs on Sundays, back to back. Like you, I was in a bind with time constraints, so I did what I could to make it happen and I did (this was while working part time and doing pre-reqs full time). Those were the only days that I didn't have something going on. It was tiring but it was only temporary. At the time, it was worth it to me.

I preferred getting into UW first, then PLU second. I wasn't going to apply to other 4 year programs. But instead, I'm in an ADN program now!

billionsandbillions · Sep 27, 2013

Thank you for your response! I'd love to hear why you did the ADN route unless it's a personal story! I am definitely doing ADN as a back-up. I have absolutely nothing against doing it that way (plus, way less loans) but I figured I might as well take the BSN plunge.

Elizabeth Renee · Sep 27, 2013

Thank you for your response! I'd love to hear why you did the ADN route unless it's a personal story! I am definitely doing ADN as a back-up. I have absolutely nothing against doing it that way (plus way less loans) but I figured I might as well take the BSN plunge.[/quote']
Sure. :)
Well, when I was doing pre-reqs, I took classes with the intent to do a direct transfer to either UW or PLU. However, if that didn't work out, I would apply to ADN pograms, basically keeping as many options open for me as possible. Either way, I graduated with an associates in arts and sciences this past June.
One of the contingencies for UW is if you only have three sciences done, you need to have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher from them (but if you had 4 or more done it only needed to be a 2.8). I had not yet taken A&P, but I completed inorganic chem (B), micro (B) and was signed up that quarter for ochem and was going to apply as soon as the quarter was over. So I needed to get a B or higher in that class to apply to UW. I didn't get the B, I got a C. But if A&P was done at that time, it wouldn't have been an issue because I got A's in both. The timing was not right in correlation to my grades/current classes. And if those grades weren't good enough at the time for UW then I wasn't going to waste my time with PLU. So I applied to 3 ADN programs and got into one (with an interview for another that I turned down to accept the one im currently in).
I would have preferred to go the BSN route over ADN, but I'm in a good program and intent to bridge to UW-T to get my BSN as soon as I graduate. If given the choice, my advice is to go to UW if the idea of taking out some loans doesn't bother you terribly. However, at the same time, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to some ADN programs as a back-up plan.

tokmom, BSN, RN · Sep 29, 2013

IMO, as I sit in on interviews. It doesn't matter what school you have gone to, but rather your personality, future goals, etc..

Having an ADN back up plan is a good idea and at least will get your foot in the door, hopefully so you can get a job with tuition reimbursement.

Just_keep_swimming · Sep 29, 2013

What I did to apply to UW (ironically I ended up not applying but that's a whole other story) was volunteer as a CNA on a med-surg unit at Madigan on post for 12 hrs on Saturdays and 12 hrs on Sundays back to back. Like you, I was in a bind with time constraints, so I did what I could to make it happen and I did (this was while working part time and doing pre-reqs full time). Those were the only days that I didn't have something going on. It was tiring but it was only temporary. At the time, it was worth it to me. I preferred getting into UW first, then PLU second. I wasn't going to apply to other 4 year programs. But instead, I'm in an ADN program now![/quote']
Did you volunteer at Madigan through the Red Cross or go through a different source? I'm finishing up my CNA course this week, I'm in the Air Force at McChord, & would love to volunteer there to get my hours before December! I didn't think I could bc I won't have a year of working as a CNA like STJoseph's/ St. Claire's requires.

Just_keep_swimming · Sep 29, 2013

Hi everyone! I've just spent a good chunk of time pouring over threads here about UW versus SPU or SU. I'm having trouble figuring out my game plan! I know the latter two are way more expensive but I don't know how big of a deal it will be in the long run. Currently, I'm enrolled in UW for my undergrad and didn't intend to apply to their Nursing program until recently. Prior to this, I was a pre-med student at Montana State and Portland State...it's been a drawn out process to figure out my goal! But this abrupt shift makes getting my application together a bit more difficult. What's really bothering me is UWs need for 100 hours within a three month period within a year of applying. I worked in a long-term care home a few years ago doing caregiving AND administering meds/wound care. I also did home health. However, that's not going to count for my 100 hours. I just finished a CNA class but by the time I take the state exam, I'll only have two months or less to get those 100 hours for the application. Currently, I work in the back office of a Chiropractic clinic and it fits my schedule well - and the pay is good! I don't want to have to quit to apply to a school that I might not even get into. But I also don't think I can handle full-time school/work and then a CNA job on the weekends. Also, I wonder if sticking with this job will look good since I deal with insurance companies/DCs. My GPA is about a 3.6, I have volunteered in a hospital since January 2013, have that care-home experience as well as my CNA certification. I don't know if it's worth killing myself to try to apply to UW. What would you all recommend? Thank you for reading this rant! I think I just needed to get it off of my chest.[/quote']
Can't you use your clinical hours from your CNA course? That's 40 hours right there, don't give up!! :) you sound like you have a ton of experience, if you can knock out 60 between now & December, you'll prob rock your personal essay & get a seat at the proctored essay. They seem to care about experience & knowing what you're getting yourself into with nursing school.

Elizabeth Renee · Sep 29, 2013

Can't you use your clinical hours from your CNA course? That's 40 hours right there don't give up!! :) you sound like you have a ton of experience, if you can knock out 60 between now & December[/quote']
Personally, I would not depend on those CNA hours. They prefer general experience in a hospital setting, not LTC experience in a nursing home or LTC facility. And I could be wrong but I think they want all the experience done in ONE setting - not some here, some there, etc. Plus, if you do all 100+ hours in a hospital setting in one area, you will get to know some of the nurses, which sets you up for a great recommendation letter that points out that they directly supervised and observed you with patients in a hospital setting. That is the best position you can put yourself in.
Did you volunteer at Madigan through the Red Cross or go through a different source?
Red Cross. :) Just be prepared that the process is a little lengthy. Not too bad, but you have to sit through Madigan's orientation, their HIPAA course and take a test on it and pass, get all your immunizations and have a nurse there in a specific department sign off a letter that you recieved them all, they have to find you an area for you to work in, etc.
My opinion? Med-surg is one of the better areas to volunteer in and they always need bodies.
Best of luck to you both. :)

Just_keep_swimming · Sep 29, 2013

I'm already a Red Cross volunteer through McChord, so hoping the process is less lengthy :) thank you so much for the help! Did you get to pick where you volunteered at?

Elizabeth Renee · Sep 29, 2013

I'm already a Red Cross volunteer through McChord so hoping the process is less lengthy :) thank you so much for the help! Did you get to pick where you volunteered at?[/quote']
Ah, you should be fine then. :) The Red Cross usually keeps an ever-changing list of what volunteer openings are available for your scope of practice. They didn't really have anything on the list at the time that I needed (ie: answering phones in plastic surgery), so they made some calls/inquiries to managers in other areas to see if they wanted an extra pair of hands. That's how I fell into it and it was great! UW is adament about performing patient care with the patients under supervision of an RN. I would not get that by answering phones and essentially being a secretary!

anichka · Oct 2, 2013

If I was in your position, I would make the effort to apply to UW (maybe I shouldn't say so, would be one less person to compete with ;-)).

You can start working NOW as an NAR if you want. It will take a while to get the NAC, but it took me 13 days to get on the registry after I finished my class in June. I am still waiting on my NAC to come through (even though I tested on 5 August), but I have been working since the beginning July. 100 hours in 3 months? It's not too bad, if you work it out with your other commitments... they are only going to care about your hands-on experience, not working in an insurance office. Is your current job worth that much to you that you would prefer to stay there than get experience and try to get into UW? If so (it sounds like it), then stick with what you're doing.

It may not seem like the difference in $$ is that big now, but you may feel like it is after you have to pay for a private education versus a public one (that is still not very cheap)! That said, I am applying to both UW for the BSN and Seattle U for their APNI program.

UW has a great program and especially since you are already a UW student, I definitely think it is worth the effort. If you haven't attended one of their info sessions, go to one (this week even if you have time) and see how you feel after you do. Good luck with your decision!