U of M's MN Degree

mimojadi · Feb 2, 2011

I applied to start this coming fall- so we'll see what happens!

MauriceRC · Feb 6, 2011

Hey Kim, it's Mary (from the prereqs at Inver). I was wondering why you were not in the program this year. Congratulations on the baby! I'm in the second semester of the program and I love it. Before I started all I heard about was how difficult the program was, but it's really very doable. A lot of classmates (including myself) are able to work and/or volunteer throughout the program and still have time to have a social life. You're going to do great!

MissChloe · Feb 16, 2011

I had originally planned to attend St. Kate's starting this fall for prereqs and then the ADN program, but I've recently had a bit of a quarter-life crisis and decided to take some time to work in a lab before nursing school (I love lab science!). I'm hoping to get a job at the U, take some discounted classes while I'm working there, and make myself a better applicant to this program. I'd love to hear people's experiences with this program, both applying and after you start the actual program. Good luck to those of you starting this coming fall!

k2gs · Feb 24, 2011

Hey Kim, it's Mary (from the prereqs at Inver). I was wondering why you were not in the program this year. Congratulations on the baby! I'm in the second semester of the program and I love it. Before I started all I heard about was how difficult the program was, but it's really very doable. A lot of classmates (including myself) are able to work and/or volunteer throughout the program and still have time to have a social life. You're going to do great!

Hey Mary! I didn't know MauriceRC was you!!! Yeah I never had the chance to tell you that I wouldn't be starting last year. I was bummed. I was looking forward to knowing at least a couple of people who were in the program with me. Oh well.

I remember Megan (our AP II teacher) telling me the program wasn't really hard but had a ton of reading. I'm so excited to start. Only about 6 months to go! I can't wait to order my scrubs. What other equipment do they want you to buy? Do we need our own stethoscopes?

I'm not sure if you can send private messages on here but shoot me one with your email address if you want. I'd love to keep in touch.

Kim

stigrl · Mar 7, 2011

Hello,

I am INSANELY interested in this program, and am going to an info session on Thursday. I am really worried about how competative it is, would you mind telling me how much work experience you have had as a NA or volunteering? GPA? Also I would like to retake a couple science classes to get an A but do they look down on retaken classes?

Thanks for any info or tips!!

MauriceRC · Mar 7, 2011

Kim, they do want you to buy your own stethoscope and they'll eventually send out an email with what model you should get. I upgraded my stethoscope and, although it was more expensive, I was glad I did. You'll also need a pen light and a tiny pair of scissors to keep in your scurbs pocket. You'll get an email about ordering scurbs and it'll probably say there are sample scrubs to try on in the nursing office. I would really recommend trying them on so you know your correct size; the sizes run pretty small.

Stigrl, don't fret about how competitive it is (easier said than done, i know!). They look at more than just grades and experience. They want people who will be leaders in nursing and who have different backgrounds. Also, if you've worked with underserved populations I would talk that up. I got in with two Bs in the prereqs and did not retake them. If you want to retake yours though, go for it. I don't know for sure, but I would be surprised if they looked down on retaken classes.

k2gs · Mar 7, 2011

I had not completed all of the prereqs when I got in but I also had all As and two Bs and was accepted to the program. I have no experience as a CNA but did volunteer with the American Red Cross. Make sure you write really good essays and mention any time you've spent overseas or working with diverse groups of people. The U of MN is really committed to diversity so let them know that that is important to you too. Good luck!

inpatientlywaiting · Mar 21, 2011

I applied too. My GPA is only 3.04, I have everything but nutrition done, but I have 9 year CNA experience at Childrens Hosp. in saint paul, and I was in the Air Force as a med tech. I did everything from Starting IV's and sutures, to bleeding control and NG/Foley starts, and a 7 month deployment to Kuwait doing the same job. I applied to inver last year and didn't get in because I still had 2 classes in prograss. I was 3 on the alternate list, but just missed spring start this year... I didn't think I could get into the U, but thought I'd try this year. I'm hopeful since they put more weight on experience then the 2 year schools (which is almost none) I think I did well on my essays, I spent HOURS on them... I guess we'll see, but the wait is killing me!!! Anyone know when letters go out?

k2gs · Mar 22, 2011

The email that I received with the interview dates said that letters will be send out mid-March. So I'd expect to receive your letter any day now. I got my acceptance letter via email so make sure you're checking the email account you put on your application. Good luck to you!

inpatientlywaiting · Mar 22, 2011

The email that I received with the interview dates said that letters will be send out mid-March. So I'd expect to receive your letter any day now. I got my acceptance letter via email so make sure you're checking the email account you put on your application. Good luck to you!

I never recieved anything about interviews?! :eek: I thought I read they weren't doing them anywhere? I called a before the due date to make sure they had everything, but I think I may call again...

inpatientlywaiting · Mar 22, 2011

Just got off the phone with UMN. They do NOT interview for the BSN program. I thought I heard in the past, but not this year. They said we wouldn't hear anything until early to Mid April.

...Not that I would mind an interview, I was just terrified they lost my application!