UCF Summer 2018 Second Degree BSN

SMRiley · Jan 27, 2018

Hi everyone, I am also applying for the program. I am not feeling so great about my scores after seeing all of your fabulous numbers. The way UCF calculated my overall GPA, it was far lower than the one I graduated with- either way, its still not as high as the numbers you all are flaunting! I wish I'd known I'd be going for a second degree 15 years ago! Good luck to you all!

SMRiley · Jan 27, 2018

Thank you for your insight, Lanntis. I've been inquiring all over about the program schedule and that was the best information, yet. Its comforting to know clinical sites can be chosen based on our location.

Lanntis, BSN · Jan 27, 2018

SMriley, you're welcome. It seemed everyone ran off this thread once I offered to answer any questions, they have. Come on back guys!

The clinical sites every year tend to depend on which sites want student nurses around every week at their facilities. There were about 5 or 6 sites for LTC in my cohort. Usually one closer to each side of orlando like pine hills or closer to main campus. My group has some people that drive from Melbourne and Daytona everyday , that takes dedication!

The good news is that UCF nursing students tend to be highly regarded by central florida and so all the hospitals always want us. They know we come with a BSN attached at the end, and that's ultimately what all hospitals want. During my hospital rotations i have met many ucf grad nurses who got hired right out of school. So if you have a preference, such as the Florida hospital system or the Orlando health system it can be good to do clinicals at their respective campuses to become known and make good connections :) Hope that helps!

McNurse1295 · Jan 27, 2018

Lanntis, sorry if you've already mentioned this but I missed it. How's the administration? I go to UF now and have a lot of friends in their traditional program. Administration is horrible; they barely communicate, miss deadlines, withhold information, and penalize students for outrageous reasons. A lot of people aren't aware of it because the school's reputation covers it up. I'm wondering how UCF compares since it also has a great reputation.

Lanntis, BSN · Jan 27, 2018

g8rgrl1219, so I really like the majority of the administration. Some are more helpful than others. Many nursing schools tend towards favoritism, and i would say that UCF is no different. If you never talk to your teachers or faculty, they won't know who you are really, and then when something goes wrong you feel all alone. This can be true in all of academia though. UCFs nursing administration has some pretty awesome student advocates. Though many people are intimidated by Dr. Kelly Allred , the program director, she is immensely approachable and will fight for the students. Mrs. Degennaro you will all meet in the first semester as well and she is now taking over as clinical coordinator. Wonderful person and educator. There are a few unsavory characters in administration, but honestly not that many, and you won't have to deal with them.

I have a return question for you g8rgrl1219, I'm looking at applying to UF for their BSN to DNP program when I graduate. Is UFs grad nursing administration any good or am I walking into a trap?

-lanntis

Goldenmoose · Jan 27, 2018

Lanntis - Thank for answering all these questions. What are some good areas of Orlando to live in? Also, what is the traffic situation like around town?

Lanntis, BSN · Jan 27, 2018

Goldenmoose , I am terrible with my geography but I will say that Orlando is pretty crowded, in general. You've got the tourists on the far end (away from ucf) who are visiting theme parks, and you've got ucf traffic. UCF has the 2nd (we may be first now?) largest student population in the country! The good news for parking is that you won't have to go to ucf main campus to park. You get to park for free at the college of nursing right outside our building. The college of nursing is located in research park which is the "rural" side of ucf where a lot of research departments are. In 2-3 years (won't affect you) the college of nursing will be relocating to the Lake Nona medical campus off of the 408 highway about 20 minutes away from the current location.

I live in east orlando on the outskirts of the actual university. Oveido and bithlo are affordable towns that are technically not orlando but are right here. I would try and avoid any student housing situations located along alafaya trail , unless you love wild partying and crime. Sorry I'm not the best help on where to actually live. (I hate Florida in general and look forward to leaving.)

Crab Magoo · Jan 27, 2018

@goldenmoose I would definitely recommend areas like oviedo or winter springs. I lived right around ucf for a few years and its extremely congested and expensive. I moved to an apartment in winter springs with my boyfriend and we're both paying less and have much more living space. Its also quieter and less busy. Only a 20 minute commute

McNurse1295 · Jan 27, 2018

Lanntis, I don't know a lot about the administration that oversees the DNP program but I'll ask around and see if I can get some insider info for you. I know that the program is mostly online so it would seem to me that you don't really closely interact with faculty anyway. I'll double check and let you know what I find out! Despite what I said about the nursing admin, UF is a great school just for it's name. I've only done undergrad here and it's true that professionals treat you differently when they find out you're a gator. For networking reasons alone, I would highly recommend it. Best of luck to you in the application process in the meantime!

iheartash · Jan 29, 2018

Is anyone applying for the Helene Fuld scholarship? How did you upload the one page essay? I don't see anywhere to upload it.

Crab Magoo · Jan 29, 2018

@iheartash I emailed Jessica and she said we can write the whole essay into the first text box and leave the rest blank since our essay answers all the other questions listed. I think the application just got formatted weird

SMRiley · Jan 30, 2018

If accepted I will be one of those crazies commuting from Brevard. I am applying to the UCF Cocoa program as well, but I am hoping I am able to make the cut.