UCHSC nursing program

So, I recently switched career paths to enter nursing- I am hoping to enter an accelerated nursing program. I was reading some previous posts- I had no idea that the waitlists were so long at schools!! I really wanted to get in next year- I applied to UCHSC - is there anyone out there that is currently a student, if so- how is the waitlist there? I have a high GPA, community experience, etc- I have only applied to one school because I thought I would get in- should I apply to other out of state schools?? Also, if you do attend UCHSC- do you like it? What is it like?

I am currently a student and I know that when I applied 2 years ago the number of applicants were overwhelming and we were told that it was the most that they had ever received. I am sure the numbers are climbing. I am not sure about the accelerated program because it just started this year. The school is going through some transitions that often times presents conflicts in scheduling, but most of the staff/professors make attempts to adapt. One transition that comes to mind is that some of the classes will be and are already offered completely online, except for clinicals of course. The students are great and most of us have previous degrees. We all have our issues and often times compare it to our previous experiences at other colleges. My opinion...just get your nursing degree and try to adapt as much as you can because your life will change. If you decide to go to grad school afterwards then that is where you can tailor your experience to your specific needs. All in all I have spoken to several other students from other schools and each one has its pros and cons, I can see the light though and am getting close to being done. As far as your question...YES! Apply to as many schools as you can. You can always come back when you are done or go wherever you want. You will never have to worry about getting a job.

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it! So about how many people are in classes with you? Do you go every day? What hours? Also, I was wondering what hospitals you all do your clinicals in- I would love to work in a children's hospital - do you know if there are rotations at The Childrens Hospital? Thanks!

There are approximately 140 students admitted in each class, however some of the classes will be smaller as you progress throughout the program as you are split up. There is a rotation at children's. Other rotations consist of CU, VA medical center, Rose, Swedish, PSL, Craig, St. Anthony's Central to name a few. There are also options if you would like a rural placement in other areas of Colorado. I do not go everyday and the schedule can vary. The semesters are in 8 week blocks and the first 2 weeks of each block is approx. 3 days of classes. Then clinicals start, usually 2 days a week 8 hour shifts with 1 day a week of classes depending on what you are taking. It can be a busy schedule but not impossible. The time does fly.

There are approximately 140 students admitted in each class, however some of the classes will be smaller as you progress throughout the program as you are split up. There is a rotation at children's. Other rotations consist of CU, VA medical center, Rose, Swedish, PSL, Craig, St. Anthony's Central to name a few. There are also options if you would like a rural placement in other areas of Colorado. I do not go everyday and the schedule can vary. The semesters are in 8 week blocks and the first 2 weeks of each block is approx. 3 days of classes. Then clinicals start, usually 2 days a week 8 hour shifts with 1 day a week of classes depending on what you are taking. It can be a busy schedule but not impossible. The time does fly.

phatlipboardz,

i'm applying to UCHSC this year. Questions for you:

- Do you have any idea what criteria they use to weed out applicants (if i've got straight A's in all my prereqs, and great preivous undergrad GPA, is it pretty highly likely that i'll be accepted)?

- Can you rate your experience at UCHSC (clinicals and classwork - do you feel prepared to go out in the field - i've heard some schools rush you through and you come out needing to learn a lot on the job)?

- Any word on the accelerated program there from fellow classmates (if it's good and prepares you well in the shorter time period)?

thnx much in advance

To be honest I really don't know exactly what the process is. I have heard folks that got turned down and had excellent GPAs. It doesn't hurt of course. From your user name I would deduce that you are male...that helps because you are a minority, but doesn't guarantee acceptance. If I were you, get personal with the admissions folks, make sure they know who you are throughout the application process. Don't pigeon hole yourself into an exact area of nursing during an interview. Be open to every area of nursing.

As far as preparation the school provides a foundation or fundamentals if you will. The real experience is in your clinical work. Jump into everything you can and experience as much as possible. You will sometimes walk away feeling like your head is going to explode because you filled it with so much that day. My philosophy is that you are responsible for your own learning. Don't get caught up in things like taking blood or IVs as these will be skills you were learn along the way. Real nursing consists of critical thinking and what interventions are necessary for a particular patient. You will be amazed at what nurses really know and how broad the scope of practice is becoming.

Just like anything you will learn more on the job, but many hospitals are trying to implement excellent training programs/orientations. You will quickly learn where these facilities are. Do an externship the summer before you begin your senior year that will make a world of difference.

As far as the accelerated program this is the first year they have done it, however its a lot cheaper than Regis. The learning is intense, but possible for someone who is dedicated. The University is still trying to work out the kinks being that is new, but so far the students have survived.

If you need some more detailed info just let me know. My advice...apply to as many places as you can, even out of state if you are willing to move. Its a sacrifice but will pay off in the end. Good luck.

To be honest I really don't know exactly what the process is. I have heard folks that got turned down and had excellent GPAs. It doesn't hurt of course. From your user name I would deduce that you are male...that helps because you are a minority, but doesn't guarantee acceptance. If I were you, get personal with the admissions folks, make sure they know who you are throughout the application process. Don't pigeon hole yourself into an exact area of nursing during an interview. Be open to every area of nursing.

As far as preparation the school provides a foundation or fundamentals if you will. The real experience is in your clinical work. Jump into everything you can and experience as much as possible. You will sometimes walk away feeling like your head is going to explode because you filled it with so much that day. My philosophy is that you are responsible for your own learning. Don't get caught up in things like taking blood or IVs as these will be skills you were learn along the way. Real nursing consists of critical thinking and what interventions are necessary for a particular patient. You will be amazed at what nurses really know and how broad the scope of practice is becoming.

Just like anything you will learn more on the job, but many hospitals are trying to implement excellent training programs/orientations. You will quickly learn where these facilities are. Do an externship the summer before you begin your senior year that will make a world of difference.

As far as the accelerated program this is the first year they have done it, however its a lot cheaper than Regis. The learning is intense, but possible for someone who is dedicated. The University is still trying to work out the kinks being that is new, but so far the students have survived.

If you need some more detailed info just let me know. My advice...apply to as many places as you can, even out of state if you are willing to move. Its a sacrifice but will pay off in the end. Good luck.

thnks for the timely input!

one question regarding your use of *ex*ternship versus *in*ternship. Is there any difference between these or am i reading into this too much? I imagine you are just recommending that one get their feet wet in an applied setting prior to graduating. If so:

- how easy is it to find a position like this?

- do you place yourself or does the school help you?

- any externships that i might be able to get involved in now (generically or specifically speaking) without being presently involved in an RN pgm so that i can get some relevant experience while i wait for entrance to schools? I am in boulder presently. I'm probably looking at PT volunteer/paid positions for now but any insights welcome..

thanks again

No, those are basically used interchangeably. The school has an externship/summer elective class for upcoming seniors. You don't have to go through the school. For example the Veterans hospital in Denver has what they call the VALOR program. They usually let in 8 students (not many apply) and place them in various settings according to your interests. The ICU training is priceless. They train you with the new nurses, you take critical care courses, and work with a precepting nurse on the unit developing/improving your skills. There is a lot of autonomy and you are so far ahead of the game for your senior year. I can go more into specifics if you like. Just PM on that.

If you want some clinical experience you could become a CNA just to get involved in the field. Its really not the same thing but you learn some of the lingo and get comfortable in a healthcare environment. Most internships require that you are in an RN program and usually have completed a year.

I am also in Boulder, but the commute to Denver is somewhat necessary because of all the hospitals that are in the area. Just another part of the sacrifices for school.

Phatlipboardz,

I've been accepted to UCHSC for this summer and was wondering about the housing situation--do you feel that it is helpful to live near campus? Is it hard for you to commute to campus and how do you find parking? Any help is appreciated! I'm currently in the process of apartment searching and wondering if it is really worth it to live near campus or live in a surrounding suburb. Is the area around the campus safe enough to live in?

Thanks,

Michelle :)

First off congrats on getting into the program. Here is the parking information below:

http://www.uchsc.edu/facilities/parking/

9th and Colorado

School of Medicine (SOM)

Facilities Work Control Center, Room 0659

Weekdays 7:30am to 4:30pm

Phone: 303-315-5704

FAX: 303-315-3819

I suggest getting on the waitlist NOW. It is extremely hard to get a parking pass. They usually run about 30 bucks a month and you park right on campus. You can also get a carpool pass if you know someone to commute with. You shouldn't have to give them any student ID or anything just to get on the list. There is also neighborhood parking in the area you just have to read the signs. Watch out for street cleaning days.

As far as living in the area, most of the people I know do not risk it. The ones who tried it had problems with break-ins and vandalism. The commute from Boulder for me wasn't bad as I am originally from the east where everyone commutes, however the one thing that is lacking is public transportation here. It's not very good at all. I found 5 or 6 people that actually lived in Boulder that I carpooled with. It's a great money and time saver.

Of course you don't have to live that far. I know plenty of people who lived closer, of course some even commuted from very far away. If you want the downtown lifestyle there are some who live in the lower downtown area and love it. The one thing I will say is that it is not cheap to live here, and I am a believer in that you get what you pay for. It may be cheaper to find housing in the suburbs. I noticed you are from out of state and sure that you have realized the cost of tuition for you. Make sure to beef up on your financial aid packages because Colorado is not the best at providing financial support. I have known a few who have had to go the personal loan route.

Anyway, if you have any other questions feel free to ask either in a post or PM. Good luck.

Thanks so much for your help and I'm sure I'll come up with more questions.

Michelle :)

I'm going to uchsc this summer also. This thread has been very interesting. Lots of info. I feel kind of left in the dark as far as what is going to happen once classes start. I called to get on the waitlist for a parking permit yesterday and was told that the wait will probably be 1 year. Yikes!! Time for plan B as far as parking goes.