UIC GEP 2013

eidas · Jun 16, 2012

Does anyone know what the schedule will be like for the first 15 months of the program? 5 days a week, full days?

Emgal · Jun 21, 2012

Hi everyone,

So, after many phone calls, many emails, an admissions appeal, and a phone interview, I have been accepted to the PNP program. I'm so relieved that they listed to my case, and excited to be starting with all of you in the spring!

(probably needless to say, I haven't received all of the things people are asking about in the mail, but I am a bit late in the game, and will be keeping my eye out)

JennerPNP2Be · Jun 21, 2012

hmm. from reading these posts I thought you hated UIC. hopefully you don't complain as much in class as you did in this public forum. seriously.

eidas · Jun 22, 2012

Wow. Congratulations Emgal! I'm so glad it worked out for you!

Emgal · Jun 22, 2012

Thanks, eidas!

Jenner, I won't try to explain or defend myself (for fear of putting my foot in my mouth again...) but I hope that you are able to get a new impression of me when we actually meet in person.

Medik231 · Jun 27, 2012

Anyone receive anything yet from the college regarding FinAid or anything like that?

Holdsteady11 · Jun 30, 2012

Anyone receive anything yet from the college regarding FinAid or anything like that?

I did my FAFSA, and that should take about a week to process online. You should then get an award letter in the mail letting you know what you're eligible for. The PLUS loan can't be applied for until I think about 90 days out.

Medik231 · Jul 3, 2012

I just did mine...Here's to hoping the Feds don't throw me to the private lenders again.....yikes...

Karebear18 · Jul 24, 2012

Wow. for what it is worth, Emgal, I think you could have "complained" a lot more than you did on here. "seriously." congrats on your acceptance, glad it worked out! I would not have wanted to be in your position.

beeg025 · Aug 30, 2012

Hey guys..just curious if there has been any movement off the waitlist yet? I'm still hopeful :)

buzzj · Sep 18, 2012

Holdsteady11 and Eidas both highlight some issues/benefits with this program. As a current GEP student I have had my fair share of frustrations with this program, but it is a means to an end. Thankfully UIC's reputation does hold up in other hospitals, and almost every nurse manager I have met is a graduate from UIC (and is proud to mention that I might add). There are issues in regards to not having your B.S.N. and for that I do not have an answer. Really, I think working in a hospital while going through this program may be the best way to overcome some of the first job hiring hurdles and challenges. Good luck to you all!

Also when in the program, do not be afraid to voice the class needs. Some professors are great and others have been really disappointing. Hopefully it will change by the time you get here!

mvanz9999, RN · Sep 27, 2012

This sounds like a disgruntled student to me. Once you are an RN you should be working at a hospital that offers tuition reimbursement - some at 100%. He said he is working at Loyola, which is a hospital that offers tuition reimbursement.
Every general entry masters is an MS in Nursing, because no one is an RN entering the program. It is still a Masters.
Also, the reason you finish your specialty and Masters part time is because you NEED at least two years of experience before you can sit for your specialty. Remember, in this program you are getting your NP or CNS, unlike DePaul where you get your RN and a Master's with no ANP.
If he would have done his research beforehand, there shouldn't be any complaints! The program is ranked #11 nationally, above some of the Ivy league schools. Don't let naysayers make an impression on you because what they wanted was not in line with what you want!
And also, most positive people who are networking while they are in school have NO problem landing a job. Many of many friends had jobs waiting for them before they graduated, because they did things the smart way.

I realize I am late to the party, but you are correct...I am disgruntled.

1. Almost NO hospital will offer you retroactive tuition reimbursement (well, the VA will), none will offer 100% reimbursement. And there certainly are strings attached when your employer does offer you tuition reimbursement. Loyola does offer tuition reimbursement as long as you attend LOYOLA SCHOOL OF NURSING. If you are at...say...UIC, you get $395/yr. True fact.

2. I have transferred to another hospital which does offer tuition reimbursement. The maximum is $8,000/year which leaves me short by about....$16,000. In addition, accepting that tuition reimbursement requires me to agree to remain at that hospital for 3 years after graduation. With the job market the way it is, it is a horrible idea to tie yourself to one hospital. If they do not hire NPs or do not have any NP openings, the education you worked so hard to complete will go to waste.

3. Good luck getting a job without a BSN (or an ADN). Many hospitals (especially those that are renewing Magnet status) require 100% of their new hires to have a BSN. Current staff nurses are required complete their BSN within 5 years. They will not hire a nurse without a BSN. No exceptions. I have been there. On the bright side, community hospitals will be more than willing to hire you.

That's all I have to say about that. When you have completed the program and gone job hunting, feel free to make comments. If you peruse the board, you will see I am not the only person taking issue with the poor design of these programs.

One final comment: college ranking and education provided are not related. Yeah, UIC is ranked #11. So what? I know plenty of nurses who graduated from city colleges that could nurse circles around top school graduates. Remember, UIC is very, very picky about who they admit. If they only admit top students, of course they are going to graduate top nurses, regardless of the education.