UIC GEP 2013

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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Anyone applying to UIC's graduate entry program starting Jan. 2013? I've glanced at the threads from the past couple of year's and thought I'd start one for the next application cycle. I'm finishing up pre-reqs and taking the GRE in a month. Good luck to all who plan on applying!

Thank you so much for your response! I just went through the application process to volunteer at a hospital near my school and should be starting soon. So hopefully I will get to feel out the different areas of the hospital and get some good experience. I'm so glad that there's someone else in the same boat as me. Now I know that this is within reach!

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Hi everyone,

I am still currently in my undergrad years, but am on course in a program that sets me up to apply to GEP programs like UIC's. What do you think are the chances that I am accepted once I apply being fresh out of my undergrad degree? I've read some of the previous posts from years past and just feel like I am way out of my league. Help Please!!??

Well I'm just out of my undergrad too (graduated in May 2011) and I've at least applied. :D Like you, I'm in 'lack of real world' experience boat. I volunteer at a hospital too, and if you are able see if you can do an internship or shadowing if at all possible. When I was changing my life over from large animal vet to human medicine I did an internship in a Peds ED and that really helped me solidify that NP was something I wanted to do.

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Just a quick question to anyone willing to answer: how are you going to decide which speciality to choose? There are so many options and if you don't have much experience, how do you know which area you are really called to? It is such a hard decision.

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feb 29 by kubu22 feb 29 by kubu22 a member since may '11. posts: 11

just a quick question to anyone willing to answer: how are you going to decide which speciality to choose? there are so many options and if you don't have much experience, how do you know which area you are really called to? it is such a hard decision.

do a lot of research on every single one and figure which one you would enjoy most as a career. for me, i originally thought acute care but i would like to get into oncology later in my career. my mom is a survivor of breast cancer so i decided the women's health specialty would be a great starting point, considering how treatment for breast cancer has advanced over the years.

i volunteer at a hospital too, and if you are able see if you can do an internship or shadowing if at all possible.

i shadowed an acute care np at a local hospital and was able to speak at length with a women's health np during a patient visit. both experiences gave great insight into the actual duties of the position and they were able to answer any questions i had.

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Thanks for the response! I have a lot of research to do!

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Just something else to consider. I am a sophomore still getting my undergrad so I still have two more years to go before I start trying to get into GEP programs. I was thinking of taking a CNA class this summer so I could work as a CNA next summer to get some experience ( I wouldn't be able to work while in school). But its costs about $700 to get certified and is a 2 month program. Do you think it is worth the time and money to do this? Would this give me an edge on my application? Or would volunteering at a hospital be sufficient? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

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Hello everyone!

Now that the deadline has approached, I couldn't be more nervous/excited. I do have a question, though. Did anyone else receive a "Missing Credentials" email this morning? I received one stating that I am missing my undergraduate transcripts even though I sent them well over a two weeks ago. I spoke with a lady today and she was unable to help because I have to wait till next week to call the College of Nursing. I was just wondering if anybody else ran into this problem? I'm nervous that they won't be submitted in time or something!

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Hello! I am not in the GEP program now, but I am a CNA and currently working as a CNA. I believe it will be very helpful, and if anything taking the course and working as a CNA will help you become extremely familiar with a job in healthcare. I know a lot of programs are long and expensive (I took mine at Moraine Valley Community College and it was 3 months and a tad more expensive). I'm not sure where you live, but I am on the southside of Chicago and there is a "ma and pop" type of joint across from Christ Hospital that is considerably less expensive and way shorter (so I hear from fellow CNAs). I'm sorry, but I'm not sure of the name, but I know it is on 95th street across from Christ.

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Hello! In response to Kubu22: I am not in the GEP program now, but I am a CNA and currently working as a CNA. I believe it will be very helpful, and if anything taking the course and working as a CNA will help you become extremely familiar with a job in healthcare. I know a lot of programs are long and expensive (I took mine at Moraine Valley Community College and it was 3 months and a tad more expensive). I'm not sure where you live, but I am on the southside of Chicago and there is a "ma and pop" type of joint across from Christ Hospital that is considerably less expensive and way shorter (so I hear from fellow CNAs). I'm sorry, but I'm not sure of the name, but I know it is on 95th street across from Christ.

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Wow! What a coincidence! I am from Orland Park and am planning to take the CNA course at Moraine! But I will definitely look into the place accross from Christ Hospital. That would be great if I could find something shorter and less expensive. Do you mind me asking where you work now as a CNA and do you think it would be possible to get a position as a CNA for the summers only? I know a nursing home is the most likely place that I can get a job. Thanks for your help and good luck with your admission into the GEP program!

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Its the day of the deadline! My final person submitted her LOR just a few minutes ago. But according to Julie Kim they give our recommenders up to a week after the deadline to submit the LOR.

Now we just wait

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My last LOR was submitted yesterday! Good luck everyone.Also, I did not receive a missing credentials email this morning so I guess I'm in the clear.

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