Application due date is February 1. Anyone else working on this?
I just attended the info session on Tuesday the 11th (right before the big snow storm!), which was somewhat helpful, though the speaker seemed to be trying to discourage some people from applying. I think she just wanted to emphasize that they don't even look at applications if you haven't got all your prereqs completed, and that you'll be so busy you can't even think about having a job at the same time... She put a big emphasis on seeking 'diversity' in their student cohort, and I think it made a bunch of people wonder just what she meant by that.
One thing I've been wondering about is including a resume or CV with the application. They don't list one as needed or even optional, so I was wondering if including one could in any way hurt or help my application.
I hope someone else out there is going through the same thing and would be willing to post about their experiences.
Hey, wow, that's really cool. I heard their CCER space was really new and awesome; can't wait to see it myself. I think they start us out learning basic skills there over the summer, before we start going to actual clinical sites starting in the fall.
Ken, I think you're right that there'll be plenty to do before classes actually start. Like, I think we will need some kind of CPR or BLS training/certification. And uniforms/equipment -- I think I'll buy the uniforms through the people doing the fitting (since they know what they're supposed to embroider and all), but I'm gonna look elsewhere for my stethoscope, nursey shoes, watch, etc., because I think I may be able to find better prices. I wonder what 'clinical clearance' involves... For some reason, it sounds almost ominous to me!
Anyway, I'm excited to be starting this all! Let's keep in touch; if not here, hopefully someone knows of an online space that will work. Sorry if I'm little miss eager beaver over here. I'm just excited!
I received my acceptance letter on Friday of last week. I'm now working to transition from full-time worker to full-time student. So many steps!
rloh961 - According to the nursing handbook, clinical clearance involves making sure you are immunized, CPR certified and have health insurance. I've included a link to the handbook: http://bit.ly/i8W3Yt
What I would like to know is if the tuition payment due dates for summer session classes apply to this program. Does anyone still have their information packets from the Accelerated BSN info session? I went to a session two years ago and my information is probably outdated.
I think that I have made a final decision to attend UMass accelerated versus Simmons... I am very excited to be a part of the top 40 people!
Is anyone that got accepted looking for housing? I am going to look at the Harbor Point Apartments right near campus... they have deals for students (age appropriate). I'm 24 (25 in June). If anyone who was accepted is looking for a roommate and is interested please contact me!
Miss Mimi, thanks for the link to the student handbook. Clinical clearance isn't nearly as scary as it sounds. I don't know when the summer tuition payment is due. I can't seem to find my info session folder, but I don't remember that that information was included in there anyway.
TLissell, that's exciting that you've made your decision. I'm sure it's a relief just to have decided. Good luck with the housing. If you do end up in Harber Point Apts, you'll have a nice, quick commute to school!
Would anyone be interested in using a Facebook Group for our cohort? I think it would be better than this. I'll set one up and make it public if there is any interest.
thanks for creating the group on Facebook, i just requested to join
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a nurse friend of mine had some advice to share -
about Stethoscopes (McGills list):
Any of these stethoscopes are fine. I have the Littman Master Cardiology Stethoscope and LOVE it. You can get it at stethoscopes.com - they will engrave it for you, too. If you want to stick to the offered list then I would say IIE or III. Make sure to get it engraved and label it. Getting an unpopular color to make it stand out among the crowd may be good as well. Most any stethoscope will easily last five or more years (I think I got mine in the late 90's) if you take care of them, but nothing walks like a stethoscope! You may not want to put a lot of money into it if replacing it if/when it gets stolen is going to be a hardship.
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Don't forget to take care of yourself so that you can take care of others. This is a marathon not a sprint....
Some of this student thing will stink.... like the first time you make a mistake and realize that it could have had a very bad outcome (I vomited the first time), the first hundred times that you have to inflict pain on someone (shots, IV's, rolling someone over who hurts), helping people deal with their mortality, helping families deal with death and dying, assisting with decision making, and having to prioritize when everything seems equally important.
You will become an intimate part of peoples lives, and yet you will not usually be remembered by name or often not even thanked at all. If you are in it for the glory or for recognition - get out now! What nurses do is extraordinary, but it is expected of us. We have to pat each other on the backs and keep each other motivated and grounded, something we are notoriously bad at doing. You will end your days physically and emotionally exhausted, but you will never go to bed feeling like your day was wasted!
They removed the link to the facebook group, links aren't allowed here. If you go to Facebook and search for "ABSN UMass Boston 2011", you'll find the group.
Thanks, Kenster, for the great and informative post. I did get my stethoscope after doing some research... Did you know Allnurses has a section specifically for discussing 'scopes? It's under the Nurses tab, somewhere down near the bottom. Great for getting info. I chose a Littmann Classic II SE because I couldn't afford a really great one (Littman Cardios), but the Classic is a nice solid workhorse, a little higher-end for the nursing student, but a good mid-pack 'scope for when I'm a real, working nurse.
People have complained about stethoscopes.com... Instead, I highly recommend medisave.net. I found a color not listed under McGill's, and they do free engraving. I chose the cheapest delivery option (FedEx home delivery), ordered it Thursday morning, and got it FRIDAY morning. Yes, around 24 hours turn-around time, and it's engraved with my name! Very cool. (They shipped from Connecticut, which is why it was so fast; I did have to be home to sign for it, though.) The cost was lower, but including shipping, it was the same as McGill's.
You will become an intimate part of peoples lives, and yet you will not usually be remembered by name or often not even thanked at all. If you are in it for the glory or for recognition - get out now! What nurses do is extraordinary, but it is expected of us. We have to pat each other on the backs and keep each other motivated and grounded, something we are notoriously bad at doing. You will end your days physically and emotionally exhausted, but you will never go to bed feeling like your day was wasted!
Your nurse friend was really great to write all this out, and thanks for sharing it. I can think of a couple nurses who touched my life very deeply; I don't remember their names, and I'm sure I never thanked them adequately enough. Here's hoping I get the chance to pay it forward one day. :)
rloh961
45 Posts
Hey, wow, that's really cool. I heard their CCER space was really new and awesome; can't wait to see it myself. I think they start us out learning basic skills there over the summer, before we start going to actual clinical sites starting in the fall.
Ken, I think you're right that there'll be plenty to do before classes actually start. Like, I think we will need some kind of CPR or BLS training/certification. And uniforms/equipment -- I think I'll buy the uniforms through the people doing the fitting (since they know what they're supposed to embroider and all), but I'm gonna look elsewhere for my stethoscope, nursey shoes, watch, etc., because I think I may be able to find better prices. I wonder what 'clinical clearance' involves... For some reason, it sounds almost ominous to me!
Anyway, I'm excited to be starting this all! Let's keep in touch; if not here, hopefully someone knows of an online space that will work. Sorry if I'm little miss eager beaver over here. I'm just excited!