For all of us applying to UBC's BSN 2016 program, let's communicate, share and give encouragement to one another throughout the process.
I just submitted my general UBC application to get the ball rolling early, and it already gave me access to get started on my supplemental application. This is my second time applying, so I hope to do a better job on my app this year and at least get an interview. But I have also accepted that this may not be my fate and I have other options.
Incidentally, to others who also applied previously: I phoned to make sure all my transcripts were still on file, and they are not! UBC admissions discards everything from last year. So I have six transcripts to send in again (including high school). Expensive and time consuming, and also seems a little crazy in the age of computers that they didn't keep electronic copies. But, we do what we have to do... Good luck everyone!
I have a question for either anyone who has been in the program, gone to UBC or lived in Vancouver: I have a car that I would use to move to BC (if accepted, I am still waiting to hear on the reserve list, but I'm feeling hopeful ), and I would be keeping it for the first month or so to get situated, but I would consider selling it after that. I was wondering if anyone had any views on whether or not having a car would be helpful in this program, or if it is not necessary/recommended with the transit system and parking costs in Vancouver. I am not overly attached to the car, so I could sell it, but I was just wondering if anyone had any insights/opinions about this? Thanks
Having a car is super helpful, especially if you are not a morning person as most clinicals start at 7am! First semester having a car isn't as important, as you are mostly at UBC and getting there by transit is pretty easy especially if you live right in Vancouver. After that you'll likely be in clinical for 2-3 days a week and at UBC 2 days a week (sometimes even just once a week). There's a system in place now that allows students to have a say at which hospital they are placed at but you don't always get your preference. Most hospitals (in fact all if I remember correctly...was three years ago mind you) give nursing students staff parking rates for the day, which is usually around 5$/hr. For example it's helpful having a car if you in Van but get placed at Peace Arch. But that being said for a lot of places getting there by transit isn't bad :)
Hi upper cohort/ nursing grads! question for you guys:
how different did you find the clinical training at ubc vs. other programs (bcit?) I read here earlier that the added clinical experience as a student ESN is TBH *particularly* important for UBC students and also from other sources I've heard that the bcit program is a bit better in terms of clinical, so did you guys find it was hard to transition from ubc to real jobs because of the training at ubc?
sorry its just super annoying when I keep hearing from ppl around me to not go to ubc cuz 'its not as good of a program' ugh eyeroll
For anyone who's received loans & bursaries! I have something to ask you guys:
For the bursaries in nursing school, I remember one of the upper cohorts on this forum mentioned that they are generous with the bursaries. I was wondering in what context are they generous to us? Are they only applicable to students with more unmet needs or all nursing students in general? :)
I also want to know what is the scope when applying for jobs in Vancouver after graduating afresh from UBC. How does the Fraser Health help in hiring new graduate nurses?
I also want to know what is the scope when applying for jobs in Vancouver after graduating afresh from UBC. How does the Fraser Health help in hiring new graduate nurses?
Look into applying to the New Graduate Programs close to graduation, most health authorities offer them...it's a separate application package for new grads and they try and match you to an appropriate job. It can take a couple months to hear back though since everyone applies at once
Hi upper cohort/ nursing grads! question for you guys:
how different did you find the clinical training at ubc vs. other programs (bcit?) I read here earlier that the added clinical experience as a student ESN is TBH *particularly* important for UBC students and also from other sources I've heard that the bcit program is a bit better in terms of clinical, so did you guys find it was hard to transition from ubc to real jobs because of the training at ubc?
I would say that yes BCIT's program is probably a bit better in terms of clinical experience...for example you get two final preceptorships instead of one, the program is 3 years instead of 2 (and still an accelerated program), etc. I think the nature of the UBC program means it is fast-paced, and more focused on theory. That's not to say I didn't have great clinicals, most were great, but if gaining a solid foundation in clinical skills in order to feel graduation-ready is super important to you, I feel like the ESN program is very valuable. All in all I don't regret choosing UBC though :)
Thanks for the response. Well, i also want to know whether we have hand on experience while in the clinicals or all the classes will be simulator classes and mannequins every time?
Is any specific preference for the selection of the ESN by the hiring authorities , i mean if the student performs excellent academically?
And as you mentioned Sunship88, that bcit is better in clinical skill teaching , then are we vulnerable not to be employed easily.
Also what aspects make the UBC different from bcit. I am really excited to be part of the varsity.
There are some simulation labs in the program and lots of hands on practice time through the clinical rotations. Overall there is MUCH more clinical time than lab (simulation) time. On average we do 24h a week of clinical (in hospital/community health unit) per week. I can't compare the experience to BCIT because I know nothing about that program...but I certainly don't feel like we are lacking clinical experiences. We learn skills much earlier in the program do to its accelerated nature.
I don't know what the authorities look at specifically but I don't think its academics because you don't submit any grades to them. They seem to look mostly at health care experiences before starting nursing school and during school. UBC has some students working as ESNs in their first year of the UBC program, but do to the program lay out, most students don't work as ESNs until their second year (if at all). That being said, ESN and clinical experience have very little to do with getting hired after graduation. The majority of the cohort that just graduated from UBC found jobs within a month of graduation and I've never heard of a UBC grad really struggling to find work. We also have the 3rd highest school NCLEX pass rate in Canada (BCIT is not one of the top two) so UBC students do very well on the exam that allows you to practice as an RN, which is ultimately what employers are looking for.
), and I would be keeping it for the first month or so to get situated, but I would consider selling it after that. I was wondering if anyone had any views on whether or not having a car would be helpful in this program, or if it is not necessary/recommended with the transit system and parking costs in Vancouver. I am not overly attached to the car, so I could sell it, but I was just wondering if anyone had any insights/opinions about this? Thanks 
NERVOUS IN VAN
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maybe I forgot to mention the scrubs are free?