University of Oklahoma-Accelerated BSN Program

KT17 · Sep 18, 2009

Just to second the suggestion about confirming your CLEP scores...I had taken the English Comp exam in November 08, and they had not updated my scores as of March 09. Granted, I had not submitted an application prior to taking my test so they didn't have a profile to attach the scores to, but I found out when I contacted them in March that they still had not even graded the essay portion of the test. My scores updated right before the committee met, but only because I made sure they were on the lookout for the grade report from the main campus.

enb611 · Sep 18, 2009

Well, I guess there is not much that I can do about my CLEP scores. They will either get there in time or not. I have a feeling that they would have to place me as an alternate anyway because my Microbiology class will still be in progress. I won't complete it until Dec 13th. They did warn me ahead of time that I may have to reapply for the summer term. All I can do is keep my fingers crossed.

Merced0301 · Sep 21, 2009

I have a question for the SD location, are there any nearby apartments to look into, I'm thinking about reapplying for summer because I heard it's best to start your first semester in the summer... but I wanted a head start looking at nearby housing cause I also applied for Spring.... also what's the range for rent and do you get to meet classmates before you start just incase you want to room with them? thanks

brynne81 · Sep 21, 2009

Hello everyone...I am interested in applying for this program but still have a few prereq's to finish (Anat and Phy I & II and Microbiology). I saw that a few of you completed them through cconline, but was wondering how difficult that was. Did you have to purchase a microscope, was it expensive in the long run? I'm looking into taking them either at University of Phoenix or cconline...unless there is something better of course. I'm living in Oceanside, so anything on campus nearby would work too...I would really prefer something fast paced however. Oh, and did you guys have to take Organic Chem or just Chem 100?

Thank you

Pismo71 · Sep 22, 2009

As a long time lurker, I wanted to introduce myself to members here. I'm looking to change careers after being laid off 2 years ago. I am really interested in pursuing nursing as a second career. I see that the A-BSN program is mostly computer instructional with labs/clinicals in hospital setting. Is University of Oklahoma accepting online pre-requisites from Rio Salado in Arizona? I have seen alot of CCConline, but Rio Salado seems alot more affordable. Are lectures done through power point and study materials through the internet using ebooks?

Thank you for any feedback, I look forward to starting sometime in summer of 2010.

Richard

Rolliepolee · Sep 25, 2009

Hi Merced0301, I also applied for Spring 2010. Where are you relocating from?

If you are looking to move into the San Diego area, having a roommate is the best option. San Diego is not that big, so you'll have plenty of options on places to live...dependent on your budget, how much you're willing to drive & how picky you are. Just keep in mind that Sharp hospitals are also dispersed around San Diego. I used to live about 5 minutes from the new campus & down the street from one of the hospitals & paid a little more than $800 for a studio.

Rolliepolee · Sep 25, 2009

Brynne81, I took Organic Chem and Chem 100 but was told that Chem 100 with lab from SDCCD was sufficient.

Rolliepolee · Sep 25, 2009

So, I've submitted my application for Spring of 2010 and am crossing my fingers! I was told that decisions will probably be made during the first week of November!

I was hoping someone who is currently enrolled could answer a couple of questions for me about the program.

1. Have you been able to swap clinical dates if you happen to have something important coming up (i.e. a wedding to attend)?

2. I was also wondering what your winter schedule looks like? Do you have time off for Christmas, or is there no break whatsoever until graduation?

Much thanks!!!

amarra · Sep 26, 2009

I graduated this program in the 2nd cohort...less than 40 of us! Unfortunately maybe about only 50-60% or so of us have jobs. Over 600 applicants applied for only 40 new jobs. At my new grad orientation, there were only 6 of us from my graduating class. My advice if you're applying to the Sharp New Grad program is to REALLY think about how you fill out the Supplemental form they include in the packet. They ask you to rate your 1st and 2nd place areas in which you want to work. I'm sure the recruiters came on campus to talk to all of you, and since the job market pretty much sucks right now, they will only send your applications to your first/second choice hospitals and areas you want to work.
All of my classmates who chose L&D, Postpartum, or anything baby-related have not received any phone calls or interviews. A couple of my classmates have not even taken the NCLEX yet because of transcript problems with OU. One of my classmates was lucky enough to get an interview in a hospital that was not one of her primary choices and my manager brought up the fact to her of why our hospital wasn't one of her first choices. In this competitive market, they want to make sure you will stay at their hospital and not move to another hospital after 1 year of experience. They have a very extensive new grad program at Sharp. Our hospital orientation consisted of 2 weeks of classroom time, 2 days of EKG classes, and various tests and competencies. They said it cost about $50,000 to train a new grad (classroom time, nurse educator time, they pay us new grads to be there, preceptor costs, etc...), so of course they won't want to waste money on a new grad who is planning on leaving them.
At my orientation, they did hire ADN's, but I did notice a lot more BSNs on the name badges. It all depends on your experience and honestly if the interviewers click with you and like your personality. I also think they look at your previous degrees since we have previous Bachelors. (4 out of the 6 of us who got hired got our first Bachelor's from UCSD). The best advice I got was from Alison, our Peds clinical instructor. Her advice was to be CONFIDENT in your interview and walk in there like you KNOW you'll get the job! I did 3 interviews with my 1st/2nd choice hospitals, and got all 3 offers. One hospital found out the manager from the other Sharp had interviewed me, and called immediately for me to accept their offer before I accepted the one closer to my house. Another word of advice...I studied for a day or two researching the hospitals and what they are known for...Magnet designation, Malcolm Baldridge, etc. Also, study scenarios!!! They WILL ask scenario questions during your interview and in your answers, include the fact that you will be a new nurse and will not be afraid to ask for help from the rest of the staff.
After the NCLEX, it does get a little bit easier, but it's not over just yet. Just when you think testing and studying is FINALLY over, they make you take more tests at the hospital that you HAVE to pass, such as EKG (if you plan on being on Telemetry or ICU).
Congrats to all the new OU graduates and good luck to those still in the program. I see a few OU students on the floor now and I totally know what you all are going through. Ours is an accelerated program, so there is so much more information we need to pack into our brains. It is so worth it though, and it will feel so great for all of you to look up your name on the DCA website and see your name with an "RN" attached to it!
I have 14 more shifts to go until I'm on my own, so maybe you'll have me as one of your preceptors one of these days! :wink2: GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU!!!

Hello there,

I am completing my preceptor hours in the MICU at Grossmont and absolutely love it. I will be applying for Sharps new grad program as well. I was curious as to the "scenarios" you mention. I know we have a lot in different case studies and such, but is there a book or website you might recommend to help in that preparation? I would certainly appreciate it. I also had Allison, she was amazing!!

Merced0301 · Sep 28, 2009

Hi RolliePollee, I'm not too picky when it comes to roommates but it would be nice to have someone who's also in the program =) ummmm $800 seems a little much especially since they suggest that we dont work. I'm coming from up north so I was wondering if there's an easier way to look at apartments other than driving down to the area. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.... Thanks =)

marionnette · Sep 29, 2009

As a long time lurker, I wanted to introduce myself to members here. I'm looking to change careers after being laid off 2 years ago. I am really interested in pursuing nursing as a second career. I see that the A-BSN program is mostly computer instructional with labs/clinicals in hospital setting. Is University of Oklahoma accepting online pre-requisites from Rio Salado in Arizona? I have seen alot of CCConline, but Rio Salado seems alot more affordable. Are lectures done through power point and study materials through the internet using ebooks?
Thank you for any feedback, I look forward to starting sometime in summer of 2010.
Richard

Hi Richard: I am pretty sure that they take pre-requisites from Rio, but specifically which ones I am not sure. The best thing to do is to call the 800 number and get connected with one of the advisors. I got an e-mail response back with a spreadsheet that broke down which prerequisites they accept from online institutions and approximately how much they cost. I thought it was great because I didn't have to do my own research!

As for myself, I ended up taking my last two prerequisites at West Hills which was $20 per unit. I would say that the core sciences are harder online so good luck!

Miztee222 · Sep 30, 2009

Hi Richard: I am pretty sure that they take pre-requisites from Rio, but specifically which ones I am not sure. The best thing to do is to call the 800 number and get connected with one of the advisors. I got an e-mail response back with a spreadsheet that broke down which prerequisites they accept from online institutions and approximately how much they cost. I thought it was great because I didn't have to do my own research!
As for myself, I ended up taking my last two prerequisites at West Hills which was $20 per unit. I would say that the core sciences are harder online so good luck!

Hi Marionnette, I have 2 pre-reqs to complete before applying. I really want to get them out the so I can start this thing. :) Here's my question: can you share the spread sheet of the online instituions that they accept pre-reqs from? I attended an info session and I have an advisory appointment with them on the 5th. However, the wait is killing me, I want to start making my plan now. :) I'd greatly appreciate your help. Thanks.