University of Washington Accelerated BSN program Summer 2014

macrina · Feb 2, 2014

Newmy, I am a current ABSN and yes, you do get to use the IMA and libraries across the whole campus.

macrina · Feb 2, 2014

Also, I was very attracted by the direct-entry programs as well, but ultimately decided that devoting 3 years at this point in my life wasn't worth it. I know several of my colleagues also "did the math" and found it a bigger benefit to be practicing sooner. While I do think going through a direct-entry program would probably ultimately give you plenty of clinical experience, I know that the thinking for many of my cohort who plan to go on for their NP is that they would be better-rounded nurses by practicing at the BSN level for a few years before going on. Another consideration many have mentioned is that they didn't feel sure enough to declare a specialization for the direct-entry programs and really appreciate the flexibility they will have as BSNs to try out some different fields before committing the time and money to NP specialization. Hope that is helpful to thinking through your options!

newmy123 · Feb 3, 2014

macrina thank you so much, I hope you know how much it means to me that you took the time to explain everything. Part of me thinks it would be crazy not to go to UW-it is the top program. Another part of me knows that I want to pursue a NP as soon as possible, so therefore it is a "risk" to go to UW in that I would have to apply for the DNP while I'm in the ABSN program. Do you know of students in your cohort who have done this?

macrina · Feb 6, 2014

Newmy123, yes, UW SON pushes their DNP program a lot - we are always hearing about it, invited to sessions to learn more about it, especially the first couple of quarters. There is a lot of support available if you want to apply while still finishing your ABSN. I know quite a few of my colleagues have considered applying but I've heard more people talk about working for awhile first. From what I understand, it is competitive to get into UW DNP and you won't necessarily have an advantage by being in the ABSN program. They told us that at orientation. But at the same time, you have access to the people and if you make yourself known as a candidate I think they would offer you lots of support and help to tailor your undergrad experience the best way possible. I don't know for sure, but I would guess probably a half dozen of my cohort has applied for direct DNP.

Jposadas · Feb 8, 2014

Hey All!

I got accepted as well and I'm definitely going to UW! It's nice to see that there's a group started and can't wait to meet all of you!

newmy123 · Feb 8, 2014

Thanks macrina. When you say half of your cohort has applied for direct DNP, what do you mean? Do you mean without taking a break in between the ABSN and the DNP? Were they successful? Does UW say that they want you to get experience before applying to the DNP? It's frustrating because I know the speciality I want to go in to, and I've been accepted to lots of direct entry programs (deciding between UW, Penn, and Columbia (Penn and Columbia are direct entry), so I'd be decking their offers for UW ABSN, which is fine, but I want to know that I at least have a chance of getting in to the DNP potentially with no gap in between. I'm so torn! But i'm definitely leaning towards UW and my deposit is in.

macrina · Feb 9, 2014

newmy, I had said maybe half a dozen out of our 47 might have applied to go straight on, not half my cohort (big difference!). That was just my guess. I just posted your questions on our FB page and will let you know later if I get any more accurate info. But those who may have applied will not have heard yet whether or not they got accepted. I think January was the deadline. Most everyone values working first, and I do believe that in one of our addresses by the grad recruiters they also said that is something they are looking for. Like the ABSN, they really don't want people dropping out, and giving them a proven track record goes a long way towards that end. If you have lots of clinical experience before your RN it may provide the same assurety to them. I highly suggest calling the School of Nursing and asking for Carolyn Chow. She is a real go-getter always bringing up grad school to us and would be the best source for getting direct information. Do the other programs land you with a doctorate degree, or an MSN? That is one thing I would be careful of. The licensing field is changing fast and UW is phasing out their master's-level NP programs altogether (if I understand it right) and are going to only doctoral-level Nurse Practitioners because that is going to be the requirement for NPs coming shortly on a larger scale. So I would think twice about getting a Master's degree NP and make sure you do good research on the topic so you don't end up with a degree that isn't worth as much as you thought it would be. I am NOT an expert or even knowledgeable about this stuff, so you need to check into it yourself, but am sharing what I have heard being in the program currently. Ask Carolyn directly about the likelihood of going straight through given your clinical background. She will be honest with you and if you decide to go for it she seems like someone who would be great to have in your court.

macrina · Feb 10, 2014

FWIW, I have just heard from about 10 of my colleagues that about 60-70% of them plan to go on to doctoral level work eventually, but they want the financial and experiential advantages of working a few years before applying. One of them also mentioned that she thinks UW wants to see clinical RN experience usually before taking people into the DNP. I'll let you know if I get different answers. I'm not sure if we even have 6 that have applied directly (to go straight thru w/out stopping).

newmy123 · Feb 10, 2014

Hi macrina! I cannot tell you how helpful your input is. I am having a difficult time sleeping making a decision, and you've really helped clarify a lot. I actually spoke with Carolyn Chow last week about it, and while she was able to offer some insights, she said that it really depends on the speciality I'm applying for. Ultimately I have to make a decision. I've submitted the deposit at UW and am leaning towards there, but last week I heard that I got into U Penn, Columbia, and Emory (all direct entry NP programs). While UW has been a dream of mine (I'm from Seattle), I can't help but think that I would be giving up a guaranteed NP path at these other schools, and taking a "risk" at UW. I think it's worth the risk, but I also see the other side, which is, why apply again when you are guaranteed admission? Also, I completely agree with you about the DNP degree-it's definitely the degree of the future and while I would probably be grandfathered in as a BSN/MSN student (just before the 2015 mandate), I do like the DNP degree and the breadth of it much more than the MSN.

macrina · Feb 14, 2014

Yes, these decisions are tough, and it does come down to you weighing all these things for yourself. In a way, you can consider that there is no "wrong" decision - you've got a number of outstanding options and the only advice I can give is to go into whichever one you choose with commitment and the attitude that you are going to get a great education out of it, without falling into the temptation of thinking you should have done something else when you find the warts of whatever program you choose. Good luck and godspeed in your decision-making!

ericseitz · Feb 15, 2014

Im a first year BSN student and there are a couple people that commute from JBLM and Olympia every day. Their life is much more hellish because of it.

tyang · Feb 18, 2014

@macrina

Besides shots, CPR certification, reviewing A&P and getting CNA exposure, is there anything else we can do to better prepare ourselves?

Do current students, like yourself, sell their texts? Would we be able to use them this year?

Any recommendations when purchasing our equipment: stethoscope, scrubs, shoes?