University of Washington SoN Fall 2013

abalone · Feb 18, 2013

It DOESN'T matter where you get your CNA license as long as the school is authorized by the state. https://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/adsaapps/Professional/nat/search.aspx

It can be expensive. I wouldn't bother now that you have already applied and taken the essay, unless you really want the training. After you finish your first quarter of UW nursing classes you actually qualify to take the State CNA test (without taking a CNA specific course) and you'll also qualify to apply for nurse tech positions.

abalone · Feb 18, 2013

I attended the info session in September and the speaker said that any student that already had a bachelors had to apply to the ABSN program - that they could not apply for the BSN program? My friend applied and got in to the ABSN for 2013. The deadline was in November I think. At the info session, she also said that they exhaust their wasp it list for the ABSN program every year so I suppose thAt could mean they'd still accept applications if there's room in the program.

I want to clear this up for any future applicants that read our posts: In 2012, students with previous bachelor degrees were allowed to apply to BOTH the BSN and ABSN program. I would be VERY surprised if this has changed. There is no rule that restricts bachelor degree holders from applying to the BSN program. (I have a BS and BA and applied to both the ABSN and BSN programs in 2012 and was admitted to both). There IS, of course, a rule that restricts ABSN applications to current bachelor degree holders. And, while it is very likely the ABSN wait list is exhausted yearly, I don't think they accept applications after the due date, even if there are available seats.

JLoya · Feb 18, 2013

I picked #3, way out of comfort zone, but now I'm not sure if that was a smart movement, but honestly none were in comfort zone, lol, I don't know anything about nursing! I just kept talking about learning new pain management techniques, and helping them cope with the life changing event, etc....ugh I hate waiting & not knowing!

I did this exact move. Two of the three scenarios that I had were ER related cases. I have worked in ERs for the last 12 or so years, including 4 years as an EMT/Firefighter. I specifically stated in my essay that I have vast ER experience and that I wanted to work with a situation that I was not familiar nor comfortable with. I made sure to validate the patients needs and addressed them the best I could, without talking about patient care. You will be just fine.

On another note, do not bother paying for a CNA course until you hear from the SoN. As abalone stated, after the first quarter of nursing school, you can bypass the process. If you dont get in and want it for the points elsewhere then go for it, but you will drop about $600 or so for a class for skills you will get in the first quarter of school, additionally you will have a broader and deeper sense of patient care needs and how to critically think about the deleterious effects of sick people and how it is so important for us to do something that is so neglected nowadays. You may think bed baths are for the PCT or NA, but WE are responsible for the assessment to make sure that OUR patient is not suffering skin breakdown, an iatrogenic effect that the hospital is then responsible for paying because of our neglect. There are so many layers; it's like Shrek (an onion)...

Enough of my soapbox

Just_keep_swimming · Feb 18, 2013

Great info & advice, thank you all so much, just afraid if I do get accepted, I'll go in there & just be in over my head & not know what to do, & get overwhelmed...I'm the type of person that likes to be prepped & ready :)

JLoya · Feb 18, 2013

Great info & advice, thank you all so much, just afraid if I do get accepted, I'll go in there & just be in over my head & not know what to do, & get overwhelmed...I'm the type of person that likes to be prepped & ready :)

After doing patient care in the ER for 12 years, there is NO way to prepare for this... It does not matter how much experience you have (unless you are already an RN going for your BSN), you need to start this education through a different lens. This is really an amazing program and makes you think, ALOT. You WILL probably lose hair, gain weight and get really sick by the second quarter... Sorry. The second quarter though really lightens up in comparison to the first quarter. They do NOT try and weed people out. I went through some very difficult times with some home issues and the staff was by my side and met with me WHENEVER I needed them. I was able to get through. We only lost one person and that's because she moved to Hawai'i after being accepted in the program there and she wanted to be with family there.

Point of this, DO NOT GO INTO THIS PROGRAM OVERLY CONFIDENT. I humbled myself very much and listened to everything these people with decades of experience are enjoying teaching us... Be a sponge in the proverbial nursing school bathtub and soak up everything...

JLoya · Feb 18, 2013

Great info & advice, thank you all so much, just afraid if I do get accepted, I'll go in there & just be in over my head & not know what to do, & get overwhelmed...I'm the type of person that likes to be prepped & ready

After doing patient care in the ER for 12 years, there is NO way to prepare for this... It does not matter how much experience you have (unless you are already an RN going for your BSN), you need to start this education through a different lens. This is really an amazing program and makes you think, ALOT. You WILL probably lose hair, gain weight and get really sick by the second quarter... Sorry. The second quarter though really lightens up in comparison to the first quarter. They do NOT try and weed people out. I went through some very difficult times with some home issues and the staff was by my side and met with me WHENEVER I needed them. I was able to get through. We only lost one person and that's because she moved to Hawai'i after being accepted in the program there and she wanted to be with family there.

Point of this, DO NOT GO INTO THIS PROGRAM OVERLY CONFIDENT. I humbled myself very much and listened to everything these people with decades of experience are enjoying teaching us... Be a sponge in the proverbial nursing school bathtub and soak up everything...

Just_keep_swimming · Feb 18, 2013

I'll wait and see what happens then. I'm glad they're understanding & try to help as much as possible, it makes it so much harder when you have instructors that don't help. I'm so excited but still stressing, I just don't feel that confident about my essay, but I can try again next year if I don't make it. Even if I do get in, I still have to be accepted into my AF program (which I won't hear back from until mid June). It would allow me to attend the school instead of doing my regular military work. I do have an option to go to school if that's the case, I just have to separate for 2 years, and then come back in, not what I want to do, but just gotta do one step at a time....April is so far away lol.

SaraFutureNurse? · Feb 18, 2013

It DOESN'T matter where you get your CNA license as long as the school is authorized by the state. https://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/adsaapps/Professional/nat/search.aspx
It can be expensive. I wouldn't bother now that you have already applied and taken the essay, unless you really want the training. After you finish your first quarter of UW nursing classes you actually qualify to take the State CNA test (without taking a CNA specific course) and you'll also qualify to apply for nurse tech positions.

Thank you for that information albalone! I had no idea. I took the CNA class at our local community college because it's a requirement to become licensed before applying to community college nursing programs. Unfortunately, the certificate that you receive after completing the program expires after one year - I haven't taken the exam yet because the requirements for BSN programs don't require the CNA license. My certificates of completion expire at the end of March, so I still have a little time, but I'd rather not pay the state a ridiculous amount of money to take the test if I won't end up needing it.....

Active-thinker · Feb 19, 2013

The waiting is agonizing, I have been dreaming about getting that letter in the mail this Spring. :cool:

Just_keep_swimming · Feb 20, 2013

Yeah it is! I really hope that they send them around the same time they did last year, (1 April), the extra two weeks doesn't sound like much, but two weeks less of torture & what ifs!

Just_keep_swimming · Feb 20, 2013

From the admissions blog: Posted: 19 Feb 2013 04:40 PM PST Applications for our BSN, MN, DNP, Phd and Graduate Certificate Programs have gone to SoN faculty for review.

Well it's starting, good luck to everyone!!

JLoya · Feb 21, 2013

The waiting is agonizing, I have been dreaming about getting that letter in the mail this Spring.

Unfortunately you will have many many nights like this. You will not get good sleep, if you are taking classes this quarter, you may just slack off or become very distracted and not do homework. I am taking a break before I start my second care plan for tomorrow. First one took about 3.5 hours. Here's to starting number 2 at 2305 and having to be up at 0445 to get ready and to the hospital for clinicals....

Oh the joys...