University of Washington's BSN program 2014

[Just_keep_swimming]

Good morning!

So I'm going to try this whole process over again, as a repeat offender...I mean applicant for UW's BSN program 2014. I applied last year, made it through the proctored essay portion but was not accepted. After nursing (haha) my wounds w/ large amounts of ice cream, chocolate & such, I've recently found my mojo to try again. Anyone else re-applying or 1st time applying for 2014? I know it's extremely early in the game, but those deadlines come up faster than you think! I've saved all the tips applicants that have applied more than once and hope that 2nd time is the charm.

Anyone else out there getting ready for it? We got this

[Just_keep_swimming]

That makes me feel so much better!! Thank you for your help & tips, I will try not to bother you with questions too much?

[Just_keep_swimming]

So I've been volunteering at St. Claire for about a week but I'm not allowed to really have patient interaction/care other than shadowing CNAs, getting the patient water, answer call lights (but NOT allowed to transfer, ambulate, assist to bathroom, or anything else. Basically only allowed to wheel out in their wheel chair to the car and that's it. Yesterday I labeled stupid folders & put supply's away. I don't feel this is the clinical experience they're wanting. Should I try to go somewhere else? Time is running out & just stressing out :/

[anichka]

I am not sure I am following... I looked at some of your previous posts re. being in acute care or ED (both would be great, I think). Is St Claire's a hospital or SNF? What is going on with your CNA status? Did you apply to be on the NAR?

I would definitely try to get more experience if you think your role at St Claire's won't grow. There's still time, though, and since you just startetd, maybe you could make sure whoever you work with knows you want more hands-on.

If you're able to get on the NAR quickly (it took 13 days for me), you might be able to start working somewhere else where you will have CNA responsibilities.

[Just_keep_swimming]

What I thought I would be doing working in these settings ortho or ED was pt care as a CNA or NAR, but it's more like you answer the call light & if they need anything besides water, I have to get the employee CNA. Doesn't matter that I've taken the course (status is taking state exam 29 Nov) bc I'm not an employee, I am a liability so that's why not allowed to have hands on experience. I'm def going to look at still trying to volunteer at Madigan but I hope it's not the same situation. Just not sure what else to do, other than shadowing the RNs? Then I feel if be a hindrance & get in their way, then who would want to write a recommendation letter after that? :/

[anichka]

If you can find a good person to shadow, I doubt you'll be a hindrance. Besides Madigan, is there a magnet hospital close by to you? If you can find a place where students regularly shadow nurses, you will probably have a good experience. It is worth a try, in any case!

[Just_keep_swimming]

The hospital I'm volunteering at now does have student nurses there, from clover park, completing clinicals now. Maybe I could talk to the charge nurse? Going to follow up on Madigan too just in case. How would I tell if it's a magnet hospital? What does that mean?

[anichka]

Magnet hospitals are hospitals recognized for nursing excellence; they tend to be very supportive of a learning environment. I looked it up and there are only three in WA, one in my town (St Pete's) and two in Seattle. More info is here: ANCC Magnet Recognition Program^® but I don't think it will help you much unless you are able to drive to Seattle or Olympia to volunteer.

Maybe try to get a job at a SNF? I know it's not preferred vs. hospital experience, but you will at least to be able to get some hands-on experience before the end of the year.

[Just_keep_swimming]

I went and talked to Madigan today & they're going to allow me to work with them, shadow during surgeries, shadow in the ED, and other awesome opportunities. I'm taking leave in order to get enough hours before 31 dec but it's cutting it close, but so excited! It's a step in the right direction ?

[anichka]

So cool! Let me know how it goes. I did an ED rotation last week for my EMT class and it was pretty interesting.

[Just_keep_swimming]

Less than a month to go, starting my application & getting nervous! ?

[KristenJ]

Hi Jessica. Was wondering what we need to send electronically compared to hard copy in the application?

[brooke.phaganLPN]

Does anyone have advice for the personal statement?