UW Oshkosh Acclerated Online October Cohort Applicants?

[jilajila]

Anyone out there applying to the UW Oshkosh Online Accelerated program? I applied and am excited to hear if I got in! I'm worried about the expense and intensity, but at 40 years old I don't want to waste any time getting to that BSN, which is my ultimate goal. I live in Wisconsin but 3 hours from Oshkosh so it won't be a quick commute for the on-campus weeks.

Just hoping to connect with other applicants while we cross our fingers and wait!

[ejcl68]

For those in the program already or who graduated, how helpful was the CNA experience?? As I mentioned, I recently got my CNA through the Red Cross and loved it. Just wondering what helped the most from your CNA jobs. I know the programs in Michigan - none are are asking for CNA experience. Most won't even consider this experience which to me is silly. Thanks!!!

[Sniffum35]

I think the CNA experience has been very helpful both in our first clinical and in the theory courses. I also think that from what I have heard that it plays a large role in being accepted. Its not the only thing, but I have a friend who applied with a 4.0 gpa but no CNA experience that got denied.

[ejcl68]

Thanks Sniffum, I just applied to some CNA jobs but haven't heard back yet. So I don't think I will have any experience when they begin reviewing my app - other than my volunteering at a local hospital the past year. I expect to be working soon and I will write them a letter. I just won't have a lot during the review process. Hopefully they will consider what I will have completed by October. Thanks again.

[tkzv]

Glad to have found this thread. I am working to complete my prereq and apply for the May 2011 cohort. I will be starting my CNA clinicals next week and hope to have my certificate shortly afterwards. Do you think there is a preference (application strength) between working at a hospital or a nursing home. As many have said before, the hospital jobs are slim and can now require experience. Thank you for the input.

Kimberly

[Sniffum35]

Hi tkzv, I don't think there is a preference either way as our cohort had some of both. Actually I'd say more had nursing home experience but thats probably just because there are more nursing home jobs to be had.

[ejcl68]

I agree, I don't think it matters. I would say based on me working in a hospital for a year as a volunteer and being at a nursing home for clinical, I would go for a nursing home. I see a lot of standing around with the NA's at the hospital whereas the nursing home keeps you busy - I feel you would learn more there. Just my opinion.

[hollagurl09]

I don't think they really care where you have experience as a CNA. They just want to see that you've had patient care interaction and know a little bit about the role of a nurse.