What do I do now? I am so crushed!!

slsmithe · Sep 20, 2008

I'm not really sure what you are asking. Are you talking about a letter about your volunteer work?

I really think that the best thing you can do is call the Nursing Department, ask them who specifically you should talk to regarding requirements, and set up an appointment to go see them. This is where you will get all your questions answered. Be proactive and get to know the people who will be looking at your application.

carol72 · Sep 21, 2008

Since you asked, I shall give my opinion.

If your heart is set on this particular program I would do the following.

I would run, and I do mean run to enroll in the fastest CNA class I could get into and quickly get a CNA job - even if it were part time, not what you want, ect.

Best wishes.

kontayjus · Sep 22, 2008

To the original poster, I feel your pain! I just found out about this last night. I also hope that most appliers won't have work experience. Oh well, this is just more motivation to get better grades.

Also, you mentioned that you don't think you'll get into San Marcos because of the residential points. If you go to their website and click on information of the Generic/BSN program link, click on the "counselor info" link, and it's a word document that pretty much analyzing those who applied for Fall 2007. I've been waiting to see if they would update it to Fall 2008 statistics, but they haven't yet (if they ever will). The lowest point score of an admitted student was 44 i think, which is pretty low considering the percentage that counts from your grades, especiallly the pre-reqs. So if you have really good grades and get a decent % on the TEAS and have taken Spanish classes, I believe you have a big chance of getting into San Marcos. Don't give up hope!! :up: :up: :up:

ehooper80 · Sep 25, 2008

I know I'm pretty far away (Kentucky), but nursing schools here require all applicants to have a CNA certification. They don't have to work as a CNA, but they have to pass the class and keep the certification up throughout school (clinicals count for hours). The schools around here have enacted that withing the past 5 or so years... maybe that's a route they are all taking?

CareBearnurse · Sep 25, 2008

CNA experience is becoming more of a requirement for many RN programs, and will continue to be so even more. It's great experience for RN students to have, and cuts down on teacing some of the basics you need to know, plus gets you used to being up close and personal in patients' spaces. All very valuable for a beginning RN student. Some people end up deciding that nursing is not for them after being a CNA. I have heard some students say they want to be an RN because they don't want to have to actually touch patients doing personal care. That is NOT what nursing, on any level, is about.

FireHorseNinja · Sep 25, 2008

Hi--

I'm also on target to be in a program fall 09, and I feel your PAIN! I'm hoping my number will come up to get in for Palomar, but I have done all the extra work to apply for Cal State San Marcos in about a week.

Have you ever heard of a local program called CCE? That is clinical care extender program? It's through COPE health solutions. It is volunteer, but not your typical 'volunteer' program. I would contact your nursing adviser ASAP and see if they are familiar with it and if it would count as work experience. Most campuses and premed clubs have a link to it.

I recently became involved with it myself. You go through and intensive training program and know I am pretty much doing everything a CNA does, except chart. If you're assertive you will get to have hands on experience doing and watching many procedure's. I get my hands (gloves) dirty every shift! The RN's are teaching me and showing me how to do many procedures. I can shadow anyone (RN, MD, PT/OT, etc) that will allow me access. I clean poop, feed, take vitals, transport, move patients bed to gurney or wheelchair, bag bodies :cry: , am a vital link in communication with staff and patients/families etc.... Anyway it's a min of 4 hours a week, but you can do double duty if possible. At 4-hours a week, that is 240 a year. So if you double up you can get the hours faster. The program will give you a letter of recommendation and certificate of completion after 240 hours. I know that COPE's CCE program will start a new class and training to begin in Nov. You have to go through an application/interview process, then if accepted you will have a 3 day, 30 hour training. You must have all shots and CPR for health-care providers... all the basics. The clinical sites are Palomar medical center in Escondido and Pomerado in Rancho Bernardo.

Hang in there!! I've been waiting for 3 full semesters at Palomar college, done with everything. I'm done this semester with the additional criteria to go to Cal State. It's a drag to have to wait, but I'm now grateful for this opportunity to get some hands on clinical experience under my belt-- I've never worked in a hospital either. Now I know that this is what I want to do, FOR SURE.

You will achieve your goal too. Just don't give up, no matter how discouraging it is at times.

:wink2:

BigBadInstructor · Sep 25, 2008

I graduated from SDSU in 1972, after transferring from UCLA because I was following a man, of course it was the 60's. But I just walked into the school of nursing, got in, got my education, and have continued to be a nurse since. After reading what BrightStar and you other new student nurses are going through to get into schools of nursing, I am amazed and overwhelmed with your tenacity, drive, passion, and love of nursing so much that you are willing to wait several years on a waiting list, at several schools, be a CNA, do volunteer work, speak a second language, and so on and so on. You have a drive to be a nurse that was not in my class. You will be a better student and nurse because of this. So don't think what you are doing is in vain, it isn't. When you start working as a nurse, and the other older, more experienced nurses give you a hard time because you are new, just remember what you went through to get here, and you will be fine. I applaud you all. :yeah: Good luck BrightStar!!

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Sep 25, 2008

I am preparing to apply to SDSU nursing program for Fall 2009 and I just found out today that they changed the admission requirements again. They decided to give 10-15 points to people who have a work experience like CNA, and medical assistant. I have none of those which means that I automatically lose 15 points. I have volunteer hours but that won't help much :( I can't believe it. I have been preparing this for years
What should I do now? Help please.

I for one have to agree that extra points should be given for people with previoius experience in the medical field. However, I think that 15 extra points is a bit too drastic. Having experience in the medical field gives the person an inside on what to expect. You can be successful w/o having experience, but the ones who do have experience find it much easier than those w/o. But again, 15 extra points is too much. I'd say at the most 5 points, not 15 because then that leaves out a lot of people.

MlouRN · Sep 26, 2008

I am a '89 graduate of SDSU and I love that school. I can't believe it has gotten that hard to get into. However, I am now a Nurse Manager and I can tell you that the applicants that have had CNA experience are at the top of our list to hire, the experience is invaluable. I agree with the poster, I would run out and get the CNA certification, there are programs that have short courses. Then work what ever hours you can. We have a few students who just work every other weekend for us, but it is experience and it helps.

Good Luck to you!

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Sep 26, 2008

I have to agree with the Nurse Manager (previous post), having your CNA does help and if I were you I would get it. I have my CNA right now and having the background does help. I know about a lot of stuff because of being a CNA. It's a hard job, and it's low man on the todum pole, but eventually I'll be up there after I'm finished with nursing school. Good Luck!

dorianna · Sep 26, 2008

I am so sorry if I seem to be blunt--but well, I am! Anyone who chooses to go to nursing school without experience as a CNA is a fool. What CNAs do now is what nurses used to do and are still required to do in some settings. How in the world can you decide you want to be a nurse without experiencing what CNAs do? These skills are required! They are the basis for all nursing. I have known nursing students who have made it all the way to clinicals and then quit. The reason: They did not know what nursing truly is about. They couldn't handle the realities: BMs, emesis, death. You won't always have a peon available to take care of these basic, routine issues.

I suppose this is just my opinion but I am truly flabbergasted that you don't understand the importance of this experience.

D

Debbie G · Sep 26, 2008

Stop watching the admission requirements change, and just get started! Even once in a program, the graduation requirements may change, and it may take you longer or shorter than planned. Select a program you can afford and will be able to stick with!

Good Luck!