What's your take on the ABSN programs at ISU (Mennonite) and IU (NW-Gary)??

[Futurepsych_nurse]

Hi guys,

I am in the process of applying to a couple of ABSN programs in the midwest, specifically Indiana University Northwest and Illinois State (Mennonite). Is there anyone who has experience or insider information on either? Specifically, I'd like to know what the admission committees are looking for beyond what's listed on their websites (if anything), what your background is (gpa, undergrad major,etc.), what your nursing interests are (if you're comfortable sharing), and what the programs are like (are the professors friendly and outgoing? Are your peers stressed out and rude?) I wanna know everything!

My background:

-Currently finishing up my Master of Social Work degree, most likely with a 4.0.

-Majored in social work (minored in psych) in undergrad with a 3.2 cumulative gpa and a 3.8 major gpa.

-I have not started my nursing pre reqs (I have about three to complete for IU and four for ISU).

-I am interested in fusing my background of clinical social work (mental health) with psych nursing because it will undoubtedly allow me to use a more holistic approach with patients.

-I have experience working with individuals with substance use disorders (specifically pregnant women in medication assisted treatment programs), women with PTSD (survivors of domestic violence), and youth with various diagnosable disorders that are trauma related.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[absnRN]

Hi! I am starting the ABSN program at Illinois State in May, so I can't tell you much about the program. However, I am in contact with most of the current students and I hear nothing but great things and also from traditional students who have already graduated! I can share with you, though, my background since I was accepted:

I graduated from ISU in 2014 with political science with a 3.2 GPA. I applied for the 2015 cohort, but didn't get in because I had only 3 prerequisites done. By the time I applied for the 2016 cohort, I had all of them done, but many of the other students in my cohort still have at least 1 in progress. I finished my prereqs with a 3.9 GPA so I know that helped. I am also a CNA, but that probably didn't hold as much weight as my prereqs -- If I had to guess, since I had a lower cumulative GPA, I'd say they care first about your prerequisites, secondly about your cumulative, and then everything else helps you beat everyone else out. Your major GPA may matter, but I highly doubt it. So, it kinda sucks that ISU does their applications a year in advance if you still have your prereqs to do. Anyway, with your GPAs I think you're a shoo-in, just get those prereqs done! :)

Hope that helps!

[Meowmeow26]

Hi,

I applied to ISU's Mennonite College of Nursing to start in May 2017. I just wanted to know how you enjoyed the program...I was accepted into Bradley's ABSN but for some reason, and based on what I've found online, Mennonite would be a better fit for me. Any comments? Suggestions? I am not a CNA but I am a CCRC (certified clinical research coordinator).