NursingLink

   In our program, about half-a-dozen sharpies learned that you could take one and possibly two nursing courses BEFORE being accepted into the nursing program. I believe one of the courses was nursing ethics--no labs, no clinicals.

   That may have been a fluke in our program, but fluke or not, it gave those shapies an edge over other people waiting on the list.

   That course on nursing ethics was also a requirement in our program. By taking it early, the sharpies had a semester where they needed to take only two courses. Practically everyone else had a three-course load that semester.

There was no "waiting" period at my nursing school. You found out within a week or two if you made it in and then you were given an interview if you did make. THe interview did not actually mean you were accepted.

Everything fell into place very well for me. Maybe I was lucky. My school required "nursing ethics" as well but it had to be taken before you entered the program.

My graduation is May 2009! Wish me luck everyone. 

It was like a "lottery" system. They took the highest GPA's first along with all the other tests they required.

I agree, we do need more nursing programs. But maybe we also need more nursing instructors!

Not sure how it is in other areas, but in my area the number of slots available for student nurses has to do with the number of beds in the area. I do think someone should revamp the system and believe that is aggravating the nursing shortage. Good people want to get in to nursing school but they get frustrated with how competitive it is to get into a program.

I am in the same situation currently. I have to wait until Fall 09 to start my RN program, so in the meantime I am going for my CNA. I figure it's the easiest way to start working in a hospital/gain experience without sitting behind a desk! Did anyone else take this route?

My school does the same thing.  There is currently about a 2 year wait, and I know that means I will have to transfer to another, far more expensive school with more instructors if I want to graduate within a reasonable amount of time.  Sometimes it is so disheartening.  It makes me feel like I'll never reach my goal.  It's also very disappointing to realize that you have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and still cannot be given a spot based on the space factor.  We all work so hard to get good grades and be viable candidates.  When you finally come to the realization that's not quite enough it can make you want to scream!  Like kstepg, I am considering something similar.  I recently found out that if I take a CNA and then QMA course I can start taking clinicals much sooner.  It's too bad we have to try to find so many loop holes.

Well for those who are at community colleges.....Why don't you work on requirements for your BS degree??? Just a thought. That way while you are waiting you can do some lower division classes at the community college then either transfer to the University Nursing program or enter the community college program. Then if your ever want to go back for a higher degree you will have those classes done. Alot of schools have RN-MSN degrees. Sorry I just to some much research on everything. I like to know what my options are.

Currently I am taking a LVN program at a private vocational school. Part time for 2 yrs. But I am also taking a class a semester at the community college, that way when I am done with the LVN program, I can try to go into the LVN-RN option at my college(which means I would only go into the program the last year. Then move up form there.

Good luck to you all!!!