Nursing School Application Advice

[gogadgetgo]

I'm submitting my first application this week for an accelerated BSN program and I wanted to see if any nurses or anyone in nursing school had any good advice for making the application stand out?  Or anything that's frowned upon?

My biggest concern is the gap between my last job and applying, although I can explain in my essay that I became a SAHM and attended school for prerequisites during that time.  Ugh.  I hate this uncertain feeling.

[Jalapeñomel]

Just don't say that you always wanted to help people in your personal statement.

Good luck!

[studytime45]

Hey there!

I'm in an accelerated nursing program currently (my final 8 months!!) so I may have some tips.

What are you required/allowed to submit? I had essay questions that I had to answer, as a supplementary application. Do you have anything like that? What's the format of the application?

Let me know!

[bugandbibs]

No advice because it's been forever since I applied for nursing school, but good luck! I'm so excited for you.

[coribelle26]

According to the advisors of the BSN program at the university where I work, admission is based 99.9% on a student's grades in the prerequisites, particularly the hard sciences.

Just don't say anything crazy in your essay and you'll be fine. Focus on your medical experience if you have any, direct experience working with the public otherwise. They just want people who aren't going to fail out of the classes or freak out during the clinicals.

[Deleted]

My accelerated BSN program looked at grades first then our interview. My class was made up of 70 Type A crazy people just like me. :-) Only 32 graduated. It was an intense program.

[DotAndBuzz]

Aug 31, 2014 19:14:33 GMT -5 @kande818 said:

My accelerated BSN program looked at grades first then our interview. My class was made up of 70 Type A crazy people just like me. :-) Only 32 graduated. It was an intense program.

Yes.

Maybe you could incorporate how being a SAHM has allowed you to become adept at multi-tasking and assessing primary priority of needs (or something better worded than that because I'm tipsy).  Those are huge skills required for being an effective, efficient nurse, and may highlight that although you've been a SAHM and not in the workforce, it isn't like you haven't been "working," and developing important skills.  kwim?

Good luck!  My accelerated program mostly focused on grades and GRE for admission, and I honestly don't remember much of an essay.  It's intense, but totally worth it.  

[allaboutme]

Outside of your application I advise you to be sure you are in an area that is hiring nurses; there are limited areas hiring new grads. It's a sad situation when you see so many nurses without jobs due to lack of experience which cannot be obtained without getting hired somewhere.

[Deleted]

I have no advice about the application, but good luck!

[Deleted]

Aug 31, 2014 19:14:33 GMT -5 @kande818 said:

My accelerated BSN program looked at grades first then our interview. My class was made up of 70 Type A crazy people just like me. :-) Only 32 graduated. It was an intense program.

That's very interesting.

Why do you think there's such a high attrition rate at your program? Is that how most BSN programs are? 
Do you think programs should do a better job at screening applicants before they enroll them or is it more on the applicant side?

I know that my med school and most med schools really work with students who aren't doing as well as they can because they don't like to see numbers of students not completing, I guess it's different in nursing.

Good for you for excelling! 

[DotAndBuzz]

Aug 31, 2014 20:26:01 GMT -5 @wandering said:

Aug 31, 2014 19:14:33 GMT -5 @kande818 said:

My accelerated BSN program looked at grades first then our interview. My class was made up of 70 Type A crazy people just like me. :-) Only 32 graduated. It was an intense program.

That's very interesting.

Why do you think there's such a high attrition rate at your program? Is that how most BSN programs are? 
Do you think programs should do a better job at screening applicants before they enroll them or is it more on the applicant side?

I know that my med school and most med schools really work with students who aren't doing as well as they can because they don't like to see numbers of students not completing, I guess it's different in nursing.

Good for you for excelling! 

If her program was like mine, it sucks your soul out of every pore, replacing it with stress and self doubt.  It's intense.  You don't get a good handle on the "why" part of questions until you're a practicing RN.  Accelerated programs are great if you can power through, and just trust that you're retaining information (that's where the good grades and GPA come in for admissions).  Everything becomes MUCH more clear when you begin your practice and can see all the pieces fall into place - after you're done w/ the program.

I don't think that makes any sense, but that's how it worked for me.   I went through the program like "the fuck are they talking about?  Nursing diagnosis what?"  Then i started work, managing my own patient load, educating parents, and was like "oooooh.  Ok.  Now I get why Professor Ratchet was so hell bent on making her point about blah blah blah."

[studytime45]

My experience in nursing school has been much different than what has been described here.

My grades were an important part of admissions, but the supplementary application was considered as well. We have a high graduation rate - the program works hard with each student that enters to ensure they can succeed. And it's certainly not soul-sucking. I love it. I found my previous degree WAY more difficult.

Let me know if you have any questions!

[Deleted]

Aug 31, 2014 20:34:59 GMT -5 DotAndBuzz said:

Aug 31, 2014 20:26:01 GMT -5 @wandering said:

That's very interesting.

Why do you think there's such a high attrition rate at your program? Is that how most BSN programs are? 
Do you think programs should do a better job at screening applicants before they enroll them or is it more on the applicant side?

I know that my med school and most med schools really work with students who aren't doing as well as they can because they don't like to see numbers of students not completing, I guess it's different in nursing.

Good for you for excelling! 

If her program was like mine, it sucks your soul out of every pore, replacing it with stress and self doubt.  It's intense.  You don't get a good handle on the "why" part of questions until you're a practicing RN.  Accelerated programs are great if you can power through, and just trust that you're retaining information (that's where the good grades and GPA come in for admissions).  Everything becomes MUCH more clear when you begin your practice and can see all the pieces fall into place - after you're done w/ the program.

I don't think that makes any sense, but that's how it worked for me.   I went through the program like "the fuck are they talking about?  Nursing diagnosis what?"  Then i started work, managing my own patient load, educating parents, and was like "oooooh.  Ok.  Now I get why Professor Ratchet was so hell bent on making her point about blah blah blah."

Ha, sounds similar to med school. Memorize where every bone, artery and nerve is in the body in 2 months...no problem! I think my soul has been sucked out of me multiple times lol. And I haven't even made it to residency yet :/

I was just talking to a few other 4th year students and we were saying it'd be so interesting to go back in sit in on 1st and 2nd year lectures now, everything, specifically pathophys would make soooo much more sense. 3rd and 4th year is so much better when you're helping to manage your own patients, making differentials, writing notes, etc. 

The critical thinking aspect of patient care is definitely not something that can be taught in the classroom. 

But yeah I guess I still wonder why the attrition rate is so high specifically in accelerated nursing programs vs other advanced health care degree programs. 

[TrudyCampbell]

I did a 4 year program and I applied right out of high school so I don't have much advice, but good luck!

[gogadgetgo]

Aug 31, 2014 18:24:05 GMT -5 studytime45 said:

Hey there!

I'm in an accelerated nursing program currently (my final 8 months!!) so I may have some tips.

What are you required/allowed to submit? I had essay questions that I had to answer, as a supplementary application. Do you have anything like that? What's the format of the application?

Let me know!

These are the essay questions:


1. Why are you choosing a career in nursing at this time?

2. What experiences have you had in the health care field?

3. What are your short- and long-term career goals?

4. How have you planned (financially and personally) for the year of full-time study in this accelerated program?


I feel like they are fairly straightforward and I will refrain from saying I only want to be a nurse to help people Jalapeñomel

[gogadgetgo]

Aug 31, 2014 19:36:57 GMT -5 DotAndBuzz said:

Aug 31, 2014 19:14:33 GMT -5 @kande818 said:

My accelerated BSN program looked at grades first then our interview. My class was made up of 70 Type A crazy people just like me. :-) Only 32 graduated. It was an intense program.

Yes.

Maybe you could incorporate how being a SAHM has allowed you to become adept at multi-tasking and assessing primary priority of needs (or something better worded than that because I'm tipsy).  Those are huge skills required for being an effective, efficient nurse, and may highlight that although you've been a SAHM and not in the workforce, it isn't like you haven't been "working," and developing important skills.  kwim?

Good luck!  My accelerated program mostly focused on grades and GRE for admission, and I honestly don't remember much of an essay.  It's intense, but totally worth it.  

That's a great thing to include.  I appreciate your thoughts.

I've gotten As in all of my prereq classes (including all of the hard sciences) and my original BS GPA is at their average accepted total GPA.  I also have my CNA certificate and am currently volunteering in a hospital ICU so I'm hoping that makes me look better too.

I know the programs are going to be intense but I've been doing the SAHM/school thing for 2 years now so I hope that has prepared me somewhat.

Thanks everyone for the advice!

[MrsAggie]

It's mainly based on grades TBH even though that isn't the best criteria to determine if someone would make a good nurse. That was blatantly obvious in nursing school. Did you have to take a HESI or TEAS? I'd study for those if you have to take them. Submit a solid essay and you should be good. The only thing that really adds to an application is those with experience as a certified nurse's aide.

ETA they don't really care about your work experience if it's not medical-related. You don't need to justify a gap in working. That's pretty normal for most students.

[tacocat]

Aug 31, 2014 21:00:28 GMT -5 @wandering said:

Aug 31, 2014 20:34:59 GMT -5 DotAndBuzz said:

If her program was like mine, it sucks your soul out of every pore, replacing it with stress and self doubt.  It's intense.  You don't get a good handle on the "why" part of questions until you're a practicing RN.  Accelerated programs are great if you can power through, and just trust that you're retaining information (that's where the good grades and GPA come in for admissions).  Everything becomes MUCH more clear when you begin your practice and can see all the pieces fall into place - after you're done w/ the program.

I don't think that makes any sense, but that's how it worked for me.   I went through the program like "the fuck are they talking about?  Nursing diagnosis what?"  Then i started work, managing my own patient load, educating parents, and was like "oooooh.  Ok.  Now I get why Professor Ratchet was so hell bent on making her point about blah blah blah."

Ha, sounds similar to med school. Memorize where every bone, artery and nerve is in the body in 2 months...no problem! I think my soul has been sucked out of me multiple times lol. And I haven't even made it to residency yet :/

I was just talking to a few other 4th year students and we were saying it'd be so interesting to go back in sit in on 1st and 2nd year lectures now, everything, specifically pathophys would make soooo much more sense. 3rd and 4th year is so much better when you're helping to manage your own patients, making differentials, writing notes, etc. 

The critical thinking aspect of patient care is definitely not something that can be taught in the classroom. 

But yeah I guess I still wonder why the attrition rate is so high specifically in accelerated nursing programs vs other advanced health care degree programs. 

We have a class of 23 and at least 2 failed out summer quarter. Our program is so disorganized and there is very little help if anyone is not succeeding. I am going to be sad if we lose too many more people


Oh, and @dotanbuzz - Nursing dx and care plans are THE BEST PART (said no one) 

[Deleted]

Aug 31, 2014 20:26:01 GMT -5 @wandering said:

Aug 31, 2014 19:14:33 GMT -5 @kande818 said:

My accelerated BSN program looked at grades first then our interview. My class was made up of 70 Type A crazy people just like me. :-) Only 32 graduated. It was an intense program.

That's very interesting.

Why do you think there's such a high attrition rate at your program? Is that how most BSN programs are? 
Do you think programs should do a better job at screening applicants before they enroll them or is it more on the applicant side?

I know that my med school and most med schools really work with students who aren't doing as well as they can because they don't like to see numbers of students not completing, I guess it's different in nursing.

Good for you for excelling! 

Our program was 3 semesters, 20+ hours a semester, and it was for second degree students only. It was all consuming. There was no time for anything but learning. In my interview, my advisor told me to pick two: friends, family, or school, because in that program, you cant have all of them. If you got behind, you were out. That was it. No professor had time for tutoring, coddling, extra credit, make up work, or whatever. You either got it, or you didnt.

We had a 100% nclex pass rate and most of us are ICU nurses, CRNA students or ACNPs now, if that gives you any idea of what the personalities of successful students were like.

[studytime45]

Aug 31, 2014 22:35:30 GMT -5 gogadgetgo said:

Aug 31, 2014 18:24:05 GMT -5 studytime45 said:

Hey there!

I'm in an accelerated nursing program currently (my final 8 months!!) so I may have some tips.

What are you required/allowed to submit? I had essay questions that I had to answer, as a supplementary application. Do you have anything like that? What's the format of the application?

Let me know!

These are the essay questions:


1. Why are you choosing a career in nursing at this time?

2. What experiences have you had in the health care field?

3. What are your short- and long-term career goals?

4. How have you planned (financially and personally) for the year of full-time study in this accelerated program?


I feel like they are fairly straightforward and I will refrain from saying I only want to be a nurse to help people Jalapeñomel

These were my questions: 

What led you to consider the nursing program?
What qualities do you bring to the nursing profession?
Describe how you learn best and how your learning style relates to teaching and learning in the BScN Program.
Describe a challenging situation which prompted you to identify your strengths and limitations. Tell us how these will have an impact on your contribution to the nursing program.

Let me know if you'd like to look over my answers. I can also take a look at what you've written if you want!!