Another Nursing School Update

It's been months since I've last updated you on the progress of getting into nursing school.
So far, I've gotten to the point where they tell me "yes" or "no"... and while I was hoping I'd have news to share with you by now, I don't...

Last December, applications opened. I filled out the 15 pages, made copies, tracked down college transcripts, and sent in everything. It reached the College of Nursing the first week of January.

First, they looked through everyone's applications to make sure we were qualified. They checked GPAs, verified that we had prior Bachelor's degrees, read through our novels applications, and then finally decided who would be asked for an online interview.

I believe I was notified that I made it to the online interview step the second or third week of February. I spent 30 minutes frantically typing up answers to their interview questions, sent it back to them, and waited... until they got everyone's responses back, made their next round of cuts, and notified those of us who were invited to a phone interview.

Sometime in the middle of March, I got the email that asked for my interview availability. I had a great conversation with two men from the program and was able to ask a few questions I had about the program itself.

If you remember, this program is a 12 month long accelerated format. I applied for October admission, which means I would finish the program about 18 months from now. Graduates leave the program with another Bachelor's - this time in Nursing.

You aren't able to work during the 12 month program because you are too busy - with online classes, conferences with instructors, and clinical placements. I've already signed a document that said I was willing to forgo employment to focus on school.

In order to apply to their program, you have to have a previous Bachelor's degree and experience working as a CNA - preferably in a hospital. They ask for specific classes as prerequisites that aren't required for a traditional nursing program which meant I've been taking supplementary classes for the past two years to get my transcript to the point that I met requirements. I have been working my butt off to make this dream come true!

And so here I sit. I'm just waiting for an email telling me that I've been accepted or that I've not been chosen - though the best outcome would be an acceptance email. I have finally found a career that makes my heart sing, and don't know yet if I'll be heading down that path this fall or not. It sounds cliche, but when I am at work, taking care of patients, I feel like I have found my calling. I finally feel like I was put on this Earth to do something - and that something is nursing.

And the best part? Five hundred people applied for entry into this program this fall. There are thirty spots to fill.

I know that I'm a prime candidate. I know that I would succeed in this program. I know that gaining admission would be a life changing thing. I know that I'm ready to finally get a degree in something I love doing. I know that this program is the best way for me to follow my dreams.

So that's what's been on my mind and on my heart recently. My co-workers are fully aware of the program and have been asking for updates everyday. I'm anxiously waiting for an email and hoping I don't have to tell everyone that I didn't get in.

check this out!