I recently attended Stony Brook for the Bachelors of Nursing Information Session and while I knew a lot of the information beforehand, I still think it was a good idea that I went. The session included information for both the traditional and the accelerated BSN programs and the session ended a half hour early than stated on the website (which I wasn't too pleased with given that I took the day off work and had to drive a good way to get there), but nonetheless it was a good session. Here are my pros and cons of the accelerated BSN program at Stony Brook:
Pros:
Very good program- At the session a prospective applicant asked why should he attend Stony Brook and the moderator replied "because its Stony Brook!" It may have been a bit corny but the fact is Stony Brook does have a reputable nursing program and the vast majority of the reviews about the program are positive.
Cheap- The estimated cost of the accelerated program is about $18,000 which is good compared to other programs. I have no interest in owing $80,000 to become a nurse especially since I have children who themselves may attend college one day.
12 months only- The accelerated program seems like torture but the torture would only last 1 year and its over!
School is in the hospital- The School of Nursing is literally in Stony Brook University Medical Center. If that isn't a great opportunity for learning then I don't know what is!
Cons:
Too far- It took me about 1 hour going and 1 hour to return. This does not take into consideration potential heavy traffic so basically my daily round trip would be 2 hours minimum. The moderator also stated that clinicals can take place as far west as LIJ (which is great) or as far east as Riverhead (which is about 1 1/2 hour drive so that is bad) so I would have to leave my house as early as 5:15 a/5:30 a for clinicals. I also burned at least a 1/4 tank gas just for that one trip so I would have to fill up at least twice a week if I were driving to Stony Brook daily.
Unpredictable clinical hours- The moderator stated that clinicals for the accelerated program could be either day (7a-7p) or night (7p-7a), twice a week on any day of the week. Night clinicals is a no go for me and I would ideally like to do my clinicals in the week so I can be with my family on weekends. Also I may possibly need childcare arrangements on the weekends if I had clinicals on Saturdays.
Parking- Driving to Stony Brook means parking in the hospital parking garage and paying parking fees. The last thing I am interested in doing is incurring additional expenses when I would no longer be working.
All and all I would love to attend Stony Brook but that daily commute would be a real &*@#$ pure and simple. Nursing school is already hard enough without adding additional stress to my life. If I applied to Stony Brook and actually got accepted, I would only go if my other schools of interest do not accept me into their programs.
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Stony Brook Accelerated Nursing Program
For some time, I planned on applying to CUNY Lehman
and SUNY Downstate's accelerated nursing programs but I may also
consider the accelerated nursing program at SUNY Stony Brook as well.
Why? Well for starters, it gives me more options to choose from,
especially in the event I do not get accepted to my first two choices.
Secondly, it is an excellent program with a good reputation, at least
that is what I read on allnurses. I actually was interested in Stony
Brook early in my search (before I became interested in Downstate) but
the distance was a huge deterrent (it's about 1 hour 10 minutes drive in
one direction). The program is only a year though so even if I had to
commute over 90 miles a day, it would only be for a year and they don't require any entry exam! Besides if I were to go to Lehman I'd have to pay for toll on the Throggs Neck bridge and Downstate I would have problems finding free parking most of the time (I always do in Brooklyn) so all 3 schools are in the same boat I think.
Worries
For the past few days or few weeks rather I have been getting anxious and I can't quite pin point why. I am currently enrolled in my fifth prerequisite class and I must say that Chemistry is a mental treat compared to the anatomies because I actually feel like my brain can actually hold most of the information. Also my grades so far are in the A range so I may actually get my first "A" in a science course. Yet my mind keeps going back and forth about whether I am doing the right thing or whether the acceleration route is the best option or if doing a part time program is better.
I am never one to make rash decisions or take huge risk without thought but when I do it generally works out because honestly my instincts/spirit never fail me. But I also remember what it is like looking months for my first "real" job after graduating with my first degree (I had several part time jobs) and it was a nightmare. For starters, everyone wanted experience that I didn't have (I majored in Computer and Information Science and was looking for related jobs). Secondly the starting pay in a few instances were the same as the jobs I had that did not require a degree. Thirdly I found out I was pregnant a couple of months after graduation so I had to deal with going on job interviews with an ever growing belly and possibly not being considered for jobs because employers would know that I would eventually go on maternity leave. I don't have plans for anymore children and I doubt I will be pregnant for any job interviews in the future but I do have some concerns. For starters the job market is tough, really tough, at least for a new graduate. I think my family can manage for 12-15 without my full time income if I save enough but what about an additional 8-12 months just looking for my first nurse gig? Just the though of going through that at this point in my career makes my heart sink a bit and puts me in panic mode.
Then there is the whole child care thing. My husband from day one has been surprisingly supportive of me going back to school to be a nurse but outside of some financial and moral support, I am on my own. I can't rely on my husband to be there with the kids for my early morning clinicals or my late night classes and working night shifts would also be difficult since my husband works various shifts on any given day and I don't have trusted family close by. My oldest will be 13 by the time I anticipate starting nursing school so she would definitely be a helper (my younger children would be about 7 and 8 by then) but night jobs may still not be an option for a few more years unless I can somehow work opposite hubby which means knowing his schedule ahead of time (and he almost never does). I truly believe that nursing is for me at this time in my life but if my decision is not going to be compatible with my family situation I may have to reconsider everything or further postpone them, even though I have invested a fair amount of time, energy, and money already.
I am never one to make rash decisions or take huge risk without thought but when I do it generally works out because honestly my instincts/spirit never fail me. But I also remember what it is like looking months for my first "real" job after graduating with my first degree (I had several part time jobs) and it was a nightmare. For starters, everyone wanted experience that I didn't have (I majored in Computer and Information Science and was looking for related jobs). Secondly the starting pay in a few instances were the same as the jobs I had that did not require a degree. Thirdly I found out I was pregnant a couple of months after graduation so I had to deal with going on job interviews with an ever growing belly and possibly not being considered for jobs because employers would know that I would eventually go on maternity leave. I don't have plans for anymore children and I doubt I will be pregnant for any job interviews in the future but I do have some concerns. For starters the job market is tough, really tough, at least for a new graduate. I think my family can manage for 12-15 without my full time income if I save enough but what about an additional 8-12 months just looking for my first nurse gig? Just the though of going through that at this point in my career makes my heart sink a bit and puts me in panic mode.
Then there is the whole child care thing. My husband from day one has been surprisingly supportive of me going back to school to be a nurse but outside of some financial and moral support, I am on my own. I can't rely on my husband to be there with the kids for my early morning clinicals or my late night classes and working night shifts would also be difficult since my husband works various shifts on any given day and I don't have trusted family close by. My oldest will be 13 by the time I anticipate starting nursing school so she would definitely be a helper (my younger children would be about 7 and 8 by then) but night jobs may still not be an option for a few more years unless I can somehow work opposite hubby which means knowing his schedule ahead of time (and he almost never does). I truly believe that nursing is for me at this time in my life but if my decision is not going to be compatible with my family situation I may have to reconsider everything or further postpone them, even though I have invested a fair amount of time, energy, and money already.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Plan B needed
Throughout this journey so far, I never really thought about what if I were not admitted into the accelerated nursing programs at SUNY Downstate and CUNY Lehman; in fact a part of me was almost fearful that I would be accepted into either (or both) programs because of the drastic change it could potentially have in my life. Now that reality have set in and that I have just completed Anatomy and Physiology II, I realize that there is a strong possibility of me not being accepted into these programs, especially since it seems like the average GPA of admitted students is 3.7 or above. Tried as I may, I was unable to obtain that elusive "A" in my anatomy classes and my GPA in the prerequisites is going to suffer a bit (I estimate my GPA at about 3.6). While I am forever and always an optimist, I am also a realist and I have to put something in place in the event I do not get into either of my choice schools.
Option 1: Traditional Bachelor of Science program
I am already probably going to apply to Lehman's traditional BSN program when I apply to the accelerated program but I am also looking at the traditional or generic nursing program at CUNY York College as well. This is the closest school to me distance wise and more than likely clinicals would be in the area which would be great especially since they start early. This program seems a bit longer than other traditional programs (about 2 1/2 years instead of two) so that is definitely something to consider since time is a major factor for me.
Option 2: private college/university
I am not too sure about this option but if I were considering a private school, my top choices would be schools in Nassau County, Long Island, including Adelphi University, Molloy College, and New York Institute of Technology- Westbury. Proximity wise these schools are a reasonable distance away from home and all of the schools have good reps to my knowledge. The problem is that the tuition is pricey and I don't know if I am comfortable with potentially owing so much money (I average $60,000) for only a second bachelor's degree. I wasn't willing to owe that much for a Masters of Social Work degree so why should I do it for a Bachelors in Nursing? Nonetheless, I should at least consider at least one of the schools since the public schools are super competitive and my GPA is not all that at this point. I hope if I do apply there is a nice financial aid package included.
Option 3: Associate programs in nursing
I had considered this before and discussed it in my post but not only are these programs just as competitive as the BSN programs, I would have to go to night school which may not work for me, although it would allow me to probably maintain my job. Daytime is an option as well but I would not be able to keep my current job and it would take much longer to obtain the BSN. The only way this would work is if I get a healthcare related job while in the program, obtain my license after two years, and go for RN-BSN while working as a nurse (this is assuming I am able to get an RN position).
Option 4: Don't quit my day job
If I don't get into my choice programs I simple stay put. I may not have a desire to stay in my current job for the next decade or two but I am blessed to at least have one and I won't have to worry about the unknown.
Option 1: Traditional Bachelor of Science program
I am already probably going to apply to Lehman's traditional BSN program when I apply to the accelerated program but I am also looking at the traditional or generic nursing program at CUNY York College as well. This is the closest school to me distance wise and more than likely clinicals would be in the area which would be great especially since they start early. This program seems a bit longer than other traditional programs (about 2 1/2 years instead of two) so that is definitely something to consider since time is a major factor for me.
Option 2: private college/university
I am not too sure about this option but if I were considering a private school, my top choices would be schools in Nassau County, Long Island, including Adelphi University, Molloy College, and New York Institute of Technology- Westbury. Proximity wise these schools are a reasonable distance away from home and all of the schools have good reps to my knowledge. The problem is that the tuition is pricey and I don't know if I am comfortable with potentially owing so much money (I average $60,000) for only a second bachelor's degree. I wasn't willing to owe that much for a Masters of Social Work degree so why should I do it for a Bachelors in Nursing? Nonetheless, I should at least consider at least one of the schools since the public schools are super competitive and my GPA is not all that at this point. I hope if I do apply there is a nice financial aid package included.
Option 3: Associate programs in nursing
I had considered this before and discussed it in my post but not only are these programs just as competitive as the BSN programs, I would have to go to night school which may not work for me, although it would allow me to probably maintain my job. Daytime is an option as well but I would not be able to keep my current job and it would take much longer to obtain the BSN. The only way this would work is if I get a healthcare related job while in the program, obtain my license after two years, and go for RN-BSN while working as a nurse (this is assuming I am able to get an RN position).
Option 4: Don't quit my day job
If I don't get into my choice programs I simple stay put. I may not have a desire to stay in my current job for the next decade or two but I am blessed to at least have one and I won't have to worry about the unknown.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Online science courses
If you have been reading this blog, you know that I am currently taking prerequisite courses so that I can qualify for nursing school in the near future but what I may not have mentioned was that all of the courses I am taking are online, including my science courses. While ideally science courses should be taken in person with a "wet" lab, circumstances may be such that you are not able to. For example I work full-time and have a family so online courses are just more convenient for me (I can go to school anytime of the day as long as I meet deadlines). With that being said there are definitely some things to consider before enrolling in online classes, particularly science ones.
Is the school you plan on taking your online science courses at legit? It is very important that courses can be transferred so the college offering courses has to be reputable and legit. What do I mean by legit? Usually online science courses that are legit have an on campus component from an accredited college/universities with an already well established reputation. Most major colleges/universities offer at least some online courses but not as many schools offer online science courses so do your research (I am currently taking courses at Cayuga Community College which is part of the State University of New York).
Are you computer savvy? You certainly do not need to be a computer expert to take an online course but you do need to be comfortable with computers because all of your assignments, exams, and even your communication is done online. And although tech, instructor, and even classmate support is available if needed, it isn't immediately available like it would be in a traditional classroom setting. Also some science courses have virtual lab components (like the ones I am taking) so you need to be well versed in different applications. Again they aren't difficult but you have to be comfortable with computers and adapt quickly to learning new things.
Reliable high speed is absolutely needed. If you don't have high speed internet (I really don't know anyone who doesn't to be honest) don't even think about taking any online course let alone a science course. In fact don't even take a traditional college course because many of them are online intensive or have some sort of online component as well. Also you have to be able to get online when you need to so relying on the computers at the public library for example is not going to cut it.
Make sure the online science course has a lab component. This one is tricky because some online science courses don't have a lab component which is needed for nursing school admissions. Make sure you read the description carefully (you can usually tell when there is no lab by the number of credits for the course, i.e. 3 credits versus 4 credits). If there is no lab, see if there is an online separate lab course or if you can do the lab in person (which would be considered a hybrid course). It doesn't matter if the lab is virtual, onsite (at a college campus), or done at home, make sure there is a lab.
Does your school of interest accept online science courses? Transcripts do not annotate whether or not a course was completed online or not but it is possible that the school admissions may "suspect" that a course was taken via distance learning if the school is located in a different state or something. Personally I don't think it is necessary to mention that you are taken courses online as long as it is from a reputable school (see above) but if you are apprehensive, find out from your schools of interest if online science courses are acceptable (I actually did this in the earlier stages of researching nursing programs). If a school however explicitly states that they do not accept online science courses and you have to take your science prerequisites online, then find another school. My experience is that most nursing programs do accept online sciences classes although a few may state a preference for science courses with "wet" labs.
I love taking online courses overall and that includes science courses. I do believe however that taking biology courses online is a little more difficult than in person because you are on your own for the most part and time management is even more crucial. I cannot "wing it" or cram (that is a recipe for failure) and I have to actually read/study and do my assignments by a specific deadline. Exams, while technically open book, still requires understanding of the material because they are strictly timed (i.e., 30 minutes for 25 questions). Also when something goes wrong (I had two incidences over the years, one pretty recently) there is no immediate resolution. Still nothing beats being able to take an exam at 10:30 at night and I actually feel I am learning more online than I would in a traditional class (I would probably fall asleep in night school anyway). Online science courses is definitely not for everyone but so far it works for me.
Is the school you plan on taking your online science courses at legit? It is very important that courses can be transferred so the college offering courses has to be reputable and legit. What do I mean by legit? Usually online science courses that are legit have an on campus component from an accredited college/universities with an already well established reputation. Most major colleges/universities offer at least some online courses but not as many schools offer online science courses so do your research (I am currently taking courses at Cayuga Community College which is part of the State University of New York).
Are you computer savvy? You certainly do not need to be a computer expert to take an online course but you do need to be comfortable with computers because all of your assignments, exams, and even your communication is done online. And although tech, instructor, and even classmate support is available if needed, it isn't immediately available like it would be in a traditional classroom setting. Also some science courses have virtual lab components (like the ones I am taking) so you need to be well versed in different applications. Again they aren't difficult but you have to be comfortable with computers and adapt quickly to learning new things.
Reliable high speed is absolutely needed. If you don't have high speed internet (I really don't know anyone who doesn't to be honest) don't even think about taking any online course let alone a science course. In fact don't even take a traditional college course because many of them are online intensive or have some sort of online component as well. Also you have to be able to get online when you need to so relying on the computers at the public library for example is not going to cut it.
Make sure the online science course has a lab component. This one is tricky because some online science courses don't have a lab component which is needed for nursing school admissions. Make sure you read the description carefully (you can usually tell when there is no lab by the number of credits for the course, i.e. 3 credits versus 4 credits). If there is no lab, see if there is an online separate lab course or if you can do the lab in person (which would be considered a hybrid course). It doesn't matter if the lab is virtual, onsite (at a college campus), or done at home, make sure there is a lab.
Does your school of interest accept online science courses? Transcripts do not annotate whether or not a course was completed online or not but it is possible that the school admissions may "suspect" that a course was taken via distance learning if the school is located in a different state or something. Personally I don't think it is necessary to mention that you are taken courses online as long as it is from a reputable school (see above) but if you are apprehensive, find out from your schools of interest if online science courses are acceptable (I actually did this in the earlier stages of researching nursing programs). If a school however explicitly states that they do not accept online science courses and you have to take your science prerequisites online, then find another school. My experience is that most nursing programs do accept online sciences classes although a few may state a preference for science courses with "wet" labs.
I love taking online courses overall and that includes science courses. I do believe however that taking biology courses online is a little more difficult than in person because you are on your own for the most part and time management is even more crucial. I cannot "wing it" or cram (that is a recipe for failure) and I have to actually read/study and do my assignments by a specific deadline. Exams, while technically open book, still requires understanding of the material because they are strictly timed (i.e., 30 minutes for 25 questions). Also when something goes wrong (I had two incidences over the years, one pretty recently) there is no immediate resolution. Still nothing beats being able to take an exam at 10:30 at night and I actually feel I am learning more online than I would in a traditional class (I would probably fall asleep in night school anyway). Online science courses is definitely not for everyone but so far it works for me.
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