SFSU GMSN

Swedee5886 · Apr 22, 2012

AntRo- I was doing a lot of research comparing CNL vs. CNS roles, and came up with a lot of the same information that you mentioned. Part of my decision to choose SFSU aside from the lower cost was because I wanted the more specialized CNS degree. It is also considered an advance practice registered nursing degree, whereas the CNL is not. I know the CNL role is fairly new in the field, so it may take a while for the demand of jobs to increase. I was also accepted to USF (MEPN-CNL), and read on a FAQ page that when joining the work field as a CNL you may need to tell your employer what you are trained to do, as most may not be familiar with the role :/ Anyways, I opted for the CNS (women's health) at SFSU. It seems like a better fit for my future goals.

Check out this link, it has some good info on CNL vs. CNS roles: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/cnl/CNLCNSComparisonTable.pdf

I'm not clear about the CNL role being created to replace the CNS. I know there has been a lot of confusion and mixed feelings about adding yet another degree (CNL) to the field. The CNL, CNS, and NP all have some overlap in responsibility and training. However, both the CNS and NP are advance practice degrees. Here is another chart that helps to compare (http://resources.css.edu/academics/nsg/grad/docs/advancedpracticenursingrolescnsvsnp.pdf). It seems like both NPs and CNSs play different roles in the field and are needed.

Anyways, I hope you will hear back from SFSU soon. I know those accepted have to send notification by May 1^st, so I’m sure you will be finding out soon. Best of luck!

Hanna

AntRo · Apr 23, 2012

Thank you so much for the info Swedee5886! Very informative and helpful in my decision making.

I would definitely prefer to attend SFSU over USD--mainly because of drastically reduced tuition rates (which are covered by the State University Grant--so tuition is FREE) and the opportunity to specialize in adult acute care. Downside is that the GMSN program is longer, but then again we would have summers off and not have to experience the grinds that coexist with an accelerated program (i.e. USD). SFSU said an updated wait list will be made available May 15th, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

After the first five semesters GMSN participants knock out the NCLEX--do you plan on working as a RN after passing the exam or are GMSN students even allowed to gain employment as a RN while completing the graduate portion of the curriculum?

Thanks again Swedee5886!

Anthony

kris443 · Apr 24, 2012

I have some insight into being able to work during the masters portion of the program.

Although the administration does not strongly encourage it, you can work as an RN after passing the NCLEX. The masters portion classes are usually offered in the afternoon and evening so the day is mostly free. I emailed back and forth with one of the directors about this and she said that although we are free to work during this portion, most places hiring are looking for people with a BSN or MSN, in addition to the RN so we will probably have better luck finding employment once we finish the program. I also spoke to a current student who said that a lot of her cohort is kinda freaking out about finding a job after passing the RN exam. She also mentioned that the administration might discourage working during the program because they are afraid that student will drop out. I know that finding any job in the Bay Area is difficult and nursing jobs are defiantly not an exception. However the program does allow it so it seems as though it mostly depends on job market and individual tenacity.

This is a very important issue for me. I can not imagine not working for 4 years! Any money saved on tuition would be eaten up by the cost of living in SF and not working for 4 years. Oh man, I really want to go to SFSU but the program is so drawn out! 4 years coupled with the possibility that we wont be able to work during it is really hard for me to wrap my head around!

AntRo · Apr 24, 2012

kris443,

Thanks for the info in regards to seeking/gaining employment after passing the RN exam. Somehow I overlooked the fact that after passing the NCLEX, GMSN students have no nursing degree despite being RNs, so I can see why it would be challenging to find work in the nursing field.

You hit on an important fact that I have been bending my mind over--and that is how long the program at SFSU is and the cost of living in SF. USD is expensive, but only at first glance. When calculating the cost of living in SF for 4 years without working and living off loans, USD and SFSU kind of even out. The MEPN program at USD is only 21 months vs. 48 months at SFSU. San Diego is far less expensive to live. I pay $795 right now for a 1 bedroom, which is approximately 6 miles from the USD campus. On craigslist, I can't seem to find a place in SF for less than $1,000 and that is with a roommate. The end result at USD is a CNL. At SFSU, a CNS. So many things to think about when comparing these two institutions and their respective graduate nursing programs.

I guess I should wait an see if I even get into SFSU first, right! Still #5 on the wait list

bcaliRN · May 12, 2012

did anyone find anything out about the quality of the [color=#454545]the quality of the program?? teachers, help with finding a preceptor, is it organized/structured??? i am a post-masters applicant and heard a negative review from a current student and want to find out if it is true

xInspiredx · Aug 24, 2012

1) Is this program really 48 months? I thought that it was 3 years, but I guess they must have changed it.

2) What is the total estimated cost for the program (tuition and books)? I can't seem to find how many units there are in total, as well as a cost per unit.

Thanks for any information! :)

kris443 · Sep 10, 2012

Hi x,

The program is currently 7 semesters without summers, so its 40 months. However you get your RN after semester 5 (2.5 yr) and can then work and do the rest of the program part-time if you like which would of course extend the length of the program.

Tuition is currently about 4000$ per semester. Books are expensive at about 300-500$ a semester. there are a lot of other supplies you have to purchase for the first semester and I ended up spending about 1,000$ on supplies (books included) this first semester.

Hope this helps!

Kristen