[Angie O'Plasty]

Originally Posted by ERICA57

Thanks so much Angie for taking the time to post these helpful replies.

In light of the Massachusetts job situation..I have one more question I'd like your thinking on: I thought long and hard about about how (and if ) to move in to nursing (I'm 57, divorced, with an M.Ed, spent the last several years working in non-profit).

I seriously considered getting a Master's (also considered just getting an ADN/RN)...but ultimately settled on a second Bachelor's in Nursing as a sort of compromise in terms of cost and credentials. (I'm only going to have to taking nursing courses for this 2nd degree, as all my "gen ed" requirements are transferring in).

Is it your impression the job prospects would be better for NP's...better enough to justify the added expense of a Master's?

Thank you so much, again,

I'm not sure whether the job prospects would be better or not for NPs--I think the major problem as far as RN job prospects is that most people are looking for experienced nurses right now rather than new grads--not sure if the same might be true for NPs (didn't look too closely at those postings). I think the accelerated BSN sounds like a good choice in your situation, unless you think you'd really prefer to be an NP.

[cclem1]

Hi,
I was reading your post from awhile back and was wondering what you decided on? I have also been accepted to Regis and I have two little ones (2 and 5months). I applied to Regis because of the flexible schedule. Have you found other programs to offer flexible schedules? Do you have to use daycare?

Thanks! I appreciate your input.

[cclem1]

Hi Adrienne,

I was just reading your post and was wondering if you could give more detail on the program. Do you like it... is it really hectic? I have two young kids, and I thought I read that you have a little on too.. how is that working for you and do you find the schedule to be flexible?

Thanks! I appreciate any info you have!

[malenkiyb]

Hi:

I was in this program and I left in about 2 weeks after it starts.
Was very hectic to me and wonder if you get other replies.

It seems that MGH was not prepared.

[HopeToBeRN]

Hello all,

New here, and I am interested in attending the progam at MGH. However, I am very much in the beginning stages. I graduated from college in '01 so I have to take all the pre-reqs in order to apply for the MGH program. For those who had to take the pre-reqs, where did you take them/and what places do you recommend? Also, for those in the program right now, how are you liking it so far? Any further news on the accreditation (sp?) Any info is appreciated, thank you!!

[dre02127]

Hi HopetobeRN, I just started the program and I also had to take some pre reqs. Most of them I was able to get done during my undergrad at UMass, but I took Chemistry and Microbio this summer. I took Chem this past summer at Quincy College and it was an accelerated course that was only 5 weeks but very intense! I know many students take pre reqs at Bunker Hill and other community colleges (they are usually a lot cheaper than 4 year institutions!). If you are accepted to MGH, they offer all of the pre reqs except Stats. I took Microbio this summer online through MGH and I thought it was great. Hope this helps you!

[HopeToBeRN]

Originally Posted by dre02127

Hi HopetobeRN, I just started the program and I also had to take some pre reqs. Most of them I was able to get done during my undergrad at UMass, but I took Chemistry and Microbio this summer. I took Chem this past summer at Quincy College and it was an accelerated course that was only 5 weeks but very intense! I know many students take pre reqs at Bunker Hill and other community colleges (they are usually a lot cheaper than 4 year institutions!). If you are accepted to MGH, they offer all of the pre reqs except Stats. I took Microbio this summer online through MGH and I thought it was great. Hope this helps you!

Thanks very much for your reply. Since I finished college in 2001, unfortunately as it was more than 5 years ago I have to take all the pre-reqs. I understand the Chemistry pre-req has to include some organic chemistry, right? So I guess that was included in the one you took at Quincy. I didn't even realize all the pre-reqs were offered at MGH, that is good to know. How do you like the program so far? Thanks for your help!

[AlyRNtoBe]

Hi everyone,

I'm in the MGH ABSN program and I love it. It is intense, and you have to be motivated to do well. It's very fast paced (which you have to assume in order to be done in 13 months). The faculty is awesome, and very supportive. Be prepared to work hard though. Do not plan to work an outside job, because school will be a full time job (or more). Let me know if you have any questions!

[cclem1]

AlyRNtoBe,

Thats great that you like the program. I'm really interested in it, but I'm concerned about the commute into Boston. Do you live in the city? I live west of Boston.. How are the clinicals.. are they like a 7-3 type schedule.. mostly in Boston? How many clinical days are there? I appreciate any info you have to give. Thank you!

Good luck!!

[AlyRNtoBe]

Hello,

Yes, I live close to the city. I take the train to my hospital clinical & drive to my community clinical. Our med surg clinicals are all at MGH this semester. Last semester they were at MGH, BWH, and Hebrew Rehab. Other clinicals - community & psych are within a short drive from the city. Clinicals are 2 days per week. Class is one day per week, lab is one day per week (every other week this semester), and one weekend per month. Hope that helps!