[MissRobin]

Tammy79 - Thank you for the additional info! I completely forgot or didn't think I would be able to pay in-state for USI. Is that the same for BSU as well? I will ask them about how long it will take. I think they do still have it set up to be a part-time program.
One more question....is it hard to set up your own clinicals? I know a few MD's and NP's but don't know if they would be willing to precept? That is one area I am concerned about with either program, BSU or USI. Do you recommend starting to network for them now? I hope to start either program spring of 09.
Thanks again - I appreciate your help. Wish you continued good luck with your program!

[Tammy79, RN]

Originally Posted by MissRobin

Tammy79 - Thank you for the additional info! I completely forgot or didn't think I would be able to pay in-state for USI. Is that the same for BSU as well? I will ask them about how long it will take. I think they do still have it set up to be a part-time program.
One more question....is it hard to set up your own clinicals? I know a few MD's and NP's but don't know if they would be willing to precept? That is one area I am concerned about with either program, BSU or USI. Do you recommend starting to network for them now? I hope to start either program spring of 09.
Thanks again - I appreciate your help. Wish you continued good luck with your program!

I could be off-base, but I think this is an Indiana thing. I know that ISU and USI MSN students only pay in state tuition, no matter where they live. I could be wrong, but I think Ball and Purdue are the same, which leads me to believe that this is for Indiana institutions. Do your research and let us know if this is true.

Setting up a preceptor is a four step process. First, find someone willing to take you--anyone (NP or MD/DO). Second, have your preceptor approach the organization (clinic or hospital) to approve the deal. Third, have both preceptor and facility fill out the necessary paperwork to get a contract. Fourth, and most important, constantly evaluate if both preceptor and facility are a good place/person to be at/with.

This is critical. The first place I started off at had a very low opinion of NP's and this carried over to how both I and my NP preceptor were treated. Consequently I was a wall flower, following my preceptor without much opportunity to do my own SOAPs. I needed to bolt so I sought after another place/preceptor that would not exist without NP's. Basically NP's have administration by the balls--not the other way around. NP's at my new place have a sense of themselves, the profession and their importance to the operation and it shows by the tone that is set by NP's at the clinic.

The point is, I would not have found my new place without "being in the system" w/ my first preceptor. As an ED nurse, I have very little contact with the "outside" world of primary care. In distance ed, the program, clinically speaking is what you make of it. You can come out with serious knowledge and skill or be a complete clueless bimbo--your choice--its whatever you make of it.

[jlcole45]

Originally Posted by Tammy79, RN

Check out University of Southern Indiana. No campus visits. All lectures streamed and archived. Done in 2 years (w/ BSN). You can ask questions in real time. Most economical online MSN/FNP program in the US (under 10K for all). Good professors-very supportive and available when you call.

http://health.usi.edu/acadprog/nursing/grad/fnp.php

A couple of questions about the program.

Is the 2 years full or part time?
Are you still working as a RN while in school?
Why is it that MSNs students all pay in state tuition? Is this an automatic or do you have to request it?

[Tammy79, RN]

Originally Posted by jlcole45

A couple of questions about the program.

Is the 2 years full or part time?
Are you still working as a RN while in school?
Why is it that MSNs students all pay in state tuition? Is this an automatic or do you have to request it?

The two years completion deal is considered full time. Don't let the units fool you. 6-9 semester units feels like 20 units undergrad.

I've worked as an RN throughout the process. It is difficult but doable. There is lady in my cohort who works 30 hours a week, is a single mom and has 6 kids between 3-17. Whenever the school workload gets hairy, and it does, I think about her and how she makes it happen.

Why do all pay the same rate? I'm not sure but I think it has something to do with the fact that all (in state and out of state) students are enrolled in a distance education process.

[MissRobin]

Well its official!!! After looking further into USI I decided to apply, I already applied to BSU. I hope my references and transcripts won't take to long in getting there. I didn't find anything on BSU's website regarding MSN students being able to pay in-state tuition. I will have to clarify but doesn't look like it. Unless someone else can tell me for sure??
Thanks again for the info on USI. I really hope I get in to either at this point, but USI could be a first choice based on $$. How long did it take for you to get your acceptance?
Thanks again!!! Robin

[Tammy79, RN]

Originally Posted by MissRobin

Well its official!!! After looking further into USI I decided to apply, I already applied to BSU. I hope my references and transcripts won't take to long in getting there. I didn't find anything on BSU's website regarding MSN students being able to pay in-state tuition. I will have to clarify but doesn't look like it. Unless someone else can tell me for sure??
Thanks again for the info on USI. I really hope I get in to either at this point, but USI could be a first choice based on $$. How long did it take for you to get your acceptance?
Thanks again!!! Robin

Howdy Robin,

I just called over to USI and have a bit of an update. The deadline for Spring 09 is Oct 1, 08. There is a bit of a problem though because the next starting class is actually full. I didn't know this but spots are very competitive at USI. I have a 3.98 GPA for BSN so I didn't really feel this much when I applied. Spots are bit more competitive now. For the full deal and info, here's a few numbers that will help:

Jalane, advising and admissions 812-465-1197. She can tell you about the process of getting accepted.

Franchesca is the MSN program person 812-465-1154. She can give you program-specific details about the FNP tract.

Good luck and do let me know how things went.

[MissRobin]

Thanks for the updates and numbers. I applied for spring 2009 (for both BSU and USI), so hopefully I should be o.k. for deadlines etc...I will call to double check. I am due with our second baby in October so next spring will work great.
I applied to the RN-MSN program. I have a bachelors in exercise science and associates in nursing. I have 4 years nursing experience. I am chiropractor as well and want to transition into advanced nursing practice.
I will keep you posted! Thanks again for your help. I appreciate it.
Robin

[Tammy79, RN]

Originally Posted by MissRobin

Thanks for the updates and numbers. I applied for spring 2009 (for both BSU and USI), so hopefully I should be o.k. for deadlines etc...I will call to double check. I am due with our second baby in October so next spring will work great.
I applied to the RN-MSN program. I have a bachelors in exercise science and associates in nursing. I have 4 years nursing experience. I am chiropractor as well and want to transition into advanced nursing practice.
I will keep you posted! Thanks again for your help. I appreciate it.
Robin

You certainly have a great background that will help in the transition. A bit off topic, but do you see many philosophies of nursing and the holistic nature of chiropractic overlap?

[MissRobin]

I do think there is an overlap in holistic philosophies. I think thats why nursing felt like a natural transition and that this is something I was supposed to be doing. I always felt like something was missing or I didn't feel fulfilled like I thought I would in chiro practice. I have also had the opportunity to work with great NP's personally and professionally and I really admired their work. It was finally time to stop kidding myself and believe that this is what I would rather be doing. I am getting off track but I do think certainly think there is overlap of holistic philosophies. I am excited the direction some of healthcare is taking toward holistic care and integrative medicine. I hope to be able to combine some traditional and complementary methods in practice. Thanks! I will keep you posted!