Samuel Merritt Uni. ABSN program questions

I'm also in the process of applying to schools and, because I've volunteered in two hospitals, I'm pretty sure I'm going to go for NP. The beauty of having an NP is that you can also work as an RN (unlike PA). The NP in the ER I volunteered in got her NP and then worked for 4 years as an ER nurse before getting a job as an NP. Definitely more versatile to be able to do either one! If you haven't volunteered in the hospital yet, you should do that (and/or job-shadow one or several NPs) because it might help you decide on the NP question.

The other thought I have for you is to proceed with caution on the SMU ABSN. It is a grueling program and very expensive. I talked to a SMU ABSN student who was also admitted to CSU Sac's two-year BSN program. In hindsight she said she should have gone the Sac State route. The ABSN program is really intense and I think she realized that giving up another year of nursing salary was worth the substantial savings in tuition and stress. That said, I think you should definitely apply to SMU's ABSN! If you don't get into a BSN program at a public school (and they are very competitive as you pointed out) you can always elect to fall back on the SMU ABSN route.

Still, I think you should get a handle on the NP question first. If you're at least 60% sure you want to be an NP, I think you should look for an ELMSN-FNP program. SMU also offers one (also frighteningly expensive), but you take two years to get your RN, so I don't think it is as intense as the ABSN program. Those are my thoughts; good luck!

Hi there,

I'm currently in the ABSN program at SM Oakland. I am not the only one in my class who is already burnt out, only 12 weeks into the program. It is the hardest program I've ever attempted (I already have a B.S and M.S). However, my experience so far has been amazing. It is a VERY comprehensive program with a lot of support and guidance from experienced nurses. My teachers and clinical supervisors are excellent. You start your hospital experience after 5 weeks and you get immersed in the hospital setting with 3 consecutive days at the hospital for 4 weeks at a time (total 24 hours per week). On top of that, you have 12 hours of class, requiring about 36 hours per week of study time. Each week you have a hospital assignment as well. So you see, there is very little time for anything except school.

Students from Samuel Merritt are generally highly regarded, as the program is so demanding and emphasizes the highest standard of care (higher than you will actually see in the hospital). It is very competitive to get into the program: they require a minimum grade point average and a good score on the entrance test (not sure about the exact scores required). They also require 2 letters of recommendation and an application essay. They really want to make sure you can hack the rigors of the program before they let you in.

I haven't heard very good things about state schools in regards to their clinical experience. Sac state has an accelerated program of 15 months that is competitive to get into due to public tuition compared to the extravagant $55,000 for SM. However, SM not only has an immersion hospital experience - You also spend a good amount of time in a preceptorship, which is like having a mentor. It's a lot of money, but you are getting a superb education from an institution with a very good reputation and high employment rates for recent grads, and high rates of NCLEX passing.

The employment for new grads in No. Cal definitely looks bleak right now, but that could change quickly. Of course, I'd like to stay in the bay area, but I am prepared to move for one year in order to get my one year experience under my belt.
Hope this info has been helpful.

Good luck. I know it's a big decision, but if you know you want to be a nurse, SM is a good way to go if you are ready to challenge your stamina. I can't wait to be through with this grinding program and hopefully I'll look back and think "wow, time went by quickly!" Right now, it feels like I've still got a looong way to go, but I know in my heart that it is worth it.
StarBelly

StarBelly- I really appreciated your reply. I was just accepted into the 2010 San Mateo ABSN and I really want to be prepared for how hard it is going to be, but it was super encouraging to hear that you are having such a good experience. Is there anything that you can recommend doing before the program to prepare? I am one of those people who has to study really hard to do well in school and would appreciate knowing anything that I could start studying before the program actually starts. Good luck with the rest of you year!

SFRose,
congratulations on your acceptance. I don't know much about campuses other than Oakland, so I hope it goes well for you.

Preparation: understand as much anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology as you can right now. Having a good grasp on these subjects will really help you! Don't worry too much about pharm - it makes a lot more sense once you learn about the diseases and start seeing the meds used in the hospital. I would say start learning about drug classes and understanding basic mechanism of actions. Having a good grasp of electrolytes and acid/base balance wouldn't hurt either! Try not to get overwhelmed - it will come by repitition.

Another area to work on for me is time management and prioritizing! It's hard for me to stay focused on the most important task "right Now". If you don't have a good organizational system in place, DEVELOPE ONE NOW!! Don't forget to include down time, exercise, and a little play time in your schedule. My schedule is so packed that I basically have to plan time for everything (sleeping, showering, cooking, shopping, exercising, emailing).

Also, make sure you are really organized around school admin stuff. Save copies of everything "just in case" the administration misplaces your paperwork (believe me, it happens!).

A lot of students in my class have laptops and it seems beneficial. They are up to date on school communication because they have instant access. IPhones are also great for this. The laptop also lets you follow the teacher's powerpoint on blackboard and you can make notes directly into the computer (if you are a person who likes to study this way.) Laptops are also useful for studying for another class or catching up on email during boring classes.

Lastly, make the best of your experience. No school is perfect. I have found that I can advocate for what I want/need and still be pleasant. If something isn't working for you, make an appointment with the dean and start a discussion. In Oakland, the school is very concerned about the students having a good experience. They are definitely not perfect, but who is???! Use your interpersonal communication skills! They come in handy when dealing with aggravations at school, and will help you make good connections.

The ABSN program is very intense. But you get used to the pace around month 5 or so. It's like a roller coaster - It's scary and thrilling, so just hang on and enjoy the ride. You will be amazed at how much you're going to learn and understand! It's very exciting and rewarding. You'll be an RN very soon!!!!