Accelerated BSN or 4 year BSN thru Mac

lalaxton · Jun 10, 2005

Hi Trousse,

I feel for you. I know how hard it is to be in a job you hate and wanting to get ahead as fast as possible. However, I do think you should stay in the 4 year program through Conestoga/Macmasters. Here's why: you have not come from a healthcare or science background, you may have trouble keeping up in an accelerated program, as well as you say there is no guarantee you can even get into one of those programs. When you have a family to consider, travelling to school can be torture (believe me I did it!)

As far as it making a difference where you got your degree, it probably makes little difference once you apply for a job, as long as the program is recognized by the College of Nurses, who is the organization which will let you write your registration exam and allow you to practice as an RN. Where you get your BSN may be very important once you apply to graduate school, which is something else to consider since you mention going on to get a MSN in the future.

I actually tutor Primary Care NP's for Mac at Conestoga and would be happy to sit down with you for a coffee in September to chat about this if you like. PM me.

TRousse · Jun 10, 2005

:) :) Thanks Lalaxton,

Thanks so much for that. That exactly what I needed to hear. I do want to have a good learning experience so I think this will be the best choice for me for sure. I do have a question for you. I was just wondering if it's possible to take courses during the BSN program towards a certificate to specialize in a certain area like oncology, for example. I am just so clueless and the Mac website is not very helpful at all. I guess I am just very eager to get started

Hi Trousse,
I feel for you. I know how hard it is to be in a job you hate and wanting to get ahead as fast as possible. However, I do think you should stay in the 4 year program through Conestoga/Macmasters. Here's why: you have not come from a healthcare or science background, you may have trouble keeping up in an accelerated program, as well as you say there is no guarantee you can even get into one of those programs. When you have a family to consider, travelling to school can be torture (believe me I did it!)
As far as it making a difference where you got your degree, it probably makes little difference once you apply for a job, as long as the program is recognized by the College of Nurses, who is the organization which will let you write your registration exam and allow you to practice as an RN. Where you get your BSN may be very important once you apply to graduate school, which is something else to consider since you mention going on to get a MSN in the future.
I actually tutor Primary Care NP's for Mac at Conestoga and would be happy to sit down with you for a coffee in September to chat about this if you like. PM me.

trent · Jun 10, 2005

I also struggled with the choice of programs as a mature student with a previous university degree. I ended up at Trent University in Peterborough where they have a "compressed" program that allows students with previous university degrees to finish their BScN in 3 years. This works because you do not have to redo elective courses, and you go for an extra 2 months in the summer following first year and the summer following second year. In the third year, you take all of your 400-level courses and so finish an entire calendar year earlier.

If you have a family, I understand that this program might not be a possibility for you, but ask questions... It may be "unofficially" available at other schools.

Good luck! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Trent

lalaxton · Jun 13, 2005

TRousse,

Usually they don't encourage students to formally specialize during your program. That doesn't however stop you from focusing on that area while you are in school. For example you will probably have to do many projects, if you can choose your own topic, do your project on your area of interest (oncology, labour and delivery etc.)

I applaud you for being so enthusiastic, give yourself a summer off, once September roles around you won't have much time to think of anything else!

Nurse Bethie · Jun 14, 2005

Trousse,

The program at Con-Mac does not have a way to specialize, however in 3rd and 4th year you have a say in where you do your clinical placements. As lalaxton said, you can guide you learning to where you want to go. I encourage you to keep you mind open - I though I knew what I wanted to do when I started nursing school (L&D) and ended up in a whole different area (trauma) and then came into teaching (here at Conestoga). There is a whole world of opportunity - do not put on blinders, you may lose some excellent experiences.

If you really want to do something over the summer, check out your basic anatomy & physiology and look at Problem Based Learning (PBL) which is the method of study in this program. PM me if you want more info.

Good luck - enjoy your summer and drop by to see in the Clinical Learning Centre when you get here!

TRousse · Jun 14, 2005

I appreciate everyone's support and advice. I will try to relax before school starts :) I do have one more question though. Is is 12 or 24 months to become a FNP after the BSN? I would want to practice in Northern Ontrion (Sault Ste Marie where I am from). Just curious because this is something I think I may want to do (I am keeping an open mind :) ).

Thanks again..I love this forum!

lalaxton · Jun 15, 2005

The requirements to be a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner in Ontario are the same no matter if you practice in downtown Toronto or in a rural practice. The program is a full 24 months after your BSN, when you inlcude the 'internship' (called an integrated practicum). Be advised though that they are quickly moving towards a Masters degree as entry to practice, which would probably not add more time but will add more work!

TRousse · Jun 15, 2005

Thanks for the info Lalaxton. The reason I mentioned the north is because I had another question in the back of my mind as I was writing. I wondered if there was any kind of grant or other kind of govenment incentive to work in underserviced areas. Sault Ste Marie would qualify as one of these areas. Any info would be greatly appreciated. :) :)

The requirements to be a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner in Ontario are the same no matter if you practice in downtown Toronto or in a rural practice. The program is a full 24 months after your BSN, when you inlcude the 'internship' (called an integrated practicum). Be advised though that they are quickly moving towards a Masters degree as entry to practice, which would probably not add more time but will add more work!

MacNurse · Jun 15, 2005

I"m doing the Mohawk-Mac program at the moment. Take it! You can actually sqeek out a semester early if you fast track through your last summer (although you'd have to commute to Mac for that) So with that it's only 3 1/2 years....It's what I'm doing and so worth it....

Feel free to message me

Elaine

TRousse · Jun 15, 2005

Elaine...Oh my gosh. You have just made my day! That makes me feel so much better. It sounds silly but a semester makes a huge difference to me. That's great thanks!

I"m doing the Mohawk-Mac program at the moment. Take it! You can actually sqeek out a semester early if you fast track through your last summer (although you'd have to commute to Mac for that) So with that it's only 3 1/2 years....It's what I'm doing and so worth it....
Feel free to message me
Elaine

TRousse · Jun 15, 2005

Elaine,

Is there anyway to get through even faster by any chance?

Just wondering.

QUOTE=MacNurse]I"m doing the Mohawk-Mac program at the moment. Take it! You can actually sqeek out a semester early if you fast track through your last summer (although you'd have to commute to Mac for that) So with that it's only 3 1/2 years....It's what I'm doing and so worth it....

Feel free to message me

Elaine