Johns Hopkins or University of Maryland??

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Are there any nusing graduates from Johns Hopkins or University of Maryland who would share their educational experience and pros/cons of the nursing program?? Thanks, im debating the to schools..all comments are needed HELP!!:crying2:

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
We can agree to disagree because as a working nurse it is no overstatement to say the second degree MSNs I have encountered are really struggling. Orientations have had to be extended. One didn't make it due to med errors. I have precepted many new grads and that is not the problem it is about being pushed through too quickly. Being impressed by the super intelligent isn't going to cut it when you need a competent team member. Knowing the pharmacological method of action isn't helping our patients or the team one bit if they are having a psychotic break and the nurse can't find, let alone administer an emergency IM injection. Fwiw their critical thinking is underdeveloped in favor of book smarts. I agree that clinical skills can be learned but imo it should be done in school and then honed on the floor not taught on the floor.

As I said it is not a new grad problem. In my experience the ones hired on my unit so far have been deficient when compared to the new graduating ADNs and LPNs I have precepted. Just something to think about thats all.

To the OP, sorry for the hijack. I think this discussion is interesting and will post this topic on the main board instead. Good luck with school!

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My two cents.

Either way, you're getting the same degree.

JHU will set you back anywhere from $60-80k. UMB is likely less than $25k.

If it was me, if I were either poor enough or had a high enough GPA to get a god financial aid package - Go JHU. Why the heck not have a degree from a school like Hopkins? If it was going to cost me out of pocket or in loans...take the UMB route for sure.

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Agrippa, are you in the CNL program at UMB??? If so are you in the 16month or 23 month??

To the other CNL/MSN critics, please continue to post replys. I'm looking for as much info/perspectivies as possible before I make a choice. I'm a bit hesitant because I havent been able to find any CNL's to speak with, where are they??? HELP!

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hello misssrblake

i am a cnl student and will start class jan 25, i am nervous. i choose cnl program bacause i already have ba and would like to take some extra graduate level for my future career path. the cost is pricier than bsn but it not as expensive as jhu. umb has a great reputation. wish you luck whichever one you choose. if you have any questions pm me.

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Blondell, how do I PM???

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under my name Blondell you will see the envelope icon. Click on that and you will go to the email and you can start from there, I think. :)

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I'm a bsn. I chose against the cnl because I didn't want the extra debt. My previous Ba and grad degree loaded me with debt. Didn't see any reason for me to gre a cnl for what I wNt to do.

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Specializes in SICU.

I have only known one CNL graduate. She was a new grad at the same time as myself. In our new grad fellowship was ASN grads, BSN grads and a MSN grad. We all went thought the same fellowship, we were all paid at the same rate. We all did fine.

I will say I don't know of any CNL positions. CNL grads are new grads just like any other, after a few years of experience they can then use the degree and get into management, case management etc.

My understanding of the CNL degree (that could be wrong) is that it was created by universities for people that wanted to get into nursing but already had a BA. They didn't qualify for federal loans so a masters was created in order to get the loans. Unfortunately they decided to call it a "Clinical Nurse Leader" instead of just plain MSN. Unlike NP's, CNS's and CRNA's there is not really jobs to go with the title.

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Specializes in L&D.

I recently graduated with my BSN from UMB and I honesty don't think you can go wrong either way. Since both schools are affiliated with hospitals, there are plenty opportunities to network for extra learning opportunities and jobs. I can honestly say that I wouldn't have my new grad position if I had not gone to UMB, so I biased! If you do go with the CNL option, do 23 months, unless you are a fast learner. Sinai Hospital actually offers CNL new grad positions, but I don't know if there is a difference in pay.

Nursing school is what you make it, so search your heart and go with your gut! Which ever program you decide to do, learn what your strengths and weaknesses are and work on them. Get a student nurse job to hone your clinical skills. In that way, you'll have the critical thinking skills stressed in BSN/CNL programs and the clinical skills needed in patient care. Good luck to you!

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I'm in a traditional program, but I take classes right next to CNLs...those in the MSN direct entry programs. Despite whatever your anecdotal experiences may be, i think its a bit of an overstatement to say that they are barely up to CNA standards. Of course as new nurses, they won't immediately have all of the clinical skills. However that is something that is very learnable.

What you can't learn as easily, and what these CNLs and other professionals who have come from other fields, is critical thinking skills. In large, they are more intelligent and can think on their own. Of course a veteran LPN will be better than a cnl at first. But an LPN may know how to administer a medication or start an IV better, but they don't know the pharmacological method of action for the drug in the body. CNLs and other higher prepared nurses add variety and a more rounded experience to the profession who can THINK and not just follow directions. If thats all nurses, do, then we might as well be replaced by machines.

Sorry but I have to agree with the poster who stated that the accelerated msn students dont meet the muster. They are better than the cna but not all that they think they are. The truth of the matter is that very VERY FEW of these nurses really want to be nurses. I have worked with and hired them and have to say that they all have visions of being directors of nursing or advanced practice nurses without putting in the time to know what their profession is all about. It is really a shame that schools of nursing push this, however the quickie bsn or msn is nothing compared to schools pushing young students to become NP's without a minute of nursing experience.....a total sham....or shame..perhaps both....

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good luck in your choice but one more thing....I have worked at both hospitals ( i know its not the same as the school) and have worked all around the country and guess what ? ? ? In LA, Seattle, Miami, or Memphis NO ONE has heard of University of Maryland nor cares......However The Johns Hopkins University or Hospital on your resume opens doors.....TRUST ME I have worked for both and one year later in my new position I am still known as the guy from Johns Hopkins.....what is that ? Instant credibility...you can only get that in one place in Baltimore..dont be fool by people who have never left the state....

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Specializes in ICU stepdown/ICU.

I have met nurses that went to both schools and the education doesn't seem to differ that much. I personally wish I hadn't attended JHU only because I have a lot of debt now, going to Hopkins is very expensive! If you are concerned about standing out after you graduate, then work at Johns Hopkins Hospital for a few years. If your goal is to be a RN I think a great training program as a new nurse is more important than the education you get in school. Just my :twocents:

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