University of Maryland CNL Accepted Students Fall 2010

Jaysie1 · Apr 16, 2010

I have a question about the registration process. It says we should complete the electronic registration form, and once they receive it, they will remove our registration hold and then we can actually register. The online schedule only shows one section of each course. Does that mean we are all in class together and there is no need to choose exact times? I am so used to rushing to register to make sure I get my first choice of schedule(s), but it doesn't seem like it matters.

I'm feeling confused. :uhoh3:

Anyone have any insight?

longbow.shelly · Apr 17, 2010

I have a question about the registration process. It says we should complete the electronic registration form, and once they receive it, they will remove our registration hold and then we can actually register. The online schedule only shows one section of each course. Does that mean we are all in class together and there is no need to choose exact times? I am so used to rushing to register to make sure I get my first choice of schedule(s), but it doesn't seem like it matters.
I'm feeling confused.
Anyone have any insight?

Hey, JaimieHR: Yes, I have some info: The beginning, introductory classes are taken by everyone, BSN as well as CNL. We will take some of these basic classes together. These include Pathopharmacology, Health Assessment and Fundamentals of Nursing. The labs for these classes, I have heard from my friends who are taking both BSN and CNL, are segregated between the BSN and the CNL students. So your labs will include just CNL folks. As you continue your studies, and the BSN folks have Spring and Summer breaks, (while you continue classes) you will pull ahead in the courses that you are required to take, and just like in your undergrad, the classes will thin out and be comprised of only CNL students. That's just my understanding from my pals (5 of them) over at the school. I hope this helps, and as you probably know, schools always have the prerogative to change their system and how they do things. That said, don't BANK on this, but this is just how it was in the last year that I am aware of.

Once again, let me say how incredibly happy and excited I am about our coming school start date and that I can't wait to meet you and the rest of our class! Yeaaayyyyy! ;)

Jaysie1 · Apr 18, 2010

Thanks Shelly! So I guess there is no reason to rush to register since we all have the same course times.

Do you know when New Student Orientation is usually held? School starts early and I would like to finalize my family vacation plans the week before- a last hurrah as they say. :)

SJT2010 · Apr 19, 2010

Jamie,

Thanks for starting a new thread. I just emailed my registration form, which from what I gather is just necessary for you to register online. I left the UMB email address blank - have we even been assigned one yet?

I hope everyone's as excited as I am about starting this fall!

Scott

guest10 · Apr 19, 2010

You are quite right - you do not have a UMB email address yet so leaving that blank or filling in your home email address is just fine - the form should be updated for new students.

JMANNN · Apr 29, 2010

Hi everyone!!!

I'm new to this site, but I will also be attending UMB in the Fall for the CNL program! Does anyone know when orientation is supposed to be? I know classes start Aug 23rd, so is orientation before then, or is that when orientaiton starts for new students? I can't wait to meet everyone!

Jaysie1 · Apr 29, 2010

The admissions office told me it was most likely going to be August 18/19. Seems so far away but I guess it will be here before we know it! I sure wish they would give us our lab times before then. It's so hard to arrange for childcare/carpools with a few days notice! Either way, I'm really looking forward.

Blondell · May 2, 2010

Mean while, go back and take a look on your A&P materials, you will need to know them for especially Health Assessment and pathos. Enjoy the break because it will be hard to fine when the school is started. If any questions for anything please ask. I was in your shoes last year and I am back to help out.

longbow.shelly · May 2, 2010

Howdy, ya'll. Here's a cool website I ran across today that has a bunch of slideshows and lectures which are downloadable to review for A&P. BTW, my friends at UMD are telling me that the most critical systems to know, if we need to really focus on are HEART and KIDNEY!!! So have at these presentations and please pass on any additional stuff you have or run across.

Course Name

BTW: If you are in the Baltimore area, some friends of mine and I are going to be regularly getting together this summer over at the AACC Arundel Mills Building for A&P review. We'll be bringing our old notes, and books, and whatever helpful materials we can muster. Depending on times, we may also have my old A&P professor sitting in with us. We are a group of pre-nursing students and PA applicants. Please come if you want to brush up. We are approaching our finals right now, so we loosely have a tentative plan of getting together around 2 times per week. We'll be more clear on the particulars as the summer session approaches.

tallone123 · May 4, 2010

Hey, CNL folks-just a quick question. I am curious why students would pursue the UMBC-CNL program, which is a relatively new degree (created in last 10 years), which is seemingly not-so-well understood by industry professionals, in my humble experience, compared to the simple RN degree?

Apparently there isn't much differential between the pay grade of the CNL and the RN, or is there? The feeling I get from the clinical folks is there isn't much difference, so I thought I'd ask the forum here.

Also, the nature of acquiring a relatively new degree like the CNL, compared to the standard MSN would seem like an 'educational risk' to me, do others see it this way or not? It would make me nervous to seek a degree which other head hunters in the nursing field have not heard of.

I understand the point of learning additional information in one's field, and if one is less concerned with their income and more about educational fulfillment, then the CNL may be an appropriate choice. Thoughts?

longbow.shelly · May 4, 2010

:pntrghi:WARNING!!! THIS POST IS LONG. DON'T GET STARTED AND THEN GET MAD, BUT PLEASE READ ON IF YOU'RE INTERESTED! :igtsyt:

Hey, CNL folks-just a quick question. I am curious why students would pursue the UMBC-CNL program, which is a relatively new degree (created in last 10 years), which is seemingly not-so-well understood by industry professionals, in my humble experience, compared to the simple RN degree?
Apparently there isn't much differential between the pay grade of the CNL and the RN, or is there? The feeling I get from the clinical folks is there isn't much difference, so I thought I'd ask the forum here.
Also, the nature of acquiring a relatively new degree like the CNL, compared to the standard MSN would seem like an 'educational risk' to me, do others see it this way or not? It would make me nervous to seek a degree which other head hunters in the nursing field have not heard of.
I understand the point of learning additional information in one's field, and if one is less concerned with their income and more about educational fulfillment, then the CNL may be an appropriate choice. Thoughts?

Note: Grammar pundits: my after period spaces are automatically pared down to one space...keep reading and you'll know why.

Hi Tallone123! This is the million dollar question pertaining to this degree selection! Everyone positioning themselves to pursue this plan of study should be clear on WHY they are doing it. Everyone is going to have their own answer. Please forgive me for this very long answer, but I was hoping to be helpful. I would have liked to have seen a post like this when I was beginning to look at this degree.

When I first began looking at this degree, I tried to find people who were already doing it, or who had graduated from the program. I went to the school with my friends, who were already accepted into the BSN program for this last January. We took a tour led by a wonderful girl named Meaghan George, Academic Program Specialist, and that experience was literally my first tangible introduction to the facilities, and many of the people in the support offices (VA rep, Registrar, etc...). Ms. Meaghan showed us a typical lab which was set up for OB/GYN clinical practice....my friend Holly almost passed out, HA!

Also, she introduced us to three current BSN students in the hallway who were just finishing up their December finals, and who were enthusiastic about being there, even though they said it was a kick-butt first semester. The students who did have previous degrees said it was much harder to get an "A" in a class in Nursing School than it was in their undergrad (yes some previous college graduates DO choose to take the BSN versus the CNL). They later met up with us for lunch and gladly answered our barrage of questions. We asked them why they chose BSN instead of CNL. One fellow said that he chose BSN because he felt that he didn't want to do "more work" and pay "more money" for a degree which got him the same pay as a BSN.

The rest of the tour was amazing. I was thrilled to think that the virtually new facilities (added on to the old school of nursing) were connected to the student center (with floors for dining, working out....their gym is fanTABulous, with a pool on the 4th floor) and study areas. We saw the Country's very first Museum of Nursing, which in right there in the Nursing School. The entire place beautiful.

So, my first impressions in place, I began working on my application and made some phone calls. I spoke with Dr. Lemaire, Co-Director of the CNL program, and asked her a number of questions about the program. She was so incredibly kind and generous with her time, and very enthusiastic about the program. I also asked her if she could put me in touch with any current or former students of the program so I could get their take on the CNL path. She immediately put me in touch with two students. One was a first year student, and one had just graduated. They were able to help me outline the pros/cons of CNL. So, longer story even longer........

The cons: It costs more than BSN. There is more work than BSN, mainly in the forms of research, case study work-ups, paper writing. Also, it is "said" that BSN folks get more "CLINICAL HOURS," of which, no one could tell me exactly how many more. But from asking around I surmise that since traditional 16-month CNL folks work straight through their plan of study, with no Summer or Winter breaks, then they have no opportunity to work internships at potential places of future employment to gain extra "hours." No one knows the exact number of hours because different folks may work different hours, depending on their desire and availability, and to be honest, NOT ALL BSN STUDENTS EVEN DO USE THAT OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN EXTRA HOURS. So as far as I'm concerned, it's just "something people say." The clinical hours Con is actually 2 in 1, in that extra hours opportunities MAY be missed, as well as opportunities for getting your foot in the door somewhere, as I said, for potential future employment, which also includes, chances to try out clinical experience in areas of your choice, potentially, and decide if one area of nursing is to your liking more than another (i.e. cardiac, vs. psych, vs. pediatrics, vs. trauma). Lastly, the dark cloud hanging over this degree is the challenge of earning a NEW degree, which many people have not heard of. Can you get a job with this degree???? The answers I found to these challenges lay in the....

PROS!!!!

PRO#1:

It does cost more than a BSN, because you're being awarded an MSN. That's a big deal. Here's some statistics taken from: Contemporary nursing: issues, trends, & management By Barbara Cherry (MSN.), Susan R. Jacob: A survey was conducted in 2002 which showed that nurses polled on their highest degree reported (there are this many folks with these types of education in nursing as of 2002): 22% Diploma, 34% Associates in Nursing, 7% BSN, and 10% MSN. For a list of the differences b/w ea. type of degree, please go check this out: Entry-Level Nursing Degree | Get an Entry-Level Nursing Program Overview With Diploma, Associate's and BSN Degree Info

The trend for students graduating at that time coming out of nursing schools showed that new graduates were completing 29.3% Diploma, 40.3% Associates in Nursing, and 29% BSN. As more and more nurses leave the profession due to age or job dissatisfaction (ironically due to a shortage of nurses), these numbers should be a more clear indicator of the near future make up of the nursing profession. There will be more BSNs than MSNs by percent (or so I take it) and having an MSN was ONE way I thought I could stand apart from the crowd. These numbers are from one source only, but google this stuff for your own determination to see where things currently are. Also, if you already have an undergraduate, why NOT get an MSN? Why get another undergrad?

PRO #2:

To meet the challenge of the NEW CNL DEGREE trepidation, amongst students and hiring administrators, I can only say this: Yes, we are trained in the same types of nursing skills as the BSN students. We are not SPECIALIZED MSNs. Most of our beginning classes are even held together in the same room. We will gain some research and leadership experience and training that will aid us down the road, when we move up the experience-food-chain. Know going in to this program, and be ready to allay fears from others that the CNL program is not designed to place floor commanders for different specialties on day one. No way. We will go in to our new roles as CNL nurses with the same humble, open, and ready to perform/learn attitudes as everyone else. What will set you apart is your proactive nature, your ability to identify critical clinical issues that have been addressed in current or recent research that you would have covered as part of your training, and as part of your self-guided continual push to stay current on trends affecting different nursing specialties. You will KNOW that you don't walk into ANY job, on day one or even on day 100 and expect to be the leader of anything. That said, I have spoken to someone who mentioned her fellow CNL graduate friend was already proctoring after three months with her excellent performance at her new job at the NIH.

PRO#3:

You have the opportunity to choose the 23 month option if you are worried about the 16 month time frame. I was told that 16 month-ers can not intern (b/c they're in classes) but I'm not sure if there is a moratorium on the 23 month-ers interning.

Pro#4:

If you like being on the cutting edge of the nursing field, your degree work will show you how to stay current on trends in nursing that will apply to your areas of specialty. Bringing that knowledge to bear on your practice will make you an excellent and productive member of your nursing team, and depending on your work-ethic, help you stand out from the crowd.

Pro#5:

If you plan to be in nursing for a number of years, your MSN will place you in excellent position for advancement. Like I said, this won't happen immediately. You MUST gain floor, bedside experience first. But when you have so much time experience and are an identical candidate in every way to another nurse, but you have your Masters....you have the advantage. Also, looking at the numbers above, you'll be in the 10% crowd of nurses who hold MSNs.

Pro#6:

If you plan to be a nurse practitioner, or pursue further education which requires you to have a masters degree as a prerequisite, BAM! You'll already have one. Currently there is no need to have a masters degree to be a nurse practitioner. There is talk of making NP a PHD level degree by 2015, in which case future students will have to have a masters to apply. I have been told, however, that if this happens, there will be some sort of transitional program in place to provide instruction/education to those without masters degrees what they need to be ready for the PHD program. Were this to happen, you'd already have what you need. (From what I have gathered by speaking to many students and some faculty on the matter).

Pro #7:

The economy has been rather tight in the last few years, and so many facilities have not developed their job pool to accommodate CNLs as much as could be. But things are beginning to turn around. UMD has positions for CNLs, John's Hopkins has positions for CNL's, NIH has positions for CNLs, as do others.-- (I mean, specifically tailored for the CNL MSN graduate.) And certainly, some CNLs are filling BSN positions. I am excited to think about the opportunity to help be on the forefront of folks leading the way in this new degree, and to show the health care profession the value of the CNL education! This is a degree that is awarded in only a handful of schools right now, but think about it....it's the University of Maryland, the number 7 school in the nation for nursing, not some unheard of internet program. KWIM? Facilities are beginning to loosen their belt on funds in the last half year and already are working on the development of CNL positions, from hospitals to LTC facilities. The CNL graduate I spoke to and her NIH friend had jobs lined up before they even graduated! This doesn't worry me.

Pro #8:

Having a masters degree means you are qualified to teach in any university. (Qualified is a relative term...meaning, basic requirements...not necessarily Harvard worthy... ha ha) Meaning, you don't need a teaching degree when you're at this level. Don't think teaching is for you? What if you move out of state and have to spend a half year getting certified in that state and settled into your new home...what will you do for income? Well, teaching may be an option to help in those interim times of your life. I'm part of a military family and so moves for us are fairly common. This was a plus, as far as I am concerned.

These are not all inclusive, but, are some of the major things I thought about when I was looking at the CNL. The reasons for each of us will be varied, I'm sure. Bottom line, we will all be qualified to provide excellent care coming out of UMD, either BSN or MSN. How could we not be? It's where you want to go and what you want to do with your degree that will decide which route to take. I wish you the best luck ever, whatever you decide, and I apologize for my loooooooong answer. I hope that I helped. Feel free to msg me if you want to discuss more.