Salem State University (SSU) BSN starting spring 2015

[Mrs.D.]

Good evening!

I have peeked through these boards for a few years, and since I finally sent in my application to the SSU BSN nursing program yesterday (spring 2015), I thought that I would make a profile name and start a thread. I am more nervous about going to a university than the nursing classes, if you could imagine! Having some people to talk to before I get there with similar interests may help my nervousness. I am a perpetual community college student, so I have ZERO experience with the big schools--even though it is a small-big school :)

Some of the things I would love to hear about are: family/career/education backgrounds and how you became interested in this nursing program (or nursing in general); what your end ideal dream/goal is as of right now; if you have been admitted yet (!); anyone that has experience with this specific program at this school, or what you have heard; if you live in the area already, or when you are moving out; and anything else really. I know the deadline is still a ways away (November 1st, I believe) so I might be alone here for a bit, but answer anytime because I probably won't have another thread until I am about to graduate, and will continuously check back.

I will answer these questions myself soon, just wanted to get it out there.

Pleasure to meet you!!

[Linexox]

hey jacky, i tried to pm you back, but i haven't posted enough yet so it wont let me... does anyone know how much i need to post to pm?

I didn't even know about that.

Thank you

[eMilli]

I'm starting spring 2015 at SSU!

Coming in as a psych major/bio minor, all of my prereqs are done.

I'm taking health assessment, 105, 104, and nursing research. And (through the psych dept), psychopharm and professional psych development (1.5 credits).

Parking is crappy here, unless you come in before 7:30, or after 1:00 (in general, okeefe is your best bet between those times). Don't think you can park 15 min before a 9am class!!!

I want to know more about 104, 105, and Heath assessment. I have no idea what to expect!

[Duxfeminafacti, BSN, RN]

Mrs. D, did you begin the program in the Spring? How do you like it so far?

[Mrs.D., BSN]

Yes I did. I took the first two 1 credit nursing classes so far. It depends if you're coming in as a transfer, or as a generic student (that's what they call the kids straight from HS), though. Transfers get to bulk up classes, while generics have to stay the course as it's designed--while taking all of their prerequisites. I remember that you wrote there is no part-time nursing program, and while that might be true in a sense because they don't have a planned one on paper, technically, I am a part-time student only taking 6 credits a semester. Last semester I took 5 credits. I'm in no rush to graduate, and I like to enjoy my classes and squeeze every ounce of information that I can out of them. Last semester I took the two 1 credit courses, plus my upper level Soc class (anthropology). This semester I am taking Health Assessment and my upper level Psych. A girl that transferred in with me took the two 1 credits, Heath Assessment, her SOC and her Psych--she was challenged. She is a strong student and got the damn thing done, but it made her sweat . It's worth it to her because she wants to finish quickly.

The positives:

1) Orientation, thus registration, was a breeze. The nurse professors are very well organized.

2) They have two 1 credit classes that help acclimate you to the school environment as well as the nursing building. It was only my first semester and I am extremely comfortable with the school now.

3) They let you go at your own pace, but make recommendations as to what has worked for prior students.

Negatives:

1) My nurse adviser was never around, so I never saw her. However, because my 1 credit NUR104/105 class had introduced me to a teacher, she took care of it and I'm all set for fall.

2) PARKING IS A NIGHTMARE!! Leave with 30-40 minutes MORE than you think that you will need. I cannot express this enough. You will get the hang of it, but it's terrifying at first. Park somewhere and walk or pick up the school bus, if necessary.

If you do like normal, take 104/105 + health assessment, we might end up in the same cohort anyway. I just wanted to get used to the school before I decided to dig in. I did not take any summer courses this semester.

That's pretty much it. Let me know if you have any questions.

[mickey_123]

Hi Mrs. D! Thanks so much for posting this thread. I'm very interested in the SSU nursing program. I'm currently taking my pre-req at a CC in Boston and I would like to transfer to SSU. I called the advisor who emailed me about my incomplete application and he advised me not to apply to the traditional BSN program because only about 3 students are admitted to the nursing program from the transfer pool. Is that correct? It's a little discouraging if that's the case.

I already hold a BS degree and yes, I'm going back to school for a BSN. That could possibly be the reason why the advisor told me not to apply for the traditional route since I already have my bachelors degree but I'm perfectly comfortable with taking my time with the nursing program while working part-time. Thank you in advance for the help! I just want to know if its worth sending my transcripts to SSU if they aren't going to consider me. I currently have a 3.6 GPA at the CC.

Thanks so much!

Edit: I'd also like to add that when I was filling out the application and when asked which major would I like to choose- nursing was not an option. Would I have to be accepted to SSU before getting into the nursing program?

[Mrs.D., BSN]

Wow, I had never heard that they took only a few transfer students. Now that I think of it, that can't be true because there were three in my 104 course (one of many 104 courses on the schedule). Plus, I know another girl from my class at my previous college who was in another 104 class. That adds to at least four students just from who I knew and saw, that doesn't even count all of the potential transfer students that may be in the other 104 classes. We picked our own classes, so they didn't herd us all into one class. If I were you, I would call admissions and ask if this is true (978.542.6200--leave a message for them to call if they don't answer; email if they still don't answer [i would email & leave a message--but I'm a pest]). They may not be able to tell you how many they take, but at least they can say, "no, three is not the amount, it depends."

As far as how competitive your GPA is, I am not sure. I really don't know the GPA system. I don't know how common a 4.0, or 3.9, or 3.6, etc. is. Whenever someone tells me their GPA I am always like, "so, is that an A or a B?" My entrance into the program was unusual, so I have no reference from there either. I have 2 degrees (thus plenty of classes to fill any prerequisites) and a 4.0 GPA, but I hardly think that I am the only one. I think, if anything, what would make me stand out for diversity in their numbers is the fact that I am 30 years old (adult student). Both of the other transfers in my 104 class were older than me, and the other girl that transferred with me into the program was 28 or 29. The rest of the class was youngsters. I will say that there were definitelly more new kids than transfer adults.

I would say that you should apply regardless (after calling admissions to make sure I am not talking out my rear). It's $40 to get your answers. I'm glad no one told about "the three." How discouraging.

Lastly, I have no idea about the application process. Mine was odd. I got in for psychology one year, switched to biology another year (before ever taking classes), and then switched to nursing a couple of months before the start of classes (again before matriculation). I would definitely call admissions for answers. I was on the phone and email all of the time. I'm surprised no one ordered a restraining order on me with how often I bothered them

Good luck! Wish I could help more than just with hunches of how it seemed.

[mickey_123]

Thanks so much Mrs. D! you were super helpful! I was hesitant to invest my time with SSU but you're right, I paid $40 for the admissions fee and I owe it to myself to get some answers. I'll keep you posted !

[Duxfeminafacti, BSN, RN]

Hi Mrs. D-

I am beginning this week. Who are you taking for health assessment? They are allowing me to take NUR 104 & 105 as well as Health Assessment. I am also taking biochem to fulfill their requirement for a Chem class too. I have professor Candy I believe for health assessment on Thursdays. What about you?

[Mrs.D., BSN]

Any news mickey_123?

[mickey_123]

Hi Mrs. D.! Sorry it took awhile to reply, I'm not used to checking this forum! But I did call and the person I spoke with emphasized that the program is geared towards students who do not already hold a bachelors degree. And I'm okay with that!

[NursingChk]

Hello ! I am a Lpn looking into the Salem Lpn to BSN program . With that said if I'm accepted into the program do I need to have finished all my non nursing courses prior to beginning nursing courses or will I be allowed to take them simultaneously? Thank you

[Mrs.D., BSN]

Hey Nursing Chick! First off, I want to start off saying that I know absolutely nothing about the LPN to BSN program, but I do know that for the BSN program, entering freshmen (non-transfers) usually do not have ANY college credits yet. Therefore, they are all taking BSN and gen. ed. classes simultaneously. I would just call up admissions and ask them because they are the ones who decide whether you will be getting into the program, or not.

During orientation the nursing staff is very comprehensive and can answer all of your questions--you just need to get IN first. They literally baby walk you through it. I went prepared with how I thought my semester should go, and they helped to guide me to accomplish my goals--we are all adults and in charge of our own education. They are there to help.

Another way to find information: the School of Nursing for SSU has a Facebook page with lots of active members. Not sure who runs it, but they may be in the program you want, or know some people that are part of it.

This is a link to the LPN to BSN webpage on the SSU website: https://www.salemstate.edu/academics/schools/1817.php or you could just search for it once you get to salemestate.edu.

I found this excerpt from that page:

The program begins as a flexible, part-time evening program

• Once general education, science, and support courses are completed, students must transfer to the day school for theory and clinicals, which are four full-time semesters (two years)
  
• Students must complete all prerequisite courses prior to transferring to the day school
  
• Theory courses are available only during the day
  

It looks as if, for the LPN to BSN program, you will need gen. ed. before starting BSN classes. Again, though, I would call to double check if you're still unsure.

Good luck! I had always heard what a great program this is, and these nursing instructors have really thought of everything and provided us with a wonderful program!