Duke ABSN Fall 2011

Evita · Jan 30, 2011

Hey Nikki - I hear what you are saying about the program but I got the feeling that Duke expects a majority of their students to be advanced practice nurses. I felt like their focus on leadership and the fact that they make it so easy to do MSN afterward really points to that. I'm focused on Acute Care (especially Emergency Medicine) but I appreciate the chance to explore other areas of nursing because I think that will make me a better, more well rounded nurse.

I've been conflicted about going straight through to advanced practice or taking time off to work. What I found the most surprising from my duke day was when the head of the program said he didn't feel that it was necessary to work as an RN before being an advanced practice nurse because the skill sets do not overlap that much. That was a really interesting perspective and gave me a lot of food for thought because what I had always heard before was that it was critical to work as an RN beforehand to get the technical skills and respect needed to get an advanced practice job (just FYI my mom who is a CNS had always told me that :) ).

I like that with Duke I could work while doing my MSN so I would be getting the best of both worlds. Work experience while moving fairly quickly to advanced practice.

So anyway, I was REALLY impressed by the program, their commitment to the future of nursing, and especially by how nice everyone was.

I am dying to know if I'm in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

oaktown2 · Jan 30, 2011

@evaamber - so if the head of the program things that you don't need to be a RN before becoming an Adv Practice nurse, I wonder why Duke doesn't offer a masters/direct entry program? On one hand I think it is great that there are so many ways to get into nursing, but there are times when I hate it because I get stuck in which path is best and everyone and their sister has an opinion on that.

Glad to hear that everyone has liked it. Makes me think that maybe it will be worth it to wait to go through this all in July. Would love to hear more of what people thought!

Evita · Jan 30, 2011

oaktown - well he made it clear that everyone has different opinions on the matter, and that although it might not be critical to be an RN first, some people would benefit from the time and experience doing floor work first, and that furthermore some people will be happier doing advanced practice and that some people will be happier as RNs.

ocennia · Jan 30, 2011

I don't know if this will help anyone but my sister did the NP program at Yale. It was a 3 year program that prepared you to become a NP and it was for people who had degrees in other fields. My sister was already a nurse so she only had to do the last two years.

She thinks that it's important to be a nurse first, see if you like the profession and then think about pursuing a higher degree. I agree with her. I feel like before I sign on to do a Master's in the field I should see if I like being a nurse. Some of these NP programs are very long and for me, being a slightly older student, it is not what I'm looking for. All of this help me decide to pursue an accelerated program.

The fact that we would ear 11 grad units in this program is awesome and if I decide to pursue a higher degree that is still an option!

Anyhoot good luck to everyone going next week and to everyone who has already gone through the process. Only two weeks before we hear about those first round picks- feels like the NFL draft or something.....

nikki164 · Jan 30, 2011

the thing with yale is, that after two weeks of orientation, you are put on the wards... so its active learning. and then you take the NCLEX to become a RN after the first year, since that's necessary. But I think learning and experiencing is equally as important as actually working... you just don't get paid for it

That being said, there is a plus to being able to establish yourself financial before you enter a master's degree.. I don't know though. I am so confused! I keep going back and forth!

I truly loved both schools, but I decided I shouldn't worry about which one I liked more until I have to make a decision (which won't come until I hear from the schools).

marann1234 · Jan 31, 2011

Here's my take on the Master path: I think Duke's set-up is ideal (for me at least). You can start the ABSN degree and decide once you get some experience A. if you want to go on to the masters B. What your specialty will be. Initially I was only looking at direct to practice programs. But after talking to a lot of different people and getting mixed reviews on the 'right' path, (oaktown2, you're right, EVERYONE has an opinion about this) I decided that a program that has options is the best for me. I can't imagine declaring my specialty NOW as most of the schools I looked at expect. This is different for everyone. I don't have a lot of experience in nursing. I'm sure some of you do, so you know exactly what you want to do.

I can't wait to find if I got in!!! However, I'm not thrilled about the idea of taking out so many loans... ugh. I just got an email from Duke about filing financial aid. Not what I wanted to think about on a Monday... putting myself into debt. I just need to keep reminding myself that it will be worth it when I'm done!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week.. I'm off to Microbiology! yay

Evita · Feb 1, 2011

Two weeks two weeks two weeks. Two weeks!!!!!! I want it so bad!!!! Sorry, just had to shout a little. :)

marann1234 · Feb 1, 2011

I second that! :)

dorshee · Feb 2, 2011

does anyone know if finaid needs to be received by the 5th or just postmarked by the 5th?

marann1234 · Feb 3, 2011

At Duke Days it seemed like it needed to be in by the 5th.

Evita · Feb 3, 2011

Good luck to the final group of applicants tomorrow! I know you'll all do great.

NormaP · Feb 3, 2011

Dear Evaamber,

Thanks for the encouragement. Tomorrow's the big day for me, and I'm finally feeling a bit nervous. I'm finishing up the last of the scholarship essays now. I had budgeted plenty of time for them this week, but my kids have been home with the flu, and they came first.

Looking forward to the next two weeks passing quickly. :)