M.S. in Nursing Education @ Walden Univ.

Congratulations on your choice! I have now gone through five classes and have one more before I start my Leadership & Management specialty.

I've noticed that some professors are much better than others. I've also noticed that my colleagues and friends are not well versed in Walden's mission. It is difficult for me to really brag about it because they don't know about the school. One of my nurse colleagues was saying how annoyed she was of all the e-mails/spam she gets from the university. This is unfortunate because it is a respected institution, albeit their advertising campaign may not be the best. People must know that many graduate schools for our profession are online anyway.

Good luck... make sure it is what you want to do though.

BRAVO to you! I think it is a good decision for you. Please remember that their programs are growing and their enrollment is also grwoing so they may not be as student centered as you might like. But, they do get back with you in a reasonable amount of time. The only department I really struggle with is the financial aid department, but the academic advisors are very good and they work hard to take care of any problems you might be having.

I have finished all of my core MSN courses and have now started in the Education courses and love them!

Remember to keep track of all of your course assignments and back them up on a flash drive or a portable hard drive. As a part of the last couple of courses, you are required to put together a synthesis project called Portfolio and you must include a sample from each course you take of your written assignments. If you lost a folder or assignment, it could palzce you at a great disadvantage putting together your portfolio (which is a graduate requirement).

Walden is introducing a new start page for students called "MyWaldenU." The new student start page has everything you need on it including your courses, instructor's name, email, library resources and so much more. This is scheduled to launch July 1 and I know I am excited to be using the new format.

Best of luck to you.

Patrick

I was wondering how you did with Walden. I am thinking about applying myself for MSN in Education. I currently teach LPN students a community college. Any info or insight would be appreciated.

Patrick, can you give me an update on Walden. I am thinking about applying for June class MSN in Education. I currently teach LPN at community college.

Hey GiGi,

I am almost finished! I am completing my first practicum course in one week and then start my last practicum course (which is my last course period). I have been attending for almost 3 years. I was one of the first people to start with Walden when the MSN program received its accreditation from CCNE. I waited to start until the program received accreditation.

I have consistently been impressed with the overall quality of the courses, professors and program in general. Over the last 3 years, I have learned so much about nursing education. I have had other friends of mine that were attending other universities and when we compared our programs, it was clear that Walden has a great MSN/ED program. Geese - I am starting to sound like a commercial.

Anyway - safe to say that you will work hard, but in the end, you will be pleased that you attended their program.

Best wishes on your decision.

Patrick

Patrick thank you for you quick reply. This is all new to me. I was told this degree is not recognized by NLN, which means I couldn't take the CNE exam because it is only a MS degree in Education rather than MSN in education. I am confused. Can you tell me what the CCNE means. What are your plans after you graduate with MSN.

I concur with LadyT.

Patrick, so good to hear from you.

I never did start and am soooooooooo jealous to hear that you are completing soon. Congratulations!!!!

Tell us about the practicum and what it entailed.

Before the end of 2009, it was the M.S. in Nursing, but Walden was recently given the designation to award the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Everyone graduating after the beginning of 2009 will get an MSN now. I just have my two practicum classes left and cannot wait until it is done this Fall. I poured A LOT of work into my last two years. I echo my previous post above -- make sure you are READY before taking the plunge. By the way, I'm doing leadership & management, am a cardiac floor nurse, and only 25 -- just real motivated already, but had a hard time still.

From a recent newsletter to students available publicly here :

Dear Walden University Nursing Student,

Walden University is now approved to award the Master of Science in Nursing
(MSN) degree. Walden recently requested and received approval from the
Minnesota Office of Higher Education (MOHE), our state regulatory body, to
change the degree designation from the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in
Nursing to the MSN in order to align our program with national trends in
graduate nursing education and to meet the needs of our students. The
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has fully accredited
Walden University’s graduate program in nursing and has acknowledged the
change in designation of the program.

Before the end of 2009, Walden’s graduate nursing program will change from
the M.S. degree program in Nursing to the Master of Science in Nursing
(MSN). All students who are currently enrolled in the M.S. degree program
will automatically be enrolled in the newly designated MSN program and will
receive an MSN degree upon successful completion of the program. However,
current students who do not wish to be enrolled in the newly designated
MSN program may remain in the M.S. degree program in Nursing by
submitting a form to the Office of the Registrar by August 24, 2009. This
form will be available on Walden’s Web site on July 13, 2009 and you will
receive email notification once the form is available.

If you wish to earn an MSN, you will not need to contact Walden regarding
this choice or complete any forms—the change will be automatic and will be
reflected on your records, including your transcript.