Samuel Merritt ELMSN-FNP 2010 - Sacramento Applicants

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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Anyone out there applying for this program? Looking for some friends to share the stress of the waiting game with!

I think that if you also applied to the ABSN program and got into the ELMSN program, that you'd get into the ABSN program as well. I would think that they will let you know once they send you your packet that you got into both, but that's just my thinking.

I agree with you on getting the RN, working a couple of years and then going back. That is what I'm hoping to do. I applied to both programs as well, but I'd rather do the ABSN program first and then go back.

You are so lucky to already know you got in. Either way you go it's a great school.

Thanks, 2bgr8! I'm definitely excited about SMU, particularly now that Sac State has evaporated. I'm really torn, though, on whether to choose ABSN or ELMSN-FNP. I feel like things have a way of working out, so I'm not too worried about looking for RN jobs without a degree. I figure with a BS and JD already under my belt, I should be OK even though I don't yet have an MSN. What do you think? Also, Liza mentioned that ELMSN is a different experience because it is a "graduate" program, which sounds interesting, but I confess I don't completely understand. Any thoughts there. Finally, I'm not jazzed about having to apply to another program to just finish out my FNP, so.... ELMSN is looking pretty promising from where I sit. What are you planning to do?? (I just got my SMU package today). Thanks! Erik

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Well, Will, Davis rocks when it comes to the college-age crowd. So, I forget how old you are, but if that's what you're into then I recommend it (bars, restaurants, etc). Drawbacks are (in addition to the commute) that it's more $ and the housing is not as plentiful. If you're on a budget, I would recommend somewhere in mid-town Sac. It's definitely more diverse than Davis and cheaper. We're going to have lots of fun up here, so I hope you choose the Sac campus!

Ah thanks for the recommendations Erik! Yea I'm one of the younger ones in the interview that day (23!). I'm definately a foodie so I'd love to explore the restaurants in the area...although with the tuition that we'll have to pay I don't know how much I'll be able to do that :-p. I just got my acceptance packet in the mail today also. I'm starting to be more open and favorable to the sac campus than before but still want to go over it with Anne Seed, the head director of admissions, before I turn in the early acceptance. Oh and about not getting a degree and only a generic RN in the ELMSN route....I thought that was only true if we elect to opt out of the program after we take the NCLEX after our first year and not finish. Are you saying we don't get an MSN-RN from the MSN direct entry program and only an MSN-NP or something? I'm a little confused about that part.

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Erik- When getting a job in nursing I don't believe the employer will be too concerned if your RN is followed by a BSN, MSN or even if it's blank. What matters is that you have the RN. If there is a lot of competition at the time for the same spot, then maybe the abbreviation which follows will be of importance, but they will also take into consideration that you are an on-going student and will eventually hold that MSN.

I do see why you are struggling with this though, because you would do the same amount of work that first year as the BSN students, but the masters students do not get that degree when the year is up. Did you get accepted into the ABSN program already? Doesn't SMU have just the masters portion so you could get into the field for a couple of years after completion of the ABSN and then return to complete your masters alone? I haven't looked at the curriculum for just the Masters, but I would think it would be the same as where the ABSN left off upon completion. Sorry if that was confusing. It makes sense in my head.

I agree with you that things have a way of working themselves out and what's meant to be will be.

If you don't mind me asking, why did you decide to venture away from law?

In regards to Liza's comment about the ELMSN being totally different, I'm sure that it is totally different than the ABSN (after that first year), because you are in it for the long haul and you are totally focused on specialty areas in the field of nursing. Your learning and understanding will be that much more in depth and advanced.

I also have to wonder if you have the BSN and then decide to get your MSN, which programs you can go through and what the price difference would be. I think CSUS has the program, but who knows what they will be offering when you are ready.

I probably just confused you more, but look at it this way, at least you have that packet from SMU already saying that they want you. The rest of us are still waiting and just hoping to get in. If I don't get in to either program then my only other option is to apply to Sac City, ARC, Solano and Sierra (again). Believe me, even at the price of SMU I'd rather go there, because I believe the education and clinical training will be that much better.

Keep me posted on what you decide. I hope one day we'll be in class together.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Labor & Delivery.

Wow...so many posts now. You guys will have a great class. =)

ANyhow, for the most part I think not getting a BSN isn't that bad. The school is respectable and most employers love SMU. The only business that will not hire you without a BSN is UCD. So, if you're determined to work there someday, you have to wait until your MSN. I mean, I understand why they did that because they really wanted to weed out all the RNs from community colleges. Anyhow, Kaiser, Sutter, etc. pays more than UCD. It's just that UCD is a better teaching institution because of the wide variety of patients.

Our class almost had a lawsuit against the university because classes previous to us were given BSN when we signed the letter intent. BSN was to be given in case we decided to drop out or other students got pregnant, life obstacles happend, etc. It was just complicated and no one had the energy to press on with the lawsuit.

Wilmak: not having a library isn't that bad. All your research articles for papers are found on line. And, after 12 hours shifts , you really don't want to hang out in a library. You just want to relax. Do invest in a good printer and a coffee maker! I should hav started out with a laser. Just have a quiet place at home to study.

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Hey 2bgr8nurse we've both been talking to Erik all this time but I never got a chance to introduce myself! I'm will I was in the same interview group with Eirk...were you also?

Hey Wishing2beanRN I hear you guys are on a two week break right now. Nice of you to spend it with us on allnurses! I was talking to some of your current students about the schedule and they seem to imply that the entire second year is pretty chill were people just go to class once or twice a week and the rest of the time they are with preceptors. Is that true?

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Hello. I am new to this and I am a little confused. I applied to the ELMSN and the ABSN but I have not heard from either. I am assuming this is a bad thing as far as the ELMSN is concerned since interviews have already been conducted? please let me know if anyone has any information on this matter. Thank you very much!

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Hey Kelly You applied to the ELMSN but haven't had an interview yet? Did you apply after or before the deadline?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Labor & Delivery.

Hey Willmak,

Yes, it's true. It's incredibly CHILL 2nd year, which is so strange in comparison to the first year. Acutally all the 2nd years have this entire month off. We're all looking for jobs, but due to the sparsity of jobs, most of us are just enjoying break. THere are jobs out there but most of them are really far away and want a 3 year commitment. I know that eventually the economy will perk up (I hope). It's weird not to be in the hospital and have time to read leisurely non-medical stuff. Yes, we BARELY see each other anymore. It's actually kind of sad bc you become so close to everyone, and I won't be see everyone on a frequent basis til Spring 2010 again!

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Lots of stuff to comment on, let me see:

First, thanks for the good wishes re: being accepted already. I'm so happy and relieved that I'm there. :) I wish all of you who are still waiting for news (either of an interview date or acceptance) the best of luck. Make sure you're keeping all your options open. There are many avenues for getting your RN. And, at 43, I've learned that there is one key to getting where you want to go in life: Perseverance. If SMU doesn't work out for you for whatever reason, if you keep trying you WILL become an RN. It really works! :) If you ever want a real-life (and breathtaking) example of that, watch the movie "Rudy."

@2bgr8: My reasons for the career change are complex. In a nutshell, I was finding myself craving a way to help people more concretely than being an environmental lawyer offered. I was pre-med when I started college, so I've always been inclined toward a career in medicine. Med school is just too much of a committment of $ and time, so I decided on NP. I chose that route over PA because I understand that although NPs and PAs are almost indistinguishable here on the West Coast, NPs tend to practice more autonomously and NPs also have the option to work as nurses to accumulate experience (or perhaps pack in some per-diem hours). Plus, I also am personally more suited to the holistic model of care than the medical model. I agree with everything you said re: Sierra, Solano, Sac City.

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Hello. I am new to this and I am a little confused. I applied to the ELMSN and the ABSN but I have not heard from either. I am assuming this is a bad thing as far as the ELMSN is concerned since interviews have already been conducted? please let me know if anyone has any information on this matter. Thank you very much!

Welcome to the discussion, Kellye!

My understanding is that there is no interview for the ABSN. I don't know how/when they let you know. (Oct?) As for the ELMSN, there have been a few rounds of interviews, but I wouldn't say they are "done." If you want to know whether you're still being considered for an interview, I would recommend you call Liza. She is very friendly and helpful (not to mention responsive). If she can tell you anything, I'm sure she will. Good luck! Erik

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Hey guys thanks for all the help. YES I did apply on time. When I met with an admissions administrator she said I had a very likely chance of getting into the program . That is why I am a little confused regarding the interviews. I have been emailing Liza back and forth regarding one of my classes and she has not mentioned that the acceptance for the program is over ( which you think she would) ha. Or at least hope so :) Does she do the ABSN and the ELMSN program? I ask because I did apply to both Geez... now I am worried. Thanks again

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I had one more comment... did all of you apply for FNP? I applied for the Case Management ELMSN ... does this maybe change when interviews are done or no? Thanks!

Kellye

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