Western University MSN-E Application Time!

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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Well, I thought this day would never come, but the application period for Western U's MSN-E program starts a week from today!

I'm beyond nervous, as I've been working on this career change for over three years now. Every time I write a little of my personal statement I get a little shaky. This is so unlike me too, I'm usually cool as a cucumber.

Anyone else here planning to apply for 2012? Are you as nervous as I am?

The application process was frustrating because Western used a system called NursingCAS. My understanding is that they had so many problems with it, that they will not be using it in the future, so that's good.

The staff at the university are great. Really, really great. I went to two Information Sessions and one Preview day. One of the recruiters remembered me. And at one of the information sessions, Dr. Lopez, the head of the program, spent a good 30-40 minutes talking with me about my background, and how I can optimize my application. I took notes during the Info sessions about what things they emphasized, and really worked that, and Dr. Lopez's advice, into my personal statement and application. And I've spent the last several years reading up and staying current on health news and nursing trends, which really helped in my interview.

A great thing about Western is that they really and truly look at each application as a whole, not just as a set of numbers. Some of my stats are spectacular. Some are horrendous. The fact that I was accepted tells me that they don't just say they're reading each application and looking at each person as an individual... they mean it.

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That's super great! I like to hear news like this :0) I look forward to doing more research on Western as I continue my route to finding my way towards graduate school.

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Hello everyone. Has anyone heard any new news about alternates?

Thanks.:p

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Gozxamaica, I was wondering the same! I'm assuming you're an alternate as well? Did you get any type of notification about Western receiving your decision to be an alternate?

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Hello Goz and Blueeyes I am an alternate as well. I was starting to wonder why no one was posting anything anymore. If I hear anything I'll be sure to post it we are all in the same boat. :)

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yay! we're still here! I'm an alternate too....and I haven't heard anything back. From reading the threads, I think deposits were due last Wednesday.

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Gozxamaica, I was wondering the same! I'm assuming you're an alternate as well? Did you get any type of notification about Western receiving your decision to be an alternate?

Yep. I'm an alternate. I haven't received any notification.

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Yay! I'm glad we can support one another in our pursuit of becoming a Masters entry nursing student. :)

BTW this All Nurses platform has got some crazy emoticons (smiley faces).

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Hi everybody,If you're willing to read, I have a great story to share. I am a WesternU MSN-E class V student (I started fall 2008). Western was the only school I applied to. I was on the alternative list when I applied and did not get accepted until June...a few months before classes started. So for those who are on the wait list....DO NOT LOSE HOPE!The MSN-E/pre-licensure part were the best years of my life. Our cohort was very tight and this is where I met the close friends I have now. WesternU will shape you into great and compassionate nurses. I will warn you: those 16 months of pre-licensure will be tough but stick to it! It will be frustrating, the classes will suck, the professors will irritate you, but remember why you're there: because you want to be the nurse that will change someone's life. I did not pass the NCLEX the first time. It was not because WesternU did not prepare me, I had test anxiety ALL 3 TIMES. Yes, I'm not ashamed to say it took me 3 times to pass. I was nervous the 1st time, not prepared the 2nd time, and I took my time and really focused the 3rd time. When I (finally) passed, which was 6 months since finishing the MSN-E part, I found a new grad program and worked on a tele unit. Being an RN was stressful and I worked nights. I respect bedside RNs and I loved taking care of people, but that year was enough for me and I do not want to do it again. You will find your own calling when you're an RN. I worked full time and did the MSN part. It is do-able but you will be tired!!!! The MSN part is a lot of writing and that's when you do your masters project. I was so tired with school, I really did not care anymore.BUT I continued and am now doing the FNP certificate. There were 48 that started the MSN-E with me; during the MSN part, less than 10 dropped out or took a year off; now only less than 20 of the original cohort V are in the FNP certificate. Being an RN is a completely different scope of practice than being an NP. I had to quit my work because it was impossible to work as an RN and do my NP clinical requirements. I'm currently following Dr's in their private practice and I'm learning so much every day. You will have to find your own preceptors (the school will not help you). I will be doing the commencement ceremony in May 2012; will be officially done in Aug 2012; then it will be time to take the boards. WesternU is a great school and you will learn a lot. The faculty and staff for the program can be difficult to deal with sometimes but at the end of the day, they want the best for their students and have good intentions.Yes tuition will be expensive. I took loans and will owe a lot when I'm done. Some classmates who finished at the MSN part are paying $1200/month. I don't know how much they took out. I wish everyone who got accepted the best of luck. Work hard. You are in a very rewarding career.For those applying, got denied, or are wait listed, DO NOT GIVE UP! Every possible obstacle was thrown my way but I never stopped.

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Neelia06, thanks for sharing your story.

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Thank you so much for sharing Neelia! What a great story! Wishing you all the best and thank you for thinking of us!

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Neelia-

Thank you for sharing your story. I start the MSN-E program in August. If you don't mind I have a couple questions: I took my pre-req classes 6 months-1 year ago, do you recommend I brush up on anatomy, physiology, and micro before I start the program or do we go over everything in the program? Also, you mentioned they do not help you find your preceptors so how did you go about to find yours? I know that once I start the program everything will probably fall into place but I can't help from feeling so nervous. I just want to be as prepared as possible :)

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