South University online NP?

mia.esmio · Jan 20, 2014

Hello All,

I am starting South University's FNP program on Feb 6 as well. Good luck!

freedomrn1 · Jan 21, 2014

Don't kid yourself. Your gonna put in an easy 20-30 hours per week on the work. The writing load is heavy. APA needs to be absolutely perfect. The school uses a Pearson e learning product that is very detailed (code word they tell you is "robust"). Can't say other programs are too different but my first term instructor is .... eh. Do not believe what any "nice" recruiter tells you. They work on commission.

i have a few buddies going to and graduating from Herzing. All making A's. Here, probably a bit tougher to do.

lhflanurseNP, APRN · Jan 21, 2014

I do work hard in this program, but then I am an A-type and am holding a 4.0 currently. Many of my cohorts are also. I believe you will get out what you put in. If you don't put forth the effort, you won't reap the benefits...I don't mean grades...I mean what you will learn. I am amazed at how much I am learning and actually retaining because I go above and beyond the "required" assignment. I have gotten a lot from the discussion forums. I may be lucky in that my cohorts are gregarious and we have very heated and in-depth discussions. I am looking forward to my actual NP practicums in 2 weeks. The hardest part of these programs is that the core requirements for a MSN is tedious, but one must remember there are nurses that are going on for management, education, and research as well as those of us going for our NP.

freedomrn1 · Jan 22, 2014

You are amazing my friend! A priviledge to have made your acquaintence on these threads. I do agree, there are pros and cons to most programs and you have the patience of a saint.

JMHanna · Jan 23, 2014

I am thinking about starting a FB page for the students of the FNP program at South University who are starting this Feb. I was going to call it South University FNP february 2014. I have seen where the December 2013 class started a page and its seems to be helpful to them. Let me know what you guys think.

SamanthaKelly · Jan 26, 2014

Now that you have been in the program for a while how do you like it. I am in the application process as for finding preceptors I was told just find facilities that are willing to take a student and they will do the rest did you find the process of finding preceptors ok did they help you? How are the courses and work load? Do you feel like your being prepared well for this position?

freedomrn1 · Jan 27, 2014

As I previously stated, the work load is high. I am putting in an easy 30 hours a week. I am up very late at night preparing my work, double checking every tiny grammatical phrase, running similarity checks on all my assignments, studying and receiving tutoring in APA format and reading all required material. I do not hold a 9-5 job at this time, electing to work from the home and independently on assignment. My family sees me attached to my home office desk and chair most days, and I take breaks to exercise as much as possible. But my goal is to complete a NP program, so I will do whatever it takes. I am, however, considering another school - but I may wait and see how my next class goes. Not impressed with the instructor of this current one, I feel she is quite punitive and subjective in her grading style and clearly holds a bias if you ask too many challenging questions. But the program will obviously prepare you - its standard online e learning content from Pearson so it certainly conforms to programmatic requirements for this degree type. I am sure the exact same product (Pearson eCollege) is utilized at many tier one schools.

JMHanna · Feb 1, 2014

Ok so I started the FB page. It is call south university fnp February 2014.

freedomrn1 · Feb 3, 2014

Update: Finishing up the first course at South U MSN track. It was, for lack of a better word, academic brutality. The instructor of this particular class, NSG500, was horrible and she never posted any assignments for the last week of the class until 2 days before the first assignment was due, with a second assignment due only a day later. Mind you, the assignments (discussion board posts) are really, in her class, full on term papers. Not cool. Another tip: Do not think for one second the end of course class satisfaction survey is anonymous. Caveat emptor. Honestly, I would have learned more if the instructor was not so rote.

lhflanurseNP, APRN · Feb 3, 2014

So sorry to hear that your first experience was bad. As I have learned from many people going on to advanced studies...you have some really outstanding instructors, some good instructors, some so-so instructors, and then some very poor instructors. It doesn't matter whether you are in medical school, law school, or even advanced nursing. Taking 2 classes these past 11 weeks, I had 4 assignments due within three days of the start of the last week. I hope your next class will be a much better experience. Throughout all the core classes, I can only say I have had two instructors, 1 so-so and 1 very poor. My husband, a physician, reminds me of some of the instructors he had...most were good, but some were so-so and a few were really poor!

JMHanna · Feb 3, 2014

I am terrified of having a bad instructor!!! I want to get out the most the class offers, without the teacher making it difficult. I know when I attended college the first time there was a specific way to approach this type of situation ( I.e talking to the instructor, talking to your advisor and then discussing it with the dean of the department). Maybe I will luck out and never have that instructor! Good you two, and thanks for all the insight.

1andrea · Feb 4, 2014

Hello, Ihflanurse, I am glad you are doing great in your program. I am interested in doing the online FNP program, please

keep us updated as to preceptorship and details about the program. I am considering South University but because of kids cannot

attend campus, are those requiered? Do they require any visits to campus? Also how much writting is involved? Before I start I want to make sure I can handle work, kids and school! Please keep us updated. I was not able to contact you privately I have not those priviledges yet> :)