Finished my MSN this morning - ask me anything!

Nursing Students Western Governors

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I completed the final oral defense for my MSN through this morning. I also have my BSN from WGU.

Completed RN-to-BSN in one, six month term, and the MSN in 11 months and five days (not that I'm counting!)

Two degrees for under $10K out of pocket, including books. (I received a total of $2K in scholarships)

So----- I'm going to put myself out there and if you would like info about either program from a recent grad -hit me up!

Thank you for the info! It sounds more reasonable now that I know it isn't 90 clinical hours with a public health nurse. Congrats on finishing your degree!

Well Done MaryCarney!!! Can you offer any insight on post masters FNP? Is it possible to use a MSN and continue on, do you know of anyone attempting this? and at what institutions? Thank you

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I have looked at a few programs like that and it seems the degree would qualify you. The issues SOME people run into is the GPA. In a competency model, the gpa for ALL students demonstrating competency is 3.0. They explain it very well on the website. WGU bends over backwards to help their students and alums with this - going so far as to call other institutions and sending them detailed info about the program to help grads transition into these programs.

Good for you !! I just started and am a little overwhelmed with all the structured writing that is needed. Any advice is VERY MUCH appreciated !!! I'm behind already Thanks for any help or suggestions.

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

WGUs programs are all VERY writing intensive. It is how they assess competency. My best advice is to use the grading rubric as the headings of your paper. Outline it with the headings and such before you start, then just fill in the headings.

they are NOT looking for writing that 'flows' has smooth transitions and such. they are looking to see if you know the content. Period.

Be aware that the COS is there to guide you, but you do not HAVE to do anything except the assessments. For example, if you are a manager and already have a knowledge base about financing and policy, you need only read over the COS to make sure you are competent in the areas addressed - then write the assessment.

I had a couple of courses I was able to complete in a single weekend this way.

My other advice is to do SOMETHING every day. Don't let a day pass without at least doing some reading. It's too easy for one day to turn into a week - and then you've lost traction and feel like you won't ever catch up.

2 Votes
Specializes in LTC.

Hello! I am supposed to start the RN-BSN at on July 1st. I just received my 'degree plan' and oh wow..I should only have Biochem as a pre-req, but there are a gazillion classes listed! As in, like 70 comp units! All classes I have already taken :( I am so scared that they are going to try and make me repeat all these classes and not let me cancel enrollment if this is the case. It's almost as if they did not even LOOK at my transcripts! How do I appeal the transcript eval and also how do I cancel if I need to? I sent an email to my enrollment advisor, I am praying she answers me quickly because I am so anxious.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Your degree plan lists stuff you already are getting credit for as well as what you have left to take. If you think there is an error, call your enrollment person stat.

I think what most likely has happened is that you might be reading it and not seeing the difference in completed coursework.

Let me know how it pans out.

Specializes in LTC.

Thank you for the reply. All of the classes were listed as assessments to be done, nothing completed. My enrollment counselor called me Sat morning. They haven't done my transcript eval yet. Guess I got excited lol. I had received an email that said 'you've been cleared to begin your program' so I thought it was GO time. Anyways, the eval is supposed to be done by this week..it will be nice to see most of those classes drop off.

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Glad to hear that! If your experience is anything like mine was, you're going to LOVE !

I'm in the RN-BSN program. I like that it's self paced and no classroom. My student mentor helps me stay on track

Also, I fit school into my busy schedule! I work 2 jobs yet I found the time to complete 4 courses! I have 3 to finish; plan to finish by September!

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

HHLinda - the thing that worked best for me was the 100% asynchronous format - I work nights, and could NEVER have done a classroom degree.

Specializes in Telemetry.

I will have just three more Courses to go for next semester, then I will be finished. I can't wait!!! is the way to go. I love this university.

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