Boston area Direct-Entry Program Questions

[MSN hopeful]

I am pretty new to this forum and have already found a lot of useful info on direct entry programs, but i have more questions as I try to figure out the best way to become a masters level nurse.

Has anyone gone through the MGH program? How was it?

When applying for a job do hospitals view this program differently from other master's entry programs like BC, Simmons, Northeastern, etc? Is it as competitive?

I'm 23 have a B.A. in History and Spanish and have none of the prereq's completed and I'm trying to figure out how to begin. I know Simmons and MGH offer most of the prereq's over the summer prior to the Fall start and they are accelerated (as the whole program is).

Has anyone done their prereq's this way (summer before)?

Also, how important is it to have actual "hands on" healthcare experience on your resume when applying? I've worked at a human-service non-profit for the past year and work closely with many different types of people, but don't have any other experience.

Thanks for any advice-- it's much appreciated!!

[SEchick]

I think once you are done with these programs, the hospitals look at the total package...experience etc. However, going to the MGH program, one would assume that MGH would most likely want to hire you. I could be wrong though.

I am in the Simmons DE program and the summer pre-reqs were really helpful. I only took two, but lots of my classmates took all of them. It was stressful at times, but helpful to have the info fresh in your head for Fall semester. I think the only class SImmons does not offer is Statistics.

I had no hands on patient experience AT ALL. Thats ok! The field evens out after a while. You have life experience and that is just as important. I dont think that Simmons would not accept you for that reason.