chamberlain college of nursing MSN-NP

[lmcollierRN]

I have currently started the NP Program at Chamberlain College of Nursing

I received my BSN degree from there. I loved the school at that time.

I was wondering is there anyone out there working on there NP degree there any thoughts and insights on the program.

[emetts]

Yes, I work full time night shift in the ICU (three 12-hour shifts per week). My kids are grown and out of the house now, so I have lots of time to devote to school. I am only doubling up the non-science courses (theory, informatics, policy, research, etc.). Once I get to Patho, I will go back to one course per 8 week session (2 courses per semester). Some people do double-up on Patho & Pharmacology, but I personally feel those are too important as foundation to race through by doubling up. Doubling up on the didactic portion shaves off 6 months of time, which takes the program from 2.5 years to 2 years. Not too bad. Once you finish Pham (508), you can no longer double-up, starting with 509 (Advanced Health Assessment).

I have heard that they changed NR 505 (Advanced Research) and it is a killer of a class, with 6 page papers due every week, 3-part DB posts (including instructor/peer responses in each part, so you're posting 6 to 9 times per week, with scholarly references). I'm a bit anxious about the amount of work I'll have taking 505 & 506 at the same time. But, I've been doing fine with 501 & 512 together, so I think it will be manageable, just a much larger volume of work.

I am able to self-schedule, so I purposely schedule myself Fri, Sat & Sun so I have Mon through Thur off to focus on school. It works out great and will give me ample time off for clinicals during the week. I may drop down to part-time or per diem at work if I feel that it's just too much to continue my full-time schedule when clinicals start. We'll see. So far, so good. I am able to participate in rounds with the med students voluntarily and I learn so much from shadowing on rounds in the ICU. While I can't use my ICU rounding hours for my clinical time (has to be family practice oriented), I like having the extra hours and I learn so much from the attending physician during rounds.

Thanks so much for your reply! I also work nights in an ICU and have no kids to care for, which is the only reason I am considering doubling up. The more I think about it, however, the more nervous I get. I don't have to decide until I get through NR 510 (first for bridge students), so I'm not stressing too bad quite yet. I will need to decide by March or April of next year. Research isn't sounding too fun based on your description, but it's sorta what I'm experiencing in a DeVry course as we speak.

I also self-schedule, and have considered a WEO position once clinicals begin. I guess my next move is securing a few sites, even though it's super early. I hear that's the biggest issue CCN students are currently facing, but luckily, I have some good contacts and leads already.

Thanks for your help! Best of luck...