Did you get your nursing Degree Online?

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Specializes in ICU, CVICU, Surgical, LTAC.

I am in the process of enrolling in an RN to MSN for Nursing Leadership and Management. The program is very cheap (compared to other schools) and is entirely online at Western Governors University. The program is CCNE accredited....it almost seems too good to be true. The enrollment process was very easy. I have an ASN in nursing and a Bachelor's degree in Communication. I went to traditional universities for my other degrees and nothing has ever been this simple. Has anyone else out there attended an online university for your BSN or MSN? Have employers respected your degree and has it truley helped you get a job? I am beginning to get skeptical and wondering if I should just go for the traditional university, however I do not want to take the GRE, pay thousands of more dollars, go through a big hassle for the admissions process or attend classes in person. I have to work full time while attending school and I have two young children and a husband. I need something simple. Am I being unrealistic?

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Currently enrolled in a BSN to MSN all-online program(education focus), fully accredited and recognized by my employer. 16 more weeks to go. (!) The ONLY way I would be able to obtain my MSN due to husband 2 elementary-aged children, work full time, etc.

Good luck to you!

otessa

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

the only recognition you need to worry about is the BON when you are getting your license. I got MSN online and thought it was a great way to learn, but do not think it is easy. Requires lots more motivation and effort.

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Specializes in ICU, CVICU, Surgical, LTAC.

thank you for your reply. When I said easy I didn't mean an easy curriculum, i was talking more about the admissions and enrollment process itself as well as having it completely online where i am able to do it on my own terms and my own schedule. I'm assuming if the program is accredited it would have to be recognized by the BON right?

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

Online is AWESOME! but takes a LOT of discipline......

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i've been searching for jobs, and i do come across some hospitals that specifically won't accept online degrees. just fyi.

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Nurse441-

Really? I have NEVER seen this. Could you post a few links to these job descriptions? I'm curious how this is worded and even discerned. My online school is also a brick and mortar university, and ALL the students attend some classes on line. My degree will from a brick and mortar state university. How would they even know it was on line?

Has anyone else ever seen a job posting that specifies "No online degrees?" I'm a bit skeptical, I'll admit. Also a bit concerned.

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Stanford Hospital's job post

Requirements:

SHC New Graduate RN Residency Program Starting March 1, 2010:

Graduate from a BSN or master's level entry into practice program, accredited by NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) or CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), within 12 months prior to the Program's start date.

Graduates of online or distance nursing programs are not accepted.

No prior professional RN work experience prior to Program's start date.

Current California RN license required by Program's start date.

BLS-HCP level certification issued by the American Heart Association required by the Program's start date.

Willingness to commit to the one-year Residency Program.

Must complete an Online Application and complete steps (1-5) of this process to be considered for the Program.

(See insructions for the Application Process at our website www.westandforcare.com under "Careers", then under "New Grad Application")

i've been looking for jobs the past 6 months.. I remember under the Qualifications tab, you have to check the bubble that would either qualify or disqualify you.. and one of the criteria is online/vs traditional. It was near the very end of the 8 page application. and i can say i probably saw just a handful with the specifics. (more likely these were magnet hospitals). hope this helps.

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Hmm...that is interesting. The ad also states "No prior professional RN work experience prior to Program's start date." Which means that they are looking at NEW nurses, which the OP is not. Also interesting to note that this employer wants you to "complete an Online Application and complete steps (1-5) of this process to be considered for the Program". So they do embrace the online format, just not the concept of obtaining your INITIAL degree in a completely online format. If I am reading this right, they want new nurses who have NOT done their ENTIRE coursework on line, and have gone through a traditional program with clinicals. This posting is for the "Graduate from a BSN or master's level entry into practice program and requires a residency. This job posting is not appropriate for the OP to apply for, and truly does not pertain to her. I think the OP would not qualify for this position because she already has her ADN, a license, and has prior experience.

I am and IWU online BSN program graduate, I have my ADN from a reputable Community College. My employer has NEVER addressed the online issue. True IWU is a traditional brick and mortar school with online options, but how you obtain you degree is not as important as HAVING that degree.

Online classes are HARDER than traditional classes as EVERYTHING is written! I am in my MSN classes at IWU, and believe me it is no walk in the park! However, the issue of enrolling and getting started was easy for me. Once enrolled my books are shipped to me automatically, and I am in a cohort and I am enrolled in the entire program, and do not have to register for each class separately .

I believe that the job posting by Nurse441 is addressing a different issue, the issue of attending an online class solely BEFORE being licensed. The OP is looking at online program AFTER being licensed. Two completely different issues.

I wish you good luck in whatever program you choose! :up:

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Thanks DayOhioRN for the correction. The information I provided is for Staff I positions. I'm unfamiliar how the criteria changes for experienced nurses. But i'm curious as to why they would disqualify online programs just for Staff I.

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.
Stanford Hospital's job post

Requirements:

SHC New Graduate RN Residency Program Starting March 1, 2010:

Graduate from a BSN or master's level entry into practice program, accredited by NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) or CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), within 12 months prior to the Program's start date.

Graduates of online or distance nursing programs are not accepted.

No prior professional RN work experience prior to Program's start date.

Current California RN license required by Program's start date.

BLS-HCP level certification issued by the American Heart Association required by the Program's start date.

Willingness to commit to the one-year Residency Program.

Must complete an Online Application and complete steps (1-5) of this process to be considered for the Program.

(See insructions for the Application Process at our website www.westandforcare.com under "Careers", then under "New Grad Application")

i've been looking for jobs the past 6 months.. I remember under the Qualifications tab, you have to check the bubble that would either qualify or disqualify you.. and one of the criteria is online/vs traditional. It was near the very end of the 8 page application. and i can say i probably saw just a handful with the specifics. (more likely these were magnet hospitals). hope this helps.

This is for a new RN grad.

Not someone who is already an RN going towards a BSN...

If it is CCNE and NLNAC accredited...there is no way to know if it was online or class.

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Stanford Hospital's job post

Requirements:

SHC New Graduate RN Residency Program Starting March 1, 2010:

Graduate from a BSN or master's level entry into practice program, accredited by NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) or CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), within 12 months prior to the Program's start date.

Graduates of online or distance nursing programs are not accepted.

No prior professional RN work experience prior to Program's start date.

Current California RN license required by Program's start date.

BLS-HCP level certification issued by the American Heart Association required by the Program's start date.

Willingness to commit to the one-year Residency Program.

Must complete an Online Application and complete steps (1-5) of this process to be considered for the Program.

(See insructions for the Application Process at our website www.westandforcare.com under "Careers", then under "New Grad Application")

i've been looking for jobs the past 6 months.. I remember under the Qualifications tab, you have to check the bubble that would either qualify or disqualify you.. and one of the criteria is online/vs traditional. It was near the very end of the 8 page application. and i can say i probably saw just a handful with the specifics. (more likely these were magnet hospitals). hope this helps.

Interesting. They'll miss out on some wonderful applicants.

otessa

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