Direct Entry MSN program 2

Future_NP110 · Mar 1, 2006

Hey guys,

I too am trying to make the MGH/Simmons decision.... I don't have quite the same issue, as I was not offered any merit scholarships (I guess I am just thankful I got in at this point...I was starting to have a lot of doubts...)

I also got into Regis as well, but I think my real choice boils down to MGH or Simmons....

Is there anyone else on this board who faced these decisions last year at this time, or is there anyone out there who is in either of these programs now, that can offer some sort of advice? Both Simmons and MGH seem like such great programs. I am not sure how to differentiate other than cost.

Thanks!!!

:)

NP-to-be · Mar 2, 2006

Hi All,

I have been away from the board for many moons since starting the Simmons direct-entry program. But seeing others struggling with the same decisions we all made last year, I thought I'd jump in ... and hello to everyone from last year

First, congratulations! It's really hard to get into these programs and you all deserve a pat on the back for getting this far :balloons:

I had to choose between Simmons, MGH and BC last year (I had also applied to UMASS Worcester, Regis, and Northeastern but withdrew my applications after getting into my top three choices). Luckily, my financial aid packages were relatively similar so that simplified my decision some. My best advice to you is to FOLLOW YOUR GUT! I visited all of the programs and I just felt that Simmons was the right fit for me ... and I haven't questioned that decision since. I love it and I think it's an amazing program. All of these programs have great things to offer so it's important to know what's most important to you and trust yourself that you're making the right decision. If you still have prereqs to take, Simmons has a great accelerated spring/summer program - I highly recommend it. Another thing to pay close attention to is the student:staff ratio in clinicals. Simmons maintains a 6:1 (max) ratio which I think should be the outer limits in order to have an adequate experience. There are Northeastern programs that have 14:1 ratios - that is unbelievable to me :nono: It's probably important to remember that disorganization is inherent in all of these programs (or so I've heard). It can be frustrating at times but just go with it and things do always resolve somehow.

I don't know if this is at all helpful, but I hope it is. Good luck to you all ... you'll make the right decision and go on to be great nurses !!

smile123 · Mar 4, 2006

I'm doing the first year at Johns Hopkins. Just finished the Adult Med Surg rotation and now I'm in Psych. Hopkins is a little more flexible because they allow you to defer for a year after getting the BSN/RN before going on for the master's. But I also know people who are going straight through.

Smile123 :nurse:

Angie O'Plasty · Mar 4, 2006

Angie O'Plasty here. I will be starting the direct-entry ACNP program at MGH in the fall--getting pretty excited. I chose ACNP because it seemed like the best track for someone who is interested in cardiology, as I am. I will have a rather long commute as I live in Worcester, but with being able to study on the train I think it will work as long as the train and class schedules are compatible. Any other MGH'ers in Central Mass?

Karotte · Mar 4, 2006

So, it seems like everyone here is from the North East...

I'll be starting the Midwifery program at UCSF in June (I still can't believe it's that soon! 3 months! AHH!), I'll be moving from SoCal to San Francisco, so there's a lot to think about right now.

Congrats to everyone! It's great to feel like you're on the way to your dream!

Angie O'Plasty · Mar 4, 2006

Congrats, janony!
I'm in your boat; I received an acceptance letter from Simmons on the same day I recieved notice of the $30,000 scholarship from MGH. I opened Simmons first and thought -- OK, now I have to make a hard decision between Simmons and MGH. Then I opened MGH and thought (after steadying myself from nearly keeling over) -- OK, I guess that decision is made!
But of course, I still feel like I should try to weigh the programs on their individual merits, not just the cash... What to do?!

Congrats to both of you on the scholarships--you must be quite relieved to have almost half the tuition covered!

rchamp59 · Mar 4, 2006

So, it seems like everyone here is from the North East...
I'll be starting the Midwifery program at UCSF in June (I still can't believe it's that soon! 3 months! AHH!), I'll be moving from SoCal to San Francisco, so there's a lot to think about right now.
Not everyone is from the North East Karotte, : ) I am from the Bay Area and was accepted to UCSF and Johns Hopkins,but in the end chose Hopkins because of their flexibility with taking a year off and working as an RN then going back for the MSN. But, it was a hard decision! You will love the Bay Area, and I will truly miss it. Good luck to you.

karmyk · Mar 4, 2006

Aaaa.... Am I the only Samuel Merritt (ELMSN-FNP) person here this year? =(

Is it pretty common for schools to send financial packages before you submit your letter of intent? I got my acceptance package (letter, school catalog, etc.), but I haven't received a financial package yet.

I did my undergraduate work at a military academy, so tuition was never an issue before.. I'm pretty much a n00b to all this civilian college stuff... Sorry if my question seems a little weird. =(

jhoonk · Mar 5, 2006

so, rchamp59, congrats! and others who got into

all those hard programs and even with cash, i admire you.

rchamp59, if you are that old as you say you are, are

you single or married? Are you looking for housing

near Hopkins? I'm a bit younger than you are!! ;-)

maybe a few months and possibly going into Hopkins

in June, but still waiting for C'ville admission notice.

That's UVa. if you are looking for a housing (and believe

me, it is so difficult to find one in Baltimore), let me

know how you are doing and we might be able to help

each other. so sounds like you skipped the accepted

students day last Friday?

Amitai.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2006

Great question. I wish I knew the answer. :chuckle I started as psych/mental health and then realized that I don't want to play mind games and hate dealing with manipulative people (I'm referring to you antisocial personality disorder patient from my psych rotation) for the rest of my life. I'm currently peds but I think I might switch to acute care (which alas is only adults). I have absolutely no interest in primary care so I'm worried that the clinicals for peds are going to be torture since 500 out of the 600 hrs are primary care. ICK. Why they can't have an acute care specialty with both peds and adults is beyond me.

Sorry to nose into your thread. Duke has an Acute/Chronic PNP program (PACNP). Here's the link: http://www.nursing.duke.edu/page/pediatrics_ped

You can also get a post-master's certificate in that by itself. I wonder if you could do it online.

I was looking through the "Last 24 hours" listings when I saw this one, and I thought I'd pass on the info. Hope I didn't barge a conversation. :imbar :sofahider

bruinlaura · Mar 5, 2006

Sorry to nose into your thread. Duke has an Acute/Chronic PNP program (PACNP). Here's the link: http://www.nursing.duke.edu/page/pediatrics_ped
You can also get a post-master's certificate in that by itself. I wonder if you could do it online.
I was looking through the "Last 24 hours" listings when I saw this one, and I thought I'd pass on the info. Hope I didn't barge a conversation. :imbar :sofahider

Thanks for the info. Sounds like something I might want to look into after I'm finished with Columbia. :)

elizabells, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2006

Wow, Karotte, you got into UCSF? I was beginning to think the program was a myth, like unicorns! I know so many people who applied and didn't get in. Congrats!