Disappointed Nursing Student

[Amerk]

Hello everyone,

I am a new nursing student, started January 4th at Chamberlain School of Nursing.

So far I have been very disappointed, and would like some feed back from folks who are in the know. Chamberlain (staff) told me I must take MAT 114 College Algebra to earn a BSN, ok I understand and no big deal, however, I have MAT 122 which I took at Paradise Valley Community College over the summer, which is the identical curriculum. Chamberlain said no it has to be MAT 151 or higher, well Im in their MAT 114 class now and its identical to MAT 122 and nothing like MAT 151. My problem is I've already earned credit and now Im paying $1,800.00 for something I have already earned. Second, Transition to nursing class, nothing to do with nursing and its online. Its a class on how to write papers in APA format, well my goodness why do I have to take a class when I have been writing in APA format for the past two years while taking classes at PVCC. The work load that has to be done for this class is tremendous and worth only 1 credit our, but feels like the work load of organic chemistry, no kidding. I have never taken online classes before and so far am not a fan. Also Im taking a sociology class that is required and as stated before thats fine but find it very difficult to actually become educated by a reading discussion threads and a book, you have professor but its not like being in a classroom listening to a lecture etc... I would like to know if this is how it is throughout the BSN program w/ Chamberlain. Its very expensive and I feel Im not getting an education, however its very new and I haven't gone into an actual "nursing class" with clinical' s. Does it get better?

[RNdynamic]

Unfortunately, having to repeat courses during a transfer is all too common. My ADN program required I take health assessment for 3 credits... and my RN BSN program required I take it again, despite my receiving an A. Schools like you to take classes in their curriculum because it's an additional source of revenue.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

You're attending a private for-profit school. I attended a private for-profit school. All too often, their priority is generating profits while educating students is secondary.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

"Transition to Nursing" sounds as if it should be exactly as you describe - a transition into the student nursing world, which definitely includes writing papers. You are nowhere near ready for nursing classes. And since you already have the APA format down, consider it an easy 'A.' You might very well need an A to balance other grades down the line.

I think that pretty much everyone has some disillusionment about their classes, the faculty and the course requirements at first. It's just that when you're paying private-school tuition, it really, really weighs on your mind.

The heavy workload? That's the best "transition to nursing" education that you can receive. Get used to it. The work is here to stay. And even though I have several huge gripes about for-profit nursing schools, I will admit that it's very likely way too early to judge the caliber of the school.

[mappers]

Sounds like you made a bad choice of schools. Why didn't you look into schools that would accept your previous credits? Schools can set up whatever rules and hoops they like as long as they meet the minimum requirement for their accreditation and whatever the standard program requirements are. Doesn't sound like they mislead you. Sounds like you didn't do your research into program options.

[DedHedRN]

Your no more likely to get a job because you graduated from chamberlain then anywhere else. Just saying.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

your states's higher education coordinating board sets the requirements for "labeling" all course work. If the degree program calls for courses in a higher level, that is what they are referring to. Very frustrating if the actual content is the same. I had to take an algebra course even though my entrance exam said I was exempt. But by the time I argued with everyone I was thru with the course. I feel your pain

[Enthused RN, BSN, RN]

My school did this to us our first semester too. I go to a state school but it's an accelerated, 2nd bachelor's degree program offered through their extended learning branch (so we pay waayyy more tuition than students not in extended learning). Although everyone has a prior bachelor's degree, they made us take 3 upper division general ed classes: philosophy, nutrition, and some cultural class. Worst way to waste $5000 and an entire semester. Apparently all the state schools in my state require that 3 upper division general ed courses be completed "in residence" anyways. Basically what I'm saying is, we all have to put up with bull.

And to answer your question, yes it should get better. Once you get into the real classes and start learning real nursing, then you will feel better.

[Mickkyme]

I am also attending Chamberlain and I did some of the same classes that you are doing and I understand your frustration. Just stay focus and yes it gets better.

[tlwilker]

Hello everyone,

I am a new nursing student, started January 4th at Chamberlain School of Nursing.

So far I have been very disappointed, and would like some feed back from folks who are in the know. Chamberlain (staff) told me I must take MAT 114 College Algebra to earn a BSN, ok I understand and no big deal, however, I have MAT 122 which I took at Paradise Valley Community College over the summer, which is the identical curriculum. Chamberlain said no it has to be MAT 151 or higher, well Im in their MAT 114 class now and its identical to MAT 122 and nothing like MAT 151. My problem is I've already earned credit and now Im paying $1,800.00 for something I have already earned. Second, Transition to nursing class, nothing to do with nursing and its online. Its a class on how to write papers in APA format, well my goodness why do I have to take a class when I have been writing in APA format for the past two years while taking classes at PVCC. The work load that has to be done for this class is tremendous and worth only 1 credit our, but feels like the work load of organic chemistry, no kidding. I have never taken online classes before and so far am not a fan. Also Im taking a sociology class that is required and as stated before thats fine but find it very difficult to actually become educated by a reading discussion threads and a book, you have professor but its not like being in a classroom listening to a lecture etc... I would like to know if this is how it is throughout the BSN program w/ Chamberlain. Its very expensive and I feel Im not getting an education, however its very new and I haven't gone into an actual "nursing class" with clinical' s. Does it get better?

I agree with the transition class, but I have to attend it on class. I feel like it is something that could have been integrated into other classes. Once you get the prereqs taken care of for the BSN degree is does get much better. I attend at the STL campus and am extremely happy with my choice for the BSN program. Even if it is a "for profit school" even though I've yet to find a school that doesn't operate to make a profit... Anyone ever been in a campus bookstore? But regardless I hope you stick it out and see that once you get past the prereqs it is a great school that really does care about its students.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

FYI: Campus bookstores are usually not owned by the colleges, but are franchises.

A real brick-and-mortar school puts far more money into educating their students than they take in from tuition (tuition is usually somewhere between 20-35% of the cost of an education there), relying on grants, investments, bequests, and fundraising for the difference. Online schools... not so much.

[Always Hopeful]

I'm late on the response end but I totally agree. The Mat thing was a little awkward...guess I'm not ready for nursing school either ;-)