Edinboro Innovative Fall 2020

jll9063b · Apr 7, 2020

On 2/14/2020 at 9:57 AM, Renny said:
Hello everyone! I am making this post hoping to connect to future classmates of the Edinboro innovative nursing program for fall 2020. I was recently accepted to the program, however, I am weighing my options with the other schools that I applied to.
Anyone attending the program for fall 2020? Let's connect. I'm out of state so any information on how to get cheap housing close to campus will be very much appreciated. Who knows, we can also room together!

Hi! I am also accepted for Edinboro to tart in the fall. I had actually applied and was set to go last year, but I had a personal emergency occur and had re-apply for this year. I'm really thankful for a 2nd chance.

I am coming from out of state, too - I'm currently 3000 miles away and will be leaving a good full time job... trying not to freak out! (I am from the east coast, though). I did visit the school last year, and apartments in the area. Depending on where you are used to living.... I think the cost of living is great (I've lived in bigger cities, currently Seattle) - but it's relative of course to what you're used to. There are a lot more options in Erie, and the commute it not bad at all. Really no traffic. I attempted the drive when I visited at 'rush hour' time to campus from Erie and back, totally fine. Compared to Seattle, there is no traffic there at all. I saw apartments that were $575 - $700 for 1 bedroom.

Edinboro is my first choice because they are, to my knowledge, the ONLY ABSN that allows you the Summer to complete an externship. These are typically only available to traditional 1st time nursing students since it is 8-12 weeks of your Summer, and most ABSN programs go year round including Summer, non-stop. I plan to apply to every pediatric student nurse externship in the country and, hopefully, I can get into at least 1!

Also, I love the small cohort size. It's also a well established school and program, and has really great first time NCLEX pass rates. It also has one of the lowest tuition anywhere - even out of state, which I am, it is less than most other programs. The tuition is about $8-9k per semester, depending on which semester, and there are 3 semesters. So less than $30k for the whole thing, which is great for a 2nd degree program (some programs are charging almost literally an arm and a leg).

Since I was so close to actually attending last year before life happened and interrupted my plans, I got to meet a couple of students who also got accepted to last years cohort and have kept in contact with them. They both like the program and are glad they chose Edinboro.

Anyway, this is probably way more info than you were looking for! Sorry for such a long reply. Where would you be moving from? Have you made a decision yet?

I hope to be classmates with you in the Fall!

**Renny** · Apr 13, 2020

On 4/7/2020 at 12:18 AM, jll9063b said:
Hi! I am also accepted for Edinboro to tart in the fall. I had actually applied and was set to go last year, but I had a personal emergency occur and had re-apply for this year. I'm really thankful for a 2nd chance.
I am coming from out of state, too - I'm currently 3000 miles away and will be leaving a good full time job... trying not to freak out! (I am from the east coast, though). I did visit the school last year, and apartments in the area. Depending on where you are used to living.... I think the cost of living is great (I've lived in bigger cities, currently Seattle) - but it's relative of course to what you're used to. There are a lot more options in Erie, and the commute it not bad at all. Really no traffic. I attempted the drive when I visited at 'rush hour' time to campus from Erie and back, totally fine. Compared to Seattle, there is no traffic there at all. I saw apartments that were $575 - $700 for 1 bedroom.
Edinboro is my first choice because they are, to my knowledge, the ONLY ABSN that allows you the Summer to complete an externship. These are typically only available to traditional 1st time nursing students since it is 8-12 weeks of your Summer, and most ABSN programs go year round including Summer, non-stop. I plan to apply to every pediatric student nurse externship in the country and, hopefully, I can get into at least 1!
Also, I love the small cohort size. It's also a well established school and program, and has really great first time NCLEX pass rates. It also has one of the lowest tuition anywhere - even out of state, which I am, it is less than most other programs. The tuition is about $8-9k per semester, depending on which semester, and there are 3 semesters. So less than $30k for the whole thing, which is great for a 2nd degree program (some programs are charging almost literally an arm and a leg).
Since I was so close to actually attending last year before life happened and interrupted my plans, I got to meet a couple of students who also got accepted to last years cohort and have kept in contact with them. They both like the program and are glad they chose Edinboro.
Anyway, this is probably way more info than you were looking for! Sorry for such a long reply. Where would you be moving from? Have you made a decision yet?
I hope to be classmates with you in the Fall!

Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend this year as the coronavirus has caused me to make big life changes which have affected all my plans for the rest of the year. Hoping to re-apply next year!

acjo123 · May 14, 2020

On 4/6/2020 at 10:18 PM, jll9063b said:
Hi! I am also accepted for Edinboro to tart in the fall. I had actually applied and was set to go last year, but I had a personal emergency occur and had re-apply for this year. I'm really thankful for a 2nd chance.
I am coming from out of state, too - I'm currently 3000 miles away and will be leaving a good full time job... trying not to freak out! (I am from the east coast, though). I did visit the school last year, and apartments in the area. Depending on where you are used to living.... I think the cost of living is great (I've lived in bigger cities, currently Seattle) - but it's relative of course to what you're used to. There are a lot more options in Erie, and the commute it not bad at all. Really no traffic. I attempted the drive when I visited at 'rush hour' time to campus from Erie and back, totally fine. Compared to Seattle, there is no traffic there at all. I saw apartments that were $575 - $700 for 1 bedroom.
Edinboro is my first choice because they are, to my knowledge, the ONLY ABSN that allows you the Summer to complete an externship. These are typically only available to traditional 1st time nursing students since it is 8-12 weeks of your Summer, and most ABSN programs go year round including Summer, non-stop. I plan to apply to every pediatric student nurse externship in the country and, hopefully, I can get into at least 1!
Also, I love the small cohort size. It's also a well established school and program, and has really great first time NCLEX pass rates. It also has one of the lowest tuition anywhere - even out of state, which I am, it is less than most other programs. The tuition is about $8-9k per semester, depending on which semester, and there are 3 semesters. So less than $30k for the whole thing, which is great for a 2nd degree program (some programs are charging almost literally an arm and a leg).
Since I was so close to actually attending last year before life happened and interrupted my plans, I got to meet a couple of students who also got accepted to last years cohort and have kept in contact with them. They both like the program and are glad they chose Edinboro.
Anyway, this is probably way more info than you were looking for! Sorry for such a long reply. Where would you be moving from? Have you made a decision yet?
I hope to be classmates with you in the Fall!

Hi! I am looking at Edinboro's Innovative program for (possibly) this fall or next. I have seen some mixed reviews on various sites, but most of the negative ones are fairly old so I'm hoping no longer applicable! This might be totally weird, but I was wondering if you knew of a way I could contact a current student or two?

Edit: I also live in Seattle!

siodhachain · May 14, 2020

4 hours ago, acjo123 said:
Hi! I am looking at Edinboro's Innovative program for (possibly) this fall or next. I have seen some mixed reviews on various sites, but most of the negative ones are fairly old so I'm hoping no longer applicable! This might be totally weird, but I was wondering if you knew of a way I could contact a current student or two?
Edit: I also live in Seattle!

Hi!! It's so funny you posted this only 4 hours ago, because I am also considering the program for this fall or next and have read mixed reviews (some very negative ones by disgruntled past students--I didn't check the dates, though) and I would also love to talk to some students who completed the Innovative program. It seems wonderful, other than those worrisome negative reviews.

jll9063b · May 19, 2020

On 5/13/2020 at 10:57 PM, siodhachain said:
Hi!! It's so funny you posted this only 4 hours ago, because I am also considering the program for this fall or next and have read mixed reviews (some very negative ones by disgruntled past students--I didn't check the dates, though) and I would also love to talk to some students who completed the Innovative program. It seems wonderful, other than those worrisome negative reviews.

On 5/13/2020 at 6:01 PM, acjo123 said:
Hi! I am looking at Edinboro's Innovative program for (possibly) this fall or next. I have seen some mixed reviews on various sites, but most of the negative ones are fairly old so I'm hoping no longer applicable! This might be totally weird, but I was wondering if you knew of a way I could contact a current student or two?
Edit: I also live in Seattle!

Hi acjo123 & siodhachain,

So, as you have already read I listed my "why Edinboro" reasons already. Since I was 100% set to go last year, including an apartment, but had a tragic circumstance delay me... I have met met and kept in contact with a couple of the students. I also previosly connected w/ a student who graduated several years ago. I also read past newsletters from Edinboro where they highlight where graduates are working/what they're doing.

Here's the bottom line I've learned from all of this:

Edinboro is a state school, well established nursing program, with fantastic first time NCLEX pass rates for both their traditional program & their innovative program. Clearly they're doing something right.
I personally met with nursing faculty last year when I was set to go, and they were all fantastic. It is a small program, but that is one of the biggest selling points to me, it's more intimate/you are not just a number.
They are not replacing (minus the whole pandemic current situation) real-life clinicals w/ simulation lab - programs are 'allowed' to replace up to 50% of human face-to-face real life clinicals with simulation labs and still be accredited.. I am old school I guess, but I just don't think you can replace real clinicals. I was accepted to other larger programs and they do this.. they can put through more students this way. I think sim lab is a fantastic complement to real life clinicals, but not a replacement, personally.
Their classes are face-to-face, many programs have several classes (like pharmacology, pathophysiology, even nursing classes) online - I much prefer face-to-face... again, personal preference.
The clinicals are at hospitals, they do not do a lot of clinicals at nursing homes (actually, the current students I've spoken with, and the professors, say they do zero clinicals in nursing homes) - most programs do clinicals in nursing homes first semseter.
- Here is what a current student told me they did last 1st and 2nd semester (there are only 3 semesters in the program) -
  Last semester we were at Hamot on a med surg floor and also at Encompass health which is a step down rehab hospital. This semester for peds and maternity we have been at Hamot and for Adult health we are at Saint Vincent Hospital.
They are the ONLY 2nd degree program that I was able to find that allows you to do the Summer externship as I described previously - this is a huge + for me because it is more real-life experience that can also help you get a foot in the door to your first job, and most also pay for that Summer.
Every single person I have had interactions with at Edinboro (nursing department, financial aid, etc.) have been absolutely incredible - very responsive and supportive.
They don't price gouge.. in state tuition is fabulous, but even for me as an out-of-state student, it's much cheaper than most other programs.
The clinicals are at hospitals, they do not do a lot of clinicals at nursing homes (actually, the current students I've spoken with, and the professors, say they do zero clinicals in nursing homes) - most programs do clinicals in nursing homes first semester.

Now.....

Edinboro is a SMALL town, but is very near Erie, a little bit larger town. If you are interested in going out, having big social life, etc.. then you will not be happy. I have read many complaints (though most reviews online are not specific to the 2nd degree program... at least that I've found) of people who are really disappointed at how small the school & town are and complain there's "nothing to do".
- Personally, I've been planning for this for many years, I am in my 30's, and am doing it because I want to be a nurse. My goal is to learn as much as possible and get everything I can out of the program because 1) I am quitting a good job and 2) I'm only going to do this once... & 3) I'm paying for it - I am not going to have a big social life outside of school, plus I've been living in big cities for the past 11 years, so I'm excited to be in a smaller town for a little while.
- Also, the cost of living is fabulous.. though relative to what you're used to. Since I currently live in Seattle, and previously lived in a large city, it's amazing to me. You can find a studio or 1 bdrm in Erie for <$600. While I look forward to a smaller town, I don't want that small of a town... plus clinicals are in Erie, so that's why I got an apartment there.
- When I visited last year, during the week, I drove from Erie to Edinboro and back during typical 'rush hour" times. If you are used to living in larger city, then to you there will be NO traffic!! It was wonderful.

All programs have issues, nothing is perfect. One of the current students I kept in touch with had never worked in hospital and learned she didn't really know what nursing was all about. She still likes the program, but says it is very difficult for her and nursing was not what she thought it was. The other person loves it and enjoys it, she also worked in healthcare previously.

I will ask if either would be willing to talk to you guys and if so, I'll private message you. Likewise, I'm happy to stay in touch if you decide to apply for next year and give you the 411 as I go through the program.

Sorry, this was entirely too long. I hope it's at least a tiny bit helpful, though. I am almost done doing all of the clearances/items required to start the program, and also have my class schedule for Fall. I'm happy to talk more in detail about any of it if you would like.

I hope you are both staying healthy!

Take care & best of luck to you.

jll9063b · May 19, 2020

On 5/13/2020 at 6:01 PM, acjo123 said:
Hi! I am looking at Edinboro's Innovative program for (possibly) this fall or next. I have seen some mixed reviews on various sites, but most of the negative ones are fairly old so I'm hoping no longer applicable! This might be totally weird, but I was wondering if you knew of a way I could contact a current student or two?
Edit: I also live in Seattle!

On 5/13/2020 at 10:57 PM, siodhachain said:
Hi!! It's so funny you posted this only 4 hours ago, because I am also considering the program for this fall or next and have read mixed reviews (some very negative ones by disgruntled past students--I didn't check the dates, though) and I would also love to talk to some students who completed the Innovative program. It seems wonderful, other than those worrisome negative reviews.

Also, if you haven't seen this, a list of grads from last class (Dec 2019) & where they got jobs

There are also some newsletters here that have nursing department highlights, sometimes where past innovative graduates got their 1st jobs.

https://www.edinboro.edu/academics/schools-and-departments/cshp/departments/documents/Newsletter_Spring 2018 LR.pdf

https://www.edinboro.edu/academics/schools-and-departments/cshp/Newsletter Spring 2019.pdf

https://www.edinboro.edu/academics/schools-and-departments/cshp/CSHP_Newsletter_Spring_2020.pdf

acjo123 · May 21, 2020

@jll9063b, thank you so much for the information! That was definitely helpful, especially the links in the latest post. I am in a similar boat and not concerned about the town/"fun" aspect, and cheap rent and lack of traffic are huge pros!

If either of your contacts would be willing to exchange a couple emails/FB messages, I would definitely appreciate it. Everything about the program seems great; my only other concern about being in a small town is that maybe the clinical experiences at a hospital in a larger city would be more comprehensive, or competitive, or something?? That is probably misguided though...

jll9063b · May 23, 2020

On ‎5‎/‎20‎/‎2020 at 9:33 PM, acjo123 said:
@jll9063b, thank you so much for the information! That was definitely helpful, especially the links in the latest post. I am in a similar boat and not concerned about the town/"fun" aspect, and cheap rent and lack of traffic are huge pros!
If either of your contacts would be willing to exchange a couple emails/FB messages, I would definitely appreciate it. Everything about the program seems great; my only other concern about being in a small town is that maybe the clinical experiences at a hospital in a larger city would be more comprehensive, or competitive, or something?? That is probably misguided though...

Honestly, I had the same concern. However, in researching schools over the past few years and talking to current students, when possible, and also asking the school directly about clinicals I have learned that just because you are attending school in a large city near large hospitals does NOT mean you will do any clinicals there. Most of those cities have so many nursing programs that it's just not possible for the large hospitals to accommodate all of the students. It seems like the traditional programs (like first time BSN students at a state school, for example) have priority - at least with those I've talked to.

For example, I was accepted into a program I declined in Philadelphia - large program, well-established. In talking to 3 students, 2 current, 1 recent graduate, that all confirmed that they had their first set of clinicals in a nursing home. Then they were in clinicals all over the place, mostly at smaller hospitals, including in New Jersey. Also apparently it is also common to have 2 or more clinical groups, depending on the cohort size, that all complete the same clinical rotation at different locations.. so one group could go to a larger hospital and another to a smaller, really just don't know.

I will say though, my opinion of 'smaller' hospitals has totally changed. Yes, there are really small hospitals, like 50 bed or less hospitals, where of course there is not going to be like a 1200 bed hospital - but still really only is limited in specialty areas. I worked for 8 years in a large healthcare system on the east coast, at the main hospital which was over 1300 beds, and a children's hospital with over 400 beds, so total at that campus over 1700 beds. It was also a teaching hospital, and quite frankly since that was my only hospital experience, I thought smaller hospitals couldn't possibly compare. Since moving to the west coast I have been PRN with a staffing company and have worked in larger hospitals (not quite as big as one on EC, but close) and also much smaller ones, including ~300 bed hospital that was a teaching hospital, had critical care units, etc and was really great. I even worked in a smaller community hospital at <200 beds that had 2 ICUs, a couple of step down units, and all the others typical of a hospital that was also great.

The hospitals in Erie are not super tiny. Also, the main one where Edinboro definitely (according to current students) do clinicals at is Hamot which is a teaching hospital and part of the larger UPMC system and I believe is over 500 beds. In addition, at least this made me feel better, there is a medical school in Erie and they do their rotations at the hospitals, so it must not be too bad :)

Sorry again for a long novel of a reply, but I hope this alleviates some of your concerns about smaller places! And of course, no place is perfect, or right for everyone. At the end of the day, you have to do what you're the most comfortable with.

siodhachain · May 27, 2020

jll9063b, thank you SO, so much for these replies! I appreciate you taking the time for a stranger to write out all this helpful information. (Or maybe not a stranger, if we end up in the same cohort!) I managed to talk with someone in the 2019 graduating class and she raved about the program. So that counters the disgruntled things I read before and gives me a lot of peace ? That article was great, about the graduate's first jobs, and that's awesome the teaching hospital is used by a medical school, too. Also, thanks for the info on the town. $600 rent is great!! I'm a small town girl myself ? Take care and thanks again

jll9063b · May 27, 2020

16 hours ago, siodhachain said:
jll9063b, thank you SO, so much for these replies! I appreciate you taking the time for a stranger to write out all this helpful information. (Or maybe not a stranger, if we end up in the same cohort!) I managed to talk with someone in the 2019 graduating class and she raved about the program. So that counters the disgruntled things I read before and gives me a lot of peace ? That article was great, about the graduate's first jobs, and that's awesome the teaching hospital is used by a medical school, too. Also, thanks for the info on the town. $600 rent is great!! I'm a small town girl myself ? Take care and thanks again

Of course! I'm glad it was helpful :)

Just FYI, if you did want to apply for this year, the deadline for deposit is I believe in the next few days, so if anyone doesn't pay/decides not to go, you might have a shot! Go ahead and apply if you can, I don't think there's an application fee. I can also give you the email address of the admissions person who checks for app & fwd's it to the nursing department for review.

The orientation is 8/20 & classes start 8/24. Also happy to share apartment info I found if you decide to go (I visited a few places when I was there last year).

acjo123 · May 27, 2020

16 minutes ago, jll9063b said:
Of course! I'm glad it was helpful :)
Just FYI, if you did want to apply for this year, the deadline for deposit is I believe in the next few days, so if anyone doesn't pay/decides not to go, you might have a shot! Go ahead and apply if you can, I don't think there's an application fee. I can also give you the email address of the admissions person who checks for app & fwd's it to the nursing department for review.
The orientation is 8/20 & classes start 8/24. Also happy to share apartment info I found if you decide to go (I visited a few places when I was there last year).

Thanks so much! Looks like Edinboro won’t work out for me this fall, but I really appreciate all the info ? Good luck!!