Few questions about simmons

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I'm finally considering simmons after determining the price is worth my education. I've read a bazillion threads about simmons. I just have a few questions.

1. Anyone in the fulltime program, what hours are you working for a job? Part time? Per diem? Nothing?

2. Are there certain times you have to view the online lectures? For instance, do you have to attend at lets say, 5pm for a class, or can you watch the lecture whenever you want?

3. MOST IMPORTANTLY!!! How active are they in setting up clinicals? From what I gather, it is the students responsibility but they are there to assist. How much assistance do they truly provide? If very little to none, they I would just go to University of Cincinatti who offers no assistance for much cheaper.

Thanks!

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Specializes in med surg tele ambulatory home health.

Hi,

I am in the on campus program. You did not specify if you will be in the on campus or online?

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DJTRN - How do you like the on-campus program? I've applied for 2015 and it's my top choice. How far along are you? Pros and cons? Also, what do you hear about BC and MGH? Thanks!

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Specializes in med surg tele ambulatory home health.

Blackskimmer,

I just started the on campus program in September. I am full time. I just completed patho, research methods, and health promotions. It was a busy semester, I worked 8 hours per week on average and felt like I was always studying. In Patho every week I had an online quiz, an in class exam, and 4 case studies, in research we did critical analyses of research articles weekly and had an in class exam. Health promo was the easiest because we didn't have weekly assignments but had two major assignments at the end of the semester in a problem based learning format. You need an 83 average to pass. I was already familiar with Simmons as I received my BSC from them also. In undergrad I received a solid education and felt well prepared for the workforce. The reason why I returned is because they find all clinical placements for you and because the instructors still practice. Next semester I begin the primary care sequence. I will take health assessment, this is the course where they bring volunteer patients to the school and you perform weekly assessments and do a 20 page comprehensive formal write up weekly, pharm, and scholarly inquiry where I will start to find a research topic for my capstone project that is due next year, I believe. So far so good. Busy, and it's only going to get busier as I will be in school straight through until graduation. As far as NC and MGH, I don't know much about them but they have good reputations...

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Thanks! How would you suggest I prepare for school? Some people say relax now because you won't have time later, while others suggest reading up on patho, etc. What's your take? I'm inclined to study ahead of time, but that's my nature.

Also, do you have time for maintaining your mental health and wellbeing? I mean, do you take a day off here and there, or do you have time to exercise or meditate or whatever it is you do to stay sane? And how supportive is the program culture? Is it full of negativity, stress, and pressure, or is it positive and supportive?

Thanks!

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Specializes in med surg tele ambulatory home health.

As far as prepping, if your stats is over 5 years . you will need to retake it, don't read ahead or stress about that, I don't think it's necessary. Just do your work as soon as you get it and stay on top of it, you will be fine. I have time to take care of myself, I'm not working that much, I get up early like I'm going to work go to gym, and then treat my school work like my job. I spend time with friends and family. I just plan it. i

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Specializes in med surg tele ambulatory home health.

Program culture, I think in general nursing students are more anxious because of the rigor. I made about 5 good friends for support. I imagine there is negativity because where there are people there will be positive and negative aspects, I don't have time for it, so I'm not affected by it. Support is there, but no one holds your hand, you have to seek it out. Naturally, some faculty are more supportive than others. If anything, I feel that people are always comparing grades. This was the same when I was in undergrad too...for me that's the most annoying part. In my mind if you are progressing to the next step you are fine, if you are working up to your full potential be ok with a passing score whatever it may be. Also, the majority of my class have just earned their BSN. I'm 1 of a few in my cohort who has over 1 year of experience. The group is fairly young..I didn't find that any could participate in conversation about clinical practice. ..that got old pretty quickly too. It was always the same 4 people chiming in...

what are your plans, full time? Part time? How long have you been an RN? Will you work?

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I'm coming from another field--I have a master's in biology and am heading into nursing because it feels like I can make a more tangible and meaningful difference while also supporting myself and my family financially. I'm currently working as an LNA and will go into a direct-entry FT program. I'm hoping the LNA work will provide some context for what I study in school.

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