frustrated with "online" NP schools

[Betty004]

I just want to know if anyone out there agrees that online nursing schools, especially for an MSN/NP program discredits our profession? Yes, online makes it easier for people to access and attend, but where is the countless amt. of didactic and clinical hrs one has to go through to earn entitlement in diagnosing, prescribing and teaching. The NP program I am attending now is a physical institution attached to one of the biggest named hospitals in the nation. All I know is that it's kicking my butt, but I don't think I would get the same experience as if it were online. No, I am not jealous of people who earned their degrees via an easier route because I wish more physical schools would open for NP education with an extensive curriculum. With that, I understand why patients would decline care from some NPs. I want the nursing profession to grow a great deal ( because it definitely deserves more appreciation and deference than its' given), but with the amt of online schools being thrown out there it discredits it. Online programs tell me, anyone with a computer can go through it. What happened to an interview process, GRE requirements??? I think nursing should take a step back and raise their standards so we aren't thought of as just people who "open" rooms for the docs or pick up linen for the ill. I believe the nursing profession just doesn't have high enough standards.

I am not trying to start controversy/debacle but I want to hear opinions.

[zenman]

I'm always surprised that some spout an opinion without checking what's really happening. Just check the distance education research and you'll see the positives. Things don't stay the same....

[Sadiewrap]

It seems to me like any health care training program that does not require recommendations

from past teachers and employers should not be trusted.

There is a difference between schools that just want your money

and the ones that are really teaching you to be a nurse.

I have encountered at least two training programs where they

did not require any referecnes. They were not providing adequate training

and they also were not being completely honest with their students.

[bloviate]

It seems to me like any health care training program that does not require recommendations

from past teachers and employers should not be trusted. There is a difference between schools that just want your money

and the ones that are really teaching you to be a nurse. I have encountered at least two training programs where they

did not require any referecnes. They were not providing adequate training and they also were not being completely honest with their students.

So what you're saying here if I might paraphrase is..........

Because I encountered two programs that don't require references I am going to condemn the whole system.

This method is being used not only in nursing but for MBA's, much of the undergrad curriculum, various PhD programs etc. I'd say it's been found to be acceptable.

[dqbanrn]

on the flip side to the no recommendations argument, ive seen that often, when they dont require them, the rest of the standards are quite high, such as GPA, GRE scores and heavily weighted past experience.

No matter what school someone applies to, the prospective student should thoroughly do their research. Ask around, locally. Often, many graduates are working in the community and provide real insight to the quality of the program. Don't ever go with just one person's opinion.

[bloviate]

I think this whole thread was a trolling attempt to be honest. At least that's what I thought when I read it. If not, it's just a lame topic. I want to be able to sit for boards when I am done and then go to work. My degree program will let me do that.

Experience and continuing ed is going to take care of the rest of my needs. I retain as much as I can right now in school but I realize there is NO WAY they can prepare me for everything that I am going to be trying to do. Finally, I am happy as can be with my on-line program. It's super convenient and has opened the doors for me to do some other things while attending school.

I am rather curious how people are doing about finding jobs out of school. I've been researching a little bit and it seems experience is being asked for in a large number of these open positions.

Anyone have any thoughts on how to deal with that when interviewing etc.

B

[Leanne62499]

I do not think that online MSN/NP programs offer "less of a degree" or preparation...everybody sits in front of the same exam at the end...you get what you put into. I am thankful that there such programs, because allows nurses like me to fulfill their dream, while working and taking care of the family...There is no ACNP program within driving distance from my house, in fact there are only 3 schools in the whole state that offers an NP degree. I am not at the age that I can pick up and move to pursue my dream, even though I still have to make sacrifices...Online programs do have GRE requirements, and high GPA, and , and...so why should i consider it a poor choice? I will still have to do my hours of practicum, so is different?

[classpassion]

Which school are you at?

[classpassion]

I have a gpa (cummulative) from college with Bsn OF 3.68....IS THAT HIGH ENOUGH NOT TO TAKE THE GRE. What school are you attending?

[classpassion]

Do you know the names of "the good ones"

[classpassion]

dansingrn, what online school did you attend? How many years?

[sandnnw, BSN, MSN, EMT-B, APRN]

I think nursing should take a step back and raise their standards so we aren't thought of as just people who "open" rooms for the docs or pick up linen for the ill. I believe the nursing profession just doesn't have high enough standards.

I see big leaps in your future...perhaps a deanship or director of the ACNP, NONPF, NLN...I wish you luck!

[Sugah Britches]

My 2 cents..

Anyone who has taken courses or sought an advanced degree via distance education can attest to the standards and "reality" the this type of learning. It can be even more difficult than a B&M class. It requires independent research and a level of self motivation.

This being said, the changes in health care and the increasing shortage of primary care providers have shone a light on the NP and their role in primary care. There are headlines in papers, magazines, News Shows etc.. all touting NPs as the New Doctor in the house. Increasing scrutiny on all things NP from all directions.. esp from the medical field. as much as we all hate to admit it, a collaborative effort from all fields of health care will be necessary to address the rising need for PCPs'. On other forums and in the media one area of criticism has been that a "nurse can get a degree online and claim to be a doctor" We all know that this is not true. But to the public, who knows. I am concerned that this could potentially turn into a bad thing or discredit NPs.

Another area that I wish nursing could re-evaluate is the scope of practice. It seems to me that to be taken seriously as a professional provider there should be a universal standard & not varying and dependent on the state. This is not disparaging to state boards of nursing but it would help the cause to have a unified front.