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.

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

Well said Sug, personally, I have gone ABOVE and BEYOND any state requirements and still continue to strive to climb the ladder to achieve the highest of marks, certs, degrees, CEU/CME, etc.

As I have stated in other posts, I cannot believe I am even thinking about going back for a DNP! But, to be competitive, and considering that in 2015, all these grad schools will be pumping out DNPs, I must consider this for my career in the future. So, biting the bullet, it appears that I am going back...:paw:

[Spacklehead, MSN, NP]

I hate to admit it, but I think another thing that is going to come to light as being another problem as the NP role grows in popularity is the fact that several programs now accept new grads into NP programs. And yes - I've heard the argument several times that, "Being an NP is completely different from nursing and you learn all you need to know in your NP program to practice competently" - but I don't buy it. After being a nurse for over 13 years and going through an NP program - I can honestly admit that several times I have had to fall back on my previous nursing experience in order to help with clinical decision making as an NP. There were slight abnormalities that I have picked up on during assessments or through further questioning of a patient (which someone without years of previous experience would know to consider) that were not taught or were only lightly touched upon in my NP program (which is an excellent program - but only accepts experienced RNs).

I also think it discredits the role of ADVANCED practice nurses when one can become "advanced" without even working as a nurse at all. I believe that was the one great thing we had going for us several years ago that helped the general public and other medical providers to accept us - the fact that we were nurses first with years of clinical experience before going back and advancing our roles. This, combined with the general public's and other medical professionals' views of an online "medical/nursing" education may cause more harm than good in the next few years. Just something to consider.

[greatgirl123]

I haven't taken any NP courses yet. However, I want to express my opinion as a pharmacy student.

I disagree with the proliferation of online program "only" because of the fear of potential oversupply of NPs.

It's easier to open an online program because there is no limit for physical space. Therefore, many schools can open up and "over-produce" NPs. There's only one pharmacy school in the country. I probably would have quitted pharmacy school by now if there are more openning up. Oversupply of pharmacists already exists in my city.

I do not think that in-class learning is superior to online-learning method. I missed so many classes and still doing fine in the pharmacy program. In fact, there's a girl in my class who get 4.0 in the program and only come to class during the required meetings or exam sessions. What's the point of going to class listening to lecture (besides socialization) while you can study independently at home? How many questions you can ask in the class with 40-50 students? I don't think it is more beneficial to sit in class and listen to material I could be studying at home. However, I agree that class discussion would be beneficial but most of the times we are only listening to the lecture. This is a graduate level study, and I think the student can be smart enough for independent study. Maybe I am an introvert. I learn better when I study by myself independently. Online video/audio file/chat-room can replace the benefits of the face-to-face classroom settings.

If the level of difficulty of the exams and the amount of material covered are equivalent, I think the quality of the "didactic" portions of the both online and on ground program should be at the same level. However, I am afraid that online program will make it easier for students to pass. The only problem is the clinical portion. If the online program can standardize the quality of clinical experience selected by the student, this would invalidate the argument that in-class learning is superior to online learning.

If the accrediting organization can not limit the number of new schools by limiting instructor:student ratio, then getting rid of online degree may be a good idea just to control the supply. I don't disagree with online education but I disagree with opening more NP schools.

i disagree, there are limited space of online entry programs.. are you kidding me.. imagine a teacher grading 1,000,000 papers in one class, one semester.. impossible! just as there are limited space for actual classes, there are limited space for online classes..

even inclass programs, requires alot of online discussions..computer discussions.. its basically the same thing.. sorry!

i don't know how long ago you finished school, but in class online college level programs aren't really that different.

there is both an extensive use of online/computer work

[larspat]

Hi there, can the person who attends Drexel. or anyone reading this I am looking for anyone attending Drexel's online Psych Mental Health NP program to email me:

[email protected]

Thanks,

Patty

[globalRN]

I went to a state university masters program that is distance learning. It is an excellent program with 880 clinical hours to graduate. I was well prepared for graduation, we had student interaction and dialogue online. The faculty are doctorally prepared NPs and lovely people.

You were cohorted with a small group for group work. You had to be committed to get through the program which was 7 consecutive semesters as a P/T program. Absolutely nothing inferior or easy about the program.

Oh, and the clinical hours were in actual clinical practice with real patients.

[daniel444]

@ cniro7PMHNP-BC am on the process of applying for the Psych NP at Drexel. How is the program so far, Any regret. Please i will like to know your experience so far. Do you have any network, if yes i would like to be part of it

[tomiamto]

I am curious to know how much bedside experience you have now that you are going through a B&M NP school? Those of us who are full-time nurses working at the bedside doing an online program for our NP will be far more prepared in my opinion to be advance practice nurses, then new graduate RNs who spend a year on the floor then go to NP school. As with any program whether it be B&M or Online, you will get out of it what you put into it. Believe me, online school is not easy!