Graduate Credits and Hours of work

newtinmpls, BSN, RN · Oct 28, 2011

Well.... I just started the BSN-DNP/Psych-Mental Health at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN. We got all kinds of warnings at the start to NOT work more than .6/six shifts in a pay period. I'm in my second semester, and I heartily agree.

I used to describe "nursing credits" like dog years - because some of the so called 2 credit courses needed the equivalent of 6 credits of homework time. That doesn't change.

The other thing is hone your writing and APA skills. In 2 semesters of grad school (and I think it was 8 credits one semester and 11 the other) I've only had bitty occasional quizes. Most everything is graded on writing, and even your discussion posts are supposed to be pristine APA with references to show that you have done the required reading (at a MINIMUM).

I've had friends get divorced because they couldn't handle the support the Nurse student needed just getting a BSN. I'm lucky to have a totally supportive partner, and I'm generating a buttload of student loans. But I'm surviving.

And frankly, it is really really interesting.

dian

CCRNDiva, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2011

I'm at Loyola University Chicago and I have 10 credit hrs this semester. I'm taking Advanced Physiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Concepts and Theories, and I just finished Epidemiology. I agree with the above poster those 1 or 2 credit classes can be a beast. Epidemiology was 1 credit hr and required more time than any of my other classes. Thankfully it only lasted 4 wks. Pharm and Physiology are strictly quizzes and exams. I love those kinds of classes but I realize next semester may not be that way.

I work part-time nights (24 hrs/wk). My work schedule allows for flexibility so if I have time to pick up a shift I can but I'm not locked into working 36 hrs/wk.

newtinmpls, BSN, RN · Oct 31, 2011

Epidemiology? I start that in Jan '12, tell me more. It looks scary but interesting. Reminds me of the public health class I took in my BSN.

Dian