Published
I was just wondering if anyone out there is currently enrolled at Walden University for either the Nursing Education or Nursing Administration program. I am looking to get started September of this year. I got all the info I need to get in, just wanted to know what the classes are like from a student's point of view. Thanks in advance!!
Toni
P.S. You can PM if you'd like. Thanks.
I think I'm going to apply for the Oct. 29th start date. I'm about 75% sure right now! I just graduated in May from my BSN program and will be balancing my awesome, new job with the MSN-educator program if I do it. I hope the commitment won't be too time consuming. I'll be volunteering at Planned Parenthood (hopefully) as well.
-Jason
I am currently in my 3rd week at Walden. There are a minimum of posts in the discussion each week. It is taking more time than I anticipated but I am enjoying it. I'm glad that I chose Walden University.Theresa
What kind of hours/week are you putting in? I think I might start on Oct. 29th...
-Jason
Following up late myself on this dicussion. I graduated from Walden 4/22/07 MSN- Specialization in Education. It was a wonderful experience.....lots of work, but I feel well prepared as a nurse educator.
I have a colleague that started at Phoenix- didn't last. A much different program.
Walden is intellectual, has great expectations from the students, knowledgable and experienced professors and the courses are realistic and applicable.
My suggestion: if they still have the portfolio requirement: keep a copy of everything. You will need to submit actual papers you had written, assignments, etc. The end of this program is no joke...much more manageable if you keep up from the beginning. If a paper is not to be handed in for a grade- make sure you schedule time to do it anyway. It's easier to do it when you are in the class than later when you have forgotten resources and have other papers to do.
Following up late myself on this dicussion. I graduated from Walden 4/22/07 MSN- Specialization in Education. It was a wonderful experience.....lots of work, but I feel well prepared as a nurse educator.I have a colleague that started at Phoenix- didn't last. A much different program.
Walden is intellectual, has great expectations from the students, knowledgable and experienced professors and the courses are realistic and applicable.
My suggestion: if they still have the portfolio requirement: keep a copy of everything. You will need to submit actual papers you had written, assignments, etc. The end of this program is no joke...much more manageable if you keep up from the beginning. If a paper is not to be handed in for a grade- make sure you schedule time to do it anyway. It's easier to do it when you are in the class than later when you have forgotten resources and have other papers to do.
Thank you for your response - it is very helpful, especially for those of us that are currently attending WaldenU. I am glad you pointed out the issue related to the portfolio at the end of the program. I have so many questions about this part of the program and there really is no ready resource that I could find. I would love to get a sample so I can see how it is put together. For each class I have set up a portfolio folder and all of my graded papers and assigments go into that folder. Hopefully this way I can keep up with the portfolio piece a little better.
Any suggestions? If you would like - you can private message me.
Thanks again for the great post. Patrick
Nice to see this thread is still active. When Walden got their accreditation a few years ago, they went to the top of my list. I'm still recovering from my PTSD from my ADN to BSN program, so I'm taking time off and perhaps looking at Spring 2008 myself.
Nice to hear from you again Patrick!
I'm curious about the "practicums" how are those done?
One thing I'm worried about is that when I got my BSN I was working 3 12's a week making it quite doable. Now I'm working Mon-Fri 5 8's which sometimes run later, and I'm very nerevous about the time involved.
Nice to see this thread is still active. When Walden got their accreditation a few years ago, they went to the top of my list. I'm still recovering from my PTSD from my ADN to BSN program, so I'm taking time off and perhaps looking at Spring 2008 myself.Nice to hear from you again Patrick!
I'm curious about the "practicums" how are those done?
One thing I'm worried about is that when I got my BSN I was working 3 12's a week making it quite doable. Now I'm working Mon-Fri 5 8's which sometimes run later, and I'm very nerevous about the time involved.
Hi Tweety - congrats on your BSN! I remember how happy I was when I finished and can certainly understand the need to take off some time before beginning graduate work. I started with Walden and am in my 4th class right now. So far it has been very doable for me. I am teaching 2 days a week and working 2-3 12 hour shifts a week and can still get the work done. It does take commitment and effort and time. However - if you are disciplined about the time thing - you will be fine. Not much different than what you were doing to earn your BSN. I do think graduate work tends to be a little harder because you are thinking a little more indepth and perhaps on a different level.
I am thinking about doubling my course load in the spring so I can finish a semester earlier. PhD school iswaiting for me and I need to get this MSN done. :)
Are you still working as the Charge on the MS unit or have you changed positions?
Patrick
Thanks Patrick. It sounds like you're moving right along with your goals. I can't imagine doubling up. It's good to hear it's doable. I'm relatively disciplined but for the fact towards the end I get lazy and starting whining and complaining. Yes, I'm still the charge nurse 7-3 Mon-Frid, something I said I would never do, but it seems to be working out and I'm getting good feedback. I'm bummed because I wanted to be the unit educator and was denied because I didn't have my BSN and they just hired from the outside even though they knew I wanted the job and I've had my BSN since August. But better things are in store if I continue on with my MSN I'm sure.
Good luck to you! Thanks for the input.
Thank you to everyone who has posted about Walden. I will be starting my 2nd week in my Walden class. I am taking Research/Statistics-had to have this first....So far so good...It is encouraging to hear that it is do-able from others. I especially want to thank the poster who responded about the portfolio aspect. I have also created a place to save all assigments.. If there are any more tidbits feel free to share...we need to keep each other going on this.
Shari
RNPatL said:
Thank you for your response - it is very helpful, especially for those of us that are currently attending WaldenU. I am glad you pointed out the issue related to the portfolio at the end of the program. I have so many questions about this part of the program and there really is no ready resource that I could find. I would love to get a sample so I can see how it is put together. For each class I have set up a portfolio folder and all of my graded papers and assigments go into that folder. Hopefully this way I can keep up with the portfolio piece a little better.
I'd be more than happy to help anyone attending Walden U. That is a great idea you have about the seperate folder....also keep this information in another place (off your computer). You can even just make one "portfolio folder" and add as you progress class to class. Many colleague's computers crashed over the 2 years of the program, and it's not a pretty sight when your assignments are gone! The portfolio ends up being 100+ pages long (multiple papers, mission statement, resume, etc). Putting it together at the end is time-consuming, but manageable if you keep EVERYTHING!
I completed this program in the two years, while working full-time nights and doing two clinical adjunct assignments. It can be stressful, just make sure you keep on target. The beginning courses are less complicated, and as with everything....it gets harder (but not impossible). They are very particular about APA format (get a program for your computer).
This upcoming week I am offering my accredited conference that I developed as my Capstone Project (it is approved for 6.75 ceu's through NYSNA-New York State Nurses Association).
Margie
RNPATL, DNP, RN
1,146 Posts
Hi Shari - congratulations on your decision to earn a Master's degree in Nursing. I am certain you will be very happy with your decision to continue your education!
I believe that Walden's program is outstanding. Because the university is so research focused - most all of their curriculum are focused on research and how to investiage research. I have found the program to be very manageable in terms of assignments and the work required. I take one course every 8 weeks and manage to complete all the assignments and discussion posting that are required. There are days when the assignments seem a little more time involved, but I always seem to get them done.
Walden provides all your text books and the DVDs they send with the course material are excellent. I am very happy with my decision to go there and I am certain you will feel the same. I think online education takes alittle more commitment than tradition ground based programs and those that do earn their degree online do so becuase they are committed to bettering themselves and have the motivation necessary to complete the program.
Best of luck Shari and perhaps will be see each other in some classes.
Plesae let me know if you have any other questions. Patrick