M.S. in Nursing Education @ Walden Univ.

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.

Specializes in Med-Surg.
I am in my 5th class with Walden. It is doable. I was in some other programs before and it si by far the best. It si some work, but managable. I teach in a vocational nurising program 5 days a week. With prep time, clinicals, and a family (well no young kids- 17 yr and my 21 year old fixing to movw out). Myhusband and I also pastor a church. With all this I still find it manageable. Weekly postings, usually 1 or 2 papers each 8 weeks.

So far the professors are fair, and I have learned a lot. I am in the education spec. track

Shari

respond if you have any questions.

Hi. Thanks. I am a bit nervous since I've started a new job working Mon-Friday five 8-hour shifts and have other things going on.

I do actually have a question. Are there a lot of "find a problem at work, what would you do to fix it" kind of projects? We had that for a capstone project at my BSN program and I'm thinking Walden is kind of like that. I hated it. I'd rather research topics, than come up with problems and then research. I waste so much valuable time coming up with a problem that it's very aggitating to me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Education.
Hi. Thanks. I am a bit nervous since I've started a new job working Mon-Friday five 8-hour shifts and have other things going on.

I do actually have a question. Are there a lot of "find a problem at work, what would you do to fix it" kind of projects? We had that for a capstone project at my BSN program and I'm thinking Walden is kind of like that. I hated it. I'd rather research topics, than come up with problems and then research. I waste so much valuable time coming up with a problem that it's very aggitating to me.

Tweety,

The graduate nursing program at Walden is not like that. I mean, they do want you to apply your knowledge in your practice, but most of the classes I have taken (at least in the core MSN program) were research related. You are asked an important discussion question each week, from there, you need to research your supportive post and reference your argument with scholarly articles and/or research. During the course you may have 1, 2 or 3 application projects where research on a topic is key. It is a very doable program and I am certain you will like it.

I know you were not addressing your question to me, but I figured I would butt in and give you an answer. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Anyone starting the BSN track of Walden for MSN educator in September '08?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/CCU.

:yeah:Thanks for all the Walden posts! It has solidified my decision in going there. I will be starting the MS in Nsg. Ed program. I should be starting in Sept. 08 and am looking foward to it. I hope the threads continue as everyone is progressing in their studies at Walden!! Thanks for all the good insight and suggestions!! Good luck to you all!! :w00t:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, Psychology.
:yeah:Thanks for all the Walden posts! It has solidified my decision in going there. I will be starting the MS in Nsg. Ed program. I should be starting in Sept. 08 and am looking foward to it. I hope the threads continue as everyone is progressing in their studies at Walden!! Thanks for all the good insight and suggestions!! Good luck to you all!! :w00t:

Congratulations on your choice! I have now gone through five classes and have one more before I start my Leadership & Management specialty.

I've noticed that some professors are much better than others. I've also noticed that my colleagues and friends are not well versed in Walden's mission. It is difficult for me to really brag about it because they don't know about the school. One of my nurse colleagues was saying how annoyed she was of all the e-mails/spam she gets from the university. This is unfortunate because it is a respected institution, albeit their advertising campaign may not be the best. People must know that many graduate schools for our profession are online anyway.

Good luck... make sure it is what you want to do though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Education.
:yeah:Thanks for all the Walden posts! It has solidified my decision in going there. I will be starting the MS in Nsg. Ed program. I should be starting in Sept. 08 and am looking foward to it. I hope the threads continue as everyone is progressing in their studies at Walden!! Thanks for all the good insight and suggestions!! Good luck to you all!! :w00t:

BRAVO to you! I think it is a good decision for you. Please remember that their programs are growing and their enrollment is also grwoing so they may not be as student centered as you might like. But, they do get back with you in a reasonable amount of time. The only department I really struggle with is the financial aid department, but the academic advisors are very good and they work hard to take care of any problems you might be having.

I have finished all of my core MSN courses and have now started in the Education courses and love them!

Remember to keep track of all of your course assignments and back them up on a flash drive or a portable hard drive. As a part of the last couple of courses, you are required to put together a synthesis project called Portfolio and you must include a sample from each course you take of your written assignments. If you lost a folder or assignment, it could palzce you at a great disadvantage putting together your portfolio (which is a graduate requirement).

Walden is introducing a new start page for students called "MyWaldenU." The new student start page has everything you need on it including your courses, instructor's name, email, library resources and so much more. This is scheduled to launch July 1 and I know I am excited to be using the new format.

Best of luck to you.

Patrick

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/OB.

I was wondering how you did with Walden. I am thinking about applying myself for MSN in Education. I currently teach LPN students a community college. Any info or insight would be appreciated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/OB.

Patrick, can you give me an update on Walden. I am thinking about applying for June class MSN in Education. I currently teach LPN at community college.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Education.
patrick, can you give me an update on walden. i am thinking about applying for june class msn in education. i currently teach lpn at community college.

hey gigi,

i am almost finished! i am completing my first practicum course in one week and then start my last practicum course (which is my last course period). i have been attending for almost 3 years. i was one of the first people to start with walden when the msn program received its accreditation from ccne. i waited to start until the program received accreditation.

i have consistently been impressed with the overall quality of the courses, professors and program in general. over the last 3 years, i have learned so much about nursing education. i have had other friends of mine that were attending other universities and when we compared our programs, it was clear that walden has a great msn/ed program. geese - i am starting to sound like a commercial.

anyway - safe to say that you will work hard, but in the end, you will be pleased that you attended their program.

best wishes on your decision.

patrick

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/OB.

Patrick thank you for you quick reply. This is all new to me. I was told this degree is not recognized by NLN, which means I couldn't take the CNE exam because it is only a MS degree in Education rather than MSN in education. I am confused. Can you tell me what the CCNE means. What are your plans after you graduate with MSN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health, Primary Care.
Patrick thank you for you quick reply. This is all new to me. I was told this degree is not recognized by NLN, which means I couldn't take the CNE exam because it is only a MS degree in Education rather than MSN in education. I am confused. Can you tell me what the CCNE means. What are your plans after you graduate with MSN.

That is not true. I'm currently in the program (started January 09) and at the end, you will receive the M.S. Degree in Nursing, with a specialization in Education. They were recently awarded the honor of conferring the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) as opposed to the Master of Science Degree in Nursing. Don't ask me what the difference is, but apparently there is. But either way, it is NOT just a MS in Education.

CCNE is another accrediting body that accredits nursing programs, similar to NLNAC. I personally find more ADN and BSN programs having the NLNAC accreditation and the graduate programs receiving the CCNE accreditiations. However I've seen vice versa as well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Education.
Patrick thank you for you quick reply. This is all new to me. I was told this degree is not recognized by NLN, which means I couldn't take the CNE exam because it is only a MS degree in Education rather than MSN in education. I am confused. Can you tell me what the CCNE means. What are your plans after you graduate with MSN.

I concur with LadyT. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion