MCG CNL Program

[futurenurse?]

Well, now almost half way through the MCG CNL program in Augusta, GA. I am completely disgusted and frustrated with the administration, faculty, and standards set by the MCG Nursing School. I would NOT recommend this program to anyone!

Initially, since I wanted to change my career to become a nurse, the program looked very desirable and the fastest/best option to become a nurse. Well, starting this summer, I will be half way done and can NOT wait to graduate. The program academically is very weak and very unprofessional - I don't feel challenged with the curriculum and the faculty who teach the class are not qualified to teach (one professor speaks Ebonics and can not even answer our questions). The administration do not CARE about their students...they are trying to teach us how to be great nurses and how to be therapeutic and how to CARE about our patients and their families, yet they do NOT bother to care for their own....nurses eating their own - well, guess what, this is true in the academic world, as much as the professional world (although, I have had some great clinical experiences).

I pray that I will make it through the program. I really enjoy clinical and want to be a nurse. After all, I quit my job (a nice job!) to change my career.

Luckily, my clinical experiences have been good, otherwise I would lose it!

Please do not attend this program. You will not be satisfied. Only disappointed.

[kpspunky]

I am investigating this program and a career change from Pharma. I heard there is currently a pharma rep in the program. Do you know this student? I would love to talk with him/her about their experience and whether it has been worth the move so far. Thanks! Also - was there a certain incident that happened that caused you to feel this way about the program? Would you go a different route next time? I have a BS in Business Administration from UNC and am weighing a program like this versus just a ADN/RN degree. I already have the business degree and experience, just now interested in the nursing portion to round me out!

[luv2quilt]

Dear futurenurse?,

As someone who has been through the same program, I am terribly sorry that you have had this experience. I don't know what your particular circumstances are, but feel the need to stand up for MCG (now GHSU) from my perspective. As a student, I felt quite the opposite of you in many circumstances. Our professors were knowledgeable, and genuinely wanted us to succeed. The administrators, while busy, were willing to work with circumstances as they arose. I know of many of the current faculty, though they may be different from those that you had, and have great respect for them. I felt very prepared coming into the field, or at least as prepared as any newly licensed nurse, and have advanced in the field to a CNL position fairly rapidly.

kpspunky -

Please do not base your decision off of one person's report. Do your own investigating, and evaluate what is best for you and your lifestyle. There are discrete differences in the way ADNs, BSNs, and students in this program (MSN) are trained to think, and you must decide where you fit best. There are fewer opportunities for advancement for ADNs, though if you want to be a staff nurse it is just fine. BSNs are in great demand. MSNs are trained to think critically, and in this program are additionally trained to be Clinical Nurse Leaders, which is a whole different ballgame. So please - do not let one unhappy student deter you. Just another (former) student's opinion.