McMaster nursing vs. Western-Fanshawe Collaborative nursing?

cccormier · May 23, 2011

Hi mari5962,

First off, congrats on getting accepted to both sites!!! :yeah:

I have heard great things coming from both places, but can only truly comment on the Western-Fanshawe nursing (fanshawe site). I have been accepted to the same program for Sept. 2011, but I have decided to attend the Main Campus (Western site). I heard that the nursing program is the same at both places though (at Fanshawe and Western).

Beforehand, I was a student myself at Fanshawe (last year), taking their Pre-health Science course in order to get into Nursing. So, I can tell you that Fanshawe College is a great place and you will NO DOUBT have a great time and lots of fun there!!!! London is a beautiful city and very cultural, and has a welcoming friendly vibe. I'm sure you'd like living here. :)

What I keep hearing about the Western-Fanshawe nursing program is that it is very easy to get to know your classmates (smaller classes) and make friends. Also, in comparison to Mac, Fanshawe students start their Clinical (practice with patients outside of school) as soon as the second semester in the first year! That is very good because you will have an upper hand with hands-on knowledge for exams and on your resume (if you count the clinical experience as a student) for future employers. More clinical experience is always better. I heard that at Mac, they only start later (second year I think? - I'm not too sure), and that the program is more "theoretical" and less "hands-on"... but once again, that is only what I keep hearing but since I've never studied there, I can't confirm that for sure.

I am sure you will make the right decision in the end; both programs are very good, and you will no doubt have a great experience at both schools.

Let me know if you have any other questions on London or Western-Fanshawe (I currently live in London).

Cheers! :nurse:

catherine18 · May 23, 2011

I got into Fanshawe/western nursing too! I've never been to university before so I am so nervous! But I've heard so many positive things about this program! Which has really helped calm the nerves. Everyone that I've asked says that Fanshawe is a great friendly campus! I think that Fanshawe would benefit you in more of the emotional sense, as oppose to Mac that just wants you to succeed but may not focus on you as a person as much. No matter where you go though you'll have fun I'm sure! Keep me posted!!!:) good luck!

CanadianGirl79 · May 23, 2011

No matter which school you go to, it will be hard. Nursing school is not easy. You will feel like crying sometimes, and yelling and screaming. It is stressful. But this is good, because being a nurse is hard and stressful, and will make you cry sometimes.

I have heard great things about both programs. Why not tour both campuses to help decide which one is right for you? If you will live on campus, tour the residences as well.

When I went to university, I chose the one that had a campus I liked. There is no point in going to a school where you love the program, but hate your dorm, the library, etc.

As for making friends, if you live on campus, it will make it easier to meet others on campus. Not just nursing students, but other students as well. It's nice sometimes to go out with non-nursing people, and talk about non-nursing stuff. Just be friendly, introduce yourself to people, and you will make friends no matter where you go. :)

Congrats on getting in to two great schools, and on deciding to become a nurse!