mercer or georgia state

FemmeRN · May 6, 2008

I just graduated from Georgia State's nursing program, and I have enjoyed it immensely.

I don't know anything about Mercer, so I can't compare the two. But, I will say that I have not had any problem finding a job in the specialty that I want. I had two offers before graduation, and have accepted what I consider to be my dream job. Many, and possibly most, of my classmates also had jobs lined up before graduation.

The affordable tuition is definitely a plus with GSU. But, it's also a great program. Faculty are welcoming and helpful. For the most part, clinical instructors are kind and really want you to learn, as opposed to wanting to torture you. It's a lot of hard work, but I'm sure that's true of any nursing school.

Good luck to you, wherever you end up! :)

one03grad · May 6, 2008

I too just graduated this past weekend. I love GBCN for so many reasons. The friendships that u make with the others going through the same motions that u are just about sums it up. The faculty is awesome, the program is HARD i am not even going to lie but i feel it has prepared me for my nursing career. You have already pretty much summarized the pros and cons yourself. The big CON being the cost. To me its all relative.The majority of my classmates have accepted job offers or have been offered jobs including myself. Research some more, talk to former and current students if u can and decide what best works for u.

p.s. you do not have to take prereqs in Macon, u can go to GPC or GA State and then transfer. The macon route is only if u want to start as a freshman.

let me know if i can hep

one03grad

neygray · May 7, 2008

In the end, all the employer is going to look at is that you have the letters RN behind your name. Go the cheaper route. Mercer is a wonderful school. But, I don't believe that their nursing program is any better than a public university.

godbless-yute · May 9, 2008

I attend Mercer, and its a great school! Like someone mentioned b4, you won't have to go to Macon for your pre-reqs. Those can be done anywhere. yes Mercer is expensive, and at first I didn't want to go there because of that, but there are scholarships that can get you around that ( I know 'cause I have one). Something Mercer has that other schools don't is 3 years of clinicals. This too was a deterrent 4 me at first, but I've since seen the benefit. All that time in clinicals helps you be more confident/ comfortable with what you're doing when you get out. The classes are large, but everyone moves through the program together so you get to know everyone (just about) and you get to know your profs. personally. Never been to GSU, but have been to other huge state schools, and trust me that close knit community feeling makes a difference. The classes are hard, but do-able.....I'm holding a 4.0. Price is a concern for everyone, but weigh al the pros and cons of each b4 making a decision. Hope that helps some.

reveriies, BSN · Jul 18, 2008

Hi, I am applying for the accelerated curriculum for GSU for Spring 2009. (I would create a new topic, but I am having a bit of difficulties with the site at the moment) I was just wondering, for those who got accepted to the program, what were your NET scores, GPA, program GPA, and average grades in the science classes? I am a bit nervous because I declined my acceptance to Medical College of GA this past summer, mainly because of financial issues, and I am just hoping and praying to get into GSU. If anyone can provide any additional information about applying, that would be great!

Also, can anyone tell me how the curriculum itself is like, such as where clinical take place and on average, how many hours of clinical are performed in a week?

FemmeRN · Jul 18, 2008

hey reveriies...

I don't remember my NET scores or previous GPA, but I can tell you about the clinicals.

They weren't at just one hospital, GSU uses hospitals all over Atlanta...Emory, N'Side, St Joes, CHOA, DMC, Atl Medical, Grady...pretty much any hospital you can name. Different groups and classes go to different places each semester.

The first semester you'll have a 6 hour clinical once a week for the 14 week semester. Half will be at a hospital site, half will be in the nursing lab. This is the basic skills class.

The second semester you'll have Med Surg and Psych clinicals. If you're doing it in the summer, I don't know exactly how they split it up , but during the year, you have 7 weeks of med surg clinicals (1 12 hr day or 2 6hr days/wk) and then 7 weeks of Psych (2 6 hr days).

The third semester is OB and Peds. The clinicals are split the same way, with one 12 hr/wk

The last semster you'll have Community Health, which I think is 7 wks of two 6-8 hr days/week. You'll also do your Senior Practicum, which is basically you working one on one with a nurse for 150 hours. It's up to you to schedule those hours with your preceptor over the semester.

I hope that makes sense.

Good luck! It's a wonderful program.

reveriies, BSN · Jul 18, 2008

Okay, that doesn't sound so bad. When they schedule your clinical, do they generally try to schedule on days that you are not in class, or do they have days where you are going to class as well as clinical? And another question, what times do they usually schedule shifts for? I am just curious because I am going to be commuting from the Mall of GA area.

Thanks so much! =)

knittycat1 · Jul 23, 2008

GSU clinicals are scheduled for days when you do not have class. There is no set schedule for the senior practicum because, as FemmeRN2b said, you work with your preceptor to schedule your hours.

Weekend clinical assignments are more common in the summer.

Almost all assignments begin around 7 am regardless of length of shift (i.e., 6 hours or 12 hours).

I've not heard of any GSU graduates having difficulty finding jobs. Again as FemmeRN2b said, the majority of students have jobs by graduation.

Best of luck.

VICEDRN, BSN, RN · Aug 28, 2008

Rev-

I am at KSU but I was admitted to GSU:

NET: 78

GPA: 3.1

PREREQS/PROGRAM GPA: 3.79

Good luck!

elizz · Sep 20, 2008

What did you make your NET? What was your GPA? What made you pick one school over another?

kpxqtx619 · Sep 24, 2008

I am also wanting to find out what kind of qualifications other students have had when accepted to Georgia State University. I have sent in my application for the Spring 2009 Traditional program yesterday. I hope I can get some idea if I will be getting ready for an acceptance or denial. THANKS GUYS!