MGH Direct-Entry Nursing 2014

pineapplelost · Feb 20, 2014

I made plans to speak with someone at MGH tomorrow. I plan to ask about:

*the number of clinical hours in the program

*whether students are responsible for finding their own placements/preceptors

*how many students work part-time as an RN during their specialty years, given with the tight Boston job market for RNs.

*whether students have the opportunity to be involved in research

If anyone has any other questions they'd like answered, let me know and I'll add them to my list. I was also going to ask about online classes, even though I'm mostly convinced it's just a pesky rumor.

AutumnRain · Feb 21, 2014

pineapplelost - Thanks for the kind offer! I think I read on previous MGH threads about the online classes being true. Can you ask how many online classes we'd have to take each semester and/or in total? And if we'd have online classes during the pre-licensure portion, MSN portion, or the entire program? Thanks again and have fun checking out the area tomorrow! :)

pineapplelost · Feb 22, 2014

I had a really nice visit at MGH, everyone was very friendly.

I didn't get an exact number of clinical hours, other than that it's more than is required for licensure. But students do NOT need to find their own placements and preceptors. They try to find convenient, T-accessible placements whenever possible, but it's not always possible, especially the further you go in the program.

A lot of students are able to work as RNs, though the job market means they're probably not working at big-name research hospitals. Some students schedule classes such that they can work full time during the second summer (not really possible during the first summer though), and they sometimes continue working part-time in the fall when classes resume.

The online learning thing is a pretty big deal. Some classes are on-ground only, some classes are offered in multiple formats (ie, online, on-ground, and hybrid). One or two are available only in hybrid/fully online format, with no in-person options. But from the sound of it, they do a good job of matching format to the course, so I'm not as worried. There are courses with online components in both the prelicensure and MSN parts of the class.

They are aiming for a cohort of 108. We'll be working with the RN-MSN students during the second and third years, but that program is smaller than DE-Nursing.

The building is nice, it's shared with the PT and Speech programs, and there were speech therapy treatment centers in the building. So it's a little more locked down than your typical college campus- there's a security guard at the front and the doors all require ID card access, since there are patients coming in. There is a shuttle to and from MGH that runs pretty frequently, which vastly reduces my concerns about accessibility. I didn't see much parking. The classrooms are very high tech, the skills labs look nice. The outside of the main building looks so old-fashioned, but the inside is really modern in design- they've got that whole "light, colorful walls with unfinished wood beams and steel" thing going on. They don't seem to have a ton of space- I think that may be one reason for the online classes. But there are still spaces for students to hang out and spaces for quiet study.

Unfortunately (fortunately?) I also really liked my visit to BC earlier today, so I'm not any closer to a decision. The online thing freaks me out a bit, but less than it did when before my visit. I've had online or hybrid classes that were done really well before, I know it's possible, it just feels a bit weird...

sanamax · Feb 22, 2014

Thanks Pineapple!! That was great info!! By any chance were you able to know how many days / week do we have to go to college/ clinics ?

Michelleng0812 · Feb 22, 2014

Thanks for posting that! That is super helpful, as I am deciding between BC and MGH as well :/ still not sure what to do and the deposit is due this Friday- I really do love both programs but it just comes down to whether I want to do a 2 or 3 year program, with or without the BSN, and if I really do want to try to work part time, as it would be quite difficult to do that at BC. Let me know what you end up choosing, as I am still confused as to what to do!

lizz13 · Feb 24, 2014

Does anyone who has been accepted to MGH DEN know when the deadline is to send in the deposit? I got waitlisted for FNP and was hoping to get an email from them if a seat opens up.

Also, has anyone who applied to BC's program for FNP heard back yet?

Thanks!!

sanamax · Feb 24, 2014

6 March,2014

AutumnRain · Feb 25, 2014

lizz13: I heard back from BC for FNP a couple weeks ago but am giving up my spot in the cohort. The next wave of admission offers should be sent after this Friday, Feb 28th (the deadline for BC's deposit).

Kim F · Feb 25, 2014

Hi everyone! I've been accepted to MGH Direct Entry NP program as well! I'm super excited! My concentration is Adult/Women's health. Sanamax, I've requested to join the FB group. Thanks for making one by the way. (:

sanamax · Feb 25, 2014

Hey Kim my pleasure. I want all of the incoming MGHIHP 2014 batch ppl to be at one platform for further in detail info about our programs. If youve sent in the request to join any member can accept the request. However i try to accept any request as soon as it alerts me on my email!! :) i am so happy to know everyone!! Ehich track u going towards? See u on fb group!!!

s-lizzy · Feb 26, 2014

Hey guys, I'm giving up my spot for PMHNP. Good luck to everyone in their decision making! :)

aagbandit · Feb 27, 2014

Hey s-lizzy, did you already officially decline your acceptance to MGH? I'm on the wait list for the PMHNP track now, so I'm hoping I can get your spot!