Needing advice about starting RN-BSN or RN-MSN

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 11, 2014

I'm also in the process of attempting to get admitted into WGU's RN-to-BSN program. I've already applied, passed the readiness assessment, and right now I am just waiting for them to evaluate my transcripts with the hope that they'll be very generous when it comes to accepting my previously earned credits for transfer.

Most people who have completed WGU's programs say they loved the school.

klone, MSN, RN · Mar 11, 2014

WGU is very heavy on paper writing

schnookimz · Mar 11, 2014

WGU is very heavy on paper writing

I actually dont find it too paper intensive compared to my previous bachelors. The papers are usually short and very simple.

featherzRN, MSN · Mar 11, 2014

I actually dont find it too paper intensive compared to my previous bachelors. The papers are usually short and very simple.

About half the classes (depending on what you have to take) have no papers at all - and out of the ones that do, there's only two that I would consider paper intensive. From what I hear about other programs that require weekly papers and APA discussion board posts, WGU may actually be one of the less paper intensive schools. :)

klone, MSN, RN · Mar 11, 2014

I meant paper heavy as opposed to objective exams. The competencies are about 80% papers (i put PowerPoint into that category) vs. 20% exams.

sstephensrn, MSN, RN · Mar 11, 2014

Klone, Are you in a program through WGU? Have you found them to be very challenging or just normal work? How much time do you devote daily/weekly?

What would you guys suggest if my goal is to obtain MSN? Start with BSN or go straight to MSN?

Thanks

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Mar 11, 2014

I'm brand new so I am doing the RN to BSN route because it'll give me time to get 1 year experience to apply to Frontier. The RN to BSN will also cut off about 10,000 off the tuition and it'll be about 5,000 to 6,000 for my BSN. I am at Ohio University.

sstephensrn, MSN, RN · Mar 11, 2014

Did you have to get your transcripts or did they get them for you from former colleges?

What does the readiness assessment consist of? How can I prepare? Did they give you a tentative start date? Thanks

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 11, 2014

Did you have to get your transcripts or did they get them for you from former colleges?
What does the readiness assessment consist of? How can I prepare? Did they give you a tentative start date? Thanks

I wrote all about my experience with the WGU Readiness Assessment. Click below to read:

https://allnurses.com/western-governors-university/western-governors-university-910948.html

I had to take it upon myself to order transcripts from previous schools and arrange for them to be sent to WGU's transcript department. I have a tentative start date of May 1st if the admissions counselor receives everything on my end by April 1st.

klone, MSN, RN · Mar 11, 2014

Klone, Are you in a program through WGU? Have you found them to be very challenging or just normal work? How much time do you devote daily/weekly?

I am - I finished my BSN through them in December 2012, and I am now working on my MSN in Leadership, which I anticipate finishing in either December of this year, or spring of 2015.

No, I do not find it challenging. I have always been extremely strong in paper-writing, so that is part of why I find it pretty easy. The biggest challenge, for me, is finding the internal motivation to get stuff done. That was my struggle during the BSN program, and it continues to be my struggle now (more last semester, I've gotten better this term). I find that I can get one "task" done in one 5-hour session at the library. Each class consists of anywhere from 2-5 tasks. The last couple classes I've finished in the MSN program have each had only one task, so I've finished 3 classes in the past month. So, with maybe 5 hours a week, I'm able to finish well ahead. My problem has been that I will sometimes go months without doing anything school related at all. So it took me 3 terms (18 months) to do my BSN, when it should have only taken me 2 terms. My MSN will take me 24 months, unless I can find the internal motivation to accelerate a class or two, then I can complete it in 18 months. The main problem is the idea I have for my capstone will likely take me the entire 6-month term to complete.

I know that others have found value in their education at WGU, but I have to be totally honest and say that I'm not finding it particularly rigorous. But it serves my purpose, which is to have those magic letters behind my name so I can advance within management.

klone, MSN, RN · Mar 11, 2014

I'm brand new so I am doing the RN to BSN route because it'll give me time to get 1 year experience to apply to Frontier. The RN to BSN will also cut off about 10,000 off the tuition and it'll be about 5,000 to 6,000 for my BSN. I am at Ohio University.

That's a good choice! I spent 3 terms at Frontier's bridge program before I realized I didn't want to be a midwife, and dropped out to do my BSN. I recommend to anyone who is interested in Frontier, that they get their BSN first, because it will likely cost less than the bridge program, and they will have a BSN to show for their efforts.