Ohio University RN-to-BSN Program

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Since it seems that there's quite a bit of interest, I'm attempting to start a new thread devoted exclusively to the OU on-line RN-BSN program that will hopefully build on the comments on assorted previous threads.

I'd like to ask nevergonnagiveup, mtsteelhorse and babynurse73 - all of whom (I think) are either already in the program or have applied for admission - to post about their experiences. I just sent in my application and plan to post periodically about relevant issues. If we can populate the thread with good material, it could become a very useful resource for both those considering the OU program and students already in it. Once that happens, I'd hope we could prevail upon the forum moderators to make it a sticky thread.

As indicated, I've only recently applied to the program. So far, I'm happy with the support and information I've gotten. I've been contacted by an OU "enrollment specialist" who was somewhat helpful (I suspect that they have dual roles, one being to provide basic information to prospective students and the other to follow-up with the prospects and help to fill the roster for the program). This person e-mailed me, followed up with a phone call and was able to provide some useful, if basic, information about the program. I also sent a lengthy e-mail to OU with quite a number of specific, detailed questions. This too resulted in both an e-mail and telephone response, this time from an academic advisor in the OU School of Nursing. Again I received some useful and quite helpful information. All in all, my early experience has been pretty positive.

As indicated above, I plan to post about relevant issues that come up as I work my way through the admission and evaluation process. I'd very much like to hear from others about their experience with OU and I'm sure that there will be a lot of interest by others in our collective experience with the program.

Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

You would likely just pay the out of state tuition which is just a few dollars more than in state. It's very reasonable and a good program. I'm very pleased with my decision to enroll. Also might want to check on any extra courses you might need to get out of the way.

For those taking Legal/Ethical Issues (NRSE 335) next semester who haven't yet bought their texts, there are tons of the 2nd edition out there available for little more than a song. Yes, the syllabus says that you need the newer 3rd edition but I can almost guarantee that the second ed is probably something like 98% common with the newer version.

The 3rd edition list for about $95 new and you can find it discounted for about $75. There are also some used copies available - the lowest price I've seen is about $35. By comparison, there are dozens of 2nd editions out there ranging from about $11 new to as little as 1 cent for used. I decided to splurge and bought a "Like New" second edition for 10 cents. Adding shipping costs, that means I'll have to fork over a total of $4.09. There's obviously a risk going with the older edition but I've been doing this for a long time and have found that nearly always, the differences between the two editions are trivial.

On a slightly different topic, the grades for my section of 325 are already posted. While the course itself was, shall we say, less than satisfying, I have to give a Stephen Colbert "Tip O' The Hat" to the TA for getting things reviewed and posted so quickly.

Wishing everyone a nice holiday break.

Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

My TA for 325 was SUPERB! As for text books it sounds like you've got a great plan. I've decided to rent my books and will rent the NRSE 335 text for about $30. I can't afford to spend hundreds of dollars on books I likely won't look at again. For books to keep I'd go with chuckster's plan...for recyclable books try renting. Where do you shop for books? chuckster...have a real dilemma. You are so insightful I will PM if that's okay???

Specializes in Med/Surg, Neuro, ICU, travel RN, Psych.

Once they post the class schedule up for classes that are further ahead, does that tend to change? The schedule doesn't show the first class that has to be taken as being offered in the summer. But they have a summer start date on the website. I don't get that, if that class has to be taken first. Transitions, right?

Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

Yes, transitions (NRSE 300) has to be taken first. It should be offered every session. I would call the nursing dept but I'm 99% sure it will be offered.

Once they post the class schedule up for classes that are further ahead, does that tend to change? The schedule doesn't show the first class that has to be taken as being offered in the summer. But they have a summer start date on the website. I don't get that, if that class has to be taken first. Transitions, right?

that's what i noticed you have to begin in the spring session i believe03/26 if not you will have to wait for the switch to semester which is August the beginning of Fall semester

Specializes in Med/Surg, Neuro, ICU, travel RN, Psych.
that's what i noticed you have to begin in the spring session i believe03/26 if not you will have to wait for the switch to semester which is August the beginning of Fall semester

I know you and I had come to that conclusion. But they are offering a June summer start date. So they wouldn't be able to offer it if there was no class. Atleast that would make sense.

I want to start in March either way, so it doesn't matter. But I was just wondering if anyone doesn't get in for Spring. A girl I work with is actually applying today. She was going to go to a different school, but I talked her into OU:) It will be awesome if someone I see all the time is in "class" with me.

Specializes in nursing.
My TA for 325 was SUPERB! As for text books it sounds like you've got a great plan. I've decided to rent my books and will rent the NRSE 335 text for about $30. I can't afford to spend hundreds of dollars on books I likely won't look at again. For books to keep I'd go with chuckster's plan...for recyclable books try renting. Where do you shop for books? chuckster...have a real dilemma. You are so insightful I will PM if that's okay???

I rented health appraisal from Ecampus.com for $46. Also look at textbooks.com.

Specializes in nursing.
For those taking Legal/Ethical Issues (NRSE 335) next semester who haven't yet bought their texts, there are tons of the 2nd edition out there available for little more than a song. Yes, the syllabus says that you need the newer 3rd edition but I can almost guarantee that the second ed is probably something like 98% common with the newer version.

The 3rd edition list for about $95 new and you can find it discounted for about $75. There are also some used copies available - the lowest price I've seen is about $35. By comparison, there are dozens of 2nd editions out there ranging from about $11 new to as little as 1 cent for used. I decided to splurge and bought a "Like New" second edition for 10 cents. Adding shipping costs, that means I'll have to fork over a total of $4.09. There's obviously a risk going with the older edition but I've been doing this for a long time and have found that nearly always, the differences between the two editions are trivial.

On a slightly different topic, the grades for my section of 325 are already posted. While the course itself was, shall we say, less than satisfying, I have to give a Stephen Colbert "Tip O' The Hat" to the TA for getting things reviewed and posted so quickly.

Wishing everyone a nice holiday break.

Love Stephen Colbert! Thanks for the "tip"

Specializes in Med/Surg, Neuro, ICU, travel RN, Psych.

When you guys applied, did you check the student center to look for the status of our application? I just checked mine it says "complete" with nothing on the to do list. Which means they have received my transcripts.

Just wondering how long it took to go from complete to admitted? I just applied like a week ago, so to go from admission to already having a Complete application, that is pretty quick, right?

Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

I have the same issue with NRSE 341, Community Health, commencing 3/26. I will have my computer but will basically be on vacation...anybody have feedback on this class and michellemybell's class NRSE 335??? Any recommendations regarding taking 2 nursing courses together and which are perhaps easier than others? I know a lot depends on the TA but the overall requirements are the same regardless. Thanks in advance.

Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

simply complicated, I wouldn't put a lot of faith in the student center check list. I would call the nursing school directly. A year ago is was nearly impossible to talk to a real live person. Things have drastically improved in that arena. Almost without a doubt you'll be starting NRSE 300 before you have a completed DARs report. They do a good job of giving you credit wherever they can. I hope things go really fast for you!

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