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.

No! No DARS report! No OU letters in my mailbox! Only asks me to pay money for NURS 300!

Hi... Im REALLY interested in the OU online program. I have ALL the pre-reqs, app ready to be completed and transcripts just sent. HOWEVER.... I am not taking my boards until mid-Aug. Has anyone ever gotten i at the last minute? Does anyone know if OU will consider me withOUTthe license number on my app?, but nvlec scheduled? The class doesnt begin until October... thats more than enough time! Or are they really strict?

Specializes in nursing.

They obtain your nursing license number for the application. So I don't think you can get started with the process.

Coming up on the end of week 4!! I can't believe this class is just about over. It's been busy - but not that bad. Short papers, weekly discussions. Is anyone else taking management issues next?

Specializes in nursing.

Congrats rninme! Is is Transitions you are taking now?

Hi... Im REALLY interested in the OU online program. I have ALL the pre-reqs, app ready to be completed and transcripts just sent. HOWEVER.... I am not taking my boards until mid-Aug. Has anyone ever gotten i at the last minute? Does anyone know if OU will consider me withOUTthe license number on my app?, but nvlec scheduled? The class doesnt begin until October... thats more than enough time! Or are they really strict?

You can apply without having a license number; I just did it a few months ago. On the application, they ask you to either list your license number OR the date/time/place you will be taking NCLEX. I got an e-mail recently that my application was being processed just fine.

Congrats rninme! Is is Transitions you are taking now?

Yes it is. It has been fun actually. Had to dust off some time management skills that I hadn't used in a while :rolleyes:. I work full-time nights and my weekend on is four nights in a row. Assignments are due on Sunday night ... so I had to submit mine early on those weeks. Just don't get behind - the biggest assignment is a personal development plan that you work on for 4 weeks. There is a lot involved with it - other than that, the assignments are very straight foreward.

Specializes in Long term care.

I am currently 4 weeks into my 1st class at OU (transitions). I dont know why I expected anything to get better but I am still waiting on my DARS report and for them to process my financial aid. Why are they making this so complicated?

I’ve been pretty vocal in my criticism of the OU admission process and specifically the extraordinary length of time it seems to take for both admissions notification and transcript evaluation. While I believe that my criticism is justified – admission took over 4 months and at the 5 month mark, I still do not have a transcript evaluation – I also want to give credit to OU when and where it is due.

I phoned the nursing office earlier this week to ask about the DARS reports. The office in turn put me in touch with an academic advisor. The advisor was very responsive and has been wonderful to work with. She has returned e-mails and phone calls promptly and has provided me with excellent information. My impression is that both the OU School of Nursing and particularly the academic advisors are genuinely interested in the welfare of the students. While the DARS reports are still in process, it really seems like they are trying to do a thorough evaluation. I see this as a great (if much delayed) formal start to the RN-BSN program at OU.

Unfortunately, all is not sweetness and light. The reason for my inquiry was to find out when the DARS evaluations would be complete. The answer is: Not anytime soon. In fact, OU does not seem to have a good idea of when they will be able to complete them. When I asked for a ballpark guess, the answer was something like “at least a few more weeks”. So that will put me well over the 6 month mark - a very long time by any standard. Based on my interaction with the advisor, I at least now have a reasonable degree of confidence that the OU evaluation will equitable. That makes the wait a bit more tolerable and give me the assurance I needed to register for NRSE 300 for the second summer session.

Specializes in nursing.
Yes it is. It has been fun actually. Had to dust off some time management skills that I hadn't used in a while :rolleyes:. I work full-time nights and my weekend on is four nights in a row. Assignments are due on Sunday night ... so I had to submit mine early on those weeks. Just don't get behind - the biggest assignment is a personal development plan that you work on for 4 weeks. There is a lot involved with it - other than that, the assignments are very straight foreward.

I'm soooo glad to hear some positive things about this program! Plus, you have a busy schedule and are able to swing it. Kudos! I work 3-12hour shifts so I'm not so worried about time management....my concern is the actual work...writing papers and such because I've been out so long.....we'll see!

I'm soooo glad to hear some positive things about this program! Plus, you have a busy schedule and are able to swing it. Kudos! I work 3-12hour shifts so I'm not so worried about time management....my concern is the actual work...writing papers and such because I've been out so long.....we'll see!

OWL will be your APA friend. That is where the intructors will guide you to. Don't sweat the APA stuff too much, I think the OU staff know most of us haven't written papers in quite a while. The OWL website has a copy of an APA formatted paper - just follow that. I do have the APA manual and another book that has examples of various kinds of paper formatting. Just remember to cite information from sources if you use it - review what plagiarism is. Assignments are very straight foreward - nothing tricky. There is a rubric for each assignment - just follow that and make sure you include everything it asks for. You will do just fine!

Coming up on the end of week 4!! I can't believe this class is just about over. It's been busy - but not that bad. Short papers, weekly discussions. Is anyone else taking management issues next?

I'll be in Community and Management next term :)

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