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.
okay, so help me get this straight. Is it true that the fastest you can complete the nursing courses is 14 months due to the times they're offered? If you have just the nursing courses (and the Asia course) is there any advantage to doubling up on the courses? If it won't make the completion date sooner I will take one at a time. Thanks for your input.
Where did you read that? That would be a better option than business comp. I know enrollment for Fall (is either over or wraps up soon), and it's not offered for the academic outreach students. The only type of junior level English offered is Bus Comp. I enrolled in it when Fall enrollment first opened up. It's a 10wk class.
I drove myself crazy trying to find this again. I found it using the academic planner option. Not sure if they are going to offer this to online students. Said it was supposed to start in Sept - but it says not scheduled. NRSE 370J
okay, so help me get this straight. Is it true that the fastest you can complete the nursing courses is 14 months due to the times they're offered? If you have just the nursing courses (and the Asia course) is there any advantage to doubling up on the courses? If it won't make the completion date sooner I will take one at a time. Thanks for your input.
I think the easiest way to answer this question is for you to map out the 12 nursing classes and the Asia course you need to take and look at the breakdown.
For me, I am trying to complete the course as fast a possible. I have 2 small kids and a husband with a very demanding job. So before life gets any crazier, I need to be done with school. The mapped out difference for me was about a 3 month difference. So I'd say if you aren't in a rush to finish, then do 1 class at a time.
I'm also concerned that OU will increase their enrollment sometime in the near future, so since I'm paying out of pocket to attend, I need to be done before another increase occurs.
I drove myself crazy trying to find this again. I found it using the academic planner option. Not sure if they are going to offer this to online students. Said it was supposed to start in Sept - but it says not scheduled. NRSE 370J
Yeah..I hate when I read something, then can't find it again. That would be good for others in they are offering an upper level English class relevant to nurse. But, I stuck with Bus. Comp.
Question on grading at OU for those who've already taken a few courses. Do the instructors for each course set their grading requirements? I'm asking this with respect to the points needed for the grade, not how the points are earned.
Question on grading at OU for those who've already taken a few courses. Do the instructors for each course set their grading requirements? I'm asking this with respect to the points needed for the grade, not how the points are earned.
Yes...For some instructors quizzes are worth a lot of points, for others, papers may be worth more point. None of the instructors I've had have had the same point scale.
Yes...For some instructors quizzes are worth a lot of points, for others, papers may be worth more point. None of the instructors I've had have had the same point scale.
Thanks deltaroxxy2 but I guess I didn't do a good job of explaining what I was asking. What I wanted to know was if a 94% or better was always an "A", 92-93% always "A-" etc down to the lowest passing level of B- which is 83%.
I'm also really curious about how these 2 statements from the syllabus are translated: "scores will not be rounded" and "although point values are attached to assignments, they may have a different percentage weight when it comes to your final grade".
In the case of the first statement about rounding, this means that you actually need to do a bit better than the published percentage for any given grade. So for my section of NRSE 300 which has 11 assignments/quizzes worth a total of 140 points, 94% would equate to 132 points rather than 131.6 (94% x 140 = 131.6 but the score will not be rounded). What this means in practical terms is that you need perfect scores on most assignments and quizzes. The second statement is more puzzling. It seems to say that the that an assignment that was listed at say 20 points could be changed to be worth 25 and one that was originally listed as worth 30 pts becomes worth only 25 when the final grades are calculated. Kind of makes it difficult to know where you stand.
Thanks deltaroxxy2 but I guess I didn't do a good job of explaining what I was asking. What I wanted to know was if a 94% or better was always an "A", 92-93% always "A-" etc down to the lowest passing level of B- which is 83%.
I'm also really curious about how these 2 statements from the syllabus are translated: "scores will not be rounded" and "although point values are attached to assignments, they may have a different percentage weight when it comes to your final grade".
In the case of the first statement about rounding, this means that you actually need to do a bit better than the published percentage for any given grade. So for my section of NRSE 300 which has 11 assignments/quizzes worth a total of 140 points, 94% would equate to 132 points rather than 131.6 (94% x 140 = 131.6 but the score will not be rounded). What this means in practical terms is that you need perfect scores on most assignments and quizzes. The second statement is more puzzling. It seems to say that the that an assignment that was listed at say 20 points could be changed to be worth 25 and one that was originally listed as worth 30 pts becomes worth only 25 when the final grades are calculated. Kind of makes it difficult to know where you stand.
You're obviously an engineer...I've never analyzed my grades that in depth...LOL I see a 95% next to my course and I'm happy.
Just email your TA. They will give you the breakdown. I've never had a problem understanding where I stand since the current grade percentage is listed next to course once assignments are graded. I guess I'm a bit confused on the over analysis.
But to answer the posed question, I've looked at 4 of my completed courses and they all say this:
Oh cripes, this sounds awfully complicated!:smackingf
It's not that complicated Mtsteelhorse....Just follow your syllabus and rubic for the assigned classes. Note the corrections the TA provides and you'll be fine. I've never analyzed my grades like that since your current percentage is placed next to the course once assignments are graded......
Even though the grading system has been consistent for you over 4 classes, it looks like it's not consistent across the nursing school. Our grading runs like this:
94 to 100% - A
91 to 93% - A-
89 to 90% - B+
85 to 88% - B
83 to 84% - B-
81 to 82% - C+
80% - C (minimum passing grade)
So it looks like the individual instructor can set the grading standards. May also explain why I see 80% sometimes shown as a B- and other times as a C.
Even though the grading system has been consistent for you over 4 classes, it looks like it's not consistent across the nursing school. Our grading runs like this:
94 to 100% - A
91 to 93% - A-
89 to 90% - B+
85 to 88% - B
83 to 84% - B-
81 to 82% - C+
80% - C (minimum passing grade)
So it looks like the individual instructor can set the grading standards. May also explain why I see 80% sometimes shown as a B- and other times as a C.
LOL Chuckster - you made me go look! My grading scales have been the same as deltaroxxy2's. And yes, the whole weighted percentage will drive you crazy if you let it .... explains why 1 grade of 90% on a high percentage assignent pulled my grade down to a 96% for the class. I am not being that "a-retentive" with this management class .... I will kiss the ground for an A-
mtsteelhorse
1,635 Posts
okay, so help me get this straight. Is it true that the fastest you can complete the nursing courses is 14 months due to the times they're offered? If you have just the nursing courses (and the Asia course) is there any advantage to doubling up on the courses? If it won't make the completion date sooner I will take one at a time. Thanks for your input.