Online program recommendations

I'm not sure how other programs operate, but in mine skills are demonstrated and then students practice with their preceptor in the clinic setting. As with any skill there are many ways of doing a procedure, and as such I tend to do my skills like my preceptor does.

What makes you so sure you're learning the correct technique? There are plenty of docs out there who do things the wrong way. I've seen plenty of bad outcomes from docs with years of experience. You need a "point of reference" and the place to get this is at your school, not online.

Many thanks to FNP2009~ Duke is one of 5 programs I applied to for next year, so I was really thrilled to read about the day to day of the program in such detail!

I have applied to both online and brick and mortar programs, and I suspect that the online programs (Duke, MUSC and GW), being Tier I institutions, are superior to the on the ground programs that are available to me (ETSU and WCU). They may not be, I'd have to go to both to know for sure and I have neither the time nor the money for such a sociological experiment! My choice will be determined by the financial aid packages, not the specific location of the diadactic instruction (i.e. their classroom vs. my living room). In either case, clincial hours will be up to me to arrange, and I already have a half dozen docs in mind for precepting. I don't think it matters one iota to them what school I'm paying tuition to. The docs I have felt out (2 ED docs, 2 internal med docs, a cardiologist, a family prac doc and a pulmonologist) about potentially precepting have all been very enthusiastic, and I don't recall any of them even asking me what school I'm attending. They offered to precept me b/c they know me, they want to suport my education and they believe in the advancement of the NP role. I'm honored to have the opportunity to work alongside them in any capacity (I have been a practicing CCRN for 15 years, and I only approached the docs that have my utmost respect and confidence), and very grateful and gratified for their support of my education, career and profession. Incidentally, I don't think any of them belong to SDN.

In the end, I believe that as a professional, *I* am responsible for my education, not the institution I attend. The institution that I choose (or that which chooses me) will be there to guide me, ensure competence, but it is up to me to demonstrate excellence. The clincial experience is paramount, and it will be very similiar no matter what program I utilize. The material is essentially the same, and I'll master it to the best of my ability. I will take the same exam upon completion of the program, regardless. My knowledge, skills, approach, and communication skills will speak for themselves. The diploma will be framed, proudly, in an office patients will likely never set foot in. So I have to ask myself, what is this arguement about again?

I firmly believe that all of us will be judged individually on our merits. I intend to apply myself to whichever program I enter, and in the end, I will stand proudly next to ANPGNP, Zenman, Tammy and FNP2009. et al. and know that I deserve to be there.

Good luck everyone!

What makes you so sure you're learning the correct technique? There are plenty of docs out there who do things the wrong way. I've seen plenty of bad outcomes from docs with years of experience. You need a "point of reference" and the place to get this is at your school, not online.

That's too bad you work with idiots. Perhaps they need to go back to a proper distance education NP program and learn the proper procedures from qualified faculty. As for me, I feel pretty comfortable learning the way I do and then having my skills verified by my preceptor who's just been nominated nurse practitioner of the year in California.

And on a purely annecdotal note, I know a nurse of 20 years who attended the distance ANP program at Vandy and dropped out 6 weeks into the first semester because the amount of work was overwhelming. She is now in the traditional program at ETSU and says the workload is much more managable. She is a single mom of 3 teens and works 48 hours a week. I know another FNP graduate of ETSU who says there is no way in hell anyone could go through that program while parenting and/or working! I think it is all depends on the individual. Likewise, I know some really **** poor nurses with BSNs from "good" schools, and I know some fantastic nurses with ADNs from community colleges (I've been one of the latter). I have an outstanding professional reputation because of the calibre of my performance, not due to the school I attended. I don't expect that to change in my new role as an FNP.

sorry for serial posting

I can see how someone who truly cared about the direction the NP profession is going would be concerned about others taking online courses to become a NP. I don't think these concerns are unwarranted.

Of course, the pro-onliners jump in with gnashing teeth and get on the defense.

I don't hold it against anyone for wanting to take the only opportunity that may be available to them. At the same time, I'm concerned this is not good for the profession. I know online schools aren't going anywhere, though, they bring in way too much money.

I'm so bummed I'm actually thinking about abandoning nursing altogether and going to law school with my BSN. And we all know the last thing the world needs is another lawyer.

Didn't you get your ASN from Excelsior's distance program? And now you're getting your BSN online? I'm a bit confused about your stance regarding distance/online programs being bad for the profession, since you've gotten 2 degrees via those routes. Am I missing something here?

And these are graduates of brick and mortar education? Sad. Maybe they need to check out the videos on the NJEM websites.

Too funny--I didn't even think about that.

Wunderkid,

As I've made clear, I am very happy with Duke's program, but I can say I have had one preceptor and worked with another who both attended ETSU's FNP program and I hope to be one day to close as good as they are.

That's too bad you work with idiots. Perhaps they need to go back to a proper distance education NP program and learn the proper procedures from qualified faculty. As for me, I feel pretty comfortable learning the way I do and then having my skills verified by my preceptor who's just been nominated nurse practitioner of the year in California.

You're in for a big surprise, Ms. Tammy79. You have no idea what awaits you. Your cocky attitude is going to get you into a world of trouble out there. Don't be so self assured, it just might come back to bite you in the ---!

Another point I must make is that online programs often do not use the internet in a way that could provide a richer experience. It's very easy for a school to assign readings, have a discussion group, and then say the class is online.

So, I still assert that, having done both online and brick and mortar, that brick and mortar has given me a richer experience.

Oldiebutgoodie

It's one thing to state your opinion comparing the 2 modalities, it's another to overgeneralize about online programs not doing this or that.

This is a quite from my ONLINE MSN program manual

Women's Health Nurse Practitioner preceptor requirements

To be chosen by the student and approved by the faculty. The preceptor must be a credentialed,

licensed advanced practice nurse or MD who is currently in practice. The primary preceptor for

a women’s health nurse practitioner must be an advanced nurse practitioner with a Master’s

degree or higher and one year of clinical experience. The preceptor must be licensed to practice

in the jurisdiction of their employment with evidence of continuing professional development.

Computer literacy is required. A current copy of their Curriculum Vitae and practice license

needs to be submitted for accreditation purposes.

Seldom do I see interactive tutorials, practice quizzes, web-cam lectures or the like in online formats. The technology is not being used as it could be.

The truth is, some students do better in a classroom setting, others do better online. It's up to the student to decide and choose a school appropriately.

To generalize that EITHER way of learning is superior is no different than saying "doctors are better than NP's", etc.