Ontario Second-Entry Nursing (2015)

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I know it's early, but let's get a thread going. 2015-hopefuls, share your thoughts, concerns, questions, and experiences here!

I'm a little nervous about the extensive PBL environment at Mac. I've heard really great things but I've also heard really negative things, like how much extra time it takes, the amount of group work (and all of the difficulties associated with group work) and how frustrating that approach can be.

On the contrary, I've hear that U of T is more didactic and a larger program.. which I guess is what I am used to but there are pros and cons with that too. IF I were to choose U of T, it would be because of the city and its reputation, and also to avoid some of the crappy stories I've heard about all the group work at Mac. However, Mac is also reputable and the approach and smaller size might in fact be better.. Ahhh I'm torn!

These are things I've HEARD- no personal experience so I could be wrong. Any insight???

It's tough with these things because it's ALL personal experience. I got a degree from Trent, and many people hated Trent and Peterborough, but I loved it! So I would look at more what the program can do for YOU. What opportunities you can get out of (aka. U of T is closer to larger metropolitan hospitals like Sick Kids), length of the program and costs associated. My two cents...

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It's tough with these things because it's ALL personal experience. I got a degree from Trent, and many people hated Trent and Peterborough, but I loved it! So I would look at more what the program can do for YOU. What opportunities you can get out of (aka. U of T is closer to larger metropolitan hospitals like Sick Kids), length of the program and costs associated. My two cents...

I have a lot of friends who are currently in or have completed Nursing or Health Sci and Mac. They both use the PBL system, and yeah it's a lot of group work but as far as I have heard, it is very rewarding in the end. Also take into consideration that a lot of the required courses for the accelerated program is pass/fail rather than being given a designated grade.

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Specializes in Public Health.
I'm a little nervous about the extensive PBL environment at Mac. I've heard really great things but I've also heard really negative things, like how much extra time it takes, the amount of group work (and all of the difficulties associated with group work) and how frustrating that approach can be.

On the contrary, I've hear that U of T is more didactic and a larger program.. which I guess is what I am used to but there are pros and cons with that too. IF I were to choose U of T, it would be because of the city and its reputation, and also to avoid some of the crappy stories I've heard about all the group work at Mac. However, Mac is also reputable and the approach and smaller size might in fact be better.. Ahhh I'm torn!

These are things I've HEARD- no personal experience so I could be wrong. Any insight???

As a Mac BScN student I would have to say it's not so much that there is a lot of group work, just that you spend more time working within a group process. I don't really do anymore group projects than I did in other programs, I just work WITHIN smaller groups. What I mean is that there may be 10-20 students in a PBL class vs 100-200 in a large lecture, but (for the most part) my mark is still based on MY work, my performance, my contributions. I honestly think I've only done two group projects in the last year.

I've gotta say though, as a real fan of Mac's teaching style, I think they hit the nail on the head with the small-group learning approach. As a working nurse (I am currently an RPN working towards my BScN), I can see how important it is to be able to function well as a part of a group. I work with nurses I love, and also with nurses I do not, but we have to work together regardless. Nurses are also part of a very large inter professional team, and for these reasons understanding how to work within a group is so important!

Also, PBL is just a class! You'll still have regular lectures with a normal amount of students in them just like you would at any school.

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Thank you so much for all of the insight!

I'll be accepting my Mac offer tomorrow... so that will open a spot for someone at U of T! :)

Does anyone know if there is a fb group for Mac yet?

Good luck to everyone still waiting!

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Specializes in Public Health.
Thank you so much for all of the insight!

I'll be accepting my Mac offer tomorrow... so that will open a spot for someone at U of T! :)

Does anyone know if there is a fb group for Mac yet?

Good luck to everyone still waiting!

You're welcome!

My main advice regarding PBL: do not become discouraged within your first couple of months. PBL is different. By the end of your second semester you'll be amazed by how far you have come!

Good luck :)

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I've accepted my Mac offer as well and would love to join a Facebook group if there's anyone else in the same situation!

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hey guys, is there a U of T nursing group on fb for those starting in september?

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has anyone heard back from York yet ?

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Nope still waiting. Says no decision so far lol

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I'm still waiting for York too! Are you two waiting for marks to go final (from this past semester) to go final, too?

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Nope. I graduated last year. Are you an external applicant?

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hi everyone, I'm waiting for york as well. i just got all my final grades but my final official transcript won't be sent to the universities until june 4th. i had to order another set to get them sent immediately. hopefully we'll be able to get some responses soon. I've already lost a chance as trent gave me an alternate offer- honours bsc :(

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