espressome

It’s definitely more fast-paced so you’ll go through multiple chapters a week. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll have to read every single chapter! I usually studied the lecture powerpoints and would reference the books if I wasn’t sure about something. I spent a lot of time studying (I don’t have kids) but I was still able to hang out with my family and friends and find time for some self-care! There were many people in my cohort who had kids and although it was difficult, they were able to find a way to do it all. I’m honestly amazed at how they were able to manage it but you can definitely do it if you can figure out some arrangement with your family! Good luck!

Yeah I finished my ABSN and will be starting on a step down telemetry floor next week! An ABSN program is fast-paced so you’ll just have to say goodbye to your life for that year or so but it’s doable! I definitely don’t regret going through an ABSN program and I see myself doing ICU in the next couple of years. I’m also glad I didn’t decide to do the FNP route because I’ve done a preceptorship in an outpatient setting shadowing an FNP and that just wasn’t for me, at least for the time being. If I were to go back to school, I’d probably pursue some specialization in the critical care setting. But everyone’s different. It just depends on your own interests and type of setting you want to be in, but it’s also hard to know what they are if you haven’t done any clinicals. I’m not sure how easy it’ll be, but maybe try shadowing an NP? Good luck!

Thanks for making it! I'll join now :)

I'll also be declining so a spot will be opening up! Good luck!

I just got a call from Ayasha about my acceptance! Good luck to everyone! :)

Thanks for all the advice! I think I'll do the ABSN route. Something about bedside nursing, inpatient settings, and just exploring the nursing world really appeal to me right now. I'm still relatively young so I could always pursue an NP or some advanced practice in the future once I have everything figured out. Also, my moms health isn't too good right now so I think it's best that I get my BSN and start working to help out with my family. I'm definitely coming back for that MSN (or DNP) in the future! :)

Is anybody planning to rent a place around Oakland? I don't want to commute from SJ so I'm highly considering finding a place and may need a roommate!

Yes, I would get to take my NCLEX after the 4th semester. Many of the students work as RNs during the second portion (the post-licensure, FNP part) of the program. I guess my main concern is the flexibility of FNPs. I've read that they're the most flexible in terms of job opportunities. However, I keep reading comments from others talking about how the BON is cracking down on their scope of practice and with an increase in specialized NPs, FNPs will have a more difficult time finding positions in the hospital. However, I haven't worked as a nurse and don't know if any of that would apply in the Bay Area. Also, does getting certification for something else equivalent to taking another NP program? Or are there other shorter post masters programs if you're already an NP? Thanks for all the replies!!

Hi everyone! I've received an acceptance for an ABSN program and an entry level MSN FNP program and am having a difficult time deciding. I like the idea of the ABSN because it's only 12 months, I'd get to work as an RN to gain experience and figure out what I want to do in nursing, and then apply for an MSN for some type of APRN degrees while working part time. The ELMSN-FNP route looks enticing because it's 3.5 years and I'll graduate with an FNP. I'd get financial aid and scholarships that cover a huge chunk of the tuition. However, I have several concerns about whether or not FNP is the route for me. I haven't done any clinicals yet so it's difficult to say that I'm definitely interested in being a family nurse practitioner. I feel like I wouldn't know what I would be interested in until I start nursing school. Also, I'm scared about how it limits me in terms of where I would work in the future as an FNP. What if I really like working as a peds/NICU/L&D nurse or just some really specialized area? Would I have to go back and get another certification? Or would I still be able to get hired for those positions? Any advice would be helpful! Thank you!!

I interviewed on Monday this week

I received my email at 7:04 this morning! Have you checked your spam? I've noticed that some of my SMU emails get sent there. Maybe they'll send the emails out in waves like they did with interviews! I know they did that with the ABSN acceptances

I also received my acceptance!! Super excited and honored to have been selected, but now I have some real decisions to make. Good luck to everyone!!!!

I interviewed on Monday and they told us they'll have decisions by the end of the week (or by early next week at the latest).

Have you checked your spam folder? Mine was sent there. Good luck!!

Yeah that's the right way. You should get a confirmation soon. It was sent to my junk mail so check that if you don't receive anything