laRN1

Bump...intrigued but not yet convinced. Anyone know anyone who graduated from USU's FNP track?

Same here, considering Aspen for the MSN Administration for possible start Fall 2017 or Spring 2018. Would love to hear updates. Good luck on the upcoming start of the program writetotrendyjulie!

I'm not 100% sure when I will move but I think it will be fall 2015. The fnp will be mostly online with 1-2 visits to campus (max) or if I get into the school I want (twice during the entire program). I plan to start on a part-time basis and we'll go from there. I believe I understand what you are thinking. I definitely would not like to study for work and school on top of my normal mom/wife/pet owner obligations. Thank you for providing a prospective I hadn't even thought about. Good luck with your endeavors!

thanks for the insight tashalpn2006rn2012!

At this point, they are equally important. I would likely stay in ICU about 3 years but not all of them in the same hospital...I know. I'm planning to move to Texas and I would like to have marketable skills while I'm finishing up my fnp program. What do you suggest?

Question for you hollykristinxo. Do you know why your manager prefers new grads? I'm assuming she prefers them over experienced nurses. Just wondering because I have 9 years experience and having a tough time getting a job in the icu at my hospital. If anyone can give me any feedback, something I can do to increase my chances, please let me know. Thanks!

Bump bump

Hi. I've seen some posts about transitioning into the ICU. Here's my scenario. Over the next 2 years, I would like to first leave m/s tele (9 years experience) and then start an online fnp program (have my BSN). I have two kids. I have applied to the MICU at my hospital but have not been chosen. Asked reasons and was never given any. First, how can I make myself more marketable to the MICU director and secure a job? Second, how long after I start would you advise me to begin school?

Thanks zmansc. I want to know how these folks decided upon Simmons over schools like Frontier. So far I have only found one downside to Frontier and that is the program's focus on rural nursing. Did anyone here consider Frontier? Thanks!

Great thread. Glad I found this. I am considering Frontier vs. Simmons. Anyone have experience with Frontier? Anyone heard/know anything negative about Frontier? Thanks!

Thanks everyone for your feedback. Yes, number one priority for me is to learn so I can be the best I can be out there with my patients. It makes me breathe easier that the school name matters minimally. I think I will go for it and attend Frontier!! I'm excited about applying this winter to start in the spring.

Hi Jollie and OCRN3, I'm also thinking of applying to this program for a few reasons. Did you end up liking the whole program? Would you recommend it? I'm interested in their FNP program. How long it did it take you? Do you feel like you had the resources to complete the program as you would have liked it? Did you have trouble getting hired at your job of choice? Sorry about all the questions. I couldn't find a thread about WUHS. Thank you!

Hi SamRNmedic, Just curious because I'm also intrigued by Frontier. What makes Frontier your top choice? I am trying to do some research before I commit. Do you know alumni who have had no trouble getting hired? I'm interested in their FNP program. Thanks and best wishes.

Hi there. I'm curious if anyone had any trouble getting hired to their job of choice because their degree was online vs. from a traditional school? Or, if you went to a lesser known school than an Ivy league school? I am seriously considering attending Frontier University. Any Frontier alumni who can respond would also be helpful. It is very difficult for me to fulfill prerequisites and then attend class in a traditional school due to my many family obligations as well as the job I'll have to keep during the FNP program. I have nine years of experience as a bedside nurse. Thank you.

Hi. Can someone point me to a couple threads that discuss considerations regarding moving from the U.S. to Canada as an RN? What are the differences in practice, pay, benefits? What's life like for a nurse in Canada? I speak English, Spanish and very little French. I've been a nurse for 7 years and I will obtain my BSN this summer (I have my ADN now). Is it better to get a master's in the U.S. and then move to Canada? I am looking for a stable job, a safe place to live, opportunities for growth and good schools for my children who are toddlers. Thank you, Susan

I always check BG before giving any kind of insulin. Yes, it is a number but if I chart it and then the patient bottoms out, I know I have that number to back me up. And yes, I would take into account the patient's history especially the last 5 blood sugars and whether they're eating/throwing up/NPO, etc. I just think like a PP wrote, that if I do get a low number, the physician may consider cutting the lantus dose.

Hi Purpledrop! I'm all set to start the program on June 1st. In looking back at the admissions process, this was quite simple. The trouble was with the transcripts because I didn't expect to send in each one including college courses I took while in high school. I had a good relationship with the enrollment advisor. Her name is Emily Garoffolo (I forget if its two r's or two f's). She's concise and don't look for more info like the one found here. She's to the point and may give only some clarification. She will refer you to the website. You will most likely have to take English literature, introductory chemistry, and general nutrition. You take those classes at WGU. For an explanation of the domains and subdomains, print the RN-BSN Course of Study. It's a 14-page PDF file. You'll find lots of info. I would attach a link but by computer is acting up this morning. For now that's all I can answer. Good luck!

I wanna know too...BUMP

I have sent a generic e-mail to some local brick and mortar schools that I would consider applying to for my MSN and they have all e-mailed me back that they do accept WGU's BSN. They are Azusa Pacific University, Loma Linda University, UCLA and UCSF.

Snickers0417: Got my babysitter lined up. What I'm also trying to figure out how long should these blocks of time be? I guess it will just be trial and error in the beginning. I'm gonna start out with 6 hour blocks. I want to be productive and not "waste" time trying to concentrate if the block of time is too long.

HouTx: Thanks for the rundown. I have been interested in moving to Texas so this helps lots.

Thanks Michigannurse44!

Thanks for your very informative reply elkpark! I'm doing the RN-BSN program at WGU. I don't qualify for many of their scholarships. My workplace doesn't provide any tuition assistance. I'm applying for unsubsidized loans but would love not to have to owe the school the $10K it will cost to complete the program. You gave some very good ideas. I'll start with the state and see how much I can get. I am tempted to go for California's loan forgiveness program. I have lots to think about as I have a family with small children. Thanks again!

Hi all. Know of any nursing scholarships that could help me pay for RN-BSN school? Is there a book I should borrow from the library or buy? I dislike searching for scholarships online. It seems scary to give my info out to people via those sites. Thanks!

So glad to have found this thread. Was wondering myself about what master's to pursue. I was also torn between education and FNP and decided a month ago to go for my FNP. I love volunteering my skills so I feel like I'll have more opportunities to do this as an FNP.