MissRn09

Hello all. I wanted to give you guys some information and personal opinions on Walden. I apologize in advance for the length. I have been attending Walden for a year taking one class at a time and my plans were to get a Master's then when I completed my MSN then return to another university for a post-master's because I have had an extremely difficult time passing the Math portion of the GRE. Now that Walden has the NP program, I don't have to do all that :) I learned about Walden from my nursing instructor who had completed 2 degrees from Walden and was working on her PhD at the time. Also, I know 2 very close personal friends and my current unit manager who completed their MSN from Walden who has had no problems securing jobs after graduation. Walden is very reputable. First I would like to give you some information on their accreditation. Please make sure that they are accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. Here is the exact paragraph from Walden's website on their accreditation: "Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org. The North Central Association is one of the six regional accrediting associations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) (Walden, 2012). The NP accreditation:Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). On their website, they spell out specifically what all schools state which is it is the student's responsibility to check with the accreditating body and the State Board of Nursing before enrolling. I have checked with Texas and they meet the criteria for endorsement after completion. Next, I would like to explain to anyone who has questions about their new Nurse Practitioner programs. Their program is set up like any other school. I have attended 2 other schools in this pursuit of becoming an NP and this program is set up no different. Online programs are the basically what probably 85% of master's programs are. The clinicals are set up by the students meaning you are responsible for securing your own preceptor. There are guidelines that the preceptor must fall into but Walden will specify all that information prior to beginning clinicals. The program is set up to be completed in 1.5 years if going full time and 2.5 if going part-time. Full-time consists of 10 hours per quarter (12 week sessions) and part-time is 5 hours per quarter. Now, my opinion: Walden has been absolutely the BEST university of the 3 I have attended. I have attended the university in which I received my BSN degree from for one semester and I wasn't pleased combined with my challenge passing the Math portion of the GRE. I then transferred to St. Joseph's College of Maine. While their program was nice, the lack of having set deadlines for turning in assignments was prolonging me (procrastination) and they also made the GRE a requirement. Thus, I went back to the university I initially wanted to attend but whom did not have the program I wanted. I have been able to use the information I have learned from the core courses in my job on a daily basis. All the instructors at Walden are PhD educated, very easy to contact, and nice. I have yet to run into someone, in any department, who has been rude or gave me problems. Hope all this information helps with questions about their program. I am extremely excited and can't wait to start classes even thought I am nervous cause the last time I took this many graduate hours I wanted to scream!! I will beginning September 4th start date. Reference: Walden University (2012). Accessed 2 July 2012. Accredited Online University Degree Programs | Online College | Online School | Walden University

I did indeed take the NCLEX-RN on June 24th and successfully passed on my first attempt! I am an RN!!!

I am a mother and just graduated with my BSN on May 16th. I don't know what it's like to NOT have a child and go through school. I, like some, was a mother at 18 with a husband and waited before starting school. Aftermy first semester I became a SINGLE mother. I only waited a year after graduating to start college but it did NOT take me 4 years. Can we say 6 1/2!!! It was by far the HARDEST thing I have done. My child does not know what it means for mommy to be out of school. I started when she was 18 months and she's now 8 There were many many days when I said, "Lord, this would be soooo much easier if she wasn't in my behind all the time!" But I made it. I must say that unlike the people who didn't have kids and the ones who had almost grown kids, my grades were only average and I stared at the four walls of my apartment for 5 semesters of clinicals. I also felt like if it wasn't for her the grades would have been better...LOL! On the other end, that kid has motivated me like no-one ever! She was the soul reason I pushed as hard as I did. I had all those feelings like I could have been done and making money but her and I sacraficed together and made it through together. We are now about to start another chapter with financial stability....and MORE school because I start graduate school in the FALL!!! LOL :loveya:

I am stressing & wanting to pull out my hair. I was offered a position on an Oncology unit at the largest hospital in the state in which I live & am soooo excited to go work for them. This is the ideal company to work for and have never heard one negative thing. Well, I got a call back and interviewed with Davita dialysis. The pay as a new grad is what some nurses working many many many years. I have heard equally amazing things about this company also and was taken by the benefits this company offered also. Now here is the problem...what if I don't like dialysis? I did my rotation and liked it & that's why I applied. Anyone out there have any ideas, comments, and input on beiing a dialysis nurse? I am scared to turn down this position at the hospital for dialysis and then not like it :-(

I live in Louisiana and it's kind of rough here. The hospital I worked at just cut hours for clinical and clerical/administrative positions..basically, the WHOLE hospital. 40 hour work weeks are now 32 and I can only recall 3-4 people being hired out of my class of 80+...The other hospitals in the area hired 3-4 people a piece also, so what does that math add up to? People in my class who just knew Houston, TX was gonna be the place to go have found NOTHING!! The medical center isn't hiring at all! I looked to a city 133 miles away and out of 5 places I applied, I received a call from only ONE! Lucky for me I interviewed and was offered a job :-)

Graduated a week ago today and waiting on the ATT...I'm shooting for end of June also..I started studying yesterday...Can anyone tell me if dates are generally available or you have to kinda get what they have? Should get ATT first week in June. Think I will be able to test last week in June? I am very apprehensive and wondering if I am studying right...YIKES!

I know of 1 that is in Silsbee, TX. And I must say...It's AMAZING in there. I had clinicals there and this place is somewhere I would leave my family and have NO QUESTIONS! The lady that runs it is on point. If ANY nurse or nurse aide doesn't do what is supposed to be done, no lie, she will fire them on the spot!!! This place is beautiful on the inside and out, smells better than almost EVERY hospital, and serves her client's awesome food. I tell all my family that's where I wanna be if the time ever comes..So yes, there is a LTC facility owned by a nurse! May 16, 2009 10:00am

Marijane, I was offered a position on Oncology. I'm very very excited but still want to atleast interview at Oschner's. They will have a hard time competing cause I was very impressed! Anyway..I have a BSN so the pay is $1 more on med/surg units and specialty I thinks she said is $2 more an hour. Weekend pay is $1 more than what OLOL's is. Have you started? If not, when? I am scheduled to start either June 15th or 22nd...

Kikids...THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! You don't understand how much that helps me and makes me feel like I made the right choice. I decided once I was offered the position that I will RE-READ all chapters on cancer in my med/surg book before starting and also do some research! You couldn't have given me any better advice. I can't say thank you enough. I hope you don't mind if I email you from time to time if I want to ask something or just need some encouragement... May 16, 2009 10:00am

I am from Lake Charles...I was given all the pay information when the HR rep called and it's VERY VERY appealing. I don't mind working nights, I prefer them over days anyway. I applied for a position in the ER but I'd take med/surg postion to get my feet wet. I had an interview at The Lake and was BLOWN away & accepted the position then Oschner's called and the pay rate is higher....just wonder if their facility and enviroment will be as impressive as The Lake...Thank you guys for the replies! May 16, 2009 10:00am

I am looking to relocate to another city in Louisiana and have been called by Oschner's. I haven't heard ANYTHING ever about this hospital. Does anyone work there? I want SOME info before driving for an interview 133 miles... May 16, 2009 10:00am

OMG...I was at clinicals today and was called..I landed the position on the ONCOLOGY unit! I can't even begin to express how excited I am. I am also very very very thankful to God after reading how so many new grads are having issues landing jobs. Thanks everyone for helping me see this through. It's an opportunity I'd have been silly to pass up!!! MAY 16, 2009 10:00 am!!

Get some sleep!! Take a deep breath, go with your first mind, don't change any answers, and read each one carefully! You will be fine. I take my LAST Hesi on the 4th of May!

Thank you all soooo much for the encouraging words. ER is not mandantory for graduate school but HIGHLY recommended. I am starting so soon b/c my life situation really won't allow me the options of waiting if pursuing my master's is what I really want. I want to take the next 3yrs while in school and get as much experience I possibly can to help me build on my knowledge base and further my career. I know I will get offered the position (based on what the director told me) and with so many new grads having difficulty finding placement, I want to be ready to accept. My heart is telling me do it and I just needed some words from people who have experience in this area! Thank you all very very much..I'll keep you guys posted about the offer

I will be graduating on May 16, 2009 and had my first interview on yesterday. Was totally blown away and want to work for this company. I've worked in numerous hospitals since I was 18 and have a good idea of what a great company is. Here's the problem: I start graduate school in the Fall & have been told that I should get some ER experience. I've NEVER had a rotation in the ER nor worked in one. This particular hospital has the second busiest/biggest ER in the state of Louisiana next to charity in New Orleans. Their is NO WAY I'm going down there without some experience!! The unit I fell in love with is the Oncology unit after viewing and talking to nurses yesterday. I have NEVER even thought about oncology. Truthfully, never thought about anything other than med/surg & ICU & didn't have that written in stone b/c I know graduate school has their own "recommendations". It's 33 beds on the unit. I went into this profession to make a difference and help people. I have a tendency to be emotional but not a basket case. I feel this patient population would be very very appreciative and I would get the fulfillment I desire. Is this a good place to start out? I love a challenge and learning new things. What can I expect if I take this position? What are some words of wisdom & opinions? HELLLP!! I'm loosing sleep over this! P.S. oncmsnnurse...reply if you out there!!