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Hi, I was also accepted at Simmons, so perhaps we'll meet each other soon! I contacted ******* ****** in the nursing office via email, and she emailed me the form necessary to register for the dev. psych course. The form and payment are due by May 7. Good luck!

goberun83 - I just decided to attend Simmons, after strongly considering another well-respected program in Boston. I didn't have much of an opportunity to speak with current students/graduates, so I'd love your input. Have you been happy so far with the program? Do you find it rigorous? What are your impressions of the faculty, and how have you found your clinical opportunities? I've heard that there can be quite a lot of variability in clinical sites (not at Simmons, particularly), so I'm wondering what your experiences were like. Any thoughts would be so appreciated! Thanks!

Juliewoo - it sounds from previous posts as though you are pretty happy with your experience thus far at MGH, although very busy! Has the program met your expectations thus far?

Hi allaboutnursing77, I was accepted to Simmons direct-entry program, beginning in July. I'd love to hear your thoughts about your experience - I've had trouble finding info from current students/recent grads. I'm particularly interested in your clinical experiences. I've heard from some students in Boston-area programs that the clinical placements can vary tremendously in quality - have you or your fellow students found that to be the case at Simmons? Do you mind sharing some of your clinical sites, and your impressions? Have you begun the "internship" portion of the program? Can you explain a little bit about how that works? How much input did students have in selecting the internship sites? I'm trying to decide between Simmons and MGH, so any thoughts or comments you have would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Juliewoo- Have you found that most MGH students are receiving strong clinical placements? It sounds like you've been primarily at MGH - is there a lot of variation in the quality of sites, or is that something that may not apply to the first year RN curriculum? I've heard from some current NPs that programs are having trouble placing students - slots are hard to come by - so I was wondering what your experience has been like? Thanks!

I'm trying to assess both programs myself, and decide by next week. Lucy121, have you been able to find out much about the two programs (Simmons, MGH) relative to one another? Have you decided where you are going? Thanks!

I emailed Simmons, and I was told that my letter was mailed on 3/22. They didn't include anything else in the email, so maybe I'll find out today. Other posters mentioned already receiving their letters - at least one accepted person received it this past weekend. Just have to wait and see if the different mailing dates meant anything, I guess!

Hi all, I've applied to both Simmons and MGH direct entry MSN - we are away, so I don't know if I've received my Simmons letter or not - I know some people heard via mail this weekend. Would love to hear others' takes on the pros and cons of Simmons vs. MGH programs. I've heard from some nurses that they thought Simmons grads had stronger fundamental skills upon graduation, and I really like the internship part of the program. But I've heard very good things about MGH, as well, especially regarding their clinical opportunities at top-notch Boston hospitals. I have two children, so there is definitely some appeal to "free" summers. Anyone else trying to make this choice? Would especially love feedback from recent grads of the programs, or professionals that have experience with grads from both programs. If Simmons if your first choice, what do you find most attractive? Thanks!

I have taken all my pre-reqs at Quincy College. I would recommend them based on their flexible schedules and the price. Some classes are stronger than others, but that's the case with every school, I think. Good luck!

Do you have to get certified - I know there are CNA programs - or is the first-year curriculum enough to prepare you for that position? I don't know too much about the CNA role/responsibilities. On a different subject, I was wondering how people view the Simmons vs. MGH programs. I've applied to both, and I've heard good things. Any additional thoughts, experiences, perspectives would be really helpful (although I haven't heard from Simmons yet, so maybe it's a moot point!).

Hi, I received an acceptance letter today as well. Very exciting! Was wondering how MGH first-year students typically spend their summers, given that they don't have an RN yet. Thanks! JL

BCgradnurse, I'd love to hear more about your experiences. I am married with two teenagers, living south of Boston. I am planning to begin a direct entry NP program Fall 2010. I was leaning away from BC due to the short time frame and everything else on my plate, but it wounds like you were able to work part-time and complete the program? Can you give me an idea of how flexible your class schedules were? What is the BC week like in terms of hours of classes, etc.? Also, did you work part-time during the first year? In your old field, or in nursing? Any thoughts, advice would be great!

Hi, It sounds like you are in a similar situation to me - two teenagers, married, live on the South Shore. I am hoping to start a direct entry NP program Fall 2010, but thought BC might be too intense given the two-year time-frame and juggling family, etc. Can you give me a sense of what the class schedules were like? Were you really able to work, as well? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences, as I'm determined but intimidated by all the juggling...