yxh0016

LJC714, I feel the same way that you do. I'm really surprised that Fullerton doesn't allow a direct transfer into their NP program. I'm really hoping that it's one of those situations where they will allow a transfer after you're actually in the program, cuz it's the only program I'm accepted to at this point. Otherwise it's going to be tough. Problem with getting MSN-CNL first and then NP cert later is that the certificate part is not at all covered by financial aid...I'm a little frustrated and really don't know what to do at this point. If this policy continues I suspect CSUF is going to see a lot of students who drop at the 18 month mark and reapply to MSN NP programs the following year. Surely there are past CSUF EL-MSN students who transferred into their CNM/NP programs? Anyone?

Hi Lynn: From what I could tell, there are pros and cons to each program. Pro CSULB - grants BSN, finishes BSN in 16 months (as opposed to 18 for RN exam at CSUF), grants CNS, grants NP in many different fields, great area (beach weather!). Con CSULB - impersonal staff, lower financial aid (first 16 months are counted as postbac and not graduate). Pro CSUF - personable staff/profs, graduate status (more financial aid), opportunity for Nurse Midwife, familiarity with CSUF clinical sites and possible leg up in application to CRNA program, excellent pre-health sciences advising so a good place to take pre-reqs for CRNA program if you can squeeze them in. Cons: does not grant BSN, takes 2 months longer than LB to obtain RN license, no NP/CNS or other advance degree programs for EL-MSN candidates except for Nurse Midwife - but it seems like they STRONGLY encourage all El-MSN students to become CNL. I ended up being disqualified for CSULB since they rejected my chem class. So it's CSUF by default for me. I think both programs can be equally rewarding depending on your future career goals in nursing. If NP, then I would go CSULB (and CSULA!), if CRNA/Midwife, then CSUF.

I agree about the financial aid - CSU Fullerton will likely offer better aid package, and I hear that Fullerton has better quality of instruction....I wonder if the Nursing program shares the same clinical sites with the CRNA program, if so there's a chance to network and make some good impressions. In any case you can prob specialize in fullerton (nurse midwife) and i think it's easier to gain employment as a new nurse midwife than a new grad NP. I still haven't heard anything from LB so i think it's Fullerton for me.

Aww I haven't gotten any emails yet....and have been checking incessantly! Anyone else having the same issue? Has anyone gotten rejection letters yet? Maybe they're sending out acceptance letters first?

Haven't checked my email since this morning (at work so can't check). So far I haven't gotten anything from CSULB. I tried calling to see if my app was received but haven't received any responses either.

My main objective is simply to become an RN and gain some valuable work experience so that I could apply for advanced nursing programs...my understanding of the CNL designation (having had to write an essay for CSUDH) is that it is a fairly new designation that does not necessarily expand the scope of practice beyond that of an RN's. In fact, one of the articles I read referred it to a leader "in name only" - meaning that CNL essentially = RN + more classes and approx 500 more clinical hours. CNL desgination is one way for hospitals to achieve magnate status. By employing a set # of CNL per floor, hospitals can achieve magnate status and obtain further funding. CNLs are meant to be "advanced generalists" with additional leadership coursework and clinicals. As far as the scope of practice, the earning potential, they are completely on par with RNs. RNs with BSN can be promoted to charge nurse as can CNLs with MSN can. The argument is that CNL may be useful if you want to go into management, but you really don't need to be a CNL to become a manager. I'm not too disappointed that CSUF doesn't award the CNL designation (and I'm sure you can become a CNL by taking a few more classes/doing more clinicals). Although I agree that 36 months is lengthy...I'm a little confused as to the purpose of the last 18 months (other than a tuition grab lol). I think it just seems like a longer program due to the 8 credit summers (which is conveniently just over the minimum for full time tuition). Hopefully there's a way to double up some of those summer semesters.

I'm probably not in your interview session so I don't recall that question being asked. But I do recall that she said most students are able to assume CNL roles after getting a couple of years of work experience....so I thought the program would grant a CNL cert. I checked the nursing website and it says only "RN" licensure and doesn't mention anything about CNL, so you might be right. I think the length of the program and the cost associated with being unemployed or partially employed for 3 years while shelling out $9k a year for tuition alone would be a huge deterrant for a lot of people. Maybe that's why they have so many people waitlisted this year.

Me too, I plan on working as an RN after the first 18 months. From the looks of it I could probably do full time work and part time school to gain some experience while earning the CNL cert.

I spoke with -------- when I went to take my TEAS test. She says that the letters will be sent out before she goes on vacation at the end of April....so two more weeks! Meems, I'm in the same situation as you, choosing between CSUF and holding out hope for CSULB....but I don't think the LB decision will be out before the Fullerton deadline.

Hi Leah: I received an acceptance letter last week. Here are my stats: Last 60 Semester/90 Quarter GPA: 3.84, B.S. Psych Pre req's: all A's so far. Microbio in progress. I'm an LA county resident (no bonus for OC/SB), didn't graduate from CSUF (so no bonus). 0 points for health care and volunteer. I was really surprised since I thought I bombed the interview. I wasn't nearly as outspoken as many of the other interviewees (so I thought that was a mark against me for lack of leadership skills). Everyone else was really passionate, whereas I was pretty low key. I tried my best to be genuine and to answer all questions truthfully. Everyone else in my group seemed to have lots of healthcare experience (whereas I have very little exposure to healthcare). I still cant' believe I got in! So far I've applied to UCLA, CSUF, CSULB, and CSUDH. Rejected by UCLA, still waiting to hear back from LB and DH. I'll have a difficult time turning down DH if I get accepted since their program is only 20 months, but Fullerton is a much better school....I don't think I'll hear back from LB before the deadline to accept...so I think I'm prob going to stick with Fullerton. My impression is that LB is better ranked and can be flexible in allowing students to enter the NP program after BSN, but Fullerton offers better aid package because it is a Masters program and not a 5th year postbac like LB. In any case I'm hoping to apply to Fullerton's anesthesia program after graduation so lack of NP is not a dealbreaker. Still, 36 months is a little excessive for the CNL cert....I wonder if there's any way to complete it sooner.

I was also wondering if anyone has any input on CSUF vs. CSULB for entry level master's program. I'm trying to decide between the two. I thought CSULB would be a better choice since it is a better ranked school and is fairly flexible on letting their students complete the NP route after the BSN coursework is completed (not sure if this is true). CSUF, on the other hand, is a 36 month MSN program leading to the CNL role (with possibility of switching to nurse midwife)...but CSULB doesn't offer much aid for postbac/5th years for the first year and a half....and CSUF would have a much better financial aid package since it is a Master's program. It'd be nice to have some feedback from someone who's in the CSULB or CSUF El-MSN program. Any thoughts? I have to make a decision to accept/decline to CSUF by 4/23 so any help would be greatly appreciated!