ajboujieRN

Did you apply to the FNP program?

Hi sarasmile1, So in addition to what I stated previously: Are you happy with your change and are you doing FNP? I was FNP track & switched to AGPC Dec 2019, starting clinicals next semester in internal med; not keen on doing peds/women nor doing the extra hours. If I'm hurting for job opportunities or need the skills, I'll do a post-MSN cert for it. Personally I just want to finish & get working. I did my BSN at chamberlain and had no problem with my courses it worked well with my job and family. So again, if still same structure, Chamberlain is 8 week vs ~16 week sessions, if you are working full-time it will take sacrifices for the whole family. Either way, both programs will be busy. At UC, you can go part-time (2 classes per semster, or full-time 3+ which is demanding). I'm part-time, still busy but time-mgnt keeps things moving. Can you tell me if you like it and how the classes are formatted? a lot of papers to write, many quizzes/exams? UC is a top rated school & the program is formatted to mimic/prep for the boards, they use Canvas platform, easy to use, most test/assignments are autopopulated to your calendar so you can see way in advance when things are due. The are divided into modules per class, and tested by modules (ex: Pharm test 3, mod 9,10, 11)Profs are good about helping you extend deadlines as long as you notify them in advance. Most tests (not all) are proctored via webcam online (3rd party)& mimic typical RN school questions (mirror board) & usually about 4 test per class, with quizzes/assignments sprinkled in-between. Depending on the class some papers (theory, research etc.) other ones are discussion board assignments, & all APA sourced. With any online program, you are teaching yourself; lectures/recordings are posted with PDF slides & supplemental geez-whiz info. I use picmonics & osmosis for patho concepts, drugs/review. Classes are demanding, but the profs have designed test/assignments in a way that % wise, if you work hard, & even if you fail a test, it won't kill you (d/t all the work/assignments in totality). was the switch from 8 wk courses to 16 wks worth it? The 16 wk allows for spreading out watching lectures, then studying, & your work schedule. I'd assume that the 8 wk would be jammed w/things due ever week, unlike my experience at UC. Unless you are taking 3 courses, then assignments, studying etc. would pile up if you got behind. Have your instructors been helpful? Yes. overall most will elaborate on experiences during lectures & they respond timely & you can ask questions to peer via discussion boards & via FB groups per class, Adv Patho, Adv Health assess, etc (you just request to join each time to move to the next class). This is where you can get good info, help, & vent/meet fellow students across the country. and also are there any mandatory sign in times or video conferencing/discussions? No mandatory, just follow your class schedule/calendar for due dates. Any advice, suggestions, tips are greatly appreciated. The cost is just slightly higher at UC, which isn't a huge issue, I think it's just ~$100 or so more per/semester hr, you use microsoft 365, the Canvas platform is easy to use, one password links you to your lecture platform, school email, and catalyst which is the registrar for registration & payments, no on-campus visit for adv health assessment (chamberlain you have to fly there last time I checked). Again, you need to know your strengths/weakness in order to comprehend the information, just like in undergrad in order to be successful. Very few schools help you find clinical placement, they do have clinical coordinators but you are 98% on your own looking for preceptors. The goal is to pass the board; look at the school from this perspective. Remember after about 6 or so semester hours, schools will not transfer MSN credits. At UC, the FNP schema is 2 more classes (semester at least) & a decent amount (200 more?)of extra clincial hours vs AGPC (age 13 +). AGPC is all adult, no peds <12, no OB/Gyn clinical rotations. UC has post MSN certs & DNP programs that they cookie-cut according to your graduate specialty track. Let me know if ya need more info!

Some schools are 16 week vs 8 wk semester, this gives you more time to do the assignments. But the 16 week semester (part-time) are 2-3 classes vs 1 class in the 8 wk semester. I did Chamberlain for 1 semester, then switched to U of Cincinnati (part-time). Remember, schools only take so many transfer hours & they may/may not take all of them. Take that in consideration. Plus some schools will require essay, 3 letters of recommendation, and depending if FNP, AGPC etc. the cohort may start in different times of the year & have deadlines months in advance for all that admin ppwrk & then the what-if selection process. Check with enrollment asap. Coursework is probably same for difficulty, but getting into a different program will take patience & effort. I believe with any clinical rotation, at least by the 2nd practicum/semester ( 3 practicums total) it is very hard to work full time, especially if you do a lot for your family. I already know, come 3rd practicum, I may just quit or ask my manager for an extended hiatus, or if your're shift worker, switch to weekends. Good luck, if you have questions about U of Cincy, shoot me a note!

anne_marie_oregon I'm on the brink of switching too (from FNP to AGPC), wasn't keen on peds, the additional hours...my current professors (both adult NPs) said majority of patients are >13, most internal med sub-specialties are adult patients. Plus depends on the employer/HR and utilization & hiring the AGPC or FNP within their clinics. I'm still struggling on the switch, need to make decision within a week to make the official change of study (paperwork etc.)

Also, is there a FB page for NURS8002 & 8020C. Thanks!?

Anyone recently take these? Course: NURS8002 Title: Theoretical Basis for Clinical Reasoning Course: NURS8020C Title: Advanced Health Assessment if so, did you need the book (ebook or hardcopy) of just use the info the professor provides + lecture (etc.)? So far I've only used the info provided by the professors & did fine in the 1st semester. Glad I didn't wast 100s of $$ on unused books

Please add me as well, spring 2019 fnp, I requested via FB too,thanks

THanks! Is MGA just a pediatric home-health, postings only show Ped's positions for RNs? Of these, Health South,MGA, interim, & maxim, how would you rank them as quality supportive work environments (per your opinion or knowledge from peers)?

I'm curious, what Home Health agency/company did you work for prior to penrose/St. francis? Which agency/company or hospitals do you recommend for this as a "new grad" in CO Springs?

Great INfo! Thanks a million; I've researched the rehab facility & the govt.contractors. Unfortunately I've been on the "not selected" status too many times as well & have grown a thick hide. I believe I lost count Centura looks promising; applied to one position that was aligned w/my experience & will be eagerly awaiting for those Neuro/Spine jobs to pop up.

x28y31 & arclark; I will be moving to the CO springs this summer (military PCS too). It's quite disparaging to see/hear that the RN job market is "if'y" there as well. Do you have a good pulse on which hospital is looking to hire (penrose, st. francis, memorial?) or any other local clinical offices to include SNFs, Home Health, Acute Rehab? I did see that you commented on Castle & Pueblo. How about the military bases, what contractors hire for the government (besides USAjobs)? Thanks! The DC metro area (here) is very difficult for new grads & RNs with

Thank you PeacockMaiden! -Acceptance; are you privy to any information in this area? the program page is very vague with basic admittance criteria & the advisor (via email) just restated the website information. -Have you communicated with any graduates of this program? if so, how did they like it, pros/cons? -Preceptor find; this seems to be a headache for many NP programs, is there any assistance/guidance? -What geared you toward the AGNP rather than the FNP? I'm on the fence about this weighing pro/cons of each. Any additional information will be greatly appreciated! Thank you:up:

Inquiring about the UCCS (Colorado Springs, CO) FNP program. Would like to find out any additional details (good to know) about the program other than what is posted on the school's web-page. Program advisor just basically emailed & re-stated similar information when I asked her to elaborate (including the brochure). I have read some details about the program while scouring allnurses & 2 replies from current UCCS FNP & AGNP students (thank you!) Any info on application, acceptance, course load & anyone in CO Springs locally knowledgeable of this graduate program? Many thanks! A

lauraross1; I'm researching UCCS FNP for Fall enrollment, is there a site on allnurses for UCCS? I'd like to hear/read from current student about the program. Thanks!

How is your Chamberlain FNP courses going? any info you can provide? I'm looking at them & UCCS (colorado springs)..Thanks!