hgrindle

I would actually question any program who accepts nurses with zero experience...And I find it hilarious that after you were called out by SEVERAL people because of your no experience, and are not in any program, that you took that gem of information off of your profile. GET A LIFE and until you actually get into an NP program, maybe you should get off the APRN page.

Don't believe the garbage on here posted by people who know nothing about Walden...especially those who aren't in ANY program...Walden is online! There is no teacher to sit and teach you...just like ANY online program at ANY school. Yes there is a lot of writing...I did a year in a brick and mortar's NP program and the program was almost identical...that program was listed as #4 on the best NP programs in the country. They DO NOT help you find a preceptor but if you read the manual and pick the sites they tell you to, then your sites will be approved. The people who did not get approved did not read which sites they could use. It is very clearly explained in the practicum manual. I graduate in May and have had no issues.

futurestcoastNP, what NP program are you in?? OH that's right...you have only been a NURSE for a year...I noticed you took that little bit of information out of your profile! Don't worry about applying at Walden, they wouldn't take you.

If you already have your BSN it is 2 classes every 12 weeks, off a week and back at it. Clinicals are one class at a time unless you petition to take two. If you do that you have to explain in the petition how you plan on being able to do 2 at a time, such as cutting back/quitting your job. If you don't have your BSN, those classes are 6 weeks ( I think). Practicum is pretty difficult with the hours required and the class work that is also required. I finish in May and can't wait. I have only been a Walden for 4 quarters (transferred from a local brick and mortar so that I could finish sooner) and have not regretted it. Don't pay any attention to the negativity about the program...some of those with such strong opinions are not in ANY NP program! Good Luck!

you can do an RN-FNP program... many require you to work as a nurse for a year or 2 before you can apply to NP school though. You still get your BSN, it is just all done in one long program. Good luck!

I agree with you tryintohaveitall, if there had been an on campus program in my area, I would have definitely gone that route, but even the brick and mortar school here has their program all online. And whether or not you know someone willing to precept you is a big factor. Many students have a very difficult time finding a preceptor. I know of some who have had to sit out or even drop out because they couldn't find anyone willing to precept.

FutureeastcoastNP, you seem to know so much about NP school, how many have you gone to? I'm guessing NONE since you have only been a nurse for ONE year! While I'm sure we are all entertained by your "knowledge", it looks like I am at least 2 schools ahead of you. And if you had read my posts, you would know that I am not speaking of a "sample size" of only 2 schools but I have several friends who attended different online programs: Texas Tech, University of Cincinnati, University of Texas at Tyler and an online school in Florida... And by the way, In reference to one of your other posts on which NP school can you get through the fastest, I suggest you get some experience before you try the fast track through NP school...just a friendly word of advice.

Vincentrn, Is the brick and mortar program online or will you actually go to class? If it is online, I can tell you FROM EXPERIENCE that the online programs are all VERY VERY similar. If they are both online, go with the cheaper because you pretty much teach yourself in online classes. You spend a lot of time writing...MOST of your time is spent writing....well...ALL OF YOUR TIME IS SPENT WRITING! lol...except when you get into clinicals...then you work for free and write some more. Another thing to consider is whether or not you will have to find your own preceptors and do you know any NP's or MD's who would be willing to precept you? Believe it or not, finding preceptors is very difficult. If you have no connections, I would try to find a school that sets up your preceptors for you. My last bit of advice, is take advice from people who are an NP program or who have completed one...there are a lot of people who have no idea what they are talking about on here...it just amazes me! Good luck!

I have had several people tell me that Leik's book was dead on with the test...There is a new version out too that has mistakes corrected.

I am in Walden's FNP program. I will finish in May. Its good, very similar to my local program I was in, but walden requires slightly more work...especially when you get into the clinical portion. Don't listen to the people who say bad things about Walden...they haven't been there and have no idea. ALL programs accredited by the CCNE are all pretty much set up the same and require the same..they have to! Good luck, I think you will learn that you have more reading than you can possibly do, more writing than you ever wanted to do, and you will question whether you are prepared for boards...and the truth is..most schools don't prepare us for boards...we have to review and prepare ourselves. It is an online program...lots of self teaching and you have to be disciplined.