CNRN_Cali

Okay, thanks and congrats again!

No, not the BSN but the MSN Nursing Education Field experience? I do not have the course number since my degree plan is not open but I'm looking at the program guide. One of the last classes next to MSN capstone? Did you have to take this and is this a clinical with a preceptor?

Congrats! How long did it take you to finish? Also, what exactly does the field experience entail? Thanks in advance!

No experience with financial aid but I question the validity of the "group projects" comment. There are NO group projects in the WGU RN to BSN curriculum. So far, the instructors (aka course mentors) have been extremely helpful and resourceful. They are available by phone, email, webinars...you name it! WGU has been, by far the BEST decision for me. It is completely asynchronous which allows me to work at my own pace. No tedious discussion board postings and "reply to 2-3 discussion board postings by the end of the week" type of work. No group projects whatsoever. :) I switched paths because of that very reason and never looked back.

The countdown to May 1st...good luck everyone! Let's enjoy this down time while we can. I finished orientation and have my first mentor call next week. I'm super happy--I found out that I have a testing center literally 15 blocks away from my house. :) What are your thoughts on testing? Do you all plan on using their camera or testing center for objective exams?

Woohoo! I love your avatar and username--very appropriate! :)

Just curious for those of you who have graduated from WGU & pursued and/or are pursuing a graduate degree with them, do they require you to retake the orientation course at the beginning of your new term? I noticed there were two separate orientation course (undergrad and grad). Just curious...

It officially opened up at midnight--Utah's time...and YES, I stayed up for this. ? I'm Pacific Standard Time, so it's an hour ahead of me. Lol! It was very exciting to see a whole new portal with the preliminary degree plan. I'm still making my way through the modules and getting sneak peeks into the Course of Study (COS) on a few.

1. What certification do you have? CNRN-Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse 2. What are 3 benefits and 3 challenges to having your particular certification? Benefits: 1) expanded knowledge that applies to my clinical practice 2) hospital/peer specialty recognition 3) differential pay Challenges: 1) maintaining/obtaining enough CEUs for renewal (every 5 years). 2) specialty certification can be "too specialized" and at times I would prefer a broader knowledge base (such as CCRN critical care specialty). 3) cost-it's expensive to maintain membership with organizations and costly to renew certification. I still believe it's worth it. 3. Who is your employer and was there any kind of requirement or incentive to obtain your particular certification? I'm employed at a university teaching hospital. This was not a requirement but definitely an incentive. We have resources for study materials, study groups, and access to review courses. As mentioned above, we also receive a differential pay increase.

Yay! I'm so happy they sorted out your college transcripts (with the school names). :) The application process can be so painful waiting. It all starts with the readiness exam. It was torturous waiting for my results. I have to say that overall the application process with my enrollment counselor was superb, timely, supportive, and well organized. WGU really wants to make sure it's a good fit and I value that.

Yes, congrats everyone! I am so ready to start! Nice to see a large group of us starting soon. Good luck everyone! EWB countdown...2 more days! :)

Awesome Murse901! Thank you and good luck to you on your MBA-HM!

We call the electrophysiology lab and it is usually a cardiac physician that comes to the bedside to interrogate implanted permanent pacemakers. I'm also in a university teaching hospital. Can I just say, that I am always thankful when this is done. :) I always feel uneasy when I'm unsure of a patient's pacemaker settings/device type.

Woohoo! Congrats NC Girl BSN! I might have to check-in with you at a later date...I'm very interested in pursuing my MSN through WGU after my BSN. I just haven't decided between Ed or Leadership path. I still have plenty of time to think it over.

I only work three 12hr shifts. Personally, I much prefer working three 12hr shifts and having the days off than working four days a week. It gives you the flexibility of grouping your shifts together (i.e. 3 in a row) or splitting them up (i.e. Sun, Wed, Fri), so you're not away from family/kids for more than a day. I have a coworker who does the Sun, Wed, Fri schedule. It's kind of nice to work one day and KNOW that you're not back the next day. :) On the other hand, it's nice to have the option of scheduling yourself Sun, Mon, Tues and (have 8 days off) return the following Thurs, Fri, Sat. I only know of Kaiser offering 8hr shifts in my area. Maybe long term care or rehab might offer the 8hr options? In any case, hang in there...you can do it! :)