butch228

Hi there, I'm a grad from MGH IHP RN-MSN track. I had a BA in a non-nursing field, then I went back to school (community college) to get met my ADN degree. I thought about getting BSN but I wanted the least expensive route to get my nursing degree and I have no regrets! I think most Boston schools have RN-MSN tracks but they seem to promote BSN or direct entry programs more.

Hi..I got my ASN from Bunker Hill CC back in 2002 and my NP at MGH -IHP. I thought BHCC gave me a great education for the money..what a bargain and my tiny evening class gave me lots of attention and of course we all passed the NCLEX...MGH IHP was expensive..forutunately I had good clinical placements..some of my classmates not so lucky..My advice..be careful with loans..you'll read on this website how difficult it is for new grads to get jobs in Boston ..also look at the NCLEX pass rates from each school that you're considering..its published on the MASS Nursing Board of Registration. Good luck!!

I would see which school would give you a better financial aid package..they are both expensive..remember those loan payments add up ...I went to MGH...although it was pricey..some of my classmates got generous scholarship money....employers out there don't really care about NP school rankings..not yet..

Yeah..that's really unusual...I'm certified thru the AANP and there were no delays that I can remember...I would persistenly call .....make sure you get a concrete answer why your application is in limbo

I think it depends on the type of patient population you want to manage. However, I think it would only benefit you ....on how an acute hospital manages patients in terms of antibioitc treatments and quick discharges to home , rehab, or skilled nursing facilitity.

Congrats..the Journey is just beginning!!!

I'm a grad of the MGH program...but in the RN-MSN program. Most of the students were Direct Entry...I had a positive experience including my clinicals..but some of my classmates would disagree..i guess i was lucky..the previous poster is correct..go for the most cost effective program...those loans will be due ..right when you're looking for a job..Stress! School is pretty much how much you put in..its not gonna do everything right..its just gonna get you into the profession at the beginning

I'm a past grad of the program back in 2002, in the evening program. I thought it was a tough nursing program, but everyone in my class passed the NCLEX. For the most part, 90 % of the instructors are competent. In fact, I used certain instructors for job references ( been working at MGH) and letter for recommendations for grad school. As for dimensional analysis, you will totally use it when figuring out dosing meds on the hospital flr.

Hi It depends on where you live..and what positions are available. I had 5 yrs experience as a nurse at a big teaching hospital in Boston when I accepted my first NP position. The job that I accepted was about 17 thousand more per year than my staff nurse salary. However, one NP pos in a hospital wanted to pay me about the same rate as my RN salary. So it depends on location and what type of practice environment.

3 years ..working on a medical floor.

Hi all, I am a grad of the BHCC evening program back in 2002. Back then , the pass rate was over 90%..and I noticed ever since they instituted the weekend program and increased the enrollment ..the pass rates have decreased. I wonder if BHCC is stretching the students too thin for the program. When I was in school..the exams were tough..but they prepared us well..my whole evening class passed the NCLEX..but we graduated about 6 evening students ..down from 12 students. So we got lots of attention. Just study, read....study in groups...and don't miss lecture!!

In regards to the previous post that mentions that MGH will not hire a AD grad if you haven't worked at MGH as a PCA/Tech is simply not true..because I am a AD grad that was hired by MGH..and I was a PCA at BMC in my last semester of nursing school. This was back in 2002, but another co-worker was a AD grad was hired by MGH but she had worked as a PCA at MGH on another floor. The bottom line is that big places at MGH , Brigham..the hiring is simply dictated by the nurse manager. MGH tries to promote a BSN only "rule" but there are very well qualified AD grads..who are older, have other non-nursing degrees..who can bring alot to the table. So if a nurse manager really wants to hire a AD grad..then you're in!

I'm a new NP ..about a year out since graduation. I originally thought of becoming an onc NP, I even did clinical rotation thru a Oncology Hosp. Anyways, most Oncology NP positions want at least 2 years experience of working in oncology..usually as a oncology staff nurse. and most Oncology RN positions want you to have a least 1-2 yrs experience of working on med-surg floor. Oncology NPs order chemotherapy..in my state , the attending physician will write the initial chemo dose..then subsequent cycles, Onc NP will write those. Essentially, they follow the patient thru the chemo/radiation process and the follow up. NPs are involved in ordering tests, labs, doing bone marrow biopsies, ordering meds. My advice would be to work as an RN on a oncology flr, to familarize yourself with chemo, the disease process and the type of patients you'll be encountering. Good luck.

Congratulations NP!!! Good Work!!

Congratulations ...Job well Done!! Its been been about almost a year when I passed my boards..its kind of an odd feeling of exicitement, nervousness...and a feeling that a milestone had just passed. I totally agree with the Fitzgerald review..it didnt cover everything..but it did cover the IMPORTANT points to study in an understandable , articulate manner. I still use my study guide that came with my CDs as a quick reference guide in my practice as an Adult NP.