DJTRN

Program culture, I think in general nursing students are more anxious because of the rigor. I made about 5 good friends for support. I imagine there is negativity because where there are people there will be positive and negative aspects, I don't have time for it, so I'm not affected by it. Support is there, but no one holds your hand, you have to seek it out. Naturally, some faculty are more supportive than others. If anything, I feel that people are always comparing grades. This was the same when I was in undergrad too...for me that's the most annoying part. In my mind if you are progressing to the next step you are fine, if you are working up to your full potential be ok with a passing score whatever it may be. Also, the majority of my class have just earned their BSN. I'm 1 of a few in my cohort who has over 1 year of experience. The group is fairly young..I didn't find that any could participate in conversation about clinical practice. ..that got old pretty quickly too. It was always the same 4 people chiming in... what are your plans, full time? Part time? How long have you been an RN? Will you work?

As far as prepping, if your stats is over 5 years . you will need to retake it, don't read ahead or stress about that, I don't think it's necessary. Just do your work as soon as you get it and stay on top of it, you will be fine. I have time to take care of myself, I'm not working that much, I get up early like I'm going to work go to gym, and then treat my school work like my job. I spend time with friends and family. I just plan it. i

Blackskimmer, I just started the on campus program in September. I am full time. I just completed patho, research methods, and health promotions. It was a busy semester, I worked 8 hours per week on average and felt like I was always studying. In Patho every week I had an online quiz, an in class exam, and 4 case studies, in research we did critical analyses of research articles weekly and had an in class exam. Health promo was the easiest because we didn't have weekly assignments but had two major assignments at the end of the semester in a problem based learning format. You need an 83 average to pass. I was already familiar with Simmons as I received my BSC from them also. In undergrad I received a solid education and felt well prepared for the workforce. The reason why I returned is because they find all clinical placements for you and because the instructors still practice. Next semester I begin the primary care sequence. I will take health assessment, this is the course where they bring volunteer patients to the school and you perform weekly assessments and do a 20 page comprehensive formal write up weekly, pharm, and scholarly inquiry where I will start to find a research topic for my capstone project that is due next year, I believe. So far so good. Busy, and it's only going to get busier as I will be in school straight through until graduation. As far as NC and MGH, I don't know much about them but they have good reputations...

Hi, I am in the on campus program. You did not specify if you will be in the on campus or online?

Does anyone become an NP for any reason other than money? After reading posts sometimes it doesn't seem like it. I've been an RN for almost 9 years and I laugh hysterically when people talk about all the money you can make, while it is true if you compare it to many other industries, however, I never felt compensated well enough and I am in Boston where rates are not bad, even that depends on where you work. (Our market is overly saturated and I won't work for less than $40.00, I know my worth and many companies don't offer crap, but I digress..) At my last full time job, I made 46.30/hr, (i still do but i am per diem now) im in the middle of the pay scale, i worked 7:30 to 4, only day hours with every other Friday off but I'm bored to death with triaging, refills, vaccines, calling results to pts. and often the powers that be try to dumb the RN down by keeping the role limited to tasks that are not very challenging. And this has happened in a few different settings I have worked in. I can't do it anymore I'm not fulfilled in my career. Over the long haul, I see becoming an fnp as way more growth potential throughout the rest of my career than staying as an RN. And by growth I don't mean financial only because eventually an fnp will surpass the RN in that regard as well. Lastly, I will say every NP or even MD that I have the privilege of having a relationship with actually encourages me to obtain the degree because of the increased opportunities that it will afford me...so I just wanted to chime in because I never do....if you don't agree..well... :)

loans here. I applied to u mass Boston and didn't get in back in 2009 for economical reasons. I didn't bother applying there this time. Every other worthy program here is private. I prefer an on campus program versus online so my choices are limited. While taking out more loans was the last thing I wanted to do, I decided to apply to the program I really wanted to attend and pray I can work at a Hrsa site and get them forgiven. I really need more options in my career if I have to work for the next 30 years. Personally I feel like it's an investment in my personal happiness so it's worth it. I enjoy being an RN but I don't enjoy staying at this level for my entire career. Over the past 5 years, I tried applying to different areas of nursing to avoid more loans but in this city overly saturated with RNs and this economy, RN jobs are hard to come by. I can more easily get a med surg job or an ambulatory job or home health job but I don't want to do this work anymore after 8 years of it...and since I am open to relocating after graduation, I figure I have an awesome chance at getting my loans forgiven. And if not, then hey, at least I opened more professional doors that are not currently opened. And I pay back my loans....it's a challenge and obstacle but it wasn't a hindrance for me. Be encouraged..

Ejm1287..check out challiance.org if you are interested in ambulatory

Ejm1287, are you a Boston native? And how cool is it to spend the summer on the vineyard..so you must have to look for housing, etc? What kind of experience do you have? Who knows I may know someone that could help you? Nursing community is so small If you want to meet personally on campus hit me up [email protected] it's never to early to develop bonds and create study groups!!

Maybe we will cross paths on campus. My email is [email protected]. never hurts to gather up study buddies...

BostonFNP, you attended Simmons on campus program? When? What type of work are you doing now?

I concur

SBrn1 I am a graduate of Simmons' BSN program 2006. I had a positive experience, past the boards on my first attempt with minimal number of questions. and i felt well prepared when I entered the workforce so I am definitely a fan of simmons nursing program. it is very expensive but I value the education I received. Umass Boston rejected me back in 2009 and I got discouraged and now I am ready to do something totally different with my career so back at Simmons I go. I am not an online learner person. I am more of an on campus type of girl. Only draw back is that the classes are not conducive to full time employment.

Hi ejm1287, I am currently full time at cambridge health alliance in internal medicine. no part time opportunity believe it or not, so i am going per diem. what about you? are you going to work throughout the program? I am actively seeking weekend employment so when clinicals start I am all set and dont have to do any more major adjusting. I am a graduate of simmons BSN program in 2006. where did you do undergrad?

There are so many threads about Simmons and their online FNP program, haven't found too many about the on campus program. I am starting full time in the fall and wonder if there are any others out there starting this program in September as well? I am an anxious nervous wreck!

Hi there SBRN1, I have been accepted to the on campus program for the fall!! I received my BSN from them in the fall and am now returning!!