Updated: Jul 23, 2023 Published Jul 10, 2019
mmilbrunRN85
2 Posts
Hello! has anyone in the Sacred Heart University online FNP program? I am starting January 2020! I just want any advice and to discuss experiences Thanks!
RhodyPalliativeNP, NP
5 Posts
Hello! I am currently in the program and am almost finished with the 1st year. If you have any specific questions, I would be happy to talk ?
Lauren
Kyla RN, BSN
32 Posts
37 minutes ago, LSissRN1984 said:Hello! I am currently in the program and am almost finished with the 1st year. If you have any specific questions, I would be happy to talk ?Lauren
Hi Lauren-
I was going to message you directly but looks like the OP wants to know more information too. I'm interested in applying next year, and enrolling in 2021 (so it'll be a while for me).
How are the immersions? Are they useful? Do they focus on hands-on skills? I'm in Oregon, so considering the cost/distance, I'm hoping it's worth the trip out there. And how long are the immersions?
Since Sacred Heart is a Brick & mortar establishment, do you feel that the program has a good "back bone" per se, or is organized and structured? Again, with being out here on the west coast, it's hard for me to gauge that or their reputation since I don't know anyone who's been there.
thanks in advance,
Kyla
43 minutes ago, Kyla RN said:Hi Lauren- I was going to message you directly but looks like the OP wants to know more information too. I'm interested in applying next year, and enrolling in 2021 (so it'll be a while for me). How are the immersions? Are they useful? Do they focus on hands-on skills? I'm in Oregon, so considering the cost/distance, I'm hoping it's worth the trip out there. And how long are the immersions? Since Sacred Heart is a Brick & mortar establishment, do you feel that the program has a good "back bone" per se, or is organized and structured? Again, with being out here on the west coast, it's hard for me to gauge that or their reputation since I don't know anyone who's been there. thanks in advance, Kyla
Hi Kyla ?
I won't begin clinical rotations until the end of April, right after completion of health assessment and pharm. Right now I'm in community health and advanced patho, which has been a challenging course. The program requires 3 on campus visits, the first of which is a 2-day orientation, second is a 2-day skills eval after health assessment, and then a third at the end of the program.
SHU has a great reputation and their new center for health education building is pretty incredible. I will say that this is not an institution that pumps out students just to keep the tuition payments rolling; they have an excellent board exam pass rate and want to keep it that way (I heard that this year's graduating class is down to 8 students and started w/ 35).
I have classmates from all over the world--literally. One of my classmates lives overseas and has made it work so far.
There are three clinical rotations (primary care 1, 2, & 3) which are semester-long courses consisting of clinical and didactic learning. The online program goes in 15-week semesters year round, so there are minimal breaks. I started last January with the first two courses, had maybe 2 weeks off and then the late spring/early summer semester started and lasted through the beginning of August. Right now, my last exam is on December 5th and I won't have to go back until 1/6, so that's about the lengthiest break in the program.
Teachers are supportive and want you to succeed. One of the professors that I have currently is...tough...but I think we can expect it to be rigorous when preparing to be a provider. I chose SHU mainly because I know the school has been around for a long time, is CCNE accredited, and those I know who have graduated from there have secured employment immediately.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
9 minutes ago, LSissRN1984 said:Hi Kyla ?I won't begin clinical rotations until the end of April, right after completion of health assessment and pharm. Right now I'm in community health and advanced patho, which has been a challenging course. The program requires 3 on campus visits, the first of which is a 2-day orientation, second is a 2-day skills eval after health assessment, and then a third at the end of the program.SHU has a great reputation and their new center for health education building is pretty incredible. I will say that this is not an institution that pumps out students just to keep the tuition payments rolling; they have an excellent board exam pass rate and want to keep it that way (I heard that this year's graduating class is down to 8 students and started w/ 35). I have classmates from all over the world--literally. One of my classmates lives overseas and has made it work so far. There are three clinical rotations (primary care 1, 2, & 3) which are semester-long courses consisting of clinical and didactic learning. The online program goes in 15-week semesters year round, so there are minimal breaks. I started last January with the first two courses, had maybe 2 weeks off and then the late spring/early summer semester started and lasted through the beginning of August. Right now, my last exam is on December 5th and I won't have to go back until 1/6, so that's about the lengthiest break in the program.Teachers are supportive and want you to succeed. One of the professors that I have currently is...tough...but I think we can expect it to be rigorous when preparing to be a provider. I chose SHU mainly because I know the school has been around for a long time, is CCNE accredited, and those I know who have graduated from there have secured employment immediately. I hope this helps! Good luck!
Lauren- That's awesome to hear! Sounds like it's a rigorous and well established program.
May I ask if you are currently working (FT or PT) and if yes, what type of schedule you work?
9 minutes ago, Kyla RN said:Lauren- That's awesome to hear! Sounds like it's a rigorous and well established program. May I ask if you are currently working (FT or PT) and if yes, what type of schedule you work?
I work 32 hour evenings and have two young children. It is very challenging, to say the least. I will be dropping to 24 hours/week next semester as the workload increases.
21 minutes ago, LSissRN1984 said:I work 32 hour evenings and have two young children. It is very challenging, to say the least. I will be dropping to 24 hours/week next semester as the workload increases.
Good to know. I appreciate you taking the time to answer all my questions!