Simmons versus MGH Direct Entry Nursing

NPNICO · Mar 30, 2009

Please let me know if you are going to the MGH IHP for the Direct Entry program next Fall (09). I am excited about it. Are you? Let's create a support network because we will need it to survive these 3 years. What do you think? By the way, I will be in the Psych Mental Health Track. Anyone????

questionableresource · Mar 30, 2009

I've sent in my deposit to MGHIHP, but I'm seriously considering Simmons as well. Do either of you have any insight?

NPNICO · Mar 30, 2009

I was put on the wait list for Simmons. I heard a lot of great things about MGH. I am looking forward to it.Are you nervous? What do you like about Simmons over MGH?

questionableresource · Mar 30, 2009

I like that Simmons has summer courses and an easier course load. So for example, you're taking 3-4 classes a semester, as well as in the summer. This allows for them to have internships for 24 / 36 hours a week as part of the curriculum. I guess I'm not sure how much experience we'd get at MGH, but the program is supposed to be the best!

goberun83 · Mar 31, 2009

I'm still trying to figure out if the internships at Simmons are paid or not. When I went to the info session 2 years ago, they also said you could do the second half of the program part-time. I remember they even had a current student there talking about it... she had taken a year or two off to work (and have her first child!) and she said it was great how Simmons understood that "life happens". But when I looked at their website again, it says it is a full time program only. Can anyone clear these two things up? I'm also trying to figure out the parking situation for MGHIHP and Simmons.

I have the deposit ready to walk over to Simmons... I work at Children's so its a short walk. But I really want to know the answers to those questions before I hand over my $500!

questionableresource · Mar 31, 2009

I spoke with an instructor who informed me that the internships are paid.

goberun83 · Mar 31, 2009

I spoke with an instructor who informed me that the internships are paid.

Great to know!! That makes it a lot easier for me to decide!

Nursey Face · Mar 31, 2009

I have to disagree with people who stated to go to Simmon's if you want to work why you go and not stress too much. I went to Simmons and most of the women who went did not work and everyone was super stressed out. It's very vigorous and it's a lot of work. It's a great school.

goberun83 · Mar 31, 2009

I have to disagree with people who stated to go to Simmon's if you want to work why you go and not stress too much. I went to Simmons and most of the women who went did not work and everyone was super stressed out. It's very vigorous and it's a lot of work. It's a great school.

I think that when people are talking about working it is because the school has mentioned in info sessions that they really want everyone to have a solid RN background because you are a nurse first, an NP second. At least in the info session 2 years ago they encouraged this RN experience during the second half of the program, but said that working during the first part was highly discouraged. The fact that they have the built-in internships is a big deal breaker because you are guaranteed to be getting the real life experience while you are in school, while other programs make it more difficult for you to work and go to school at the same time. Do you disagree having gone through it in the program? I would never want to work full time while in these programs, but I love the idea of the internship. The fact that it is paid is a big help as well. Obviously the course work is going to be just as challenging as any other school in Boston, but I think their set-up is great.

How was your experience? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

NPNICO · Mar 31, 2009

I think the first year before taking the NCLEX is what the schools are referring to. You must be full-time. After that, you can go part time and it is encouraged for the students to work part time (16 hours) to gain RN experience. The way I look at it, is this: If you are accepted to one the schools in Boston, you're in great shape, they are all great and have a great National presence. Whether you go to MGH or Simmons, Or BC or NU, you are on the right path. The funny thing is, 3 or 4 years from now, you will meet on one of the Med-surg floors and discuss when we went to NP schools. Just keep your heads up and brace yourself for a challenging 3 years. The finance piece is what gets me so scared. I will be owing a ------ load of money when am done and hope to be making enough to pay it back. Please let's do the best to keep this line of communication going a support. We will need it! Have you guys figured out how you're gonna pay for this? LOANS! LOANS! LOANS? Living expenses? it's crazy! Please share your thoughts.

NPNICO · Apr 2, 2009

GOOD Day folks! Has anyone given some thoughts to the fact that in the first 1 1/2 year, you will not be awarded a BSN? I am hearing from a few NP students who passed their NCLEX that they are not able to find a job because they don't have a BSN. So, Only a Diploma is awarded, I don't even think it's an associate. So, it's only beneficial once you're all done with the whole NP degree that it would be easier to find a job. I am starting my program in the Fall 09, and a little bit concerned about it. Why don't the schools award BSN, the the MSN? what do they have to lose? I don't get it...So, what if someone is done with the first part, get the NCLEX and happen to be sick or sick child, then you're stuck with a huge loan with only a Diploma in nursing and a pain in the ---- to find a decent job. I am thinking hard about this. Can anyone please share their views and opinions on this....Maybe we should all rally and demand a BSN degree for the first portion, it only makes sense. I think Regis does,and that's about it... let me know what you think.

Tozz · Apr 3, 2009

As it's been explained to me, Simmons is an all female undergraduate school. They can't/won't issue bachelors to males, and don't want to play with the legalities of issuing BSN's to one gender and not the other for the same amount of $$/work.

MGH is another school that doesn't issue a BSN on the way to a direct entry MSN. Their explanation is that they are a graduate institution only.

Has anyone given some thoughts to the fact that in the first 1 1/2 year, you will not be awarded a BSN? I am hearing from a few NP students who passed their NCLEX that they are not able to find a job because they don't have a BSN. ...Why don't the schools award BSN, the the MSN? what do they have to lose? I don't get it...