Slu

I got my acceptance into the SLU ACNP/E program starting with this spring semester.

I spoke with my advisor and she set me up with the proposed schedule for my classes from start to finish. Then she did the initial enrollment for 2 classes -- pathophys and curriculum development -- a total of 5 hours because I am just starting out part-time until I see how hard this is going to be. I ordered the books online and I am just waiting for them to come. No major glitches in the system so far.

I have to admit, though -- I am getting nervous. It seems to take several phone calls to get people to answer questions and I never seem to be put through to the right person the first time. I have been told that once the classes start, you will get the direct line numbers for the instructors, etc ... and I sure hope so!

Anyway, I am planning to go on campus to get my ID card [i only live 35 miles away] and I will try to meet face-to-face with any available staff. If anyone has questions that they would like for me to ask for them while I am there, just let me know!

I emailed my advisor almost a week ago and she/he hasn't emailed back yet. I guess I'll call...I won't be starting until Fall because I have to finish my BSN (instead of taking the 2 bridge classes because I have a previous bachelors)...it is cheaper to finish the BSN than to take their 2 classes... So, do you know how many clinical hours there are? That will probably be my deciding factor as to whether I will continue to work FT or what...I'm nervous about classes, but I'd be nervous about it at any school...I currently am in a online BSN program and there are times I wait for a couple of days for responses to emails...all the teachers have said to email rather than call their office...unless it's emergency and then they have given us their cell phones...but I've never called them, nothing I've needed has been an emergency...Is there anything that they've given you that is in electronic form that you could share with me (to begin to settle nerves...) I know I have 8 months before I start class but by seeing the reading assignments and projects, I'll get a feel as to how tough the program will be and also if I get an idea on how many hours of clinicals there are, I'll feel better...not that I want fewer, if anything, I want more, but I need to prepare the boss, ya know! lol

All your help is appreciated!

This is what I have listed for clinical hours required:

Advanced Assessment - 70 hours

Health Promotion / Ds Prevention - 140 hours

Advanced Clinical Studies - 140 hours

Advanced Practice Seminar and Practicum - 210-280 hours

This does not include the Advance Practice Summer Session because I don't know any of the details -- I do know it has an on-campus component but that is all I have heard so far.

I have met a couple of the last semester ACNP SLU students at my hospital that say the curriculum is very tough, very thorough and they have loved every minute. Our doctors obviously agree with the training, too, because they are already getting job offers before they graduate! [And, no, I do NOT work at SLU hospital even though they are VERY generous with the tuition help if you will work there during school!]

There are a couple of us in the forum that are starting this spring -- if we can answer any questions, fire away! In the meantime, I know there are a couple of folks that come to the forum that are further in the program and even some graduates -- hopefully they will share their experiences. I know they have been very generous to share their time in the past!

Best of luck!

Ruthann

Ok, here are my two immediate thoughts:

Good, I'm glad there are sufficient clinicals!

OMG there are lots of clinicals!!

lol

No seriously, I feel the more that you can be 'on the job', the better for me...I am a hands on person, not just a read it in the book.

I'm glad they have a good curriculum too. 'Tough' scares me...

Good to know about SLU having a good tuition repayment program. I might have to check into that. I live about 4 hrs away but might consider a weekend option or something...

I thank you so much for your info, if as you are going through paperwork or even classes, you come onto other info I need to know, would you let me know?

Anybody else out there want to add there info, I'd be real appreaciative!!

thanks again,

Dawn

From what I have heard [and seen on their website], SLU hospital will pay 1/3 of your tuition and SLU itself will 'forgive' 1/3 of your tuition if you are a full time employee. I don't know how long you have to work there for it to kick in and I don't know if weekend option is offered. I do see a lot of fulltime night positions all the time.

My hospital will not come even CLOSE to that amount of money but it is the devil I know. I am very well positioned and happy at my job ... but I am thinking that I should go back into the CVICU based on some of the most recent forum postings. I really don't want to add the stress of a job change to the stress of school but, if it will help me in the long run, I will do it. I am, however, going to wait for just the right position to come along.

Hmmm, VERY interesting! I'll have to check into that, I was wanting to do some traveling, but now that I'm accepted, I know I'll need to be more 'stable' and so a position at SLU hosp. might just be what I need...Thanks for the info!!

I have two semesters left at SLU after this one, and one of them is a summer semester. I'm still working 40 hours a week, but don''t know how long I can keep it up! SLU is awsome! PM with any questions you have and I'll give you my private email address because I always forget to check this one!

Hey Ruthann, haven't heard from you. How's the first semester going? Email me!

HI, I Just got my acceptance letter to St Louis Univ ACNP school...I haven't gotten much information from then yet but I would to talk to ppl who have attended SLU or are getting ready to attend. I would like to know how many clinical hours are required (by semester if possible) how the classes are arranged (by specialty or what...), anything of particular interest...

I am a strong student and yet, I'm getting scared from all of the posts about online programs being bad, you don't learn, etc...

Anyone who has any knowledge about SLU online ACNP program, please talk with me.

Thanks in advance

Dawn

I PM'd you!

I was just reading your posts when your message came! WOW!

The first 3 weeks end tomorrow and the first Path test is next week. I guess I will know better what to expect after I see that first exam. Any pointers? Anything that you wish you had known when you were in Path?

The concept maps are so frustrating! I hate working in Microsoft Word. I would so much rather just sit down and write out what I know and how I know it!

The other class I am taking is Curriculum Development and it is theory, theory, theory. How is that going to help me design a class or teach material? Oh, well ...

I need inspiration so tell me about YOUR experiences! What do I have to look forward to? What have you seen so far?

Oh, yes ... and thank you for staying in touch. I didn't want to bother you during a semester but I am really happy to see you online again!