The College of Southern Maryland Nursing Program

[ModelMom, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Hi Everyone,

I am a 27 year old mom and wife of a 21 month old son. I received my bachelors degree from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland in 2004, and I am now awaiting my acceptance into the CSM nursing program. I was wondering of their are any other graduates from the CSM nursing program, or current students in the CSM nursing program, or other pre-nursing students awaiting their acceptance letters into the CSM Spring 2010 nursing program. I'm really excited about this program, as they have a 97% NCLEX passing rate, which means they are really effective at preparing their students for the NCLEX. I am also a little nervous as, my cumulative including my pre-req work is a 3.5. I managed to get all A's in my pre-req, except for A&P I and II, which I received a B's in. I still have to take Microbiology this fall, so when I start the actaul program I will only have to take my clinical classes, as my pre-req's will be completed. I would love to hear what more experienced nursing students have to say about my cumulative, and grades in A&P I and II. Also, I would love to hear from others interested in CSM or currently attending :)

P.S., I plan on applying to the UMD RN to MS program upon passing the NCLEX, but I'm still really cloudy on the year of experience I need to fulfill. Should I fulfill this experience prior to applying to the program or fulfill it while I'm in the program. Fulfilling prior to the program seems better, as I would not want my grades or family to suffer due to my work schedule.

Can't wait to hear from you :)

[Monster620]

Hi ModelMom,

I'm sorry that no one has replied to your post yet. I am currently taking classes at CSM and will be petitioning soon to get into their nursing program. I also have a bachelor's degree (from Trinity College in DC). I've already taken Micro. and I'm currently taking A&P I. Next, I'll need to take A&P II, Intro. to Nursing and Issues of the Older Adult. I will also need to take the ACT/SAT as they do not accept scores more than 5 years old and they won't accept a bachelor's degree as a substitute, much to my dismay. So, I'm going to take the ACT in the fall.

I have heard good things about the program. My first choice would've been Hopkins for their accelerated BSN program, but the tuition, on top of what I already owe in undergraduate loans, would've been insurmountable. So, I'll get my ADN, then take classes for my BSN while I'm working, kind of like what you will be doing.

Let me know how things have been going for you these last few months. I'm sure you have one more class under your belt. One step at a time. We'll get there.

[ModelMom, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Hi Monster620!

Your response was very relieving. I thought I was CRAZY for wanting to go back to school for another degree, but nursing is my calling. It was just really weird deciding to go back after already being so old, and making so much money in my initial career. However, first semester was AWESOME, a bit stressful, but the key was to stay ahead in my readings, and to take the time to practice the lab skills prior to check-off day! I'm so glad the semester is over so I can rest a bit, before entering the med/surg floor of calvert memorial hospital.

All in all CSM is pretty great! You will run into organization and collaboration problems everywhere, so it fits the bill! Good luck with everything. Feel free to contact me with any questions. Talk to you soon :)

[ctran]

Hi there,

I just got accepted into CSM nursing program and I'm nervous about it. Any advice? Thanks

[Sflowerssweeney]

I graduated from CSM in 2007 but since then the program has changed alot. I think it's a great program and I still miss all the girls I went through school with. Alot of them I still see. Alot of the instructors are different now but all in all I'm sure it's still a wonderful program. School is nervewracking no matter what, but nursing school -- 10 times more! So you're not alone. Just know if it's your passion you will be so happy you did this.