University of South Alabama NP program

wanttobeanarnp · Mar 13, 2016

For which course?

Nurse Turbo · Mar 14, 2016

Pathophysiology. I have been having trouble reading all of the material so I asked my professor if there is any way to have videos from on ground courses posted online. I mean, if there are professors lecturing and having conversations with students on campus, I would like to gain access to those lectures. I received a response that she would check and get back to me although I haven't heard anything. I'll ask if there was any feedback regarding my request although I don't want to be a nudge. It didn't occur to me that classes may be offered with no lecture content; I just assumed it which is something I learned not to do early in my nursing education. I'm not complaining about any of it although reading other people's posts from six years ago leads me to believe USA has a structure in place which limits their ability to provide the additional resources I am seeking. I told myself I wouldn't spend a lot of time on this blog while warning my education although it is interesting and eye opening to find what others' opinions.

wanttobeanarnp · Mar 14, 2016

Is it writing papers or actual tests?

Nurse Turbo · Mar 14, 2016

There are tests every two weeks in Patho (6-9 chapters each). I am in the PMHNP MSN-DNP track. Scientific Underpinngs has three papers and discussion boards. The papers are labor intensive although I like writing so I have no issues there. It's been a while since I've been in school although I'm getting the hang of it. Also, USA has done a great job in staggering the due dates of assignments between courses. I don't have a major paper and test due on the same day which is great! As a few other posters have stated, it's an online program and you must be focused and organized to succeed.

wanttobeanarnp · Mar 15, 2016

I've been out for 20 years and away from the bedside for 10- am thinking about going back to work PRN in the hospital just to get hands-on experience again. Do you work as well?

ClusterB · Mar 23, 2016

I am in the last year of PMHNP at USA. There are not class videos and lectures. It is quite challenging, but if you put in enough time you will do fine. It's all about your effort - as it should be. When you get the A, you will have earned it - and you will feel great.

wanttobeanarnp · Mar 23, 2016

Thank you for sharing! I hope to hear something this week!!

Nurse Turbo · Mar 23, 2016

Actually, I work full time (40-50 hours per week). I admit that I don't study every day and my grades are mediocre. My mind can only deal with excessive stress (work or school) on the same day. I have scheduled intermittent days off through the semester to ensure I have a few days to "focus". It's a delicate balance as a mother, wife, caretaker, and professional although I have to keep my goals in sight to remain successful.

jfish2115 · Mar 26, 2016

Hey ClusterB, BSN

I have just been accepted into the BSN-MSN PMHNP program at USA. I would love to hear more of your thoughts regarding this specific program. I attempted to private message you on here, but the site would not allow me to do that. How do you like the program so far..? I was also accepted into the PMHNP program with EKU, but EKU is more expensive and takes longer to graduate. Would you recommend the USA program, or do you think I should look more into EKU...?

Thanks so much for any advice,

Jeremy Fisher BSN, RN

ClusterB · Mar 27, 2016

Hi there jfish. I am in my last year of the program, and would do it all again. I have not had any bad experiences with any professors. I have had classmates talk of bad experiences, but I have found that if you put in the work you will succeed. You do have to find all of your own preceptors, and in my area finding a PMHNP to do clinicals with was very challenging. I have travelled 3 hours to one and two hours to another. You MUST DO at least half of your clinical hours with a nurse practitioner. The classes are tough, but very similar in structure. Once you get to the psych part of your program you will have 5 unit tests and a final, write two papers, have one to two group projects, and two case studies each semester. The short 7 week summer semester with 180 clinical hours and those assignments is ROUGH, but I imagine it is anywhere- as it really should be. The professors are sharp and expect your best effort - as long as you're prepared to give that to them you will be fine.

forever in school · May 2, 2016

Before you start ask the school about any up coming changes in the program they are working on. From experience they will not tell you of major changes until they are implemented. This being said the school is talking about requiring that all students come to campus at the end of every semester. This can be an issue for students who do not live near campus. If you live far from campus like some of my classmates who are in the military and stationed in Europe this may be a costly change. A 3rd of the way threw my doctorate they turned my 3 year program into a 4 year program. From the sounds of it schools requiring more on campus time is becoming very common. So ask every school you apply too not just south Alabama.

wanttobeanarnp · May 3, 2016

Ok thank you so much!