UofT vs Western

[pinkranger]

Hey,

I have been accepted to the nursing program at UofT and the compressed nursing program at Western. I was wondering if anyone could give some insight on these programs. I've been struggling on which offer to accept and I only have a week left to decide. From what I've read both programs are great but I know there were changes to Western's program this year. I like that the Western program is shorter by 5 months but UofT is in Toronto. I'd really appreciate it if anyone could help me out.

[post-it]

I am currently in the Western program, just finished up first year and starting the summer semester shortly.

I was deciding between Western and Trent and ultimately chose Western for the same reason (it was significantly shorter then Trent's). Knowing what I do now, I would have definitely given Trent more thought. With the changes at Western I do not feel like we are getting a well rounded nursing experience since we no longer have a pediatric/maternal health class or placement. We had a long term placement in our first semester this year, but that has been taken out so you will only have sim lab in first semester (which is absolutely nothing like placement). I also don't feel like the Western program challenges critical thinking or prepares you for the NCLEX, so far in the program anyways. Our pharmacology was not specific enough to nursing students, and didn't even include pain medications, cardiac medications (except for those for hypertension), or several other classes of drugs. Everything also just feels very disorganized; our summer semester starts in two weeks and we don't know when or where our community health placements are yet. Considering how much we pay for tuition it often does not feel like we are being treated fairly.

I am not saying don't choose Western. The school itself is wonderful, as is London. If I had the choice again I would probably still choose it for the sake of getting into the workforce sooner. The area is not as saturated with new graduate nurses either, to the extent Toronto is, so from what I have heard it is better to try and get a job here. I am just trying to offer the insight that I wish someone could have told me last year, because knowing what I know now I do not feel that I made an informed decision when I chose Western. But, as they say....hindsight is 20/20!

I am not sure if that is helpful or not but if you have any other questions, let me know.

[kitkat546]

Hey first off congrats! I was in that same boat last week:/ my offer for Toronto was going to expire today though. I did choose Toronto:). In all honesty my choice wasn't necessarily because I thought one school was superior to the other. I believe as long as you pass that nclux you are a nurse and noone can take that away from you wherever you go. My choice was strictly due to personal reasons. However, real reason I'm posting is so you do not have the same stress I did. If you have already accepted Western (April 1st deadline was for me so I had already accepted there), then remember you have to decline Western before accepting Toronto. Once you decline Western, you will be locked out until the next business day. I did this all on Friday and luckily I did because I got into the system Monday..if I waited till Monday to reject Western (I think it still would have been fine) but so much nerves lol. Goodluck with your decision:) both schools look amazing!!

[pinkranger]

post-it, your reply was really helpful. Thanks alot.

I think I'm going to go with UofT because I just found out I got a scholarship.

kitkat546, Thanks for the heads up about the OUAC system. Hope to see you at UofT next year!