USM program?

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Hey all!

I'm new.. I've been reading posts on allnurses.com for a while now (I especially love the "what grosses you out" one... but just finally joined! I applied to USM's accelerated BSN program, and got put on the waiting list, and should hear any day now if I got accepted. What I'm wondering is.. does anyone know anything about this program, or worked with anyone that went through it.. you know, all the juicy details!

Thanks!!

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Welcome ejpetey! I graduated from USM's nursing program in 12/02 and for the most part was satisfied with the program. I started before the accelerated BSN program was in place, which was unfortunate because I already had a BS in another field. I was still able to finish in 2 1/2 years because I took classes year-round, including summers.

The program has some excellent instructors, esp. Su Sepples who teaches adult health I and II. Some of the clinical instructors are mediocre The major complaint I had with the program was the community health clinical which was 4 semesters long. It would have been much more beneficial to spend more time in hospital-based clinicals IMO.

Good luck! Do you already have a degree in another field?

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Thanks!

Yes, I have a degree from USM in media studies, but a hefty science background since I had majored in PT at UNE for two years first. I graduated a couple years ago, and have tried some other professions.. worked at a software company, working in education now.. but something keeps pulling me back to the medical field. I don't really have a back up plan if I don't get in, so we'll see what happens!!!!

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Hi, I just graduated yesterday from USM! I have to agree with Sadie in regards to the community partnership. I felt the time used in the particular partnership I had could have been spent else where. Granted, the partnership I had was just getting started. Mine was only 3 semesters though.

Leaving USM I have only one bit of advice for you......keep in constant contact with your advisor(s). This last semester alone there were 5 people, that I know of, within my class of undergrads (out of 35) who got phone calls telling them at 11th hour that they may not be done with the program. I personally have had communication with the Dean of Nursing in regards of the need to address advising. She has informed me that CON is currently working on a software program and things should hopefully get better in the future.

Good Luck!

USM new grad 2004!

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Hi, I just graduated yesterday from USM! I have to agree with Sadie in regards to the community partnership. I felt the time used in the particular partnership I had could have been spent else where. Granted, the partnership I had was just getting started. Mine was only 3 semesters though.

Leaving USM I have only one bit of advice for you......keep in constant contact with your advisor(s). This last semester alone there were 5 people, that I know of, within my class of undergrads (out of 35) who got phone calls telling them at 11th hour that they may not be done with the program. I personally have had communication with the Dean of Nursing in regards of the need to address advising. She has informed me that CON is currently working on a software program and things should hopefully get better in the future.

Good Luck!

USM new grad 2004!

Hi, jam0601:

How would you rate USM accelerated BSN program? Is the program hard? What is the attrition rate? How is job market for new graduates in maine?

I have a degree from U Maine at Orono. I've been to Portland and it seems to be a very nice place. I am interested in USM accelerated BSN program. A good thing is that they require few pre-reqs.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Maternity, quality.

I am applying to the accelerated 2nd degree program at USM as well and would be interested in any info people may have.

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I am applying to the accelerated 2nd degree program at USM as well and would be interested in any info people may have.

Do you know what is the accrediation they have?

Seems that they are not accrediated by CCEN, and they voluntarily withdraw from the NLNAC accrediation. I am wondering what if they are not accrediated by either, only approved by the sate board.

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Specializes in Maternity, quality.
Do you know what is the accrediation they have?

Seems that they are not accrediated by CCEN, and they voluntarily withdraw from the NLNAC accrediation. I am wondering what if they are not accrediated by either, only approved by the sate board.

They are accredited by the AACN.

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They are accredited by the AACN.

Check the link:

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CCNE/reports/rptAccreditedPrograms.asp?state=ME&sFullName=Maine

I didn't see USM on the AACN-CCNE accrediation list.

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Specializes in Maternity, quality.
Check the link:

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CCNE/reports/rptAccreditedPrograms.asp?state=ME&sFullName=Maine

I didn't see USM on the AACN-CCNE accrediation list.

Apparently they are applying to AACN for accreditation. Here is the link:

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/ccne/reports/rptNewApplicants.asp?state=ME&sFullName=Maine

If I get an interview I will definitely be asking about this. However, since they are part of the University of Maine system and all the other programs have AACN accreditation, I'm hoping that this will happen soon.

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Apparently they are applying to AACN for accreditation. Here is the link:

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/ccne/reports/rptNewApplicants.asp?state=ME&sFullName=Maine

If I get an interview I will definitely be asking about this. However, since they are part of the University of Maine system and all the other programs have AACN accreditation, I'm hoping that this will happen soon.

Thanks for the link. Now I understand why they voluntarily withdrew from NLNAC accreditation. They probably well on their way to AACN accreditation now.

I don't think USM program has an interview. I will probably apply first, then wait and see.

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Hi, jam0601:

How would you rate USM accelerated BSN program? Is the program hard? What is the attrition rate? How is job market for new graduates in maine?

I have a degree from U Maine at Orono. I've been to Portland and it seems to be a very nice place. I am interested in USM accelerated BSN program. A good thing is that they require few pre-reqs.

Thanks!

USM does have a good program with a fairly low attrition rate. I don't know exactly what the rate is, but I've heard it is low. The job market for new grads in Maine is okay. There are opportunities, but the state isn't experiencing a shortage. Getting into a specialty area isn't impossible, but it is not as easy as it is in other states with shortages and large hospitals.

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