Published Nov 25, 2014
MelanieMars
1 Post
I have read several negative posts regarding Walden University and several individuals have voiced concerns that they may not be able to find a job after they graduate from Walden's program. I am posting here to share my experience.
I completed the Walden University MSN program in late August 2014. I took and passed the AANP NP Boards on October 2, 2014, on my first attempt.
I am located in Southern CA, an area inundated with Nurse Practitioners. I've only had one minor issue thus far. The pharmacology class taken at Walden University did not satisfy the CA state requirements for Schedule II narcotics. I was required to take a 3 contact hour course offered through the CA Association of Nurse Practitioners. The test was 10 questions and took me all of 10 minutes to complete.
I have applied for 3 jobs since receiving my CA state certification and furnishing license. I have been offered 2 positions so far and have a 3rd interview next week for another position. One position is in Internal Medicine, and the other is in an Emergency Department.
For those of you who think that having a degree from Walden will prevent you from getting a job, I know first hand that this is not true. Not only have I been offered positions, but I have been offered very fair compensation.
My education at Walden was very good. As with any program, you get out of it what you put into it. Taking an online program requires motivation and dedication and finding a work, life and school balance can be quite difficult. online programs are not for those individuals who require hand holding and direction at every turn.
For those individuals who enjoy working autonomously, are self-directed. and motivated, then Walden is an excellent program that should be considered.
TheCommuter, BSN, RN
102 Articles; 27,612 Posts
zmansc, ASN, RN
867 Posts
First, congratulations on both graduating and passing your boards. Hope you enjoy whichever of those jobs you choose.
Second, you are the second poster from Walden in recent months who has posted such a quick timeline between graduating and taking boards. I know one other Walden grad (actually about to graduate) who plans on taking her boards immediately after graduation as well. I only know of one other school where some of the students have taken the boards so soon after graduation and that school offers (requires actually) that the student pass a mock board the last term of the program, so basically the review program is built into the last term. Is that the case with the Walden program? Do they promote a certain timeline, or is this a bit of an anomaly that the only Walden grads I know all choose to take the boards immediately after graduation?
Yuppers21
173 Posts
Congrats! Glad to hear you have had so much success with Walden. As I search various grad programs, I am always curious as to why students pick the ones they do. Would you be will to share why Walden was the right school for you?
adventure780, BSN, MSN, RN, APN
258 Posts
According to all the research I have done, no matter what school you go to you should take the boards sooner rather than later, otherwise your chances of passing decline with the more time you take off before you take boards
twotfruity98
16 Posts
Hi I am very nervous about taking the boards I am doing fitzgerald, but it feels like every time I learn something new old info is removed
help. I really want to passim trying
to sit in late dec hopefully 30
Conqueror+, BSN, RN
1,457 Posts
And this is the only post this person has EVER made. Perhaps take it with a grain of salt. My best advice is to know YOUR local job market. There are several reputable brick and mortar schools in my area and south/walden/phoenix grads are not first choice although I am sure someone will post that they were hired over a graduate from Yale. Just do what is best for your future and start by knowing what that is and not trusting one anonymous poster with only one post touting a school.
PMHNP to be
17 Posts
I don't think it really matters once you finish the program and pass your boards. I know a few other nurses that are in the Walden FNP program and they are doing just fine, no complaints, and do not expect to have not trouble finding jobs after graduation.