Hello all... ...long time reader, first time poster.....
...seeking info on the Walden FNP program....
So, I have a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Texas at Austin, and I am a Registered Nurse in Texas (Associates level).
I have been researching programs to bridge from my RN with non-nursing Bachelors degree to MSN-Nurse Practitioner. ....Ball State, Samford, Frontier, Walden, etc.
I have applications out, and most of these seem pretty competitive to get into. Walden, however, seems to be a pretty straight shot in if you meet their qualifications. I spoke with an adviser this morning and was told that all is currently well with clinical rotations in Texas and, further, licensing as an FNP in Texas.
I have read older posts where folks were voicing concerns over being able to genuinely become licensed as a Family Nurse Practitioner in Texas after completing the Walden program. Walden tells me that they currently have FNP students in Texas, and that everything has been straightened out. I do intend to contact the BON, etc, but I wanted to see if any Walden FNP students from Texas are out there and hopefully get some feedback.
The Walden FNP program is so new that they have not yet graduated any Nurse Practitioners (just started September 2012). So, there are not yet any "proven cases," but there are people who have done the research and who have made the tremendous commitment to pursue their FNP through Walden. I would love to hear from you on your knowledge, experience, and verification of legitimacy of the program.
Anybody out there in this program and well on their way, and possibly in Texas, and can confirm that this is a legitimate road to FNP for a nurse in Texas?
Specializes in Certified Family Nurse Practitioner.
I would like to add something to this discussion. I graduated last December from McNeese State Univ in Louisiana. The dean of our Np program left the univ at the same time, and now is teaching at Walden's. I believe she left so that she would have more family time. I won't put her name up on a forum board, but to me she was one of the best instructors/leaders/mentors I could have asked for. If that is the caliber of people Walden's hires, then I believe their NP program is alright. Our program was primarily online, however the univ is a real place a block from my home, Google McNeese if you want to.
I can tell you that ALL of my instructors have had impeccable resumes...For example, my Advanced Pharmacology teacher has been a practicing NP at a large teaching hospital in Ohio for 12 years, and a masters level instructor for the past ten. All of my instructors have been doctoral prepared, as well as having worked for many years in their fields.
I've also attended Walden since Sept '12...not an easy program at all. Currently taking Adv HA and Adv Pharm. Yes, I'm maintaining good grades but not without challenge and having to go from full-time to part-time and since I will be starting clinicals in Sept....PRN. I've never attended another MSN porgram, but I do have friends that have. My curriculum is equally or more challenging than theirs. Good luck to those that decide on given Walden a try and the Best of luck to all of us that nearing the end........
I've also attended Walden since Sept '12...not an easy program at all. Currently taking Adv HA and Adv Pharm. Yes I'm maintaining good grades but not without challenge and having to go from full-time to part-time and since I will be starting clinicals in Sept....PRN. I've never attended another MSN porgram, but I do have friends that have. My curriculum is equally or more challenging than theirs. Good luck to those that decide on given Walden a try and the Best of luck to all of us that nearing the end........[/quote']
Hello ,
For those who are in Walden's FNP program I am wondering if its possible to take evidence based practice(nurs6052), inter professional organization (nurs6053), and advanced patho(nurs6501) all in one quater or would I be setting myself up for failure .
I work full time and I am a single mother but I would like to take health assessment and pharm together. If its too demanding I will end up having to take pharmacology by itself before beginning the practicums portion .
I took Health assess and patho together this summer. I work part-time and have a new baby and teenagers. It pretty much ruined my summer. no life whatsoever but totally do-able. I got A's. I am taking pharm by itself right now. I I don't think you could do it and work and be a Mom. EBP is a pretty time consuming class but 6053 is pretty easy.
I took Health assess and patho together this summer. I work part-time and have a new baby and teenagers. It pretty much ruined my summer. no life whatsoever but totally do-able. I got A's. I am taking pharm by itself right now. I I don't think you could do it and work and be a Mom. EBP is a pretty time consuming class but 6053 is pretty easy.
I should also mention I work on an Indian reservation. Walmart is 1 hour away and the city is 2 . No true social life outside my daughter. So with that being said is it still something you wouldn't recommend ?
Walden in accredited by CCNE. I graduated from Walden's FNP program and I live in California. Once you finish the program you need to pass your board and you'll get licensed in CA.
What program did you end up getting into? I am in a similar situation. I have a ADN and a BS in education. I am looking into Frontier and Ball State. Frontier requires the physical assessment course, which costs nearly $2000 from them. I looked into Grand Canyon and that requires about 3 years of RN experience before you can apply.
DO NOT go to Walden, they offer NO support for their MSN/FNP students when trying to find a clinical site/preceptor. The support at the beginning of the program is great, but the minute you actually need support it isn't there. I am currently a Walden MSN/FNP student and am having a great deal of difficulty finding a clinical site/preceptor and I live in a big place (Dallas). I have reached out to the school for assistance and they (academic advisor, NP field training team) won't return calls or emails. Unfortunetely I am not the only MSN/FNP student having these difficulties. I have filed a written complaint with the school and plan on filing with the ANA and CCNE.
I also go to Walden and although I agree that they are not very helpful with practicum placement support (and never return calls/approve practicums etc) I have talked to a lot of other MSN students including those going to the local State University doctorate FNP program and they don't get assistance with setting up clinicals either. I also have talked to students from Gonzaga in Spokane WA and they ran into the same problems. I think, across the board, most places require you to get your own. I agree they should be more helpful but I definitely wouldn't say DON'T go to walden because of this. Just be aware you will be on your own when it comes to setting up your practicums and its harder than you think. However, you will most likely run into this with any school you attend, especially a distance program).
Mark Hill BSN
192 Posts
I can tell you that ALL of my instructors have had impeccable resumes...For example, my Advanced Pharmacology teacher has been a practicing NP at a large teaching hospital in Ohio for 12 years, and a masters level instructor for the past ten. All of my instructors have been doctoral prepared, as well as having worked for many years in their fields.