Western University of Health Science MSN Entry Level 2016

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Hello all,

Who else is applying to the MSN Entry level 2016? I've decided to create this thread as I have not seen any new threads for 2016 start date.

Specializes in MEDSURG ONCOLOGY/TRANSPLANT.
At EAOD, Professor Tuason mentioned several clinical sites that hired Western MSN-E students before they get their MSN. For me, some of these sites are closer to my home (CHOC and St. Joseph's Hospital), which is great news because I don't like to commute too far for work. I can't speak for everyone, but I think it's comforting to know that there are options and possibilities. As I mentioned, you build your career while you're going through the program, not by the end of it. While in clinical, you need to network and exhibit your great nursing knowledge and skills. Ultimately, you need to show these preceptors and clinical sites that you're an excellent nurse, and that they can't go wrong hiring you. But really, that's with any sort of career. You can't go in expecting that these programs will hand over a job to you. You need to earn it. I totally agree that finding a nursing job will be another challenge, but it's not like finding one is impossible. My friends who are RNs now told me honestly that they did encounter roadblocks, but they eventually bypassed them.

And it is surprising to see that a hospital would undervalue an MSN degree. I think the issue may stem from the fact that the BSN takes 4 years to complete while the MSN takes about 2-3. If the concern is regarding the amount of clinical hours, I don't see how that is a problem when the MSN-E program puts students directly into clinicals in their first semester. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but if you look at the program's curriculum, MSN-E students are spending ample time in clinicals throughout the year, with their final year being almost all in clinical (you're only coming to lectures twice/semester). The only reason why I think hospitals would be hesitant to take an MSN nurse is because they have to pay those nurses more, which I think is understandable. However, for someone like me who's seeking for a DNP in the future, having an MSN degree is the only logical step. I don't need a second bachelor's degree.

In the end, you'll need to trust your own judgement and consider your circumstances. Whatever you do from here on out will require your full commitment. Lastly, for anyone interested, please read the following webpage for some valuable insight: BSN vs. MSN Degree Which is Best? | 2015 NurseJournal.org

Thank you for your encouraging words. I guess what I am really anxious about is that after we pass the nclex and hold the title of an RN, we will be competing for jobs against fresh grad RNs who have a BSN. Although we essentially are RNs too by then and have a Bachelor's degree in another field, we technically do not have a nursing degree unlike RNs who have ADNs or BSNs. Surely it is gonna be a tough competition to convince employers that we can do a better job than those who have BSNs. You know what I mean? But of course when we are successful in securing a job as an RN, it will be a breeze to complete the remaining requirements for the MSN portion. I am confident that by the time we finish our MSN, it will be a lot easier to get a job. In the meantime, there will be no guarantees if we will all be successful in securing a job after the prelicensure portion and before the MSN portion. It is comforting to know that Residency training will be provided by Western U for those who cannot get a job as an RN. Are we going to receive compensation while doing the residency though?

I'm sorry if I sound too anxious, I just want to be sure that I make the right decision because it is a huge investment. Perhaps, there may be others out there having the same concerns. In the end, I hope we all reach our goals and become successful.

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Thank you for your encouraging words. I guess what I am really anxious about is that after we pass the nclex and hold the title of an RN, we will be competing for jobs against fresh grad RNs who have a BSN. Although we essentially are RNs too by then and have a Bachelor's degree in another field, we technically do not have a nursing degree unlike RNs who have ADNs or BSNs. Surely it is gonna be a tough competition to convince employers that we can do a better job than those who have BSNs. You know what I mean? But of course when we are successful in securing a job as an RN, it will be a breeze to complete the remaining requirements for the MSN portion. I am confident that by the time we finish our MSN, it will be a lot easier to get a job. In the meantime, there will be no guarantees if we will all be successful in securing a job after the prelicensure portion and before the MSN portion. It is comforting to know that Residency training will be provided by Western U for those who cannot get a job as an RN. Are we going to receive compensation while doing the residency though?

I'm sorry if I sound too anxious, I just want to be sure that I make the right decision because it is a huge investment. Perhaps, there may be others out there having the same concerns. In the end, I hope we all reach our goals and become successful.

I doubt that they would pay us for the clinical hours. Usually, thats at personal cost and we have to fit that into our schedules. I know that personally, I am stepping down from full time employment to make all this work. It is very scary but with all the work I have made so far, and my dreams to be a nurse, I would lose my house if it came down to it. Personally, that is how bad I want it.

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Thank you for your encouraging words. I guess what I am really anxious about is that after we pass the nclex and hold the title of an RN, we will be competing for jobs against fresh grad RNs who have a BSN. Although we essentially are RNs too by then and have a Bachelor's degree in another field, we technically do not have a nursing degree unlike RNs who have ADNs or BSNs. Surely it is gonna be a tough competition to convince employers that we can do a better job than those who have BSNs. You know what I mean? But of course when we are successful in securing a job as an RN, it will be a breeze to complete the remaining requirements for the MSN portion. I am confident that by the time we finish our MSN, it will be a lot easier to get a job. In the meantime, there will be no guarantees if we will all be successful in securing a job after the prelicensure portion and before the MSN portion. It is comforting to know that Residency training will be provided by Western U for those who cannot get a job as an RN. Are we going to receive compensation while doing the residency though?

I'm sorry if I sound too anxious, I just want to be sure that I make the right decision because it is a huge investment. Perhaps, there may be others out there having the same concerns. In the end, I hope we all reach our goals and become successful.

No worries - I totally share your sentiments about these decisions. If nursing is your ultimate goal, you'll achieve it one way or the other. It's just that you may have to take a different route, but you'll get there eventually. What might help you is to think about your long term goals. I mentioned in my SOP that I have a timeline I wanted to follow, which included getting my MSN-CNL first and eventually a DNP. Essentially, I already have a career plan laid out, which include all I need to do in order to get to my goal. For me, getting into a Accelerated BSN would put me out on the field quicker, but I would have to go back and get my MSN, which costs more or just about the same time and money. It just makes more sense for me to go for my MSN in the end. That's just me so I can't speak for all. I will also lose a very good job pursuing nursing, but I know it myself that it will be worth it in the end. Nursing has such a strong force in healthcare, and the field is also very broad. And considering where I work, which is a Magnet hospital, there are a lot more opportunities to grow as a nurse than there is for any other field. Frankly, all these things played into my decision making.

From what I've heard, the residency program seems to have worked very well. My friend, who is an RN, mentioned that her friend was a Western student, and had to go through the residency program. It did help her get a job. Although we won't be compensated for our hours, I think the idea is really to get us to build relationships with our clinical sites, and to get us to refine our nursing knowledge/skills. Of course, it'll also help us get the job in the end. It would be nice to get paid for being a student, but 5 semesters will roll by quickly since we're so busy. :)

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Specializes in MEDSURG ONCOLOGY/TRANSPLANT.

I am becoming more convinced now that choosing to accept the offer from Western U is the best thing to do. I was able to ask a couple of nurses, one who is a practicing NP from Foothill Presbyterian Hospital, a retired Nurse from Kaiser, and a Nurse Manager from USC Keck Hospital. All of them advised me to "go for it." They said that they took the longer route coz there was no such program during the time they were in school. In addition, they all said good things about Western U...very good training and highly reputable. In fact, they have high regard for Western U students and graduates. So there, now I am more confident with the decision I have to make... and assured that I will be in good hands! I'm now getting excited for what is yet to come.

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Has anyone heard anything regarding one of the February interview dates? I applied a month before the deadline and I have not received anything yet.

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Has anyone heard anything regarding one of the February interview dates? I applied a month before the deadline and I have not received anything yet.

I received an early acceptance letter but they might be waiting.. It literally was like boom one week to book my flight and make arrangements.

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I received my acceptance the following 2 weeks of my EAOD.

For those who are going to EAOD, I don't know about others, but I treated the entire day like it was an interview and came in with a mission. Essentially, they just want to see if you're as good in person as you are on paper, so be on your best behavior, dress professionally, and ask questions that are thought through. The only challenge I found was when we broke out into small groups for lunch. In that group, you'll be talking to students and faculty, so it's really your best chance to shine. I had to balance between being considerate and being assertive during conversations - so it was a great learning experience for me. In the end, you'll be spending a lot of time learning about the program and the people around you i.e. other EAOD candidates, faculty, and current (and recent grad) MSN-E students. Also, you'll get a nice breakfast and lunch - so make sure you eat! Keep calm, smile a lot, and show them you're interested in the school and why you want to become a nurse! Good luck - and you'll do fine! :)

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@PeaceWalker

Thanks for your insight! I fluctuate between nervousness and excitement for the day- I wonder if any EAOD candidates got rejected? It seems like the majority of you get accepted.

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I still have received nothing :( Did most of you get your information through email, mail or phone?!

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They gave a deadline of Feb 11 to deposit a non-refundable $500 reservation fee.

Can someone who has already attended EAOD and been offered an acceptance clarify something about the deposit for me. If we give our deposit that is essentially saying we are going to go to the program, correct? Is there any consequence, other than losing $500 buckaroonies, to changing our mind after paying the deposit and choosing a different program?

My issue is that Western seems like a really great school and I have friends who have gone there and loved it, but location and cost wise it's just not my first choice. It seems like because I am going to EAOD next week and they may very well offer an early acceptance shortly there after I'm probably going to lose $500 if I make a deposit and end up getting in somewhere else (just had an interview for another program today).

Am I reading this situation right? Is it just a $500 deposit or am I signing some kind of binding contract saying I will definitely go there?

(please note, I do not take a $500 deposit lightly, I am terrified of losing that kind of money but even more terrified of not paying and then getting in no where. If offered, I will pay). Thoughts?

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I still have received nothing :( Did most of you get your information through email, mail or phone?!

in the past declines came via mail from what I understand. Everything so far has been by email, no calls or snail mail. There is still plenty interview dates and stuff just hang tight.. Sending good vibes your way.

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From the January EAOD, how many applicants went to the event? It seems a little worrisome to have more than a few nearly locked into so few spots.

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