WGU RN-MSN Education

Nursing Students Western Governors

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Hi everyone! I'm interested in pursuing my RN-MSN in Nursing Education at . Has anyone completed the program successfully? If so, was it worth it, how long did it take you to complete, what was the hardest part(s) for you?

I'm interested in teaching online in the future and wondering if this program prepares you for that and if there are grads that successfully land online nursing instructor positions post completion of their MSN at WGU?

Thank you all in advance!

On 8/18/2019 at 4:12 PM, lynloro said:

Does WGU help with finding preceptors? I’ve heard horror stories of people having a hard time finding preceptors. I am about to apply to MSN program, and I’m doing a research of which school offers the most support to the Students. I am deciding between WGU or UT arlington or UTMB.

They do not help with finding a preceptor, but I posted on the “nextdoor” app and had 3 people generously respond within the same day. Every state has different requirements, my state does not require “hours” for the capstone, but I believe some states do.

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7 hours ago, nurseryRN14 said:

I attend WGU BSN to MSN,

They must have changed the length of these papers because I don't see how some people finish in 6 months or a year. I think because WGU know's of this alot has changed. I put in 4 to 5 hours a day and been going over a year non-stop. No motivation from the mentor to speed up a bit. I have to motivate myself. I would say do NP and be done. I'm almost done thought. I don't think it should take this long for a MSN. Most of these programs try to make you retake these classes which is not fair. WGU had 1 objective assessment so far which was really hard. The rest are papers which are graded not as strict to start. Once you are closer to finishing the graders really grade hard. Your paper has to be almost perfect.

I think this really depends on your experience. I did 30 units in 2 months because I was already familiar with the information. While there is a higher standard in the MSN portion, the revisions haven’t prevented my progress. My mentor opens up the next course once I have submitted the PA for my current course. I think having a supportive mentor is really helpful. You can ask for a new mentor at any time if you feel they are hindering your progress!
Also, most universities require you take their versions of courses because it is their degree. If you took 95% of your classes at UCLA then 5% at , it wouldn’t really be “their degree”, you would be UCLA educated. You know? That is how it was explained to me. I know it is annoying, but generally I think they want more than 50% of the units of that degree to be completed with them because their name is on the diploma.

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Hi Everyone,

Can someone explain what the fieldwork hours (how many and what is entailed) are that are required for the MSN program at ?

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It depends on what state you live/work in.

In my state, there is no hour requirement. But I know California does have an hour requirement.

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I just finished the Prelicensure BSN program and I am interested in the MSN program. My dilemma is I just can't figure out with track I want to go with Education or Leadership, mostly because my end goals are so broad and I could really do what I want with both. Does anyone know the specific differences for each track?

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On 6/23/2018 at 4:41 PM, TaeRN said:

Following. ...

I'm starting the master's program in nursing education July 1st.

How is it going so far? What kind of assignments are you getting?

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Specializes in Neurosciences, stepdown, acute rehab, LTC.

Following ! Considering the master in education program. 

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I started Masters of Education program in April2019. The assignments are papers so far. we had one test on Quality assurance.  I will be in my last semester in a couple of weeks. I hear a lot of students say they finish 26 credits on 5 months. I’m not sure how they are doing this unless they have someone else’s work.  WGU start off light with grading, then it starts to pick up each semester as to how hard they grade.  When you reach the 900 courses it gets very hard with the assessments  and building the rubrics to test students. The evaluators send you to grammar jail for minor errors for everything, but the good thing about it is you can correct the mistakes and resubmit the eval again to pass.  WGU has changed the classes for the MSN courses and I’m not sure if they added more or took away more. I kind of wished I would have gone to a school that gives letter grades instead  of pass/ fail. I think ‘s online courses are tough considered people thinking online is easy. It’s actually harder. When you graduate you are gonna be a great writer, I can promise you that. You will not be leaving WGU turning in shabby work.  I don’t like the fact that certain mentors do nothing to assist you with anything. They call you to see what you think you will complete and some don’t push you to finish, you must push yourself or you will never graduate. The now have an NP Program , but because I’m in Maryland it’s not offered. I like the program because you work at you own pace and whenever you can. Anyway, I can’t wait til it’s over.

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@nurseyrn14 I finished 38 units last term and absolutely didn’t cheat. (RN to MSN) That’s kind of offensive to imply one would have to “have someone else’s work” to progress quickly. Some people have more experience and can get through courses faster, which is why I chose this “competency based” approach. I have over a decade of experience in a variety of roles, and I am currently working as an adjunct educator at a local university. I have a supportive mentor, and if anyone is unhappy with their mentor, they can ask for a new one. But, they are not supposed to do the work for you- they are a resource, their role is not to hold your hand or tell you when do you school work. 
 

I have encouraged other seasoned nurses to go to , and have appropriately cautioned nascent nurses that it is a competency based program. I realize we all have different experience and goals, and it’s unfortunate you have had a negative experience while I have had such a positive one. 

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@spaghetti321, what prompted you to take this route for your MSN? Also have you started looking for a job or will you be working in the same area you are already in?

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I had 2 co-workers that went to this school and they seemed to have finished pretty quickly. I had to go step nu step because of childcare and this route online seemed to be the easiest way for me to get my degree and not leave home alot. So far everything has been online because of Covid, but you necessarily may have not needed to go anywhere if your preceptor was doing online teaching. I hear many students finish rather quickly, I swear this is alot of work and discipline. You have to push yourself. I still have 2 classes left. I so glad I decided to go. I found out they have a NP Program for BSN students. If I knew that I probably would have gone that route. If wants your business they surely don’t let you of other fields they are trying to start. I’M a little salty about that.  My mentor still hasn't mentioned the NP Program to me. I guess she thought she would have to do some work if I switched. Anyway good luck.

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Anyone have info on whether offers a dual MSN/MBA program? I have looked but can not find a definite answer ? any info is greatly appreciated! Or if there is another alternative for these degrees?  I'm looking to save time and money if possible, yet have a reputable education.    Thabjs for your help in advance. 

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