WGU to Walden NP?

Buyer beware, BSN · Sep 29, 2016

Hello all! I have read many posts on here about Western Governors University (WGU) and Walden. I've read the good (great even!), the bad, and the criticisms.
I would love some advice from NPs or people in NP school.
(Background - if it matters)
I have worked in health care since 2008. I am a wife, mom, and in my second semester of my ADN. Estimated time table: January '17 - LPN, January '18 - RN.

From there, I would like to get my BSN, then NP. I believe that I would like to become a PMHNP, but recognize that I MUST work in a variety of fields to be certain what my NP specialty "calling" will be.

If I want to do Walden for my NP, should I do the RN-BSN through WGU, or the RN-MSN (leadership/management)?

Has anyone done the WGU RN-MSN? How long did it take you to complete?

NPs who graduated from Walden (or are in the programs), how long did this program take you to complete, and which route did you go (RN, BSN, or MSN - NP?)

I may seem like a crazy person, but this is my second career, and for unfortunate personal life concerns, I really need to set up an effective game plan sooner than later.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/clinton-laureate-scandal-lots-smoke-gun-missing-dahn-shaulis?trk=mp-author-card

OP: The link above just about sums up Walden (Laureate University). It shows that the for-profit gravy train is indulged in by Republican and Democratic concerns alike.

When it comes to making money, and I mean lots of it, it's a grab-bag for the unscrupulous who talk out of both sides of their mouth.

As it sounds like you have already spoken to the boiler room dialers at Walden who are disguised as academic advisors, use the information I have provided to make an informed decision.

This way your choice will be made not from a sales pitch but by knowing that the school you choose is for-you and not for-profit.

ChristCares · Oct 12, 2016

Buyer beware: Thank you for that link! I thoroughly read the article, and was very appreciative of the information. Although I am not set on going to the most "prestigious" school around (living in rural America, many of the RNs and APRNs around got their degrees from random online universities, and have successful careers)... I also do NOT want to go to a school that may lose it's accreditation, or really is that shady.

After all... I do want to take the path of least resistance, but not if that means a poor education.

AliNajaCat · Oct 12, 2016

Sure you can do that. I'd never hire you, and I would not be alone.

Go to real schools. If you can't get into one, then do what you have to do to be admitted. if you can't do that, think of something else.

ChristCares · Oct 13, 2016

AliNajaCat, I'm surprised by how many people there are who respond like you on here. It's disappointing in a "caring" profession, that there isn't a whole lot of regard for others.

I am not interested in online because I can't get in to another program. I don't need/desire to boast about my accolades, but in case anyone else hesitates to be helpful, I will clarify.

I am interested in an online program because I live rurally, work two jobs, go to school, am raising our 1 and 3 year old, and at times caregiving for a family member with mental health concerns. I am not extremely interested in the DNP program closest to me, because they don't accept a handful of my courses taken at a state university 10 years ago, and I would therefore waste a year taking frivolous courses like Public Speaking. It is the top program in the state, and it too, is offered online.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Oct 14, 2016

AliNajaCat, I'm surprised by how many people there are who respond like you on here. It's disappointing in a "caring" profession, that there isn't a whole lot of regard for others.
I am not interested in online because I can't get in to another program. I don't need/desire to boast about my accolades, but in case anyone else hesitates to be helpful, I will clarify.
I am interested in an online program because I live rurally, work two jobs, go to school, am raising our 1 and 3 year old, and at times caregiving for a family member with mental health concerns. I am not extremely interested in the DNP program closest to me, because they don't accept a handful of my courses taken at a state university 10 years ago, and I would therefore waste a year taking frivolous courses like Public Speaking. It is the top program in the state, and it too, is offered online.

It frosts my cookies when people call out AN'ers for not being "caring"... bull hockey. Nurses are not 'angels of mercy' who go through life dedicated to making everyone feel good. We're professionals in a knowledge-based occupation with very high standards - one that is focused on the welfare of patients for which we care. We're the most trusted profession in the US. So, anyone who posts about trying to fast track & cut corners to make it into 'our' profession is going to get a lot of flak from nurses who are determined not to lower the bar. Especially if those posters appear to only be interested in high status (DNP, Admin, or anything but bedside care) positions... no matter how many accolades have been bestowed.

That being said, I do understand OP's frustration about accessing a school within a reasonable distance. But the fact remains - until technology is available to support an equivalent virtual experience... you cannot learn to be a nurse without actually dealing with human patients. There is no such thing as a 100% online pre-licensure nursing program.

ChristCares · Oct 15, 2016

Well, my intention was to gain insight from those who have walked the path. Thank you Buyer Beware for the helpful link.

I believe that many of the criticisms flying are simply due to misunderstandings or lack of knowledge, but nonetheless, I found my answers elsewhere.