Working Full-Time while Attending National University BSN

babeinboots, MSN, NP, CNM · Dec 30, 2014

I attend National, granted we've only completed 3 classes (will start fundamentals after winter break) but about half of our cohort works full time, myself included, with another 3-4 who work part-time. Its doable as far as work load, the real pain in the constant schedule change and finding out the next class schedule last minute, but if you have a flexible schedule or understanding boss you should be ok. Things are suppose to pick up with this up coming class and some of us are debating whether to work less hours or not... Only time will tell.

ShondaJ · Dec 31, 2014

Ok. Cool. I was thinking of switching to night shift if I did attend. I would love to go there. I am already a student because I competed my sciencd courses there a couple of months ago. I am looking at it as my on campus option if I dont go with Western Governors University.

babeinboots, MSN, NP, CNM · Dec 31, 2014

I understand your concerns, I almost didn't apply to the program this past summer (I literally applied on the last day the application was open) because the whole you can't / shouldn't work thing. I say go for it, previous cohorts have members that work as well. Time management is key.

I had looked into WGU as well but one of the representatives/consular gave me false info. This past March I was told that I missed the deadline for the upcoming start date for Nov. 2014 and the earliest I could start if accepted would be 2015. I then talked to someone else in late April/early May just to find out that the deadline for the Nov 2014 start wasn't until July. When I confronted the person who gave me the false info, I got a lot of BS. Instead of rushing to get everything done, including applying to WGU, getting transcripts, LOR's, taking the teas, and applying to the nursing program within a couple of months, i just said forget.

I hope everything works out for you, if its meant to be it will. One of these schools will work out for you.

ShondaJ · Dec 31, 2014

Oh wow! I guess I lucked out on my WGU enrollment counselor. He has been awesome. I only have 2 classes to complete then my TEAS then I am set to go. I will look at NU again since it is right around the corner from my job and I live only minutes away.

The one thing that kind of concerns me is that high priced orientation fee. What is it now $2500? I think it was.

babeinboots, MSN, NP, CNM · Dec 31, 2014

Yea, the orientation fee is pretty steep but I heard that it's pretty high at a lot if the universities. WGU is rare in its low price but the catch is they're not WASC accredited, so I guess all schools have their pros and cons. But since the orientation fee I haven't had to come out of pocket for any other fees. The only thing I pay for now is books and the most I've spent on one class for books is just under $70.

You would have time to save the money for the orientation fee and despite what they tell you, you don't have to pay it on orientation day, they give you about another month before they start bugging you and if you have enough in grants and/or loans it will cover it. If the orientation fee is your main concern, I wouldn't let it stop me from attending the school. Aside from WGU, National's BSN program is still cheaper than most in the area.

ShondaJ · Jan 1, 2015

They are not WASC because the school is based out of Utah which is the Northwest region of the U.S. They have their regional accreditation through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities which is in the Northwest United States. They won't be WASC because that is the accreditation for Western Colleges and Universities. They both are regional which is the same just different regions in the U.S.

They are CCNE and approved by the California

Their accreditation is not an issue. I would love to attend that school if they accept me but if I can do NU and get away with working full time and be able to pay for that outrageous orientation fee.

ShondaJ · Jan 1, 2015

They are transferable which Is what WASC and the Northwest Commission is for. So there is no issue with that.

babeinboots, MSN, NP, CNM · Jan 2, 2015

Maybe you should apply to both programs, see where you get in and make your decision from there. It's good to give yourself more options and a little wiggle room.

National was always my first choice but after getting rejected the first time, I applied there and at LATT this past summer. I even had my completed application for LA City Harbor with my transcripts in my purse when I got the call that I was accepted to National's BSN program.

ShondaJ · Jan 3, 2015

I am almost finished with my nursing packet for WGU and I am a student with National Still, just not taking classes at the moment so I can apply once I finish 2 classes at El Camino College. After that one horrible A&P II instructor at National, She put a bad taste in my mouth as far a science classes. I need to retake A&P II along with alot of my classmates so I am doing it somewhere else to get it done right. My A&P I Instructor was also my Micro Instructor and he was cool but he does not teach A&P II. I have to take Life Span as well. I will be done in May then I will take the TEAS and be set for whichever program that accepts me.

I will keep National in my options.

Thanks

ShondaJ · Jan 3, 2015

Whichever program I get into it will be a BSN because I already have a Bachelor Degree. I won't do an ADN at all.

babeinboots, MSN, NP, CNM · Jan 3, 2015

I completely understand how you feel. I don't have a previous bachelors degree but for a long time I was almost anti-ADN. I figured why go to school for 2 years just to get an ADN when I get a BSN in the same amount of time.

It wasn't until I got rejected from NU the first time I applied and almost gave up on nursing that I realized just how much I wanted to be a nurse and I would get there anyway I could, even if it wasn't the way I planned or wanted. But I don't see you having that problem, you'll get into the program you want.

Just a side note have you looked into the entry level masters degree programs? I know UCLA and Charles Drew University have them...