[RRRRlyn]

Hi!!
I was just wondering if you could please give me some insight about your experience in St. Kitts. I am really interested in going into their BSN-RN program. I think it sounds like such an amazing and once in a lifetime opportunity. I just found out today that I got accepted into a nursing school in CA, where I live and I need to notify them by tomorrow with my decision. I am so torn!! Thank you.
Sincerely, Renee Lyn

[calinurseS]

For some reason I am unable to private message. Is there any way that you can give me some basic info over the forum. I understand that you probably don't want to say too much, but until i figure out this private posting thing, I would appreciate some info.

Thanks.

[Silverdragon102]

Try using the site search facility with key words and I am sure you will find any threads or posts discussing St Kitts.

New system with pm's and you have to have 15 posts to send pm's here you will see it discussed http://allnurses.com/forums/f207/pri...st-315542.html

[RRRRlyn]

Hey! if you would feel more comfortable sending your messages there. I just basically want to know what your St. kitts experience was like and if you would recommend it for me instead of a CA nursing school. I can't think of anything better than living on a beautiful island while getting my BSN-RN. Thank you!
Renee Lyn

[COjosh]

I hate to say something as definitave as 'don't go,' but it's just such a career and financial risk going to IUON that any red flags should be that much more concerning. I was researching this school quite a bit back in the spring, applied and got accepted to the May 2008 entry. It was very exciting because, as you all know, I couldn't find a timely entry into a bachelor's program anywhere from Jersey to Thailand. However, I kinda wanted to do a 'background check' on IUON and I looked into the schools they're affiliated with: a community college in Oklahoma, the same in Kentucky(or tennessee), and a college in Arizona. My counselor told me which one I'd be going to for my stateside clinicals, so I tracked down a contact there who has dealt with the incoming IUON students. He claimed that the students coming out of St. Kitts were so unprepared for clinicals that they had to go through 2 semesters extra of 'refresher' courses at the US school! Apparently, this particular school was going to end it's affiliation with IUON before I could even get out of the Carribbean!
I decided it wasn't worth the risk, you might think otherwise. To be fair, I believe that if you've got the books and the lab down there, a strong work ethic could make you the best graduate to come out of there, but it'll be because of your hard work and not their above par education. I'm guessing St kitts probably attracts the partyers who couldn't get in elsewhere, and these are the unprepared people who give IUON a bad name. Good luck in your decision, I'd love to hear I was wrong.
-Josh
PS. I was vague about the US school above because the candor of the administrator I spoke with could get him in trouble. Also, I've heard very good things about the dentistry and veterinary schools down there. Another 5-10 years, and I bet IUON would be a reliable place to go.

[RRRRlyn]

Josh,
Wow! Thank you so much for your response. You truly validated my opinion and decision. Good for you for taking the information you were given and drawing your own educated opinion about the school. I agree with you 100%. I decided to go to the school I got into-Cal-State San Marcos, and it's been a hard couple of days since I made the decision. Part of me was starting to regret missing an opportunity to live in the Caribbean, but after doing some serious soul-searching and reading your e-mail, I now am feel that a CA school is best and right for me. Thank you for taking the time to write me an in-depth e-mail. I really appreciate it. Good luck to you in all your future endeavors and may success follow you wherever you go.

[calinurseS]

I have also been doing some research on this in the last few days. I am very torn as to whether I should go or not. I just applied, so I don't even know if I will get in. I applied to the BSN program and they do the BSN through Colorado State University and through a university in Puerto Rico. I have no hesitation about the CSU since they are pretty well known for their health science department, but I wonder if going to Puerto Rico would be given the same weight in getting a job and applying to graduate programs in the future. I actually also called UCLA to talk to the admissions office there to see if attending IUON and the US affiliate would be acceptable to apply to the advance practice nursing program. They said it would be especially if I got a degree from Colorado State.

I don't know...there is still something that makes me hesitant. Thanks for all the information that everyone has provided. I am going to go ahead with the application process and make a decision if I get in. At the moment I don't have any other options, which make this option more appealing.

[qpiedoll20]

PLEASE check all your resource before choosing IUON costly BSN nursing career program-path. THERE are other ways to becoming a nurse. The program is STILL new and very unstable. Since starting, nursing professors come and go, as well as the Dean of the University. They have just lost a very good one. And the first BSN partner school in AZ is no longer available. Puerto Rico is an option, but students must learn to speak and write spanish in 6 months as well as complete their other nursing classes. Yes, Puerto Rico is a US territory, however, it is not a true bilingual country, well at least not where the university is located. These are things which are not explained. This BSN program is offically suppose to startin September 2008, again a NEW program, growing pains are expected.
The cost of living in St. Kitts and Puerto Rico are really expensive. These are things which adds up in the end.
The experience is amazing...in the end I'll be in debt $150,000 with a degree from a accredited university and one from an international university that isn't.
Just make sure you are doing research. There are nursing programs that are taking students, you just need to move somewhere that's not in your comfort zone, but stay within the mainland of the U.S.
I hope this anyone with doubts.