[jjdsspring]

I am having a difficult deciding whether it is worth the extra stress and money to go to WSU's Nursing program over the Butler CCC program and then do the bridge over to WSU online.

Anyone have any experience at either place? I need to make a decision pretty quick. I a little scared that I might not be able to work thru the WSU program as easy as if I go to Butler. It is a difference of about 5-6 credit hours each sememster.

Any advice would be welcome.

[fleasle]

I went to Butler and worked about 30 hrs a week with no problem. However, I do not have any children. I work with some WSU nurse techs and they are able to work 48-72 hrs a wk, so it probably has a lot to do with what your life exists of outside of work and school as to how much you can handle. I am partial to Butler. They have an excellent program, the instructors are fantastic, and I opted that route so that Via Christi could pay for my BSN. I am getting ready to start KU's online RN-BSN program next semester. Good luck.

[nrsmelissa1]

As a nurse working in Wichita and dealing with nursing students on a daily basis I can tell you that the WSU students are much more prepared for clinicals than any other program around. They are generally outstanding nurses when they graduate also. The capstone program during their 4th semester also really prepares them for the real world of nursing. If you are debating between the two WSU should be on the top of your list. You will get a quality education for not much more money. Hope this helps.

[fleasle]

Originally Posted by nrsmelissa1

As a nurse working in Wichita and dealing with nursing students on a daily basis I can tell you that the WSU students are much more prepared for clinicals than any other program around. They are generally outstanding nurses when they graduate also. The capstone program during their 4th semester also really prepares them for the real world of nursing. If you are debating between the two WSU should be on the top of your list. You will get a quality education for not much more money. Hope this helps.

While I have worked with students of both WSU and Butler, as well as Newman, I would have to disagree and say it certainly depends on the student as to whom is the most prepared. I currently work with recent WSU grads that are not nearly as sharp as some community college grads. I think it depends on the person and how much time they invest in being prepared for clinicals and class, as well as their maturity level. One difference that seems to be prevalent is the age range that is attracted to each program. WSU seems to have younger, closer out of high school than Butler which has more non-traditional students in their late 20's, 30's, even 60's.

While no one school is better than the other, it simply depends on how many hours you can take, how much you want to spend, and if getting a BSN is in your future, do you want it now or can you wait.

[purplekoolaid]

I'm a 4th semester student from WSU and I haven't regretted my decision at all. I think WSU teaches a lot about professionalism and leadership. My instructors have told us though that in general, nursing students from community colleges have better clinicals skills immediately after graduation, but the BSN students catch up after 6 months and continue to grow. If you have to work when you're in school though, be prepared regardless of what program you choose. I didn't work during 3rd or so far through 4th semester at all. It can be done, but for me school was more important and overall school gives me better clinical experiences than work, so I'd rather spend the time preparing for my clinical instead of working the night before. No matter which program, you will get out of it what you put into it. I've done clinicals with some Butler students that I've thought "OMG, how have they made it this far", but then again I've thought the same about some of my classmates as well. WSU does have a lot of people right out of high school, but I'd say the majority of my class is "non-traditional", with wives/husbands, children, etc. As far as the bridge program, I have no personal experience, but I've heard other nurses during clinicals gripe about it and have even asked me to help them with some of the assignments!!!