[JHF2007]

Hello... This is my first time on the allnurses website. Wow! What a wealth of information. I need some advice- I am looking at a Diploma Nursing Program in St Louis Missouri. Does anyone have any knowledge of this school? (it is the only one...Lutheran School of Nursing) I am 43 yo... some college coursework completed but no degree. It looks like a GREAT opportunity for someone like me at this stage of my life... Any opinions??? Thanks in advance for your response.

[rclimbr]

It is the only diploma program in the state. I am also going to school later in life and check all the schools in STL. Lutheran is a good school and you will learn good nursing there but you will be limited in your career progression. Most supervisory jobs require a BSN. Time wise it takes about as much time here to get an ASN as it does to get a BSN. Wait list for ASN programs range from 18m to 2Y. I have heard good things about Lutheran but checkout some job listings for positions other than bedside nursing and you will discover that you need lots of experience or a college degree.

[blkdbz]

Hi,
First off I am in Connecticut. I am in a diploma program here and I will have the same RN license as anyone else who went and got an Associates Degree or BSN. BSN's are usually needed when you want to move up from clinical work into management. Although there are some specialties that like the BSN, but it is not required.

My A&P professor, who is the advisor for the Hospital based program I am in, said the Associate Degree or Diploma nurse will make the same amount of money because they will have the same RN degree. The same NCLEX-RN is taken no matter what your degree is. As a matter of fact the same BSN degree nurse will have the same RN degree, but will have more avenues open.

Again, I cannot speak for your state, but in CT a diploma vs Associates is no different pay wise or opportunity wise. The only difference with BSN is more opportunity. To be certain, check with your state nursing office and ask them.

Also, if your diploma program your interested in is hospital based it is probably a great program. It has probably been around a long time too - my school is over 100 years old.

Best of luck

Here is a link to Missouri nursing organizations
http://www.monursing.org/

[MoNursetoBe]

Hi! First off, congrats on making a decision to pursue a nursing career! Second, I am a Lutheran student. So, if you would like to email me I would be more than glad to answer any questions you have. I can tell you that so far I have loved attending there. The instructors are fantastic (at least the ones I have met!). You will get 60 hours of clinical every 8 weeks! That is an outstanding amount. And as far as not being able to advance in your career, there are MANY different RN to BSN programs out there, so that if you ever wanted to advance you could go back to school and get your BSN. Most hospitals start you out on the same pay no matter what degree you have. Again, if you would like to email me, I will try to answer any questions you have about Lutheran.

donandkati @ sbcglobal.net

[2bNurseNik]

Originally Posted by MoNursetoBe

Hi! First off, congrats on making a decision to pursue a nursing career! Second, I am a Lutheran student. So, if you would like to email me I would be more than glad to answer any questions you have. I can tell you that so far I have loved attending there. The instructors are fantastic (at least the ones I have met!). You will get 60 hours of clinical every 8 weeks! That is an outstanding amount. And as far as not being able to advance in your career, there are MANY different RN to BSN programs out there, so that if you ever wanted to advance you could go back to school and get your BSN. Most hospitals start you out on the same pay no matter what degree you have. Again, if you would like to email me, I will try to answer any questions you have about Lutheran.

donandkati @ sbcglobal.net

Hello, I was wondering what your class schedule was like per semester. Is it 5 days per week? How many days and hours per week are you in clinicals? What are the clinical times? Any information would be great. Thanks.

[mamason]

Originally Posted by NikNik

Hello, I was wondering what your class schedule was like per semester. Is it 5 days per week? How many days and hours per week are you in clinicals? What are the clinical times? Any information would be great. Thanks.

Hi! I'm a graduate from Lutheran. I make the same amount of money as other RN's on the floor. Regardless of degree. Get the same raises too. No different. Only if you intend on going into managment. Which, I do not.

The courses are good. Teachers a great. Can be very intense at times with the course work and clinical time you need to put into the program. But, you must always stay on top of things and not fall behind on assignments. Lots and lots of study is needed. All is worth this. Because, when you graduate and pass boards, you'll be running circles around a lot of other new grads! You will be well prepared to function as an entry level nurse. Good Luck!!

[Jess_Student Nurse]

I applied at Lutheran in May and was accepted in July for the spring 2008. I am very excited to start.