Does it matter where I go to school for Nursing?

Chuckie · Jun 5, 2001

Make

essarge · Jun 5, 2001

Shyviolet,

I went to that sight and took the practice exam (remember that I am a student and start clinicals in the fall). It was fun, and I scored a 68. Not bad for not studying any of that before!! Thanks for the sight, it was fun!!

RN2Bn2003 · Jun 6, 2001

what site are you talking about? I would like to take this practice exam.

Thanks,

Karen

shyviolet78, LPN, LVN · Jun 6, 2001

You might want to check if "C"=RN at the schools you are interested in. My school will take a 2.5 GPA, but most schools I have checked out want a 3.0 GPA (B). You might want to check tuition rates too. A hospital in my area offers a BSN degree, but since the hospital is affiliated with a private university, tuition alone is about $6,000 per semester. Also, you might want to look at how many openings the various degree programs in your area have. The ADN program at my community college has 40 openings each semester, but 300 applicants! The BSN program here has 100 openings and 200 applicants. That's where the grades factor really come into play. Even if the college will accept C's, if a majority of applicants have A's and B's, they will be admitted first. If the competition is not so stiff in your area, grades shouldn't be a problem though.

Sorry I couldn't answer the questions about employment, I'm still a student myself. These are just things I've learned along the way. As far as degrees being an issue between nurses, I believe it is. Just read all the previous posts about CNA vs. LVN vs. ADN vs. BSN vs. MSN...it's an issue that seems to be debated often.

The ANA has a list of accredited programs in the U.S., this link should take you there: www.ana.org/ancc/accred/accrdorg/allorgs.htm

Also, the NLNAC has a list as well: www.nlnac.org/DirectoryMainp1.htm

I have found that these are not truly representative of all accredited programs, but it's a good starting place.

Valerie :)

[ June 05, 2001: Message edited by: shyviolet78 ]

Stargazer · Jun 6, 2001

I would try to talk to some instructors--and some students. The first nursing school I went to had a great reputation and its grads had the best NCLEX scores in the state. But it was not remotely student-friendly. The instructors were cold, unavailable, adversarial, and dedicated to "weeding out" as many students as possible. Students were intimidated and in constant fear of flunking and were encouraged to be competitive with each other.

By contrast, the second school I went to was very student-friendly. Instructors were available and flexible and gave out their home phone numbers. When I got a "C" in my first community health nursing class (the class bored me and I didn't bother studying), the instructor, who had a rep for being a real hard-ass, came up to me in the hall and asked me if she could help me with anything and offered to meet with me to go over any material I didn't understnad. What a difference!

I don't think entire programs that "eat their young" are good learning experiences for anybody---and frankly, I wouldn't want to work with a nurse who was a product of such a program. Good luck to you in finding a program that is a good fit for you and gets you the education and degree you're looking for.

shyviolet78, LPN, LVN · Jun 6, 2001

essarge,

Which site was the practice exam on? I don't think I've seen that before.

kennedyj · Jun 7, 2001

hi,

I wouldn't recommend the C=RN formula. On the other hand I also remember hearing love rolls or extra padding= RN (mostly when referring to the older fat mean women nurses that work the hospitals). If your grades are low it may lock you out of a program. ADN programs tend to have more of a waiting list when compared to BSN programs. You also should keep in mind that you may later want to get a BSN and may require a min GPA to do so.

Jared

MollyJ · Jun 7, 2001

I agree with Jared.

I will tell you that your post evokes some mild anxiety for me. It _could_ appear that your thinking is, "what is the minimum I have to do to get 'in'?" Please don't get angry. I can think of several other ideas that you might be having.

While not all of us can or want to re-locate and go to some big-dog nursing school, you do want to seek out and attend a good, rigorous course of study. The final "test" occurs every day for practicing nurses and it is the real-life, hands on decisions they make in the care of patients. A rigorous education gives you the best possibility of passing that "test" for the good of your patients and yourself since none of us go into this business to hurt others.

There are times and instructors from whom you take a grateful C, but I wouldn't make it a habit. Strive for excellence.

The posters who said other schools, other work places may not accept you if your grades are only mediocre, are right on. Hope this helps.