does it really matter where you got your degree from?

Nurses General Nursing

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Basically, how serious do employers take it when reviewing where a nurse got there education. For example, assume my situation where I would get an ADN from a community college then a BSN from a somewhat well known university, how would employers see that as compared to someone who had a straight BSN from a large, well known public university?

Specializes in SICU.

RN= CRITICAL THINKING.

Last time i checked, they did not teach critical thinking at a 2 week CNA certification course..

So...No.. the two jobs do not overlap. an IV start does not a nurse make...

Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.
Hmm...a nurse trained at John Hopkins or a nurse for University of Phoenix? I'm going with John Hopkins nurse!

Though very rarely are you going to get a choice that distinct or clear cut. I'll be small private college vs community college vs money maker college.

Also I've noticed quite a few schools in my area not bothering to renew their NLN accreditation. Is NLN becoming irrelevant or is it because there is so much competition to get into nursing schools that the schools themselves don't feel the need to attract students?

Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Probably will not matter. I would not make a hiring decision based on that. HOWEVER, I have noticed the BSN students reach certain goals faster. I believe that extra year makes a difference in identifying yourself as a nurse. But it really comes down to the individual

Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.
Basically, how serious do employers take it when reviewing where a nurse got there education. For example, assume my situation where I would get an ADN from a community college then a BSN from a somewhat well known university, how would employers see that as compared to someone who had a straight BSN from a large, well known public university?

It would probably matter more that you don't know the difference between there and their. No one usually asks where you've gone to school as long as you pass the boards.

Specializes in OB, Women’s health, Educator, Leadership.
I think the rule of thumb is in bad times or fierce job competition it matters in good times it doesn't

Just do the best you can with the resources available to you.

Absolutely the truth.

CNAs do learn some critical thinking as they gain experience, as does anyone in any type of a position over time.

We were taught not to be robots and to think.

It comes easier to some than others, no matter what.

It is a good prep for one who wishes to become a nurse.

It's greatest advantage is that it gets your foot in the door, gets you comfortable with pts, allows you to work alongside the nurse, learn how to prioritize, multitask, familiarize yourself with the healthcare setting, learn about infection control and safety, learn how to handle difficult pts, and gives you a chance to show off your killer work ethic (if you have it).

I could go on.

In the several places I have worked, I was offered a job after nursing school. I could think on my feet and was no dummy. They never would have known what kind of a person or worker I was had they not already seen what I could do in the role of a CNA.

Nothing but a benefit for me.

RN= CRITICAL THINKING.

Last time i checked, they did not teach critical thinking at a 2 week CNA certification course..

So...No.. the two jobs do not overlap. an IV start does not a nurse make...

Specializes in CICU.
That is scary. No offense, but your school is not accredited? And people are hiring you? That scares the crap out of me.

NLNAC is not required, and there are many CCs that are not so accredited (at least around here). The state is the entity that decides which programs are "worthy" to have students sit for NCLEX. I selected my school carefully, and went in knowing (and not really caring) about NLNAC. It is voluntary.

My former school is one of the largest, and one of the oldest in the area. Entry is HIGHLY competitive, our grads are eagerly hired into some of the largest and most well-known hospitals in our state and region.

So, not really so scary. I have my moments, but I wouldn't call myself a scary nurse....:eek:

Specializes in CICU.

As for nurse aide experience first, well it helped me get a job at my hospital at least. Pickings were very slim, and there were not any RN openings on my floor... My manager apparently liked me (and my work ethic, etc) because she worked pretty diligently to get me a job on another floor.

I don't know how much it helped me as a nurse, perhaps I am better at basic care than other new nurses that did not have that experience, but those are the skills that come pretty quickly.

Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
As for nurse aide experience first, well it helped me get a job at my hospital at least. Pickings were very slim, and there were not any RN openings on my floor... My manager apparently liked me (and my work ethic, etc) because she worked pretty diligently to get me a job on another floor.

I don't know how much it helped me as a nurse, perhaps I am better at basic care than other new nurses that did not have that experience, but those are the skills that come pretty quickly.

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It seems like it would give a person a head start on time management, aka I have a whole lot of stuff to do in x amount of time, what first?!? The list of "whats" isn't the same but getting past that mind-goes-blank freakout we often encounter in new situations would be helpful, observing what approaches work best with irate family members, and learning what it feels like to be the one delegated to. The RNs who post here who were CNAs first seem to have a better rapport with the CNAs, generally speaking. You can learn a ton from observing a really good CNA. :twocents:

Specializes in CICU.
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It seems like it would give a person a head start on time management, aka I have a whole lot of stuff to do in x amount of time, what first?!? The list of "whats" isn't the same but getting past that mind-goes-blank freakout we often encounter in new situations would be helpful, observing what approaches work best with irate family members, and learning what it feels like to be the one delegated to. The RNs who post here who were CNAs first seem to have a better rapport with the CNAs, generally speaking. You can learn a ton from observing a really good CNA. :twocents:

Agreed, and I guess i did gain a lot by being there while the nurses did assessments, etc. I was an aide on an ortho floor so would often go in with the nurse to help turn, repo, change dressing, etc. while he or she assessed, etc. They all also knew I was in nursing school so they would usually go into teaching mode and explain everything, seek me out for procedures, etc.

Specializes in School Nursing.

No overlap between CNA and RN? Really? Let's look at vital signs.

CNA Scope: Take vital signs. Recognize VS that are outside of parameters and notify RN.

RN Scope: Take vital signs. Recognize VS that are outside of parameters, interpret and take action.

Yes, the RN has more responsibility, more training and knowledge on what to do next, but to say there is NO overlap is just ridiculous. Just that fact that as a CNA you will learn about what is normal for vitals will help you in nursing school. I was not a CNA before I became a nurse, and I wish I'd had the opportunity. Many of the best nurses I know climbed the ranks from CNA to LVN to RN (and a few now to APN). Each level of knowledge builds on the previous.

Specializes in RN.
even though cna exp has little to do with nursing

WHAT? Seriously?

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