Choosing between two programs; more clinical hours better?

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Mar 6, 2015

If the less expensive program is better suited to your own personal needs re: cost, location & flexibility -- you should probably choose that one. You can always 'up' your clinical exposure by obtaining a part time job during your last couple of semesters. Many hospitals have PCT positions that are especially geared for nursing students.

northmississippi · Mar 6, 2015

go with the cheaper one that is close to home, and get a weekend job for extra time on the floor,,, and GET PAID FOR IT.

ixchel · Mar 6, 2015

Look at each school's accreditation status and NCLEX pass rates. In terms of clinical hours, more hours doesn't necessarily equate to better hours. Look at what facilities you might have clinicals at, and look into student experiences at each one, if you are able.

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 7, 2015

I agree with the others. It's not the number of hours, it's the quality of the education that matters most. Also, you can compensate for the clinical hours if you find that the cheaper school is not giving you enough -- and there is no need to spend a fortune on the expensive school if your local state university has a decent reputation.

heidihouse · Mar 8, 2015

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your advice! You have helped immensely with my decision!!!

Wishing you all continued success,

heidihouse :)

canigraduate · Mar 8, 2015

Awww, man, I'm the odd one out.

I would call your local hospitals, or whatever facility you hope to work at, and ask which program the nurse managers prefer, if you plan to stay put after you graduate. If you can't get ahold of the managers, call the education department and ask them.

Trust me, they all have their preferences.

Also, I believe more clinical hours is more beneficial to you, if the quality of the schools is similar. More clinical hours generally translates into less time spent training you as a new grad, therefore less money spent on you. The reason I say this is because I went to a school with more clinical hours and a high NCLEX pass rate, and it was the preferred school in my region, even though there were a dozen BSN programs and mine was a diploma program.

I would first check the NCLEX pass rates, though, because it doesn't really matter how much clinical you had if you don't pass.

springchick1, ADN, RN · Mar 8, 2015

More hours doesn't necessarily mean a better experience though. You may not get as many hours as you want but you will get the amount of hours that are required. And what if you get put in a slow unit and then you are there for more hours with fewer patients to care for. You still may not get all the experience that you want.

heidihouse · Mar 8, 2015

Thank you canigraduate, RN . What you said is the advice given to me by a 30-year nurse veteran. He said that he looks for graduates from the more expensive school I mentioned, as well as from certain diploma programs; he said that he is frustrated with new hires who do not have strong clinical skills.

And, thank you springchick1, he is in agreement with what you said as well!

Thank you all so much! I can't tell you all how much I appreciate your generosity in taking the time to help me! :)