Looking for the perfect nursing program

[WICMissy]

This is my first time posting, though I've been lurking for a while, so pardon any mistakes!

I'm in the process of selecting nursing programs where I'd like to apply. I'm in the Pacific Northwest, but would be interested in the Southwest (no California - hubby says no huge cities) or Hawaii, especially. I've been accepted for next fall to Hawaii Pacific University, and was wondering if anyone has been or currently attends?

I'm also very interested in Accelerated BSN programs, as I have a BA in another field (Criminal Justice). To be honest, I started out as a nursing major, then switched, and now I'm starting all over! (Though I do have most of the prereqs out of the way)

I work full-time for a WIC program, and am also interested in anyplace where I'd get to use my Spanish skills!

I would appreciate info on how your experience was/is in your program, and how competetive/expensive it was/is.

Thanks, everyone, for your help in advance!

Missy

[Love-A-Nurse]

hopefully someone will reply to your post who may be able to assist you. welcome to the board!

[NurseAngie]

Hi Missy,

I was very interested in Hawaii Pacific University when I got their information packet. There was a chance we were going to transfer there, but I doubt it now. They seem to have a very good program and I like the different pathways they offer to get the BSN degree. Good luck to you!

~Angie

[zacarias, ASN, RN]

missy,

we need to talk! you sound really cool. listen, i'm zach, 24, and am halfway done with an adn program here in western wa. the better adn programs in western wa are at bellevue cc, shoreline cc, and everett cc. the best though and most respected i think is shoreline cc. it sounds though like you plan to go to school in hawaii or someplace warm like that; smart girl! :)

i think it's so cool you want to use your spanish skills. that's my niche right there. i plan to work fulltime with the spanish-speaking folks and eventually do public health or maybe work in a migrant clinic. every hospital you work at will very much appreciate your spanish abilities. you will be called upon when a spanish-speaking patient comes to your floor or clinic. while some may come with family, others don't and need an interpreter. while the hospital can get an interpreter, my experience is it's sometimes a slow process and the interpreter can't be there all the time. this is where you come into play.

if you want to be immersed in the culture and work with nothing but hispanohablantes, try yakima valley. i'm sure you know how many mexicans there are there that would benefit from your future nursing skills and spanish ability. outside of the nw, try really southern california, the sacramento valley, south texas, and florida. arizona is an option too. i myself plan to go to the rio grande valley area to work. i love the heat, the people, the culture, and the nearby subtropical creamy beaches.

i am so into multicultural (and multilingual) nursing and i try to encourage it where i can. good luck and keep in touch!!

zach

[renerian, BSN, RN]

I am not the best to comment since I am from and still living in Ohio. I went to a community college as it was all I could afford. I know some people feel their programs are better based on the clinical hours. Some people feel community health is good too. I liked my school. It is very hard and many fail. Just don't give up no matter what........

[renerian, BSN, RN]

I just thought of something. We had 500 people in our class. A little over 250 graduated.......