Picking the right school to get hired in the future

Nursing Students General Students

Published

I am in a little bit of a dilemma. A quick background on me: I have a past 4yr in Psych and currently just went back to get my RN, as this is my passion! I am going the 2 yr route as I do not want to stack up anymore student loans then I already have. However, I am stuck between two schools...they both have good NCLEX pass rates and both accredited. Here is my dilemma though..I have heard that one schools grads get hired much more readily then the others, but their programs teaching style is much more "independent" where the others is much more "interactive"...much more suited for my learning style. I want to be the best possible nurse, however I also want to be a strong candidate to hire. Do hospitals really take where you went to school into account, or do they look more so at grades and NCLEX results??

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

My organization looks at GPA for all new grad applications.

I looked into a excelerated BSN program, but it would require me to take out a good deal of student loans again..I have heard that many hospitals will consider me a BSN as I have a BA in Psych from my past 4 yr school...so I was just planing on getting my RN then move onto my masters...am I going about that wrong??

Not true. A BA or BS in something else is not considered a BSN. There are some bachelor's-in-anything-to-MN programs out there, but you can't just walk in the door-- you have to take the prerequisites in science and other pre-nursing sorts of things. You should contact a few of the various types of programs in your area to find out what they require and how long it will really take you to finish prereqs and the nursing program, and the costs, and then decide.

Also, many reputable (i.e., not those for-profit degree mills that let you do Survey Monkey "research" for a "capstone") MN programs will not accept anyone without a BSN. Up to you.

And no matter how excellent, that's "accelerated," :) .

I looked into a excelerated BSN program but it would require me to take out a good deal of student loans again..I have heard that many hospitals will consider me a BSN as I have a BA in Psych from my past 4 yr school...so I was just planing on getting my RN then move onto my masters...am I going about that wrong??[/quote']

They wouldn't consider you a BSN in that situation.

Some universities have second degree BSN programs you could look into. They are specifically for people with a BA in something else and you would graduate with a BSN. But if you complete a two year ASN program that's all you'll have: a BA in psych and an ASN.

If an ASN program is a cheaper/better option for you and you really want your masters they do have ASN to MSN programs too. Many ways to the same destination, but the second degree BSN program is probably a better choice for someone who already knows they are going to go on to a masters level.

Every application I've filled out as a new grad has asked for my GPA in nursing school, and most want a transcript on top of that. I've also noticed that, at least around here, there are a few schools which seem to be favored when it comes to hiring. They also happen to be the most expensive.

In my area, I don't think it matters the particular school as much. Networking and having experience seem to take you far. I had a previous degree and a lot of student loans, so that was one of my reasons for going for the ADN. And even now, knowing how the job market is playing out, I would still do the same thing. I would go for the school that you think is more suited to your style because two years is a long time to invest.

ETA: And even if you go for the BSN right after the ADN it would still be way cheaper. I just couldn't justify thousands more in student loans.

Many ABSN programs will not allow you to work during the 12 or 15 month program, so not only do you have to consider tuition, books, supplies, but also cost of living (let's not forget how expensive gas is right now). So unless you have a significant other than makes enough $ to support you both or other $$$.... I crunched all of the numbers, and for me I'm ready to do a ASN program 10-12 credits, 4 semesters, and work part time. Will get my BSN, if I so desire, online - once working as a RN. I am fortunate in that my area still hires ASNs equally to BSNs.

Also, if you're worried about your GPA. Maybe try to get some sort of tech job. A lot of the medical field is who you know (not always the case) but its good to network. I know with my tech job I'll have at least one job offer when I'm done with school from my manager.

+ Add a Comment