Nursing Program @Grand Canyon University

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If that were the case, then CC wouldn't have a chance, and neither would ADNs.

I actually have experience with many GCU students. And, well, everything I've said is true.

.....And in todays market with the plethora of new grads, those with the BSN will have the advantage over someone with an ADN.

I have tons of associates all around the valley with various forms of medical experience, they tell me that GCU hands down has one of the top nursing schools in the state if not the best.

Specializes in Cardiac.
.....And in todays market with the plethora of new grads, those with the BSN will have the advantage over someone with an ADN.

I have tons of associates all around the valley with various forms of medical experience, they tell me that GCU hands down has one of the top nursing schools in the state if not the best.

The last several new grads that we've hired have been ADNs. So, that tired old argument isn't true. That's not based on theory, or presumptions. That's based on real hiring practices. In real life. Go figure.

Also, I've had the opposite experience, plenty of hospitals saying the prefer the CC grads, and that GCU grads are not top quality.

The difference is, I actually KNOW this, have experience with GCU students and grads. I don't need to "hear" it from 'associates' or other people. I can make up my own opinions. Based on real experiences.

Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.
And I recall that same former nursing instructor admitting that the RN-BSN program at GCU was a diploma mill...

Yes, I remember that.

Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.
.....And in todays market with the plethora of new grads, those with the BSN will have the advantage over someone with an ADN.

I have tons of associates all around the valley with various forms of medical experience, they tell me that GCU hands down has one of the top nursing schools in the state if not the best.

Arizonabuckeye,

Your statements remind me of the GCU (sales) representative who used to constantly email me, trying to get me to apply. The top universities don't try to sell themselves and deluge students with sales pitches. Nope, they just take the top students and reject the rest.

Now you are correct that a BSN is often desirable. However, all pre-licensure programs, BSN and ADN, are not equal. Some BSN programs are lacking or suboptimal, just as some ADN programs are. GCU is known for accepting the student, not his or her GPA, as it is commonly stated on the board. It's a high-tuition program that tends to pick up those with lower GPAs, those who have been declined at the state universities. How you are attempting to parlee this status into "one of the top nursing schools in the state if not the best" puzzles me.

Now all this said, be proud of whatever nursing school you choose to attend. A few years after graduation, it doesn't really matter so much where you went to nursing school. A lot of this sniping we read on the board only comes from students, as nurses out there working really don't care about ego contests regarding whose school is better.

Put yourself in the shoes of a hiring manager at a hospital. You've got two new grads to pick from. Canditate A has a BSN from GCU, a GPA of 3.1, and is young and inexperienced. Candidate B has an ADN from a tough community college known for "weeding out" and a 4.0 GPA. Candidate B is a 30-something career changer with years of work experience demonstrating mature people skills and savvy problem-solving experience. I'd venture to say candidate B, with the ADN is in a stronger position.

Specializes in Cardiac.

So well said multi!

And, since I sit on an interview board, I can tell you thiat this is EXACTLY what we look at!

nnicolee

159 Posts

Arizonabuckeye,

Your statements remind me of the GCU (sales) representative who used to constantly email me, trying to get me to apply. The top universities don't try to sell themselves and deluge students with sales pitches. Nope, they just take the top students and reject the rest.

OMG isn't that the truth, they will not stop calling ..........................and all they talk about is their positives (such as cadavers lab) and not the fact that their board pass rates are of the lowest out of ALL AZ schools- the adviser claimed that this was because "anyone" at any point was allowed to take the boards.... hmmmm yeah don't believe it or that they're located in one of the WORST parts of Phoenix........ My main grievance with GCU is that my mom wanted to attend their because she wanted the religious atmosphere but when the adviser heard about a "rising star" early high school graduate like myself she totally disregarded my mom. That's totally not cool. I have completely written off GCU as a nursing school in AZ because they are NOT professional.

Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.

I still get sales pitch emails from GCU, and I'm about to graduate from another nursing program!

All this said, I really don't want to make statements that might make GCU students feel badly. They should be proud of their nursing school just like I'm proud of mine. My reason for posting here was to address the issue of GCU being "the best nursing program in the state" and the BSN always > ADN nonsense.

I know there's a huge debate about some schools being diploma mills. My thoughts are, any private school can accept any student - but which schools are going to educate their student nurses thoroughly in order for the student to pass their boards?

This is a link for the most recent NCLEX pass rates in Arizona. The numbers speak volumes.

We can go back and forth all day about which school is better, which degree is better, which hospital is better etc., but don't we all make our own success?

I can attend the school that I think is best, get the highest degree, and work at the most renowned hospital yet it's up to ME if I am to become just a mediocre nurse or if I am to become an excellent nurse.

Every school has their good and bad points. My philosophy was to attend the first school I got accepted into... that's what I'm doing and I'm going to achieve my absolute best.

Good luck to everyone :nuke:

Specializes in Cardiac.

I can attend the school that I think is best, get the highest degree, and work at the most renowned hospital yet it's up to ME if I am to become just a mediocre nurse or if I am to become an excellent nurse.

That's right! Good for you. THIS is what we look for when we interview new grads....

Specializes in Cardiac.

GCU hands down has one of the top nursing schools in the state if not the best.

BTW, GCU had a 77% pass rate for 2008. :lol2:

Best in the state....I think not.

12 other schools had higher pass rates, with 7 of them being CCs.

Hello, everyone. I am a new member here but I have been a fan of allnurses.com for quiet awhile but decided to sign up because I wanted to put my words on this topic.

I respect that everybody has their own opinions but some of you do them very disgracefully. Yes, people are speaking from their "experience" and judge GCU for being "diplomatic", "sales pitch" or "low NCLEX passing rate".

So here is MY experience with GCU:

GCU is a CHRISTIAN school that widely accepts and respects ALL religions. Just like working in Catholic West or any religious-affiliated hospitals where they do daily pray, GCU did put religious classes as pre-req/co-req to graduate. And you don't have to take this in GCU.. classes taken in any CC are transferrable.

Second, most of you may not know GCU's history but their tuition was as low as state university at one point because they used to be non-profit private school. After a million dollar debts, this California company bought them out which they establish online classes with various degrees available to everyone in all over the state. So, yes.. you will receive emails/letters from them like you will receive from other universities that offer online degrees. Heck.. I still receive emails from Johns Hopkins University for 5+ years.

GCU receives more than 150 applicants (actually more now) and only 30 receive a spot here in traditional program. So, the program itself is very competitive in each semester and there is NO waiting list like other CC schools do. Recently, ASU nursing programs have decreased the number of acceptance but GCU's spots are increasing more since they are not getting aids from the state. Not only there are programs in Phoenix (school and St. Joe's hospital) and Tucson.. they recently expanded their programs to JCL and even other hospitals are still pending. Don't forget, they also offer online classes as well for RN-BSN.

Third, as i said.. i have been following this thread and CARDIACRN2006 seems surprisingly bitter toward GCU students/grads. And it seems like you are laughing at 77% pass rate for 2008. I am sure you don't know this but there is this huge staff/classes changes going on in both Tucson and Phoenix school so this rate might have gone down dramatically compare to other previous years. In additionally, GCU students have excellent programs where they receive huge varieties of clinical experience, individual supports from professors and staffs, and great learning environment. The school may be located in a "bad" neighborhoods but the security is great within the campus and maintenance of the buildings/gardens/parking lots are great as well. And yes, some have a strong pride in GCU nursing school just like others do so don't take this in negative ways.

Also, with BSN vs. ASN. Yes, they get "paid" almost the same and take the same test but there ARE reasons behind why BSN have more options than ASN. Based on MY experience, BSN grads have slower start than ASN with techniques (starting IV, foley, etc. etc.); however, BSN nurses can critically think, know how to communicate with the clients and nurses thoroughly and have excellent assessment, research and teaching skills. There are scientific studies out there that those patients who were under BSN nurses' care have healed faster than cares under ASN nurses.

CardiacRN2006, I hope that you give GCU students/grads some chances instead of laughing at them for having low NCLEX pass rate. I see that you are finally getting your BSN as well so good luck with that.

If anyone have any questions about GCU and its nursing program.. feel free to ask me anything. Thank you.

Specializes in Cardiac.

Third, as i said.. i have been following this thread and CARDIACRN2006 seems surprisingly bitter toward GCU students/grads. And it seems like you are laughing at 77% pass rate for 2008.

77% pass rate IS laughable.

CardiacRN2006, I hope that you give GCU students/grads some chances instead of laughing at them for having low NCLEX pass rate. I see that you are finally getting your BSN as well so good luck with that.

I give all students a chance. Please! You don't know how I am as a nurse, don't presume. I was sharing my experiences with the board.

Yes, I am getting my BSN. At a reputable school as well. No need for explaining the school away, or defending it. It speaks for itself.

If anyone have any questions about GCU and its nursing program.. feel free to ask me anything. Thank you.

The NCLEX pass rate speaks for itself.

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