Best school for me

[pacjeffery]

Eventually I am moving to the Chesapeake area. I'm looking toward several programs. Some are ADN some are BSN. As a non-resident, the out-of-state tuition for some are exorbitant. So, while I prefer to just get the BSN and be finished, finances may dictate that I get into an affordable program. I can't get financial aid (I just cannot). I happily need to help support twin babies as well. Well, the schools I am looking into are:

Sentara (BSN)

Virginia Commonwealth (BSN)

Hampton (BSN)

Virginia State University (ADN)

J Sergeant Reynolds (ADN)

Tidewater (ADN)

Thomas Nelson (ADN)

Bon Secours (BSN)

Some have flat tuition (same for residents and non). What do you recommend?

[pacjeffery]

It wasn't a slight on ODU. I didn't know it was close. Right now I am trying to find the least expensive program. Be it diploma, ADN or BSN.

[HeatherMax]

Close by there is Norfolk State NSU | CSET | Nursing & Allied Health Department (ASN, BSN)

Old Dominion University http://ww2.hs.odu.edu/nursing/academics/ugrad_prog_description.shtml

[url=http://ww2.hs.odu.edu/nursing/academics/ugrad_prog_description.shtml

http://nursing.hamptonu.edu/]School of Nursing

These all also have BSN programs

[pacjeffery]

Do you know which are the least expensive? ODU is private school, correct?

[HeatherMax]

Not sure of the prices, but the links should tell you

[pacjeffery]

They did. Thanks Heather! I like ODU's layout. The price isn't too bad, actually better than most. I'm looking to see how difficult it is to get in. You are a most appreciated source of information. I take it ODU is nearby Chesapeake?

[HeatherMax]

What part of Chesapeake will you be in? I am about 2 min from the Western Branch area of Chesapeake and OUD is about a 25 min drive, but only 8 miles. Stupid VA traffic

[HeatherMax]

I can say that the only school around here that isn't hard to get into is MCI, BUT it is not because it is a bad program, and they have the same admission standards, but the cost is outrageous!

[pacjeffery]

I'll have to ask the gf where her aunt stays. I'm not familiar with the area. After careful consideration I'm going to aim for ODU, Sentara & Tidewater. I didn't know J Sargeant was so far away. The others are either more expensive or have additional requirements that time doesn't allow for.

[HeatherMax]

ODU and Sentara are BSN programs and TCC is only ASN. I am second guessing myself again.... LPN and then bridge, or go straight for the BSN...

[pacjeffery]

Depends on your finances, home life (ie. kids, S.O., etc) & end game. It's not unreasonable to cultivate several opportunities. Make a hierarchy, apply to 3-4 & make a choice based on where you get in. If I were an LPN now this would be easier for me. I'd be making more money during school. As it stands now I'm a CNA (endorsed my license to VA too). I need to make more money ASAP with twins on the way. I couldn't take three years at CNA salary to attend nursing school. Not while supporting newborns simultaneously.

[pacjeffery]

If I were in your shoes with my LPN I'd go directly to an LPN-BSN program.

[HeatherMax]

I still need my LPN, I am currently just an unemployed Pharmacy Tech working on my pre-requisites. If I keep on this track, minus LPN school, I will be able to apply for the BSN program next summer. If I do my summer classes, then start the LPN program in Sep (if I get in) I won't be able to continue taking 3-4 classes each semester and it will delay my eligibility to apply for another 2 years. HOWEVER, I keep reading a ton of posts of people that are almost done with their BSN and in clinicals and HATE nursing... I am very close to 37, too old to go full steam ahead to a BSN and then figure out I hate it.