Trying to decide between different schools...

ONCRN84 · Sep 9, 2009

Depends on where you're at. Do you want to stay at/close to home? I went to WSU and I liked it. Yeah, our lecture classes were big (but I was in Yakima so really, we only had 12 people there... but lots more elsewhere), but the clinical groups were small. I don't know anything about class size at the private schools so maybe someone could help. You might be able to e-mail your prospects and ask questions as well. Good luck!

j450n, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 9, 2009

I've heard Seattle U is very generous with financial aid. Some nurses that I've spoken to that went there said it cost them just as much as if they had gone to UW because they were able to get a lot of financial aid from the school.

Another option is doing the ADN route and then getting your BSN via UW Bothell/Tacoma or WSU's RN-BSN program. You'd have smaller classes for sure at a community college.

nohika · Sep 9, 2009

My mother and I decided on a BSN degree because it'd take about the same amount of time and I'd have a Bachelor's degree compared to an associates. She's really pushing UW but I've kind of heard bad things about that school and am very leery about it. Plus with ADN programs it comes into Housing, because part of the appeal of a four-year uni is getting out of my house.

Thanks for the information about Seattle U - I'll definitely look into that! Thanks!

just_cause, BSN, RN · Sep 9, 2009

nohika - I'd take a day or two and visit the campuses... I would highly recommend both SU and UW - bring into the idea that perhaps prepare to enter both so that if you change your mind you have ability to change the outcome. Smaller classes are nice - but also remember all schools have smaller clinical groups.. lectures might not be small - but IMHO they don't need to be

v/r

malone2192 · Sep 10, 2009

I am a Seattle U alum...1996. I have to say, it was a great school. There was so much variety of clinical sites. Since I've graduated, they have made extensive upgrades to the lab. The classes were pretty small. We all got along well. There is a strong focus on community service at SU. Its downtown to so there is also a lot to do around campus as well. Dorm life was fun. There isn't the soritory/frat house distraction to deal with either. It seems like there is always something being upgraded or renovated on campus. They are in the process of building a new library now. Definitely visit a variety of campuses, nursing schools. Don't decide on what you have heard. You need to see for yourself.

Good luck.

nohika · Sep 10, 2009

Thank you guys very much for the advice - yeah, once I can find time (go school, haha!) I plan to drive up to Seattle area and visit the schools up there, as those are mostly what I'm looking at (and WSU Spokane's too far away xD). Thank you guys again!

twinkletoes12 · Sep 11, 2009

Where do you live?

Please don't listen to others negativity when deciding on a school. Like the others said, see for yourself. You might find the things others complain about don't bother you at all. Or those things may not even be true. Go to some nursing school info sessions, take a campus tour, explore the college's neighborhood, etc. Find out if you can see yourself realistically living there for the next few years. WSU is far away, but also very isolated. There is nothing around Spokane and even less at the main campus in Pullman! :wink2:

ONCRN84 · Sep 11, 2009

If she's doing her prereqs at a CC, she'd never step foot in Pullman anyway.

I was in Pullman for 2.5 years and LOVED it. Spokane isn't bad either... it's big enough and there's lots to do. Like twinkletoes said, don't listen to others negativity. Explore for yourself.

yellowfluffball · Jan 3, 2010

I'm currently in the Walla Walla University - School of Nursing in Portland, it is a great program and the class sizes are small and the program is growing, the first 2 years is in Walla Walla and the second 2 years is in Portland, I transfered to the Portland campus from MHCC so I don't have first hand experience from Walla Walla University, but everyone else from there says it's great and I love the teachers and clinicals.

alphaphim · Jan 14, 2010

Honestly, I think that there is always going to be people who complain about a school and that is no reason to totally disregard it! UW is a great school. Yes they do have large beginning science classes, but there are some amazing instructors here. I am currently taking my prereqs here and am loving the campus, the people, and the enviornment in general. I recommend you check the school out for yourself and attend an information session before you listen to what other people say. UW is my first choice for nursing school :)