I am currently considering ABSN program at Herzing University- Orlando campus. Are there any nursing students here who are currently attending Herzing or have attended in the past? I am concerned with the following:
Their NCLEX passing rates are lower than the national average. I visited their campus recently and was told that they provide ATI training to their students.
Accreditation- they are accredited by Florida Board of Nursing and CCNE however, they do not have accreditation from SACS. Should I be concerned? I do plan on pursuing MSN after completion.
Reputation- I have read a lot of negative reviews about the school online. Does the school actually care about their students?
Education- how are the professors and teaching method? Are they preparing students for NCLEX or is it all Self Learn?
Few things that I did like is that the semester is rotating every 8 weeks, therefore, you only take 2 classes at a time. Students don't feel cramped with classes. Also, ABSN students have the option to transfer to Traditional BSN program.
A little background story about me: I have BS degree from another university. Late last year, I attended ECPI University's ABSN program..however, due to the intensity of the first quarter, I failed 2 classes. Per school policy, I was not able to stay and continue. Hence why I am considering looking at other programs. It is unfortunate however, I am gathering the courage to get back up and try it one more time to pursue my passion.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Thanks for taking the time to respond KAEBAE. Congratulations on being close to completion!
Timing is the biggest factor for me. I went back to Herzing today in the AM hours and had the opportunity to meet with one of the professor. I went to other local community/state schools in the area, for an Associate degree it would take upto 5 semesters to complete, compared to Herzing where it would only take 14 months. I realize the cost of for-profit school is much higher but in the long term, one would be able to pay it off. Right now, given the circumstances, I am leaning towards an ADN degree with Herzing and then apply to a RN to MSN program. Since I already have a Bachelors degree in a science field, I dont forsee any issues with admissions into an online RN-MSN program. The ADN degree would not be as intense as ABSN and my rate of success will be much higher with ADN program and would allow me to obtain RN licensure before end of next year.
I would love to hear your family's feedback on this approach and/or any other comments with my situation.
Np! Thank you for being open to my feedback/opinion. I'm glad you were able to check out Herzing and I hope they were able to give you a better feel for their programs.
If you are leaning towards ADN, then definitely go for it!! At the end of the day, you will know what's the best fit for you.
Everyone's circumstances are different. Im sorry, I feel I'm probably bias since I was on a similar boat making decisions and I ended up going the BSN route. It is a difficult decision and with the multiple options, there is no "right" way to go.
Just to be clear, I have nothing against the AD route. My cousin studied at Univ. Northern Florida, went the ADN option and it worked for him.
I have several family and friends currently in an ADN program. Content is more spread out, slower paced, but the material is NOT any less difficult. You will still be taking the same classes: patho, pharm, medsurg, etc. The only difference between the two degrees are a couple classes. (ex: nursing research)
There are a couple things to consider. More and more are health care facilities are preferring BSNs. My cousin from Florida (ADN) said he got his medsurg job because he worked as a cna and my aunt also worked at that hospital. Assuming you want to start working after you get your license. I would check the requirements of potential places you want to work at after you graduate. If you have cna experience, or connections at the hospital, it will give you an edge above your competitors. That is something that can POTENTIALLY happen, BUT that's not always the case. My mom has her ADN and she was able to find a job right away. Side note: There are some hospitals willing to pay (full or a portion) of your tuition when you go back for your MSN. So I would look into that as well.
If you decide to go straight to MSN, then you can totally disregard all of that. I also don't see any issues with going the RN-MSN route either.
I do agree with the statements below my original post. It's important to be completely honest and objective when doing a self assessment. First time around, I realized I struggled with exams and NCLEX style questions. I made sure this time I practiced more NCLEX-styled questions, reviewed rationales, invested in tutoring (free in many schools), got feedback from professors. Once I understood what I was doing wrong, I was able to make the changes I needed. Yes there are good/bad professors, but YOU are biggest variable you can control.
So addressing your original question: "ABSN or Should I not go to nursing school?"
I say,
If you can figure out and make changes on how you're going to succeed second time around.
If nursing is where your heart and passion is.
If you find a program/path that best fits YOU long term (personally, financially, timely manner).
If you can make it work. Then yes! Why not?
For me, going back was the HARDEST part. It took a lot of self-esteem/confidence building. I let my insecurities get to me, the words of past professors telling me I shouldn't be a nurse, feeling so degraded over little points. You don't have to make the same mistakes I did; never let anyone make you feel like a failure or doubt your self-worth. This is your passion, hang in there!
Hi, I hope you're doing well. I just started my prerequisites last year. Have micro to finish this semester. I too have a bachelors in another field. I was thinking if I should do another bachelors degree, but decided I did not want another one. I am doing direct entry MSN programs. I've heard some say some mean things about those of us coming from outside to go straight for an msn. But I've weighed all the options, looked at the class the absn vs the msn offers. I feel it's more advanced. You have to really do what you feel is right for you and what would work for you. Do you have family you can stay with while going to school? Maybe you might need to not work full time to be able to focus and study more. I don't wanna tell you what to do, but in my opinion I wouldn't do an adn, simply because most places require a bsn. Is it worth it to you, to go back again to complete a bsn?
It could just be lack of time, and being unable to study. Most programs require that you don't work actually because of how rigorous it gets. I agree with some of what the others said.
I've learned that students tend to not do work and then complain about professors. I've seen it during my undergrad and even with just my prerequisites. So take those things with a grain of salt....mostly. I wish you the best!
Something to think about in your Florida area - what is the job market for ADN grads? Is it more difficult to find initial employment than if you had the BSN?
That could significantly impact your decision making choices.
wiggly201
11 Posts
Thanks for taking the time to respond KAEBAE. Congratulations on being close to completion!
Timing is the biggest factor for me. I went back to Herzing today in the AM hours and had the opportunity to meet with one of the professor. I went to other local community/state schools in the area, for an Associate degree it would take upto 5 semesters to complete, compared to Herzing where it would only take 14 months. I realize the cost of for-profit school is much higher but in the long term, one would be able to pay it off. Right now, given the circumstances, I am leaning towards an ADN degree with Herzing and then apply to a RN to MSN program. Since I already have a Bachelors degree in a science field, I dont forsee any issues with admissions into an online RN-MSN program. The ADN degree would not be as intense as ABSN and my rate of success will be much higher with ADN program and would allow me to obtain RN licensure before end of next year.
I would love to hear your family's feedback on this approach and/or any other comments with my situation.
Thank you!