Any Diploma RN's out there?

Altra, BSN, RN · Dec 22, 2004

In the not too distant future ... :chuckle

Here in my area, diploma programs are still going strong. I can think of 7-8 off the top of my head. But I've learned here at allnurses.com that things are different in some other areas of the country. We seem to be fortunate here in western PA - there are multiple choices of diploma, ADN and BSN programs.

I don't know what may be available in CT. I do know of at least a couple of diploma programs in Philadelphia.

Feel free to send me a private message if you'd like more info on my school experience. Happy holidays.

:)

catlady, BSN, RN · Dec 22, 2004

Can you tell me about your schooling and experience as a diploma RN? Also where did you find your program at? I am in Connecticut and have searched all I can to find somewhere that offers this. Thanks.

I am a diploma grad from 1985. I came to the program already having a B.A. and an M.A. I went to school in Pittsburgh in a now-defunct hospital based program.

I've worked in everything from hospital intensive care to managed care to long-term care nursing management to my present job as a hospital discharge planner.

I live in Connecticut. I don't know of any diploma programs here, only AD and BSN. Why are you looking for one?

Boston-RN, RN · Dec 22, 2004

I don't have any experience with it yet but I applied to a diploma RN program in addition to an ADN program. There were no pre-reqs. The non-degree RN programs seem to be hospital based. I have found success on allnursingschools.com website for list of programs. You may also want to try your states website for accredited nursing programs they should have a list with all diploma, bsn and adn programs. Good Luck

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · Dec 22, 2004

I am a diploma grad from 1985. I came to the program already having a B.A. and an M.A. I went to school in Pittsburgh in a now-defunct hospital based program.
I've worked in everything from hospital intensive care to managed care to long-term care nursing management to my present job as a hospital discharge planner.
I live in Connecticut. I don't know of any diploma programs here, only AD and BSN. Why are you looking for one?

That was the question that occurred to me as well. I would have asked earlier, but was afraid of the response I might get - Why does it HAVE to be a diploma program, why will ASN/BSN not suffice?

flaerman · Dec 22, 2004

Yes, as stated previously in an answer here Philadelphia does have several Diploma programs one of which I attended and graduated from. I have been an RN for just about 20 yrs and never took my education any further but that was own decision to do so. I am licensed in 3 states and have been an ER nurse for the last 7 yrs and can't think of anything else that I would want to do. My school is called Frankford Hospital School of Nursing and is located at

4918 Penn St, Phila. Pa 19142. They are affiliated with Penn State University and are a local campus for the college coursework taught there by PS instructors

Upon graduation you would have a diploma and an AA degree from Penn State as well. It's a wonderful program with great instructors that I highly recommend. Good luck........... flaerman :balloons: :balloons:

sherichance · Dec 22, 2004

I was just wondering about the program. I am so frustrated right now with trying to get into the ADN program. Our school does not have enough instructors so not everyone gets in. Some people have applie over 5 times.

Plus the fact that my husband is in the military doesnt help. We are getting ready to move again so I had to leave school. Eventually I will go for the BSN program. Its just all getting frustrating to me and at times I feel like giving up.

I was just curious about the diploma program and what others thought about it.

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · Dec 23, 2004

ok...I get it now. Unfortunately, it seems that it may not be an available option for you there in CT (dont know, I don't live there). I do know that some states are looking to phase out the diploma program (there are only two left in my state and they are both set to close in the near future - my city doesnt even have one - the last one we had closed and was replaced by a BSN program about 8 years ago.) Could be that is the case where you are, but again, since I dont live there, I couldnt say for sure - just a thought.

catlady, BSN, RN · Dec 24, 2004

I was just wondering about the program. I am so frustrated right now with trying to get into the ADN program. Our school does not have enough instructors so not everyone gets in. Some people have applie over 5 times.

I was just curious about the diploma program and what others thought about it.

Well, if that's the reason you're looking for a diploma program, I am here to tell you that it's not the magic answer. The academic standards are just as rigorous. People who have failed five times to get into an ADN program aren't going to be snapped up by a diploma program, even if they manage to find one that hasn't closed yet.

danh3190 · May 16, 2010

There are quite a few diploma programs here in western PA. I graduated from one in 2008. It was interesting to me that most of the 100 or so students in our class were 2nd career people with at least a bachelor's degree in some other field. Quite a few master's degrees. I went for the diploma because the ADN programs in the area didn't wouldn't take me right away and I needed a job ASAP after being laid off.

At work I can't see any difference between the performance of diploma, ADN, and BSN nurses. I'm assuming I wouldn't be elegible for promotion because I don't have a BSN. I also wonder whether diploma and ADN nurses are at a disadvantage finding a job now that we have this nursing surplus.