best nursing school around

I am a senior in high school and I know that I want to be a nurse and I know that I at least want to get my MSN, however I don't know what kind of nurse I want to be yet. My question is that I don't know what the best school for nursing is. Does anyone know what the most marketable degree is and what the best school to get it from is. I am having trouble selecting a university to go to and some recommendations would be very helpful. Also does anyone know what some good scholarships are. Either for nursing or just general both would be great!

Thanks, laura:)

[RNforLongTime]

Well, for starters, what area of the country do you live in?

I am near Cleveland Ohio and in Cleveland is the Case Western University Frances Payne Boulton School of Nursing that is highly prestigious for nursing degrees of all kinds.

My advice to you sould be to check out the local public colleges near you and see what they have to offer because a lot of State supported schools have excellent schools of nursing.

I would also recommend obtaining your BSN as you will have more opportunities available to you with the bachelors degree!

Good Luck to you,

Kelly

[betts]

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/beyond/...

Check this link

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

American Assoc of Colleges in Nursing---Most Nursing Schools in USA are particpating members with schools listed by state.

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Membership/membdir.htm

US News + World Report- 2002 ranking of Graduate Nursing programs:

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/beyond/gradrank/gbnursin.htm

Link to State Boards of Nursing: Check your states web site -some states have listing of nursing schools and indicate if it has full or provisional status.

http://www.ncsbn.org/public/regulation/boards_of_nursing_board.htm

Consider the range of programs it offers at the undergraduate level---which will fit in with your family life??

Examples of Programs of Study:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Full-time day Program

Part-time evening Program

For already licensed nurses:

RN / BSN Program

RN / BSN / MSN Accelerated Program

You don't choose area to work in until last semester of college. You are exposed to so many practice areas as a student and often will find one that just "clicks" ...that you want to work in.

Unless you are planning to teach nursing, employers only care that you have graduated from an approved nursing program and are qualifed to sit for the the NCLEX exam or are an RN with license in good standing. Check out the FEEL of the campus and talk to students in the program you are interested in. Ask your family health care practioner's nursing staff re good schools of nursing in your area.

Who actually teaches the course: the professor or a teaching assistant? What is the ratio of faculty to student in the clinical setting: very important (best is 1 to 8 or less)? All schools have financial aid departments to assist you: some programs with federal monies if willing to work in an underserved health area. Employers even willing pay partial tuition these days due to the shortage in exchange for work committment--don't let it be more than 18 months.

The Masters program I chose is not nationally ranked. It is well known locally, has professors that are active in ANA and professional nursing associations, has a degree program I'm interested in and is only 5 minutes from my home....a big plus since I work FT, have kids and extended family. I took one course to get the feel of the school and was encouraged to take another, now I'm matricualted.

BEST ADVICE: Get the highest grades you can in high school, participate in at least one school activity and visit each nursing school BEFORE applying. Relax and enjoy the remander of this special year. Good luck.

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hi From my perspective you are lucky to be considering the impact of your decision to the rest of your career. there are lots of scholarships out there and bonus money so dont sweat the finances first. look for a school that values scholarship, one that is perhaps with one of the power house schools o nursing so that you could have great resources rather than ok. Also consider that it is invaluable towork and go to school with those who have set their sights on research and teaching ect rather than those who when they are in school are not thinking beyond graduation. No slight intended to those who don't but oh do i wish someone had given me better advice CAREER advice that is for how important it is to go to the right school for you and your goals.

n.b. aim high, why not go for an msn straight are there those progams???

[category41]

Thank you guys so much for your advice. I met with my school counselor and she agreed that I should go visit the schools. This was a big help to me and I am glad that I was able to get so many positive responses.

Thanks a bunch:)

Laura

[Hardknox]

It would also be beneficial if you worked in a hospital or nursing home either as a volunteer or nurses aide or unit secretary before you fully commit to become a nurse! Many young people see "ER" and "Srubs" and think that is what nursing is all about. I myself was astounded at the roating shifts, every other holiday, every other weekend requirement of a nursing job. I was overwhelmed by the sheer physical and mental stress of it all.

I love nursing and have been at it for 21 years now. Maybe you've thought it all through and have experience in medicine. I don't mean to tread on your dream in anyway...just want you to get a realistic idea of what you are getting into.