BSN to GradSchool at Pitt, CWRU, UM or does it even matter?

[Giulia]

LongTerm Planning: BSN-->Univ Hosp placement-->Grad School at Pitt, Case Western, Michigan, UCLA, or does it matter?

I know that I am going to sound like PolyAnna, and/or filled with naivete' so here goes:

What I Want for me and my family (to quote Michael Corleone):

I would like very much to begin my Nursing education at a school which would best position me for Grad School should that be something that I would like in 4-6 years (after BSN and 2 years as Critical Case Nursing for example).

Now I am certainly not saying that I would want to slide into a position that I would not have earned; however, I want to be sure that I choose the school which would provide me with the best opportunities to Grad level work (DNP, PhD) should I still want this in the future.

Location and cost are factors, but I believe that I have prepared for these two variables (I'm in CA but would gladly go elsewhere for the best program).

I believe that this type of school would (a.) provide a Direct-Entry BSN; (b.) would be in a University Hospital setting; (c.) would be a school with significant NIH funding, suggesting that a bright future is ahead for this institution; (d.) would have a reputation for rigor and preparation such that students are earmarked as good grad school prospects. Having said this, I subscribe to the "Invictus" approach and know that I am the Captain of my soul/future and not the reputation of an institution.

So..I visited the University of Pitsburgh two times, and loved all of it--the undergrad program, the housing, the clinical rotations, the professors, guidance, the students I met.

I also visited Case Western Reserve and loved it just as much for all of the same reasons.

I toured U-Michigan, and guess what.. the same impressions. Each of these schools has (a.)--(d.), and would presumably make me competitive for a first position in Critical Care, provided that I worked my a__ off. I am hoping that each school would also make me competitive for Grad School.

Worries about California Schools:

Now, others have told me that UCLA and UC-Irvine also fit these parameters, but I worry very much about the California UC system that this time. I see that these schools don't seem to have the infrastructure around them like Pitt, Case Western, or Michigan.

Does none of this matter a whit?

I also hear from some people that it matters not where you go to school--you're going to be on the outside competing for limited graduate positions no matter if you attend this type of school, California State schools, California UC schools, or private colleges like USF, Portland, or St. Kates for that matter.

Please RSVP with your thoughts if this hasn't already put you to sleep.

Sincerely, G.