BSN programs: location, location, location

[health4america]

Hi everyone,

I am graduating college this May, from NYU, as a liberal arts major. I plan on pursuing a career as a nurse and I'm applying to accelerated BSN programs for college graduates who hold a non-nursing bachelors degree. I have only applied to NYU so far, but I am now thinking of relocating to Philly - I can't afford to live in new york city when my parents aren't supporting me like they did in college. I love Philly and the cost of living is 1/4 of the price. I'm looking at UPenn, Drexel, and Jefferson for their accelerated nursing programs.

My question is this: how important is it that I go to nursing school in the city where I plan on living/working afterwards? For example, if I go to NYU but plan on moving to Philly after I graduate, will it be impossible to find a job at a hospital in Philly without knowing anyone? My externships/clinicals will have been in nyc, not Philly. Or, should I relocate to Philly now and attend school there so I can meet potential employers there? Applying to programs in philly would delay the process as I have missed application deadlines, so I wouldn't be able to start until 2012. All I know is that I definitely plan on living and working in Philly. Now I have to figure out (asap) where I should go to school and how important this decision of location is?

I would appreciate ANY advice anyone has on this, I can't seem to find advice about this topic anywhere on the internet and i don't know who to speak to. Please help!!!!

Thanks :)

[jabroadwater]

I attended nursing school in New Orleans, and like a lot of my classmates, when we graduated had trouble finding jobs. It definately helps to apply where you are going to school, as it seems that most of the students who DID find jobs were students who worked/teched at the facilities they ended up working at.

Don't dispair, you have to keep your options open, and be flexible. I graduated in December and took my boards and had my LA license in hand in Jan. First thing I did after I had my LA license in hand was apply for a MS license, which would open up doors within traveling distance (an hour to two hours away), but still outside of LA.

My move paid off. While many of my classmates are still looking for jobs in New Orleans, I've had several calls for interviews in MS and just recently took a job at a large hospital in Jackson.

The point is, whether you get a job or not depends on a number of factors; if the area's nurses supply is larger than the demand, networking and socializing will definately be to your advantage. If the area's demand is larger than the supply of nurses, then networking and personal contacts become less critical.

Good luck and best of wishes with your endeavor!

[BamaBeachbound78]

It really depends on your situation with your school and they're advance degree options. I went back to nursing school where I got my BA. There are multiple advantages from attending where you are alum, your prior classes are accepted with no questions asked. Plus, my school gave prior graduates a preference into the program over any one else. You also have to consider out of state tuition, which can be killer at some schools. It does help with getting a job in most instances to apply in the area in which you do your clinicals. You are currently making connections while you are completing your clinicals which helps. Also, you are familiar with that hospitals policies and procedures, which also help. All in all, there are probably advantages either way in your situation, just weigh them carefully before you take that leap. And most of all, GOOD LUCK!

[CathLabNursePA]

Hello,

Happy to hear you are moving to Philly. It is a great city. I live here and work at Temple.

As far as where you attend school, it really doesn't matter. There are some benefits to networking here in the city, but having a BSN is a definate plus. Most places hiring here require the BSN. Depending on what area your interrested in you should have no problem finding a job here. Best wishes on your new career.

[KrysyRN, BSN]

Or, should I relocate to Philly now and attend school there so I can meet potential employers there?

Yes. Not only to meet potential employers, but this is a good way to see which hospitals, clinics, or floors you might like to work on as you're doing your clinical rotations through them.