choosing a nursing school

[worldonastrng]

I am getting closer to finishing my prerequisites for a BSN program, just to find out they are changing their application process. In order for me to start next year, I have to apply at the end of this spring, AND be finished with all coursework. Not possible. So I have the option to either work for a year and hope to get in 2012, or start looking at other schools. I will be looking at a "school of nursing" where you get your BSN.

I am under the impression that when applying for more, I hate to say, elite positions at respected hospitals (magnet hospitals and the like), you will not even be considered unless you graduated from a university.

What are some opinions about job competitiveness, and what type of school a nurse went to? I want to work hard to make myself marketable.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I hope this helps to put your mind at ease. The only path to RN licensure is through the NCLEX; that is a great 'leveling' mechanism. The primary consideration for new grad recruitment is whether you have a BSN or ADN. It is true that many more hospitals are starting to recruit only BSN new grads.

All nursing programs that offer the same degree have to offer a specific 'core' subject matter that is directly related to NCLEX success. The only differences are in the 'extra' (non NCLEX) requirements. Some schools emphasize community health, some focus on management, etc. But the 'extras' do not exert much of an influence on employers. They are only interested in clinical capabilities.

If a particular school has a very high NCLEX pass rate, recruiters are more likely to target their new grads as opposed to schools that do not have good pass rates. Hospitals also tend to recruit graduates from programs that use their facility for clinical training.

Soooo - IMHO, once you determine what degree you want, then base your decision on the school's NCLEX pass rate and the facilities where they do their clinicals.