Clarification on Denver School of Nursing

[tlackey]

I'm sorry I have to come out with this, but I am currently a student as DSON and I am tired of seeing other BSNs and previous grads at other schools trying to give DSON a bad rap. Don't knock it until you've tried it.

YES, DSON is expensive...but so are any of the BSN programs, specifically Regis and CU. That goes for the "occupational" schools as well (Concorde, etc.) Any school specializing in a certain area will be more expensive because they have less students than, say, FRCC. I have had experience with FRCC, and took my prereqs there, and the administration is no better there than anywhere else.

YES, DSON is new...very new, and they are obviously still trying to get a handle on their programs. But they have plans to expand it and they are doing the best they can without much support from the state. I really feel like their #1 goal is to help the students reach their goals and keep them abreast of new changes. I would have loved to see FRCC or Regis or even CU in the first two years of their programs. Nobody is perfect in the beginning.

NO, they are not accredited...but most ADN schools aren't (if you go to the State Board of NUsing website at http://www.nlnac.org/Forms/directorySearch.asp you will see that only Otero and Pueblo are accredited at this time). At least DSON is trying to get theirs. It doesn't happen overnight. If you go to most employer sites for nurses, they require graduation from a STATE-APPROVED nursing program, not specifically an accredited one.

There are some problems with administration at DSON, and they don't try to hide it. Many of the teachers truly love teaching and they are knowledgable and helpful; they really know their stuff. Many of them also teach at CU or FRCC.

Overall, I love my classes; I love going to school there and seeing the people that I have become so close to in the last few months. The classes are small; I see the same 28 people every day, and we are all in the same boat. I like the diversity and thoroughness of the program. Most of our teachers are awesome, and I love my clinical instructor. They are interested in making sure we really learn our stuff and become great nurses. I have never had one teacher initimidate us or try to make us feel like we won't succeed. I feel that we are getting a well-rounded, diverse education.

I feel that I really have to support this school. If there was one school I would not recommend it would be FRCC...I took all my prereqs there, and they do not have a care in the world about their students. They just want all the money they can get for a substandard education. And they get a kick out of screwing over their potentional nursing students. I'm glad I didn't wait for them and called DSON.

So to all those of you who are close to graduating or have recently graduated and think that implies that you owe all of us beginning students a "professional" opinion on your part, I say "No thanks." Obviously you do not have an open mind and I feel sorry for your future co-workers who may not have the exemplary education that you feel the need to brag about. We all go to the same clinicals at the same places, and we all take the NCLEX. If I'm looking for advice, I'll ask a real professional..which means someone with integrity who values a good education no matter where it comes from.

And to those students looking to start DSON...good luck! It's challenging, but fun.

[DanaS]

Thanks for your input.

I have interviewed with several schools here in Denver. Everybody has their opinions about one school vs another. I have to say, however, I went with my gut feeling and weighed many other factors when I decided to register at DSON. I feel good about my decision. Sure, I will pay $$$ for my education. That is okay.

I like the idea of smaller class sizes. I am very impressed by the staff credentials (listed in the brochures, etc). I don't consider myself "easily taken" or "gullible (sp?)" and I certaintly got far worse vibes about other schools I have interviewed with (and all of them were 'accredited'). One school in particular has the worst NCLEX pass rates and a HUGE waitlist. I left those other school interviews with mixed uneasy feelings. Sure they were "cheaper" but maybe you get what you pay for?? I will not specifically degrade the other schools - as I have not personally attended any of them. I will just say that I am confident and comfortable with my decision to attend DSON. AND SO LOOKING FORWARD TO PRE-REQS in OCTOBER - WOOOO HOOO!!!!!

[Annesy]

Just wanted to back up Tlackey regarding the quality of my experience at DSON. I feel the same as she does about the program so far.

I was fairly nervous regarding the lack of accredidation situation, until she posted the facts about the lack of accredidation at other schools. That is really great information. Thanks! I will be more concerned about it later in my education, if my credits and classes at DSON are not accepted at other schools. I plan to investigate that very soon, and I will post about how it goes.

Like she said though, I love my instructors, my clinical instructor, having them actually know my name(!!!), seeing the same friendly faces in class, and the environment of an institution devoted solely to educating nurses. I like the throw back style to diploma programs our mothers were in. I am primarily interested in the technical nursing training, and if I want another academic degree, such as a BSN or MSN, I will head to a University later on.

All of the students are serious about their education goals, and we even have a handful of people commuting from nearly two hours away. People have done their research previous to selecting DSON, and they REALLY want to be nurses!

The experience of the instructors at other highly regarded institutions such as Regis and UCHSC is comforting. I expect the school will become an important and well regarded local instituion as more cohorts pass the boards and do well in their jobs.

Regarding a post in the other DSON thread, about continuing to work as a CNA in light of the costs of school, well that is just not an option for us. I don't think continuing on in nursing at the lowest level of responsibility, reimbursement, general respect, and knowledge about healthcare would be statisfying to anyone in our class. Hence the acceptance of high fees (less $$ than Concorde's LPN program, by the way) and the newness and growing pains of the school.

I understand being suspicious of something new and seeimingly too easy (no waiting list!?), as I am in the program, and wondering how it will all work out for me in the long run. DSON is trying to educate more nurses, and since CO has one of the worst shortages in the USA, it's really important that they be successful.

Best to all who head to DSON,

Anne

[jenuineqt]

hi all!

i started a new thread about the denver school of nursing and my thoughts on the school.

come check it out!

https://allnurses.com/forums/f138/denver-school-nursing-149183.html?highlight=denver+school+nursing