Clinicals in nursing homes?

[ExodusPaige66]

I have just started a nursing program for a general RN associates degree, 2nd quarter in. Its a new program at ITT-tech, completely legitimate, 2 year program. I just found out the clinicals I start in quarter 4 are in retirement homes. I told my aunt this, who is an RN, and she seemed very upset- saying it will be difficult to get hired once I graduate because hospitals will consider clinicals in nursing homes to not offer adequate experience. Does anyone else have additional information to this topic and think this is true, that I'll have a difficult time getting hired?

[anurseatlast]

The outrageously expensive trade schools offer convenience in exchange for the pricey tuition: no waiting lists, no minimum GPA requirements, no prerequisite courses, and entrance exams that are usually not difficult. Some applicants have been rejected from multiple community college nursing programs and several state university schools of nursing, and would rather incur massive student loan debt in exchange for the RN license.

The problem is that many of these programs are such poor programs that many of their students will not be able to pass boards. Then they are stuck with huge debt and no way to pay it back. They cater to students who do not know what to ask, are intimidated by the college application process, or can't get into other programs (many times they shouldn't get in, not because they can't do it but they at least need some remedial help before they are ready for college and have a chance at being successful. They get into one of these programs, flunk out, and think they can't make it in college when they might have with proper preparation and/or the right program - and now they owe a lot of money).

I currently work with a young mom who is paying 30K at one of these schools for a medical assistant program! It is taking 2 years and they keep changing when she can start clinical, etc. Dealing with teen moms, I work with lots of moms who are targeted by these types of schools. They do such a good sales job that it is often hard to get the teens to recognize the red flags. "They really want me to go there so they are really being helpful. She calls me all the time to check if I have any more questions." NO, they want your money!!! They do not really care if you make it through the program. (I am sure that there are people at these schools who do care and really think they are helping. They haven't seen the light yet.) It makes me angry that they can mislead people the way they do.