I was trying to keep my application to Deaconess a secret at work for a while, but today one of my coworkers mistakenly read an email I received from the admissions office at Deaconess, and she started asking me questions. Before I knew it, there were about 10 people wanting to know about the program, cost, how it worked, etc. But, none of them had a positive thing to say about it! Everyone was discouraging about it..saying that I won't really be a nurse beacuse it can't be a real program...I'll never be able to afford it...noone will hire me...it's a scam, etc.
Everyone knows how badly I want my RN degree, and how impatient I've been these past 3 YEARS waiting to get it at a local school, and the projected wait to start is still 2007! Even my nursing manager, who has a BSN and has been my friend for a while, is discouraging me from this program. Everyone wants to know how come I'm not happy "just" being a CMA???
I emailed the head of nursing for the hospital to see if Deaconess clinicals will be possible at my hospital, but I'm afraid she'll be just as skeptical/discouraging.
Even if I graduate from this program, will I get any respect as a nurse? I don't want to work my tail off for this degree and than have trouble being recognized as a "real" RN, or trouble getting a job. Has anyone run into this?
I spoke with the admissions rep today, and we are waiting on 2 more transcripts to arrive before I have a final acceptance. I will tentatively start this summer. Now I"m kind of doubting my decision.
Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.
Your local State Board of Nursing is your best resource for determining which are your most viable options for obtaining licensure via distance or online studies.
Please read my posts regarding Deaconess I used to be a student in the web-based program for one semester. This is not a good way to go to be a competant nurse.
One semester? That's it? How can you make a statement like this from one semester?
You can't become a competent anything after one semester, sorry.
Poe, how can you make comments like that when you only went for one semester?? Did you flunk out?? That is totally RIDICULOUS!! It's very obvious that you do have some axe to grind with them. I say keep your comments to yourself.
I wasn't too worried about the accredation issue, as the person at the school already told me it was. It never hurts to double ckeck, though, especially before putting out as much $ as DCN will cost!
I'm excited to start the program! I think about it every day and I hope it's challenging and fun, and I'm amazed that I finally found a good route to becoming an RN!
I'm sorry Poe had such a hard time. I'd love to know specifically what went wrong for her. Perhaps they are things that future student can avoid, look into or do differently??
I'm excited to start the program! I think about it every day and I hope it's challenging and fun, and I'm amazed that I finally found a good route to becoming an RN!
Good for you. I can't speak for anyone else but when I had an issue or was unclear about something, DCN has always given me the explanation and answers I needed.
This program (online ASN) is still relatively new (Aug 2002) and with any new program there are bound to be bumps in the road. Whining about it on a public forum generally gets nowhere and for obvious reasons. I would encourage you to keep an open line of communication with DCN and your instructors throughout the program. Don't let issues fester and certainly give the people who make the decisions the opportunity to set the record straight before it gets out of control.
My experience has been good and my fellow students have expressed the same.
I'm waiting for formal accpetance, but the advisor said I could start this summer. I'm hoping that many of my clsses transfer from my associate of science ( A&P, pharmacology, etc) and my generals too. I don't think I'll hear anything until february because they have to review applications after the Feb deadline. I'm hoping I get in. I really want to get started!
I am going the excelsior route and the BON here is behind the program. Once you sit for the nclex employers dont generally care how you got there. I have only worked two jobs since becoming an LPN and I have never been asked how I obtained my education and licensure. I think it is a non issue and your coworkers are jealous that you are improving yourself. Go for the gusto.
Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.
I think Angelbear is right. One of my coworkers just graduated from a traditional bridge program and passed the NCLEX-RN, and she's already getting attitude from some of our other coworkers. It sucks that they can't be happy for her. The "She thinks she's too good for us now" comments are already starting, and that's just plain sad. We're changing into a critical care floor next month, and she's the first one to take the critical care course, and get orientated to that area (instead of orientating as an RN on the current med/surg floor), so other people are upset over that. When we become a critical care floor, the LPN role is going to change drastically (as well as the RN roles). But we were told way in advance that this was coming, and some people didn't get off their butts and go for getting that RN.
So, it might not even be an Excelsior thing. It might just be plain old jealousy. You could run into that even if you were in a trad program.
Go for it!! Forget about the negative comments people can say. Don't let anyone hold you back. So far, I have not seen an employer advertise for RN positions and state: No Deaconess Graduates or No accelerated Degree Graduates. Make sure it is legit.....and think about your goals. Good luck! We are here for you!!!
By the way, does anyone know anything about University of Phoenix Online-Rn to BSN??
I am going the excelsior route and the BON here is behind the program. Once you sit for the nclex employers dont generally care how you got there. I have only worked two jobs since becoming an LPN and I have never been asked how I obtained my education and licensure. I think it is a non issue and your coworkers are jealous that you are improving yourself. Go for the gusto.
So true. I agree totally.
I get negative comments from people at the hospital I work about taking the Excelsior route. All of whom know nothing of the program. It is kind of insulting that they believe I would not have done my homework. I have e-mailed the BON for my state and they accept the program for licensure. Good enough for me!
Our hospital is so understaffed I don't think they will care how I got my RN as long as I got it.
Deaconess is NLN accredited as well as Regionally accredited. Therefore, it doesn't matter if the nurses at your hospital 'like it' or not.
The only program I found is the RN to BSN program, I am not sure which program you will be in.
Check with your individual SBON to be sure that they will accept the program for initial licensure. Otherwise, you may have to take boards in the state in which Deaconess has SBON approval [Missouri, I think] and then apply in your state for licensure by endorsement.
Otherwise, you may have to take boards in the state in which Deaconess has SBON approval [Missouri, I think] and then apply in your state for licensure by endorsement.
This is true for PA. I emailed the SBON concerning the ADN program and PA students are required to take the MO state boards and then apply for reciprocity here in PA. They (SBON) also assured me this is a common practice as many schools do not apply in every state. Just an FYI for those wondering, state boards are done via computer so applicants do not have to go to the state in question, (in this case MO) they take them in their own geographical location.
BBFRN, BSN, PhD
3,779 Posts
Your local State Board of Nursing is your best resource for determining which are your most viable options for obtaining licensure via distance or online studies.