Looking for LPN school in Colorado

tlackey · Mar 27, 2006

Hi!

I currently attend DSON, I started the LPN program in July 2005, I'm just about to start the last quarter of the LPN portion, then I'll go right into the RN program (1+1) in July of this year, finishing up totally in March 2007. I really like it there..yes, they have their issues but so does any other nursing school. DSON is really trying to get accredited, so it's not like they're going to do anything to screw it up. Most of the teachers are really great, so I feel like I'm being challenged in my classes. I really like that the school is small, it's kind of an everybody knows everybody else thing, and when you run into a teacher from three quarters ago they still remember your name and ask how you're doing. It feels very personal. We just got some new administrators a few months ago, and they are really working hard to make the school a frontrunner. Of course, the first LPN class just started taking their boards a few months ago, but everyone who has reported back to the school passed and are getting jobs.

The really good thing is that we have good clinical sites: Children's hospital, St. Anthony's, etc. And the hospitals and LTC centers that we go to really like our students, so they are happy to hire and ask the school to post jobs. I have made great, great friends. There is no one in my 21-person class who I couldn't call for help. We always have a great time in class and hanging out outside of class (we go to lunch, go for a drink after school, etc.) We just went to 11-week quarters and two week breaks in between, so the quarters go really fast.

Yes, it is expensive. And they aren't accredited yet. But I never regret my decision to go to DSON, and I don't think anyone else in my class does either. I have found that the students who complain about the school are the ones who don't have good grades. The first quarter is the hardest, but don't give up!

Good luck!

Tracy

ChloeyNurse123 · Apr 5, 2006

Hi All!

I am actually looking for a good program in the Denver area anyone have any advice? Denver school of Nursing is pretty close to me but I am trying to compare schools expense wise.

winnie69 · Apr 7, 2006

This is the first time I have messaged on this board. I spent time browsing several topics,so hello. I am currently an LPN working in an Ortho Clinic and plan to attend DSON's RN program in July 2006. There is a lot of "noise" going around about showing up to clinicals and waiting for a instructor to show up and they end up never showing. One student mentioned that this happened to her 6 times! What gives here? What have you been hearing? I know all nursing schools have problems, but this seems a bit excessive. Is there some staff issuing going on that they are frantically working to address? I really want to get moving on my education,but am very concerned that if this is commonplace practice, I will have to seek my education elsewhere. And this could delay things for me. I love to hear more from you or anyone else on this. I understand DSON to have some great instructors and this is one reason why I want to attend -also that I did not have to get on a waiting list. Anyway, look forward to feedback.

Thanks so much

nightingale, RN · Apr 7, 2006

This is the first time I have messaged on this board. I spent time browsing several topics,so hello.

Welcome to the Board. I hope you get the response you desire. I do not have an answer for you but I do hope you enjoy this site and let us know how you are doing.

Glad you decided to say hi!

tlackey · Apr 7, 2006

Hi!

Regarding winnie's post from yesterday, I haven't heard anything about instructors not showing up at clinicals. I'm in my fourth clinical site and all my teachers have been there. I think the person you heard who had this happen six times may have been exaggerating, or was an isolated incident. Maybe in the RN program it has happened, but not that I know about. Plus, there is a new RN program director who came last quarter, I believe around the first of the year in January, and I did hear that the old director had some "issues" (don't know exactly what that means) but the new one is really proactive. One thing you may hear is that the LPN program is having trouble getting clinical sites, but that will soon be a null issue because I am the last LPN class; they are going to strictly a 2-year RN program soon. Regardless of any trouble getting sites, I and my classmates have all had placements by the beginning of the quarter.

More importantly, all the clinical instructors I have had are very experienced. Most of them have been in nursing (a lot of travel nurses) for a long time, and have been teaching and like teaching students.

Good luck , let us know what you decide!

Tracy

MegAlynn · Jul 7, 2006

Hello!

I am starting the BSN program at DSN in January. I was wondering if there was anyone else who will be starting in January as well. Also, I need some advise on the financial aspect of school. I am 22 and I do not own a home therefore the SM loan is not an option. What else have other people done in order to come up with the money upfront? Thanks for the help. I look forward to talking to some other Jan. students (not that others are excluded J) Meg

sross · Jul 12, 2006

I will be graduating in December of 2006 for a BSN. I have found the program to be challenging and informative. It is definitly an accelerated program, so be ready to gear up and consume a book in 6 weeks. The clinicals have been excellent. We have a class of 32 students who are all very intelligent and have made an excellent impression in the workplace. I think that DSN will be one of the top Nursing programs in the state. The new administration is making is very challenging and highly competitive. I believe they are trying to compete with Regis's program. Good luck to anyone starting....I am sure that you will be fine and have a wonderful experience.

l1k2s3 · Jul 13, 2006

I am starting the BSN program at DSON in October. I have been feeling nervous about the accreditation situation. I know the first RN class just graduated. Do you have some inside info on the accreditation process? Are there some hospitals that aren't hiring DSON students still? I had wanted to get a job as a CNA at a hospital during school (I currently work in LTC), but was told by admissions not to bother applying at certain hospitals, which disturbed me. It was great to read all the positive things you had to say about the program, it makes me feel better. Do you have more info to share???:)

Thanks

sross · Jul 14, 2006

We have an excellent reputation in the community....Denver Health has hired us as Nurse interns..one gal just got hired in another state...Porter Hospital is very willing to hire us...I think you are getting caught up in Rumors...dont worry all will be great...The accredidation will happen is just takes time...I am confident that the first class will all pass....The majority of the students in the BSN program have a previous bachelor degree.. So you are going to be surrounded by very sharp people.. I would be shocked if our entire class didn't pass the NCLEX.

tlackey · Jul 14, 2006

I just finished the LPN program at DSN, and I'm now in the RN program, graduating June '07. Becky Lynch (one of the deans) told our class they expected to attain accreditation by late spring of 2007. They are still working on going through the accreditation process, but now that DSN has had a few classes graduate (the first BSN class just graduated June 30th) it may make things a little easier.

I really like DSN, primarily for the instructors, and I have heard good things about the BSN programs. As far as I have seen and heard, most area hospitals like our students and have no problem hiring anyone from our school. I think at first, there was some hesitation since we aren't accredited yet, but I think we have proved ourselves out there as worthy nurses. I have had clinicals at Children's and St. Anthony's North.

Good Luck! I'm sure you'll like it.

l1k2s3 · Jul 15, 2006

Thanks so much for the info. I think sometimes I just look for things to worry about. Thanks for making me feel much better.

keland1 · Nov 7, 2006

HI!

I saw your post, and I am also starting the BSN program at DSN in April '07. It sounds like it is going to be pretty intense! Are you doing the Sallie Mae Loan? I am looking into other loans, because I heard that that loan has a 9-11% interest rate which seems high. Does anyone have any advice?