So, tonight I was talking about the classes I'll be taking this fall at my local community college (one of which is chemistry which I'm a little nervous about since I've never had a chemistry class before) with my wonderful bachelor's degree holding partner who, in an attempt to ease my anxiety makes the comment "Well, it's just at a community college so the class should be pretty easy." Wrong thing to say honey...
It did however get me to thinking about the general attitudes that people have towards not only community colleges but also to vocational/trade schools. That those of us who go to such institutions are intellectually inadequate and wouldn't be able to handle the academic rigors of a 4 year college or university. This attitude is completely inaccurate, after all if my classes were so EASY then the 4 year colleges and universities in my area wouldn't have an articulation agreement which honors the credits I take at the community college. It is a different atmosphere in a community college of course, but that doesn't mean I don't have to learn the material and learn it well in order to pass.
I remember in high school when I decided to enter the Practical Nursing program at the vocational school how I received criticism, statements such as "Well, you need to go to a 4 year college, anything less is for people who are stupid." and even now when I tell people I'm an LPN and that I've been at a community college taking classes I'm greeted with a concerned expression, a half smile, and a polite nod. A voice bubble might as well pop up above their head saying, "Well, since you're a failure at life and this is all you have, I'll be happy for you." after all since I'm going to a community college it means I can't handle REAL academics.
It may sound as though I'm jealous of those who get to receive a university education and have a bachelor's degree or above and are the same age as myself. And, yes, at times I am jealous because I would have loved to have had the same experience. But that simply just wasn't my path, one day I will "pull my time" in a four year college, my path will take me there, just not yet.
I believe no matter your credentials, whether you're doctorate degree holding FNP or a certificate holding CNA that you should be incredibly proud. Whether you're bachelor's prepared RN or a diploma holding LPN you should be proud. Because all levels of education should be revered and respected and valued. I don't feel ashamed of not already being a Registered Nurse or a college graduate nor do I have any regret at first becoming a CNA and then becoming an LPN because I still am helping people and I am still living my dream and that dream was to be independent. If you're a BSN or an ADN be PROUD of it no matter what your credentials are because you earned them.
College graduates face really discouraging odds. Many are unemployed, many more are employed in something other than their field of study, and many still are up to their eyeballs in debt. My partner for instance has a bachelor's degree yet works in job making a little over minimum wage. That is why I chose the path I did. When I was 17 and I enrolled in the LPN program, I knew due to my personal and financial circumstances that I couldn't afford to go to college just yet, I needed to be self sufficient and going to a trade school and later to a community college would allow me to do that. It wasn't the right choice for everyone but it was for me, and because of that I can pay for my school one semester at a time while minimizing and most semesters avoiding student loans, not to mention a few years head start on 401k versus my peers and that feels really good.
A dear friend of mine always wanted to be a mechanic, her family, peers, etc were not supportive "only stupid people do something like that" so instead she got 2 bachelor's degrees, is jobless, and owes thousands of dollars in student loans. All this because her dream was too "stupid" in the eyes of her parents and everyone else. Side not, I know many mechanics who make more money than I do and they're all pretty happy. I think the attitude that you go to college to "make a better life for yourself" isn't always accurate. We shouldn't be telling our children that they have to go to college in order to be considered intelligent or successful. We should be telling them that in this world success isn't defined by your credentials or where you went to school or how much money you make, it's defined by getting out of life what you make of it and what you want from it. Do what you love people, whether you're a CNA or a Medical Doctor, do what you love and love what you do and be proud but above all else never assume that someone is stupid simply because their education is different from yours.
Whew... feels good to get that out.
Oh and my partner quickly apologized for what he said. Probably had something to do with the fact I spouted off this little speech in the course of sixty seconds after his comment.
There is a CC literally in the back yard of my hospital. Being so close to said school creates a different atmosphere. Why? Well..............the cat is outta the bag.
CC is the rational man's (woman's) little dirty secret. Kinda like those potato chips in the store that are "store brand", cost $1 less than Ruffles or Lays..........but are twice as good. Still, people can't help themselves but to pay the extra for the Ruffles cause they are embarrassed going through the checkout line with an "off brand".
The secret: Just as good (in certain aspects better) as other schools, costs less and without you telling people so, you can't tell the difference with regards to the results. Imagine taking the "store brand" chips, placing them in a bowel (throw away the bag), and then doing the same with some Lays chips. No one really can tell which is which. Same thing with the CC education. When all is said and done............can't really tell someone got their nursing degree from CC instead of the State College unless someone see's the labels on said degree.
I LOOOOOVE people like your friend at work. In fact, if you don't mind, please give her a sincere/warm "Thanks" from me next time you see her, and tell her "Eriksoln loves you very much".
I love her because: I don't want the CC secret to get out too much. If it did, the classes wouldn't be the size they are and I'd have to battle people like your friend for a seat in w/e class I want to take. Please, keep telling yourself you got something extra with your more expensive degree and stay in their classes, it makes my CC classes smaller and more personable. And we haven't even touched on parking issues or the lines at the cafe yet. Heck, I'm tempted to lie to the University trained nurses and tell them "Yes, your nursing is superior in every way. I could work for the next 20 years and not have what you got" so they keep falling for it. Problem is, most of the time its them asking me for advice or help so.................IDK how believable I'd be while I said it.
Anyway, with a screen name like yours, how can anyone question your education. Love it.
Thanks to everyone who responded! I know my threads are dreadfully long but writing is a hobby of mine so sometimes I write an essay instead of something more appropriate for a forum.
Yeah, your posts are like............OMG soooooooo long.
themoonismylantern;5316889]so, tonight i was talking about the classes i'll be taking this fall at my local community college (one of which is chemistry which i'm a little nervous about since i've never had a chemistry class before) with my wonderful bachelor's degree holding partner who, in an attempt to ease my anxiety makes the comment "well, it's just at a community college so the class should be pretty easy." wrong thing to say honey...[/b]
loved community college because tuition is less, smaller classes, professors/instructors do not have to publish and enjoy teaching, and the college was close to home. i transferred from the community college to a bsn program and never looked back. for those who paid top dollar for their 4 year university education, they may have a nice diploma to hang on the wall, but they are also repaying large student loans.
Thanks for this post OP. I've been feeling a little discouraged about starting my prereq classes at the local CC while most of my classmates are heading off to the State Universities...
I just need to stay focused and keep in mind what is important. :heartbeat
thanks for this post op. i've been feeling a little discouraged about starting my prereq classes at the local cc while most of my classmates are heading off to the state universities...
i just need to stay focused and keep in mind what is important. :heartbeat
quite honestly, you are the financially savvy person not your classmates. do not compare yourself with others because this is your life. i never took college prep courses, algebra or even chemistry in hs. i had to start at the very beginning. concentrate on the process and don't get overwhelmed at what must be accomplished. know your short and long term goals and stay focused.
Even though I just graduated from a 4-year BSN program (with a minor), I do at times look back and wish that I would have gone to a CC (only because I would now have about 2 years of experience under my belt, and I would have a nice hump of change in my bank account).
I had a full ride to college, so the debt was not an issue for me; however, I really felt like I wasted more time than anything (2 years worth of time taking bull**** gen-eds), which to me is much more precious. I also moved far away from friends, had no social life, and just... hated college. On top of that, I just realized a few weeks ago that the CC that I would have gone to has had like 95-100% pass rates since 2000, versus my 4-year program that has NEVER had a 100% pass rate (68-95%).
Can you believe that!?!?!?!?
So do I feel like poo? Yup... Can I change it??? No. Instead, I keep it moving...
I mean, yea, it's nice to be able to put the creds RN, BSN behind your name and all, but at the end of the day, that will be overshadowed by either CRNA or some sort of NP (hopefully WHNP) that I'll achieve in the future anyway, soooo yea...
And I will get paid slightly more for my BSN... but does that give me back the 2 yrs that I felt I wasted... Nope.
Even though I just graduated from a 4-year BSN program (with a minor), I do at times look back and wish that I would have gone to a CC (only because I would now have about 2 years of experience under my belt, and I would have a nice hump of change in my bank account).
I had a full ride to college, so the debt was not an issue for me; however, I really felt like I wasted more time than anything (2 years worth of time taking bull**** gen-eds), which to me is much more precious. I also moved far away from friends, had no social life, and just... hated college. On top of that, I just realized a few weeks ago that the CC that I would have gone to has had like 95-100% pass rates since 2000, versus my 4-year program that has NEVER had a 100% pass rate (68-95%).
Can you believe that!?!?!?!?
So do I feel like poo? Yup... Can I change it??? No. Instead, I keep it moving...
I mean, yea, it's nice to be able to put the creds RN, BSN behind your name and all, but at the end of the day, that will be overshadowed by either CRNA or some sort of NP (hopefully WHNP) that I'll achieve in the future anyway, soooo yea...
And I will get paid slightly more for my BSN... but does that give me back the 2 yrs that I felt I wasted... Nope.
I don't feel like those "extra" classes were a waste of time. In fact if you do go further in your nursing career you will have to take all those courses anyway.
Having an advanced education is not a waste of time IMO. For me, after taking the courses to satisfy the degree, I found myself thinking in an entirely new manner about everything. Listening to the news and knowing the history behind things I would had never know had I not taken advanced world civ or art history. To be able to talk to people and really understand what has happened to them through their culture after taking anthropology and world lit. Or just plain understanding philosophy at it's core. I use it everyday to further my enjoyment and understanding of our world.
I agree with the consensus that for the purposes of being a nurse community college is great. I took my pre-req for the BSN nutrition course at a CC and we started with 44 students and ended up with 17 passing the class. Wheeeewee! that was a rough one.
I would hope this fine thread does not turn into a bashing of BSN programs. To each his own. I myself have not heard people bashing community colleges. I love them and did a fair amount of pre-reqs at them. You'll be fine.
Chemistry is fun. Depends on which teacher you get but if you understand the concept of the periodic table you'll be fine. Now don't go memorizing the thing just understand it's relation to the world. And the answer is ... the world is the periodic table. Even the air is connected by what's on the periodic table and then of course that turns into atoms then atoms turn into molecules. By then it's all over except for the lab part and writing chemical equations ... Oh I know I went too far so I'll stop. Just know it's not that hard. Best of luck to you.
Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.
I would also like to add that in my area my college, a 2 year state community college has HIGHER NCLEX pass rates than any university program in the state!
ummm yes. first of all, i pay $58/credit hour at my CC. and though the market is tight for ADNs these days, 3 hospitals in the area have a VERY high hiring rate of new grads from my school because apparently at clinicals we make a very good impression.
my husband and i ran into one of his snooty fraternity brothers a few weeks ago...while getting caught up on each other, he asked me what i was up to these days. i told him nursing school. he asked where i was in school. i said "**** tech." he looked incredibly awkwardly at the floor and his wife ACTUALLY REACHED OUT AND TOUCHED MY HAND and said "oh, well, that's alright!" like she was trying to cheer me up. OMG GO SIT ON A TAC, LADY.
i'm 26. i started out at a 4 year, transferred to another 4 year, and then realized i wanted to pursue nursing. there are 2 very prestigious nursing schools within 30 minutes of my house; i would love to have been able to attend either of those but with prestige comes LOTS of $$ for tuition. and being that $$ doesn't grow on trees or fall out of my butt when i bend over, my local CC was my "only option" for being able to get through a program... i'm not going to lie, i had a stick up my butt for a little while before i started my prereqs; i had a very low opinion of my CC because i went to one of the top public high schools in the southeast and had a lot of friends attending a lot of "fancy pants" universities (not to mention having attended two pretty solid unversities myself). i had low expectations for education quality.
TURNS OUTTTT that the classes i've been lucky enough to take have been taught by BRILLIANT, dedicated professors (many of whom are PhD) and the level of difficulty has honestly been higher than any other classes i've taken in the AP program in high school or at 2 med and large accredited universites. i begin my clinical program this fall and i've been fortunate enough to meet an OR RN who's let me shadow her on several occasions (at the university hospital associated with one of those local prestigious universities i might add). every time i've gone, the everyone i meet seems shocked when they ask me how much longer i have left in school and i tell them that i haven't even started my program yet. i've learned so much in just my prereqs that RNs in the field are impressed; i've come to realize that my community college KICKS orifice! i'm not tooting my own horn, i'm saying that who knows where i would be so far had i not had the INCREDIBLE education that i've recieved so far.
i still plan on finishing up my BSN after i get my ADN, and after that i plan to end up as an NP or CRNA (that's a WHOLE 'nother debate) but i will always proudly tell people where i began my nursing education.
I don't feel like those "extra" classes were a waste of time. In fact if you do go further in your nursing career you will have to take all those courses anyway.
Having an advanced education is not a waste of time IMO. For me, after taking the courses to satisfy the degree, I found myself thinking in an entirely new manner about everything. Listening to the news and knowing the history behind things I would had never know had I not taken advanced world civ or art history. To be able to talk to people and really understand what has happened to them through their culture after taking anthropology and world lit. Or just plain understanding philosophy at it's core. I use it everyday to further my enjoyment and understanding of our world.
I agree with the consensus that for the purposes of being a nurse community college is great. I took my pre-req for the BSN nutrition course at a CC and we started with 44 students and ended up with 17 passing the class. Wheeeewee! that was a rough one.
I would hope this fine thread does not turn into a bashing of BSN programs. To each his own. I myself have not heard people bashing community colleges. I love them and did a fair amount of pre-reqs at them. You'll be fine.
Chemistry is fun. Depends on which teacher you get but if you understand the concept of the periodic table you'll be fine. Now don't go memorizing the thing just understand it's relation to the world. And the answer is ... the world is the periodic table. Even the air is connected by what's on the periodic table and then of course that turns into atoms then atoms turn into molecules. By then it's all over except for the lab part and writing chemical equations ... Oh I know I went too far so I'll stop. Just know it's not that hard. Best of luck to you.
No, they don't bash the colleges, they just bash the degree at the end of it.
Seriously, though.....by no means do I have the intent of bashing any BSN program while applauding CC programs. I don't think anyone else here has that intention, either. Had a BSN been a reasonably achievable goal when I went to college, I may likely have gone that route. I don't think badly about the schools that offer them, or the programs themselves. It's just the generalization that CC's or ADN's are the "easy way out" (look at the comment made to me by my guidance counselor!). For whatever reason they get a bad rep, it's undeserved.
I've worked with several instructors doing clinicals on my floor, both from our tech school, and from the private 4-year nursing school. The vast majority of these instructors are amazing, IMO, and the ones that weren't...had nothing to do with the program they taught for, it had to do with them as people. One instructor from the tech in particular was one of MY instructors over a decade ago, and she still has clinical groups on my floor. She is quite literally the SMARTEST nurse I've ever met (and BOY, was she tough......she gave me my first of only a few B's that I got in college! B*tch (jk!) took away my 4.0 ). Both programs produce great nurses, and not so great nurses, and that is independent of the course of study they take, again, the "not so great" nurses would be that just because of who they are.
Any good instructor (and course) is worth it's weight in gold, whether it's at a CC or a university.
I chose to go to a community college right out of high school because it would be more affordable. I ended up paying nothing for my education and essentially acquired my RN license for free. I am now set to begin an RN position in a large, well respected hospital in my state making almost $60,000 a year. Friends of mine went to other 4-year institutions and paid anywhere from $10,000-$47,000 (!!) a year. These friends have either a. not graduated yet and are accumulating debt or b. have graduated with debt and have been unable to find a job in their field.
I went to a community college. Boy, I sure was stupid to do that.
P.S Assuming I had to pay for my RN degree, it would have cost me roughly $9,000-$10,000 for all pre-reqs and the program.
Wrong thing to say honey... 
). Both programs produce great nurses, and not so great nurses, and that is independent of the course of study they take, again, the "not so great" nurses would be that just because of who they are.
eriksoln, BSN, RN
2,636 Posts
There is a CC literally in the back yard of my hospital. Being so close to said school creates a different atmosphere. Why? Well..............the cat is outta the bag.
CC is the rational man's (woman's) little dirty secret. Kinda like those potato chips in the store that are "store brand", cost $1 less than Ruffles or Lays..........but are twice as good. Still, people can't help themselves but to pay the extra for the Ruffles cause they are embarrassed going through the checkout line with an "off brand".
The secret: Just as good (in certain aspects better) as other schools, costs less and without you telling people so, you can't tell the difference with regards to the results. Imagine taking the "store brand" chips, placing them in a bowel (throw away the bag), and then doing the same with some Lays chips. No one really can tell which is which. Same thing with the CC education. When all is said and done............can't really tell someone got their nursing degree from CC instead of the State College unless someone see's the labels on said degree.
I LOOOOOVE people like your friend at work. In fact, if you don't mind, please give her a sincere/warm "Thanks" from me next time you see her, and tell her "Eriksoln loves you very much".
I love her because: I don't want the CC secret to get out too much. If it did, the classes wouldn't be the size they are and I'd have to battle people like your friend for a seat in w/e class I want to take. Please, keep telling yourself you got something extra with your more expensive degree and stay in their classes, it makes my CC classes smaller and more personable. And we haven't even touched on parking issues or the lines at the cafe yet. Heck, I'm tempted to lie to the University trained nurses and tell them "Yes, your nursing is superior in every way. I could work for the next 20 years and not have what you got" so they keep falling for it. Problem is, most of the time its them asking me for advice or help so.................IDK how believable I'd be while I said it.
Anyway, with a screen name like yours, how can anyone question your education. Love it.