CSUN vs. Hopkins/Duke

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[COLOR=#000000]I posted this in the general nursing forum, but wish to have as many perspectives as possible.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000]I am currently in a dilemma. I have been accepted at Hopkins, Duke, Emory, George Washington, Miami, MGH Institute, and CSUN. I'm leaning between Hopkins/Duke or CSUN.[/COLOR]

CSUN will be most cost effective, but Hopkins/Duke has the prestige nationally. No matter whatfinancial aid I get, CSUN will be most cost effective. I would like to get a MASTER'S INarrow-10x10.png the future. I'm hoping to stay in SoCal after I graduate. I know the job market is extremely tight here and hope to maximize my chances of getting a job around here.

I don't know if its a bigger risk to move out of state and come back to CA.

I plan to apply to residencies in the big hospitals in SoCal and I'm also interested in working for LA County or the VA in Los Angeles. as a new grad, I know I have to be as flexible as possible with my schedule and specialty.

It's so hard to decide between CSUN and Hopkins/Duke.

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From my experience of going out of state for school I feel slightly disadvantaged. I am from California but went to school in Pennsylvania. I think one thing to consider is that you will be making connections at the hospitals you do clinicals in. If you stay in CA you will already have met nurse managers and staff and can do some networking. Check and see if you will be doing any clinicals at hospitals you want to work at if you choose CSUN. Just something to consider.

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Thank you. Would you mind sharing your nursing experience, your move and job search in California? thanks!

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Specializes in Geriatric.

Of course Duke! It's waaay better than CSUN! How can you pass up Duke?

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I went to Hopkins. I'm from California, decided to leave and go experience something different.

Baltimore / Hopkins was an amazing experience. I started as a new grad on the east coast (most classmates had jobs offers months before school ended, something very very few people in California can say as a new grad). I ended up moving back to California, currently work in a large academic center.

Keep in mind, almost 50% of all new grads in California are unemployed at 18 months.

If I could do it all over again, I wouldn't change anything.

PM me if you have any specific questions.

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@gunrock. i just sent u a PM

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