Denver School of Nursing--BSN experience

Izzy11, NP · Dec 27, 2010

They've been flooded with applicants for the last couple of years. I think a big factor was up until recently it was a non-competitive application process, except for the competition of trying to get through on the phone on the call-in day.

I'm friends with two DSN grads - one was in their second class and the other graduated about 2 years ago - and they both have good jobs. One is at Denver Health and the other at Triumph. But they also got in before the market really tightened up. The way things are in Denver now, I can see where hospitals would prefer grads from the accredited programs since they have their pick.

Again, as someone else mentioned earlier, if you are interested in DSN, call some hospitals and ask if they are hiring DSN grads. Do your own research. I was going to apply there, but I want to be an NP, and the only NP program I could find that would accept a DSN degree is the University of Phoenix. So that ruled out DSN for me.

jjhc2006 · Dec 27, 2010

Sounds like you are a lot like me Izzy11 when it comes to researching. You simply cannot investigate too much when it comes to your education. Although I have many RN and PA friends saying I would make a good NP, I don't have any desire to go that route. So, I am mainly concerned about employment should they not receive accreditation by the time I graduate. I am willing to pay my dues during my initial employment, but would like to eventually end up with my dream job.

Good luck to you! And thanks for the advice/input.

Izzy11, NP · Dec 28, 2010

That's the same boat we're all in. I know my first job is going to be whatever I can find, and that's fine. Good luck to you as well!

jjhc2006 · Dec 28, 2010

Thanks Izzy11. I called and spoke with the recruiting/HR offices of Centura this morning and was told that they do in fact hire DSN graduates. She said that there was a little controversy over the issue and that the conclusion was that if they are willing to open their doors for clinicals to DSN students, that they are willing to hire them as well. She said it would be crazy not to hire any DSN graduates when their hospitals go through the effort to help train them. She did say that the job market is tight, and that the way to get hired quickly is to make a good impression during clinicals (common sense). But, the problem is that schools release an average of 400 new grads every four months, making the likelyhood of one having to take a job in a skilled care facility a very real possibility. Oh, and she said the key is to make sure and get a bachelors degree.

Lots of information out there!

Pat Lu · Dec 28, 2010

Hi Back ALL RNS-TO-BE...I think everyone answered all the questions just fine...DSN is NOT accredited by NLNAC, and, I don't even see that they have candidate status for the ADN or BSN program. Even if and when they do have candidate status (let's just say they do), that means NOTHING. It's like me trying to apply for med school without any of the pre-reqs. I can apply and get my name on a list, but I'm not getting in. They have claimed that they are on this list for many years, but have yet to actually get on it, and have yet to get certified. It takes about 2 yrs to get approved, IF they follow all the protocol, AFTER they get candidacy status. I do not believe that they are in a position to PASS this rigorous protocol at this point, or they would have the proper accreditation by now. I'm sure there are some jobs out there for DSN students, but you are WAY limiting yourself at this VERY difficult time in the economy. As was mentioned, some won't even hire you if you don't have your BSN. So, they may be nice people over there at DSN, but the heavy price tag for getting in easily will cost you even more in the long run. Now, there are certain parts of this country that don't care about the accreditations - but, that would mean moving and/or taking sub-par jobs. If you are ok with that, then great. I love Colorado, and want to be at the best jobs, with the best shifts, advancing at the best rate, and getting paid top dollar. Yes, we all have to climb some ladder, but if you think you really deserve the best because you are a caring person, and have excellent critical thinking skills, with a great attitude, and want to advance, then I suggest that you don't cheat yourself by going to places like DSON. They may teach you the same things, but it's the reputation that counts unfortunately in today's world when it comes to getting RN jobs. Yes, maybe years ago, they took anyone, and maybe in years to come they will. But, not today. So, if you are an awesome well-rounded person going places, please don't get fooled by this route. AND, remember, some schools won't let you in if you didn't go to CCNE or NLNAC schools...SO, if you want to advance any time in the future, you would have shot yourself in the foot a second time. Now, if they were as cheap as a community college, then maybe it would be worth all that risk...but, cost the same as UCDenver, one of the best schools in the nation. There are a bunch of community colleges that cost half as much as DSN, that have NLNAC candidacy status, and are more likely to get certified over DSN...maybe think about those, ladies !

jlp-c · Jan 5, 2011

Hi jjhc2006

I also completed my testing in November -- I've got my acceptance letter. :)

I'm just finishing up on the background check, physical, etc. And counting down until April. Yes, I'm also in the April BSN program.

I'm looking forward to starting already -- best of luck :)

jjhc2006 · Jan 5, 2011

Jlp-c,

Thanks for wishing me luck! Looks like we will be in the same cohort! Look forward to meeting you. I too have to finish up the last minute things and am working hard to get really organized so the transition into ns is a fluid one. Will you be taking patho at DSN or have you already completed it? I just finished it in December. Do you know anyone who is already in the program? I know the first quarter schedule changes with each new cohort, but would like to see a sample of a previous student's schedule.

Good luck to you too and congrats for making it this far!

Jene'

cocogirl · Feb 25, 2011

DSN is in NLNAC candidate status.

http://www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/education/RNprograms.pdf

The NLNAC made a site visit this week to DSN and is recommending accreditation for their nursing programs. They are not accredited yet but the process is very much underway.

Anyway, just thought I would help try to clear that up.

adventuregirl, MSN, NP · Feb 26, 2011

Hi all, just thought I'd give an update as it sounds like people are wondering if DSN grads are getting jobs, going to grad school, etc. I am a DSN Dec '05 BSN grad. I've been working in the hospital setting for 4+ years and recently moved to primary care at Kaiser. I have had zero problems with job placement (and many classmates I kept in contact with are doing well in their careers as well). I am also in my first semester of grad school for FNP. Not all grad schools require NLN accreditation, but if they do, I've found some let you in on probationary status. I am currently at CU-Co springs and know of one other DSN student in the same program ahead of me. I honestly felt DSN offered a great education, but truly, it's what YOU put into it. Good luck all of you in your nursing careers!!

ard32 · Apr 1, 2011

Hi, I'm currently wanting to become a nurse. I've actually wanted to do it for quite a while, but the wait lists have just become tiresome. I happened to come across DSON and then found this website and honestly I'm just confused on what I should think about this school, the accreditation, and if an Associates degree in nursing is even good anymore? I looked on NLNACs website and see that DSON is under candidate status, but it seems a lot of community colleges here in Denver are. Is this school worth the money, and what will become of the accreditation? Please any information, ideas, or experiences would be so grateful. I want so badly to become a nurse and get on with my career, is this school too good to be true?

Thanks in advance for any help!

jjhc2006 · Apr 1, 2011

Hello ard32! I actually started a thread titled, "Denver School of Nursing Process Information." It may be able to answer your questions. I will be starting my first quarter on Tuesday and so far am happy with my choice to attend DSON. I will admit though, I too was very apprehensive, but had little choice as my prerequisites were about to expire. I just couldn't justify getting my BSN at the age of 80 lol! Jk. Not only was I concerned about their accreditation (will find out regional's and national's decision in June), but the cost concerned me as well. That is until I was quoted $84,000 by Platt, $64,000 by Regis, and so on.

Check out my thread and let me know if you have any questions.

SummitRN, BSN, RN · Apr 17, 2011

Maybe some DSN students can help here, but I've talked to 4 different DSN students who have all told me they've had 0 clinicals in the hospital prior to their final practicum, that ALL their clinicals were in nursing homes or doctors offices and other non-acute settings. Is that really the way it happens for most DSN students???