Denver School of Nursing

U.S.A. Colorado

Published

Anyone out there going to or planning on going to the Denver School of Nursing ... particularly their "upper division" RN program?

Just wondering your thoughts, esp. on the fact that they are not yet accredited as a baccalaureate program. Is that a concern for anyone who is a student or soon-to-be student?

I am going to check out DSON and this thread had me very lost! Can it grant BSN? on the CBN site it says 4 year program, so I thought it was, am I wrong?

Also, to a current student, if teachers are leaving left and right is it affecting your ability to learn or is it just annoying? I guess like the question that started all this, can it grant BSN or not????

Thanks

brooke

I private messaged you!! Yes, teachers leaving at the rate they did was a littel disconcerning, in my opinion....

Specializes in Orthopedics.
Can it grant BSN? on the CBN site it says 4 year program, so I thought it was, am I wrong?

Also, to a current student, if teachers are leaving left and right is it affecting your ability to learn or is it just annoying? I guess like the question that started all this, can it grant BSN or not????

Thanks

brooke

Hi Brooke.

I just started the "Upper Division" program at DSN a few weeks ago. So far I'm really happy. A little tired from all the reading, but happy. ha ha There are definitely kinks to be worked out, but the instructors are really nice and doing their best to make things smooth for us. Yes, they have received approval by the CCHE to grant a BSN upon completion, there is just no accreditation yet ... but the directors is working hard on getting it. Doesn't sound like it will be a problem, it's just a matter of when. It's a big thing for them to get it, esp. since once they do, then financial aid will be available.

The BSN program is 21 months long (92 quarter units) - you have to have already completed 60 credit hours, including pre-reqs, before you start - most of the students in my class already have BS degrees. The quarters are about 3 months long with 1 week break in-between.

I don't have much knowledge of other nursing programs, other than what I've heard from classmates, but I'm pretty happy at DSN. It feels like they are going to do their best to help prepare us for the NCLEX, the instrutors are very helpful (1 instructor for Research, another for Patho and Assessment), and I like the schedule (classes 3 days/week ... 4 days when clinicals start inthe Fall) as it still allows me to work some.

I'm still a newbie student, but if anyone has any questions ... feel free to ask! I'm so excited to finally be on my way to becoming an RN!

When I called the Commission on Higher Education, they told me that it takes a school 3-4 years to become accredited with them and the DSON has only been open one year. And, the accreditation is not a guarantee. So, you can graduate from the school but I don't think an actual degree will come to you until this accreditation is received. They have a letter regarding this on their bulletin board on the second floor of the school so if you happen to visit the school, I would read this note carefully! I don't know if the absence of the degree would affect a job opportunity after graduation or not, but I would not want to pay that much money and NOT get that piece of paper.

Specializes in Orthopedics.

I also contacted the CCHE and was also told it took a few years for the approval of a BSN to go through. The addendum you speak of infullbloom states "the school is able to award baccauaureate degrees to graduates of it's Upper Division RN program and associate degrees to graduates of it's Two Year RN program." "We are certain we can issure certificates to graduates, and can issue associate or baccalaureate degrees so long as we are making "reasonable and timely progress" toward accreditation [with the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission] as determined by CCHE." I'll have to ask if we actually receive a diploma, or if it's something that will be retroactive and show up on transcripts once the school receives official approval through CCHE and accreditation through NLNAC (two different things).

I would like to keep my options open on continuing my eduation (NP, etc) so accreditation is pretty important to me. However, since I already hold a BS, I still have some options, just less of them. Yes, the program is quite pricey, but I didn't want to wait 3+ years on a waiting list for a community college. Then I just would have had to work longer as a CNA not making much, and shell out more money for a BS down the road. The nursing school options are just kinda stinky right now ... long waiting lists for community colleges or extremely competitive application process for BSN programs like Regis and UCHS - who are also now out a year + for start dates. My BSN class even had 5 people on a wait list and I'm sure the next one to have a wait list as well ... esp. once the school receives accreditation.

The director has contacted various hospitals and it sounds like, so long as we pass the NCLEX, we should have no problems with finding jobs. I've already been offered a job out in CA hosptial - just have to get my RN first. ha ha And since working as a CNA at a hospital here, hopefully have an "in" as well.

I'll keep everyone posted on how things go along with clinicals, accreditation, etc.

I also contacted the CCHE and was also told it took a few years for the approval of a BSN to go through. The addendum you speak of infullbloom states "the school is able to award baccauaureate degrees to graduates of it's Upper Division RN program and associate degrees to graduates of it's Two Year RN program." "We are certain we can issure certificates to graduates, and can issue associate or baccalaureate degrees so long as we are making "reasonable and timely progress" toward accreditation [with the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission] as determined by CCHE." I'll have to ask if we actually receive a diploma, or if it's something that will be retroactive and show up on transcripts once the school receives official approval through CCHE and accreditation through NLNAC (two different things).

I would like to keep my options open on continuing my eduation (NP, etc) so accreditation is pretty important to me. However, since I already hold a BS, I still have some options, just less of them. Yes, the program is quite pricey, but I didn't want to wait 3+ years on a waiting list for a community college. Then I just would have had to work longer as a CNA not making much, and shell out more money for a BS down the road. The nursing school options are just kinda stinky right now ... long waiting lists for community colleges or extremely competitive application process for BSN programs like Regis and UCHS - who are also now out a year + for start dates. My BSN class even had 5 people on a wait list and I'm sure the next one to have a wait list as well ... esp. once the school receives accreditation.

The director has contacted various hospitals and it sounds like, so long as we pass the NCLEX, we should have no problems with finding jobs. I've already been offered a job out in CA hosptial - just have to get my RN first. ha ha And since working as a CNA at a hospital here, hopefully have an "in" as well.

I'll keep everyone posted on how things go along with clinicals, accreditation, etc.

I know what you mean about the waiting list. I have a Bachelors also and was so fed up with waiting to get into a program, I opted for the LPN program instead of the BSN program. I heard DSON does have a waiting list now for all of the programs, but I'm not sure how long it is. (Probably not the two plus years like every other school!). Good luck with your program and I'm glad its working out for you!!

I did go to the school and I also contacted the NLNAC which stated that DSN was due for review in the fall and would be considered for accreditation in feb of 2006. so I think I will apply for the spring 2006 sem and hope for the best. I also agree, 3 year wait list and highly competitive progams makes DSN my best option.

9 News had a story about the Denver School of Nursing today on their 5pm newcast. It was very upbeat about the school and talked about how it was a solution to the nursing shortage. Anyone else see it?

I know what you mean about the waiting list. I have a Bachelors also and was so fed up with waiting to get into a program, I opted for the LPN program instead of the BSN program. I heard DSON does have a waiting list now for all of the programs, but I'm not sure how long it is. (Probably not the two plus years like every other school!). Good luck with your program and I'm glad its working out for you!!

Hi infullbloom et al! I am starting the LPN program this summer too! Same reasons as well (long wait lists, already have the bachelor's). Are you planning on working while in school? Are you a CNA?

And hey, Adventure Girl...how's it going?

Any other future DSON LPN students out there?

Hi infullbloom et al! I am starting the LPN program this summer too! Same reasons as well (long wait lists, already have the bachelor's). Are you planning on working while in school? Are you a CNA?

And hey, Adventure Girl...how's it going?

Any other future DSON LPN students out there?

I graduate in June with my LPN from DSON. I am not going back for my RN at DSON(because of the high cost, etc...). I'll send you a private message, Annesy!

Hi! I'm also starting the LPN program at DSN in July. When I went in to get the info from the director a month or so ago, he said that there was only a waitlist for the BSN program, until next April. But I got right into the LPN program. It does make a little nervous that they are not yet accredited, but I'm sure once we pass the NCLEX and become real RN's, it shouldn't be a problem. I also heard (as someone else mentioned) that they were due for accredidation review in February of '06.

Just a funny sidenote, after being on the waitlist at Front Range FOREVER, and it kept getting longer and I wasn't getting any closer to the front of the line: I told the DSON admissions director that I was choosing the RN program becuase I could not be on any more waitlists afterI had dealt with Front Range for three years, he looked at me and said, "Oh, did they screw you over too?" He said he's getting a lot of people coming in who are disgruntled about all the waitlists for nursing schools, particularly with Front Range. LOL!

Tracy

Hi Tracy!

Good to hear from another DSON'er. I never even went on a wait list at the community colleges, Regis, or UCHSC. I moved here from CA last summer, and did a little research from there on the Denver area options. I assumed Denver wouldn't have the same problems that SoCal does (2-3 year long wait lists, not enough instructors, etc.), but it definitely does. It may even be worse here, due to the fewer number of schools!

Anyway, I am just thrilled to be starting my nursing education, FINALLY, after years of pre-reqs and searching. Do you plan to go somewhere else for the RN and/or BSN? I saw you mentioned CCD's online option. I live about an hour (without snow!) from LoDo, so the online option would be great for me! I am keeping my fingers crossed that it is still a viable option for us. My only concern is that if DSON is not accredited by the time we graduate, we will have issues getting into advanced degree programs. One step at a time I guess!

Have you worked in health care before? I have been a CNA for about a year and half, to confirm my suspicions that I want to become a nurse. Before that I taught school for five years.

Do you know how many people will be in our class?

Looking forward to it all!!!

Best,

Anne

Anne -

I private messaged you!

Tracy

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