Dilemma: Accepted at BHSN and Gateway - which to attend?

[PsychGrad2BRN]

Hello Everyone,

I would appreciate any and all feedback regarding accepting offers of admission from two nursing schools in CT.

Option #1 Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing - I received offer of acceptance in January and immediately sent back my acceptance fee to hold my spot in the class for this September. Since I had applied to four schools, and received two rejections, I jumped at the chance to attend BHSN. I knew I would not hear from the remaining school until April.

Pros: Oldest, most established nursing program in CT; opportunity to sign contract and have the entire tuition paid by YNHH in return for 2 year commitment; acquaintance with future classmates there

Cons: Eventual necessity of changing job/reducing work hours and going into debt for living expenses; relocating to greater Bridgeport area (I currently live in Plantsville).

Option #2 Gateway Community College Nursing Program - I received offer of acceptance today and need to notify them by April 12 (along with $230 acceptance fee) to hold my spot in the class for this September.

Pros: Possibility of being able to work full time and keep my current job since the program is in the evening; campus and clinicals are within reasonable commuting distance, hence no pressure to relocate; familiarity with campus since I have taken prereqs there.

Cons: Gateway's program is relatively new (3-4 years old); no financial aid eligibility for program.

Any feedback or advice from people attending either of these programs? I would like more information before making a decision. Thanks in advance.

[Mexarican]

are they both Associates programs?

why is the latter not eligible for financial aid??

is it not accredited??

this info is very important in making a decision.

mex

[blkdbz]

Hi,

I'm in Meriden and was accepted to BHSN for this Fall too. It's the only school I applied to so I didn't have a dilemma with choosing.

I'm wondering

1. Do you NEED to work while going to school? If so, it will be tough doing so and going to Bpt every day. The drive to Bpt for me is about 45 minutes so for you I imagine it would be more.

2. Also, do you have children? It will be easier to spend time with them if you are closer.

3. I was told that Bpt might not offer that tuition forgiveness every year. That I wouldnt find out until the summer if it was going to be offered. Whether you go into debt for the living expenses or the tuition, what is the difference?

4. I personally like the BHSN has been around for 100 years and the hospital is right there.....You get a lot of clinical experience, from what I heard anyway.

If I was in your shoes, with what you mentioned, I'd have to determine if I had to work while going to school. If so, then I'd go to Gateway. It really depends on what your needs are to provide for your family.

B

[trepinCT]

Bridgeport has a higher NCLEX pass rate(not positive about this, but it is what I have heard)..BHSN has been around much longer..but in the end..you must do what is best for you...let me know your decision..and good luck!!! I got into Norwalk CC program(waitlisted for Naug. Valley)..so Norwalk it is!! Its an hour commute for me(coming from Wolcott)..4 kids..Hubby w/ 2 jobs(blkdbz-my hubby is Firefighter in Meriden!!)..good luck to all..Ct is a small state..we may cross paths someday!