diploma grads

rck213 · Jul 24, 2004

Did not go on for BSN because even though graduated from a NY State Hospital School of Nursing the nursing courses didn't count as college credit. Found I would have to pay over 10,000 to get the degree. Wasn't worth it, the hospital I worked at didn't offer any money to obtain the degree, made it difficult to get time off for classes, and then you would get only about 200 more a year if you had the degree. Didn't stop me from being in a charge position, some managers in the facility didn't have the BSN either.

Out of the hospital now, couldn't hack it anymore due to safety concerns, both for my patients and for my poor aching body!

Work in an office, and am respected for the amount of knowledge I bring through experience. Feel there should have been some grandfathering in of diploma nurses if they could stay active in hospital nursing for over 20 years and show proof of continuing education. I attended many seminars which counted for nothing!

leslie :-D · Jul 24, 2004

for all the courses i took, i too would have to repeat them, which is a waste of my time and $.

leslie

elkpark · Jul 24, 2004

I'm a proud diploma grad who did complete a BSN and an MSN -- I don't know if that means you don't want to hear from me. Are you only interested in diploma grads who have not pursued further formal education, or is your assumption that no diploma grads pursue further formal education?

I got an excellent nursing education in my three-year hospital school, and wouldn't exchange that experience for anything.

leslie :-D · Jul 24, 2004

I'm a proud diploma grad who did complete a BSN and an MSN -- I don't know if that means you don't want to hear from me. Are you only interested in diploma grads who have not pursued further formal education, or is your assumption that no diploma grads pursue further formal education?
I got an excellent nursing education in my three-year hospital school, and wouldn't exchange that experience for anything.

hi elkpark,

did you have to repeat a lot of your courses since you were diploma?

leslie

memphispanda, RN · Jul 24, 2004

I'm a diploma grad--as of 12/03. Wouldn't have to repeat any courses to get my BSN or MSN. I certainly haven't "left the field" as I am just getting into nursing. I am considering furthering my education at some point, but currently have no plans to do so.

suzy253, RN · Jul 24, 2004

I'm in a diploma school right now--2nd year (junior) student and love receiving my education this way.

I chose it mainly b/c of my age (49 when applied)....always wanted to be a nurse and didn't want to deal with the pre-reqs of BSN, history, art, music??....

I love the fact that it is very hands-on clinical oriented--we started clinicals after 6 weeks of school.

Whether I will continue on in my education---I doubt it. Nothing against furthering education but at this point in my life & beginning my career, I probably won't.

Most proud to be a diploma student and I think that they prepare you very, very well to take the NCLEX. Also, my school has been graduating nurses for >100 years and is presently holding a 100% NCLEX pass rate.

yasmina · Jul 24, 2004

i'm a proud diploma grad who did complete a bsn and an msn -- i don't know if that means you don't want to hear from me. are you only interested in diploma grads who have not pursued further formal education, or is your assumption that no diploma grads pursue further formal education?
i got an excellent nursing education in my three-year hospital school, and wouldn't exchange that experience for anything.

i would love to furthur my education. it is just really hard...i live in the phillie area. i have not found a program that is realistic in demands. a nurse friend of mine, with a group of other nurses, just completed her bsn. it is really hard and expensive.

i am thinking...if i do go back...to just jump to msn. however, it is so hard to build on a diploma rn....makes me tempted to shift careers.

that is kind of where i am at. i am also into holistic stuff (yoga, reiki), so, possibly i will just continue to learn about alternate medicine without formal education. i am just enthralled with holistic health.

if you have any input, please reply. i am proud of my education as a diploma grad, just frustrated with the process of challenges exams, etc. :angryfire

yasmina · Jul 24, 2004

i'm in a diploma school right now--2nd year (junior) student and love receiving my education this way.
i chose it mainly b/c of my age (49 when applied)....always wanted to be a nurse and didn't want to deal with the pre-reqs of bsn, history, art, music??....
i love the fact that it is very hands-on clinical oriented--we started clinicals after 6 weeks of school.
whether i will continue on in my education---i doubt it. nothing against furthering education but at this point in my life & beginning my career, i probably won't.
most proud to be a diploma student and i think that they prepare you very, very well to take the nclex. also, my school has been graduating nurses for >100 years and is presently holding a 100% nclex pass rate.

good luck with school!

i know that diploma grads are well prepared for clinical practice. i went right into a specialty + night shift after graduating.

i understand your position.

yasmina · Jul 24, 2004

hi elkpark,
did you have to repeat a lot of your courses since you were diploma?
leslie

i have done some research...and have found that it is necessary to repeat courses, or challenge them. it may be easier than it was, but it is still difficult.

if anyone has suggestions for programs that are good, i would love to hear. i am curious about drexel university, as i live nearby.

leslie :-D · Jul 24, 2004

I'm in a diploma school right now--2nd year (junior) student and love receiving my education this way.
I chose it mainly b/c of my age (49 when applied)....always wanted to be a nurse and didn't want to deal with the pre-reqs of BSN, history, art, music??....
I love the fact that it is very hands-on clinical oriented--we started clinicals after 6 weeks of school.
Whether I will continue on in my education---I doubt it. Nothing against furthering education but at this point in my life & beginning my career, I probably won't.
Most proud to be a diploma student and I think that they prepare you very, very well to take the NCLEX. Also, my school has been graduating nurses for >100 years and is presently holding a 100% NCLEX pass rate.

although i graduated in 1996, i'm inclined to think that we started our clinicals 2 weeks after starting school....3x/week x 3 years. my school has since closed down and diploma programs are becoming a rarity today. but still, knowing what i know today, i would still enter a diploma program. and to this day, when hospitals hear that i graduated from this particular school, they know my training was superior. yes, i am proud and from what i'm hearing, all diploma nurses have too, received superior educations.

suzy253, RN · Jul 24, 2004

Also, with my school, we can transfer all our nursing and science classes into a BSN program (as long as they're within 10 years) if we wanted to continue on. If I wanted to continue on, I could still work as an RN and a lot of the hospitals/facilities here provide tuition reimbursement if you want to go on for your BSN.