Does going to a top school affect job prospects?

[priorities2]

I'll be getting my BSN from one of the best state schools in the region. Do you think this will have a bearing on job prospects? It's a couple hours away from the city where I'll want to get a job.

[richardgecko]

I was just coming here to ask this. My mom believes all nursing degrees are created equal because 'new nurses don't know jack anyway'. She insists that as long as your college has a good nclex passing rate & is accredited, thats all that matters. Is this true?

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

I was just coming here to ask this. My mom believes all nursing degrees are created equal because 'new nurses don't know jack anyway'. She insists that as long as your college has a good nclex passing rate & is accredited thats all that matters. Is this true?[/quote']

No. Not all nursing programs are created equal. We have some accredited schools in our area that my boss will not hire from anymore. We have had such problems with their students that she doesn't even bother anymore.

[llg, PhD, RN]

The "better" employers can be picky about who they hire -- and many prefer to hire only new graduates from the "better" school. We have some schools in my region whose graduates we rarely hire, and other schools whose graduates are considered highly desirable.

Yes, the quality and reputation of your school can matter a lot.

[Fireman767]

I know students from yale who can't find jobs, so i would say that all nursing degrees are equal. the hospitals near me look at grades while in college rather than college name. Plus i know a few hiring managers who say all those students who say "C's get degrees" never make it past the interview. Many people in my class keep saying that but the hospitals request transcripts before considering hiring. Im sure the name helps a little, but if your a C student in a good nursing school, an A student in a state school may be more preferred to a recruiter