Does it matter which school I get BSN from to get into ICU?

[b_m_prosepct]

I'm thinking about applying RN-BSN programs. When I graduated from ADN program. I had extreme difficulty finding my first job because almost all hospitals in northern NJ area require BSN. I ended up working in a nursing home for two years, then I started working in an acute rehab hospital where I sometimes take care of Ven pt, Pt on Telemetry monitoring. I learned a lot but still, my current experience is only from a rehab hospital.

I plan to apply for an RN-BSN program, and after that, hopefully finding a position in a cardiac ICU. Would which school I get my BSN from really matter? Like a big-named school vs a small school? But big-named school are so expensive. Not sure if it is worth it.

I'm asking because I had co-worker who hold BSN from a 3-rd tier private school and not able to get a job for 6 months. She ended up working in the same nursing home for 2 years before she got into a Transitional care unit in a hospital.

[KJM-RN, BSN]

What about a "big-named" state school? Many state schools have great reputations. I wouldn't expect to get a job based upon the school you went to for your bachelors, but rather just having a BSN and working your way into the cardiac ICU will do it. Get the bachelors, get into a good hospital in any area then once a spot opens in the ICU you want, apply and show you have great interest in it.

[JSBSN]

You may have a hard time getting into an ICU right out of school no matter where you go. I went to a private school and did my time in the step down unit (1.5 years in my case) before I got a great opportunity to work in a CTICU/CCU and now I do open hearts all day long. I recommend applying for tele or step down unit jobs in a hospital that has the kind of ICU you want to work in. Then see about floating to the unit and make a GREAT impression and you will get a job there. Be humble and confident. These kinds of things are always about personality and connections. Your education background won't even be considered. Just as long as you have BSN behind your name.

[b_m_prosepct]

Thanks, the state school only have online RN-BSN, and I tend to do badly with online classes. I'm currently looking at SUNY RN-BSN, they have traditional ones and seem more affordable.

What about a "big-named" state school? Many state schools have great reputations. I wouldn't expect to get a job based upon the school you went to for your bachelors, but rather just having a BSN and working your way into the cardiac ICU will do it. Get the bachelors, get into a good hospital in any area then once a spot opens in the ICU you want, apply and show you have great interest in it.

[b_m_prosepct]

Congratulations on your transfer!

The biggest issue for me now is to get into a hospital. I've seen too many fresh BSNs in my area have difficulty finding a hospital job. Some have to work in a NH for a couple of years. And some just settled in NHs. Just wondering if more "big-named" school may help me get into a hospital. If I'm a HR, I probably will choose a more 'big-named' school graduate from candidates pool for interview, everything else being equal. This is true in other fields. My guess it is similar in nursing, but not quite sure.

You may have a hard time getting into an ICU right out of school no matter where you go. I went to a private school and did my time in the step down unit (1.5 years in my case) before I got a great opportunity to work in a CTICU/CCU and now I do open hearts all day long. I recommend applying for tele or step down unit jobs in a hospital that has the kind of ICU you want to work in. Then see about floating to the unit and make a GREAT impression and you will get a job there. Be humble and confident. These kinds of things are always about personality and connections. Your education background won't even be considered. Just as long as you have BSN behind your name.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

In general you want to go to a school with a good rep. That may be a major academic center, or a small local college. But "big name" may or may not carry a strong reputation. Best bet may be to ask around locally regarding which schools are best prep for an ICU candidate

[JSBSN]

truly it comes down to who you know and making connections. ask to shadow in various units and find opportunities to talk with managers.

[b_m_prosepct]

I concur after some research. Private schools are outrageously expensive in my area. Most of them won't give me extra edge when looking for jobs (besides BSN). Major academic centers, mostly public schools, are only 1/3 to 1/5 of the cost, and have a much better reputation.

I just need to take more pre-reqs for SUNY. Maybe an extra one year. sign. But I'll manage.

In general you want to go to a school with a good rep. That may be a major academic center, or a small local college. But "big name" may or may not carry a strong reputation. Best bet may be to ask around locally regarding which schools are best prep for an ICU candidate

[Gueenus]

It's all about who you know and the impression you make on them. Get your BSN anywhere and find a good mentor who will pave your way to where you want to go. Be enthusiastic and motivated. You'll do well if you can make a name for yourself.