Does School Name Matter???

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Does it matter what school you went to for nursing?? I'm wondering how big of a difference it would make if I graduated from a state school, like CSUS - aka Sac State or UCLA, or a private school like Samuel Merritt.

I've heard it is more difficult to get into public programs and easier to get into private, but that private is MUCH more expensive. I'm willing to pay if it means a job, which is the key factor I'm considering when picking a program! Thanks for the advice.

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Specializes in NICU.

I don't really think it matters...I went to a private school, graduated in Dec 09, and haven't found a job let alone even gotten an interview from the 30+ applications I've sent out.

If you're willing to pay for it, I would consider going private because it usually doesn't involve a lottery system or something to be accepted.

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Congrats on graduating Lindsay! Can I ask where you went to school??

I'm sorry to hear its been such a struggle to find a position!! What type of positions you have been applying for? Are you an RN? I apologize for having so many questions, but any tips you have would be great :) Thanks!

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Nope, it doesn't matter. I went to a private school that was a trade school, most of those tend to be looked down on. But I got my 1st job in ICU as an RN right away. But it was more because of my years of experience as an LVN, a great resume, and a good job interview.

They do not care where you went to school, it's more do you have a nursing license, do you have previous experience, etc.

Unfortunately, most new nurses are not getting jobs regardless of where they went to school. The economy is very rough. I would not recommend spending 50k or more on school when there is going to be no guarantee of a job post-graduation. Currently many retired nurses are working and many part time nurses went full time. They will always hire an experienced nurse over a new graduate to save money.

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Specializes in NICU.

mochagirl26 - I'll send you a PM. :)

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Thanks for the great info Nicki! I can see that the factors you listed are definitely making it more difficult for new grads to secure employment. What a good thing you had experience as an LVN! I was planning on working toward a BSN, but may take the test to become a CNA this summer. What do you think, are CNA positions just as hard to get as RN positions at the moment?

@Lindsay: I'm so sorry, I'm new to allnurses.com and can't PM yet :mad: I can't wait to talk more because I'm applying this fall (to transfer to a CSU/UC and I'm also really looking into ABSN programs). I'm feeling a little lost with how much information is out there and want to make sure I'm doing everything right so I can become an RN!

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Well, I guess not everything "right." Just making informed decisions :p

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Specializes in NICU.

I'm kind of new around here too...does that mean you read my PM but aren't able to respond?

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Yes, I can only read it, but I can't respond... so frustrating! I'm finishing my pre-reqs at a community college in Sacramento and am taking TEAS in a couple of months at SMU. I'll try to post more often so I can communicate a little better. Thanks for your message!!

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At this point, experience will trump education in terms of securing a job.

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Specializes in Urology, ICF/DD, Med/Surg..
At this point, experience will trump education in terms of securing a job.

+1

99.99 percent of the time the first thing they'll ask you is how much experience you have

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