From New Jersey to Dallas and don't know what to do

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Hi everyone!!

My husband just got a job in Dallas and we are both very excited to move to Texas and start our lives there. The only problem that we have run into is the fact that I am two semesters away from graduating in an RN Nursing Program from a Community College here in New Jersey and I don't know if should stay in New Jersey (and my husband goes to Texas by himself) until I graduate next May or if I should go with him and try to transfer my credits to a school there. What do you guys think? Are you aware of whether Nursing credits from a community college would easily transfer or whether I would have to start all over again? Will there be a waiting list for transfer students?

This has been a tough decision for us because while I do not want to live away from my hubby for 8 months, my heart also sinks with the thought of not graduating any time soon. I fear I'll lose credits and delay my graduation time. I absolutely love Nursing and I can't wait to become a real Nurse!!

Thank you all for your help - I really will appreciate any thoughts or advice!!

Gabby

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

The RN programs in and around Dallas County are very competitive, so I personally would remain in New Jersey until next May to complete your program. You'll be away from your spouse for 9 months, but a little distance will make the heart grow fonder. You're so close to finishing, so don't allow anything to interrupt your path to becoming an RN. Good luck!

Specializes in ICU, currently in Anesthesia School.

Gabby- stay where you are until you finish your program. Not only is commuter right, but you might be viewed by the colleges as a risk, and therefore even less likely to be admitted, regardless of the reason. Take the time, visit your husband on the breaks and apply for initial licensure in Texas after graduation. (You will have no trouble getting a job)

Specializes in Peds Cardiology,Peds Neuro,Pedi ER,PICU, IV Jedi.

Your best bet BY FAR is to stay where you are until you graduate. That SUCKS I know but it will turn out for the best down the road. The Commuter is right - nursing programs down here are obscenely competitive to enter- bordering on ridiculous...stay where you are, 8 months is a while, but once you become an RN (YOU'RE SO CLOSE!!) then you can come down here and get a great job and be reunited with your hubby!!

I can empathize with you. When my wife and I first married, we lived in Virginia where I worked as a paramedic. She moved to Texas 2 months before I could join her here. I wish you all the best. The best thing you can do is study seriously so that there is no question of your ability to become a good nurse.

vamedic4

Fireworks were great tonight!!

Specializes in ante/postpartum, baby RN.
Hi everyone!!

My husband just got a job in Dallas and we are both very excited to move to Texas and start our lives there. The only problem that we have run into is the fact that I am two semesters away from graduating in an RN Nursing Program from a Community College here in New Jersey and I don't know if should stay in New Jersey (and my husband goes to Texas by himself) until I graduate next May or if I should go with him and try to transfer my credits to a school there. What do you guys think? Are you aware of whether Nursing credits from a community college would easily transfer or whether I would have to start all over again? Will there be a waiting list for transfer students?

You can contact these DFW community college nursing programs and ask about transferring your credits. Good luck, Katie

http://www.brookhavencollege.edu/instruction/h-h-services/nursing/

http://www.elcentrocollege.edu/Programs/healthlegalstudies/index.asp

http://www.ccccd.edu/academicprograms/nursing.html

www.tccd.edu/nursing

Thank you so much for your replies!

I am convinced that the best way is to stay in New Jersey until I graduate. It will hurt A LOT to be away from my husband for 8 long months, but hopefully it will all be worth it. It will be hard to convince HIM that this is the best pathway, but I'm sure your posts will help him be aware of the competitiveness of the program in Texas.

I have been doing an externship this Summer and I have been loving every bit of it - it has made me even more anxious to graduate! We will make it, I'm sure!

Thank you very much!!

Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

I would check with the schools to see what they will transfer before I made a decision - yes admissions are very competitive, but that is generally only the case for new entrants, not continuing students. Lord knows there is plenty of attrition in the programs so there is BOUND to be an open seat somewhere! The following schools in the North Texas area all have ADN programs - contact info can be found here: ftp://www.bne.state.tx.us/rnschools.pdf

Brookhaven

North Central Texas College

Tarrant County College

Moutainview

El Centro

Collin County Community College

Navarro

Trinity Valley Community College

Weatherford College

and Del Mar in Corpus Christi has an AD program online so you can live anywhere in the state - they might take a transfer student also.

If they can't take you for Fall, perhaps you could find an extern position for one semester and start back to school in the spring - but if you don't ask you will never know.

Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

One more idea - you may be able to sit for the LVN (probably called LPN where you live) exam if you have had certain courses and then enter an LVN to RN bridge as well. Check with the state board to see if you qualify.

Specializes in labor & delivery.

Personally, I think you should look into seeing if your credits will transfer. Yes, the schools here are competitive, but I think that if your credits will transfer, you'll have an easier time getting in at a midpoint of a program (than if you had to start over)... if that makes any sense. Are you in a BSN or ADN program now?

Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

i don't think the question is if the credits will transfer ,but can you get into a program down here. the competition is so very stiff here it may take you years to get in. if i were you i would stay and complete the program there. also someone mentioned getting you lvn license and then entering a bridge program here. there is no way i would do that if you are graduating in may. i have been trying for years (and i mean years) to enter a bridge program here ( i have a 3.5 and all classes done) the competition here is fierce and nasty... my advise is to stay put and fnish....

Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

Transferring in is not as competitive as getting in - I agree that it would probably be best to stay and finish, BUT it sure wouldn't hurt to ask!

With competition so stiff in DFW, how popular is EXCELSIOR ? I am almost done and love it as I am also a travel nurse at times.

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