Hospital Based Programs? What do you think?

Nursing Students General Students

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Ok....

I just wondered if anyone had any advise... or thoughts on the pros and cons of Hospital based programs and Community College programs.... I'm having a hard deciding... I live in Los Angeles County (CA) and they have a hospital based RN program and they even have a contract program where they will pay for you to attend so long as you commit to work for them for "X" number of years...will I get more clinical experience this way? Will I be employable at other facilities after my contract is up? I can't really afford to go to an expensive four-year so these are my options right now. I had considered going the CC route by getting my LVN first... but I have a feeling that the school does most of their clinicals at LTC facilites and I really want to be an RN in the long run and honestly Im afraid that I'll get pigeonholed in LTC .... Has anyone else done a hospital based program?

S

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Specializes in Community Health Nurse.

I have NOT.....but it is of my personal opinion that whatever way a person can achieve their educational career goals, they should go for it! There's nothing wrong with taking baby steps towards what you want if that is what is affordable for you right now. NO education is ever wasted unless you choose to let it go to waste.

I'm sure the Diploma grads will come and share their experiences with you, but I think ANY route to achieve your goals is better than NO route at all. Good luck to you in whatever way you choose to become a nurse. You can always always always ADD to your education......just go for it, and get started the best way you know how that works for you and works within your budget. :kiss

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This is an interesting question; when you finish the diploma program, are you an RN? I heard that you are not because you do not sit for the NCLEX.

Also, I would be cautious about committing to working for too long. What if you do not like the work or you don't like the environment?

Does anyone know how many diploma programs there are? I do not recall hearing of any in the North Texas area.

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Specializes in Perinatal/neonatal.

Hi,

One of my best friends is a diploma grad and she most cetainly did take the NCLEX-RN exam. I almost chose a diploma program myself, but the community college is less expensive here. I also did not wish to go summers. In my opinion, diploma programs do a wonderful job in creating well trained nurses!:) Most diploma programs require you to have the same Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and other related courses as any college/university nursing program. (They usually have an agreement with cc's or universities for the students to obtain that coursework.) I will never stand to PUT DOWN any nursing program because most of your success will depend on YOU. (I believe that you will get out what you put into it!) I wish you the very best and I hope you find the program that is right for you. I hope to see you on the boards!

~Angie

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