Help! What school do I choose?

[hellonurse123]

Hello!

I have recently been admitted to both Rush University's GEM program and Johns Hopkins University's accelerated BSN. I have considered pros and cons of both. Rush is a master's program, and they have 100% acceptance rate to date of all students who have went on to pursue a doctorate there as well. Additionally, they have a nurse anesthesiology program, should I choose to go that route. Hopkins is Hopkins...and they are known for greatness. Something I like about them is that they have ties to multiple countries so I could travel easily. How do I choose one? My decision date is May 1st, so I need to be committed by the 30th. Any advice/opinions are welcome.

[schnookimz]

I'm from Chicago and know many people who did the program at rush. Everyone I know stayed on and worked at rush. Their program seems to be a good feeder for the hospital.

Where are you from? Would you be relocating for both programs? Which city would you rather live in? What about cost?

[hellonurse123]

I am originally from southern Illinois, so yes I would be relocating for either program. They are both quite expensive. I like Chicago more as a city, but wanted to focus more on the schools I guess in terms of choosing one.

[RunBabyRN]

One thing to think about- where do you plan to work? With the job market as it is, you will need to make connections during school. That's how most people are getting jobs, myself included. The name of the school is of little importance in nursing (unless the school has a horrible reputation). Connections are significantly more important. Wherever you plan to attend school, consider working in the area for a couple of years to get your feet wet and increase your eligibility for jobs elsewhere, should you choose to move.

[RunBabyRN]

Also, just a friendly heads up, you may want to change your pic (and your SN, if that's your real name). AllNurses encourages a certain degree of anonymity, for your own protection. :) You never know who may be on here (future employer, nurse manager, instructors, classmates, etc).

[hellonurse123]

Excellent point-thank you!