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Discussion

How important is the program you choose?

How important a factor is where you get your BSN? I've seen many people advise

I currently have been accepted into a nursing program where I currently live starting in the fall semester, but I'm having doubts as to if it is a good fit. Many students complain about frequently changing requirements (they've changed 3 times with no notice while I've been doing my pre-recs), communication with students is mediocre. They require less pre-recs than most schools (my a&p labs were done online, and I haven't needed labs for bio, chem or micro). Additionally the job market for nursing is very tight in this area- I know several folks who graduated last year and are still looking, even using agencies. I do not plan on staying in this area after graduation and I'm wondering if it's worth relocating now or if I should stick it out.

The area that I'm looking at has several nursing programs available, with my first choice being one that is very well respected. It is unlikely that I would get in for this fall as I'd need a few more pre-recs (chem lab, bio lab), but not impossible. The back up would be to relocate, spend a year doing a minor and then hopefully enter the program. I'm currently the single mom of a toddler, so this would also move clinical closer to when she's in school full time and there are more childcare options.

I plan on doing an advanced degree and/or teaching/research after my BSN, so I'm wondering how heavily the strength of the program will factor into my opportunities and skill set. 3.8 GPA, 3.9 in pre-recs.

Current School:

Pros- already accepted, would graduate, est:Fall 2018, currently have awesome childcare in place, no need to move

Cons- super high cost of living (money is VERY tight), few job opportunities, unpredictable program.

Relocation:

Pros- Much stronger/well respected program, many more job/networking opportunities, much lower cost of living

Cons- risk of not being accepted, having to find new child care, delayed graduation/ability to work.

I have to decide really soon and would really love some advice. Thank you in advance!

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    • Featured Replies

    This is such a hard choice!!! It's not even my decision but I can only imagine. I have had similar conflicts however, I don't have any kids. I feel like relocating would be a huge issue, especially if it's not guaranteed that you'd be accepted. At the same time, if the cost of living is cheaper at the other college it would be worth it in the end, right? Is your current school a private for-profit college? If so, I would most definitely switch. Good luck with your decision though!

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    Since you didn't include NCLEX pass rates in the information listed for each option, I would encourage you to go with the option in which you will have the best personal support system. Single parenting is hard, with unrelenting obligations. Nursing school is also very unforgiving in terms of academic requirements and schedule. If anything occurred to upset your child care arrangements, it could have a significantly negative impact on your studies.

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    • Experts

    I agree that having a good support system might be the most important thing for you now. However, you didn't tell us the most important things about the schools: Are either of them a "for-profit" school? If so, avoid that one if at all possible.

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    I completely understand how you feel. So far I have research a few schools that offer generic and accelerated BSN programs to which I am hoping to apply. However, the more I research about each (in terms of what people say about them, the prestige and reputation etc), the more frustrated I get. For example, LIU (Long Island University) in Brooklyn, NY is one of the schools I am considering, but so far I have only heard only negative things about it. Ultimately, I realized, I will just go with my gut and make the best of it. Just like when someone said (maybe a famous person, not sure), "Life is what you make it." So, when you apply, and hopefully, get accepted, try to have a positive outlook; enjoy the time spent there, and I am sure it will not be as best as everybody says it is.

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