I have a little dilemma

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Specializes in Lactation.

Hey Everyone! I have a little problem here trying to decide what will be the best thing to do for me and my family.

I have two schools that I am very interested in and I have put applications in to both of them. I guess the real problems will begin when/if I get an acceptance letter to both of them.... I had alos started an application for a LPN program but I decided not to go that route.

School A: I have been going to this school for two years and just graduated with my associates in allied health from there. They have an ADN program there, and it is less than 10 minutes from my home. Everytime I go in there to talk to someone for advising or whatnot it is like pulling teeth and the office lady is very hateful. I hear good things about their NCLEX pass rate, just that most students dont get alot of hands on experience. Also school A's schedule is every day about half a day.

School B: I just happened to be driving by there a few days ago and before that I had never given the school a second thought. It is about 40 minutes from my home. When I went in to get an application they were so kind and helpful. In fact, I needed to take a residual ACT exam for their application and the next day was when the last one before the deadline was scheduled. When I called to get a spot for the test they were full. I called the nursing department and they called the dean of the college and got a waiver for my residual ACT from the other college to be okayed. I was so impressed. I have heard good things about this school, including the fact that they have a good NCLEX pass rate and their students get alot of hands on experience. Their first semesters have one whole day off and two half days with monday and tuesday being full days all semester. I would love to have the whole day off to work. My job is very flexible.

So with what I have written what do you guys think? I will be happy to give more information if you all ask questions.. I just have a very hard decision to make.

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Specializes in Neuro, Geriatrics, Progressive Care.

This is only my opinion but if I had to choose, I would say school b because if you can get along with the administration you can do better and not have to worry if someone is just doing things out of spite.

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Specializes in Lactation.

Vann I am leaning heavily towards school B. I also feel like I have a better chance of getting in there. The only problem is how much gas I will be using to get to and from. My dad already said he would help with that though.

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

I also would go with school B. I made a similar switch and am so happy. The school I'm at now is about 30 minutes away but I love the professors and the way you are treated. They are so helpful and although I think my new school is much more academically harder I actually get better grades and I think it is because of all the support of the professor's and administration. You have to keep in mind that nursing school is hard on its own so anything that can make it easier or more enjoyable for those two or three years is well worth it. Just my opinion :)

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School B!!!

I have to drive 45 minutes to go to my school, so I know what you mean. Its better to pay for the gas and go to a good school vs getting into a school that is closer and have a bad experience and wishing you went to the other school just save gas money.

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Specializes in CNA.

School B for sure!

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Specializes in Lactation.

Another plus to school B that I am not banking on yet is the fact that my neice is also applying there. At school A her sciences are expired and at school B they are still good. So I am hoping and praying that we both get in. Our points are pretty close to the same. :-)

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School B for sure.

Im applying to a BSN program 45 mins from my home...longer drive for sure but better deal in the end.

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Specializes in Lactation.

Hey everyone I checked the NCLEX pass rates and school A is much better than school B.... :-/ School A is consistantly in the high 90-100% and school B is averaging in the 70's

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You know, pass rates are important and all, but ultimately it's up to the individual what you get out of a program. I know people who went to schools with great programs and pass rates, and failed the NCLEX, as well as others who went to schools with so/so pass rates and they passed on their first try. So, while the pass rates are important, it shouldn't be your only deciding factor when picking a school. If the second school seems more environmentally friendly, and has more clinical experience then maybe you should look at that. Also, what is the reason for such high pass rates at the first school? You say they don't get much clinical experience. I know some schools require you to take an exit exam, and won't allow you to even graduate to take the NCLEX until you get whatever score they want you to get. Like Drexel University for example. That is why Drexel has such a high pass rate.

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Specializes in Psych,Peds,MedSurg,Tele,OB,Subacute.

I drive 60 miles 1 way to my school and I love my school. I also have a school 10 mins from my home but I love the professors, the admin, the class size is low. To me it is WELL worth the gas money. The school near my home has higher tuition as well. so it all works out in the end. but for me the lower class size alone is a big deal. but i think if you have already had bad experiences with school A, i would shine it. good luck in whatever u decide though....

karla

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I am with everyone else. I would go with School B. It's may cost you more in gas money (which isn't such a big deal anymore if you are going to get help from your dad) but you may definitely have a better experience.

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