I am in need of some advice from experienced nurses

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 10, 2012

I don't think the name of the school matters as much as whether the school is accredited by NLNAC or CCNE.

That being said, some schools may have a reputation among the local facilities as being good/bad programs: one hospital may think the program's grads are great while another won't touch them. Also, I know that some facilities do not look favorably upon students from for-profit schools (Phoenix, MCI, Excelsior, etc.) while other facilities have no problem with them. While the school's rep among the hospitals isn't necessarily a deal breaker when deciding what school to attend, it couldn't hurt for you to know what it is.

Best of luck whatever you decide!

sauconyrunner · Jun 10, 2012

the name of the school is not at all important. No one ever asks where I went to school. The accreditation does matter.

And I would seriously look into the availability of spots at your local Community College. Usually they have many many many more applicants than the applicants to the last 2 years of nursing in a private college. It is cheaper, but the competition is usually a lot tougher to get in.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jun 10, 2012

i went to the cheap state school, and i don't think it's ever held me back. after my first job, no one really cared where i went to school; only that i had. less debt would be a huge consideration -- i paid for my entire education and living expenses myself. when i graduated, i was repaying student loans while my peers were buying houses, cars and taking nice vacations. i'll admit to spending 10-15 years busting my butt to pay my debts while envying others their discretionary income.

amoLucia · Jun 11, 2012

In all my many years post nursing school, NO ONE has ever commented about where I went to school. (An AAS from a local community college and my BSN from the local state college.) As other posters comment, accreditation and a school with a really bad rep may matter today. But you will make the most of your education regardless of whichever school you attend. Time and cost matters for most today. Good luck.

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Jun 11, 2012

I will be done with my BSN in three years. There is a community college that offers an ADN program and I could finish that program in two years.

Look at the big picture....one year is not much difference even though it may seem like it now. With the current economy and job market, you will be much better served to have your BSN as a new grad as opposed to an ADN.

I know that I will get an incredible education at my current school and the community college is not great.

Even though employers may not care where you went to school and may never ask, I think there is far more value to a quality education than just a degree. You may have more opportunities to network, better clinical experiences, and more involved instructors. All of those things can help mold you into the nurse you want to be. A good program is invaluable.

I am just so done with school at it is.

If you are already "done with school", you are going to have a tough time in any nursing program. They are all challenging and time consuming. There will be very little if any real down time. Maybe you need to take a break for a semester or so to more fully evaluate your options. My daughter decided she was tired of college after 2 years and took a break, worked as a waitress a while and headed back to school with a new sense of purpose and drive. She went on to finish her BS and MS and now teaches at the university level.

Don't just look at the time it takes to complete the course of study. There are too many other variables. Try to see as many angles as possible. Interview instructors, students and graduates of each school if you can. This is a big decision and while you can always go back for your BSN after you are working, you have to land that first job before anything else is considered. Best of luck to you.