Okay so long story short, I started las June in a 2 yr. ADN program. The program had some accreditations (SAC) and way okay per my BON to sit for boards. Well I just found out they are no long looking to receive CCNE or ACEN accreditation, just maintain SAC. I have 9 mo's until I graduate-- but I can't stay there for fear of my sanity. I'm getting bullied, we're not being taught material we should be learning, and I cry every day I'm there.
I've been talking to a rep at a different school in my city about their school's BSN program. I went there for a meeting and loved the school. I have an AA so all of my gen-ed classes will transfer, but none of my nursing courses will (because of the school's accreditation issues). I will be starting in October at this new school.
I would be graduating in July 2015 if I stayed at my current school and got my ADN...
But I would be graduating in Dec. 2016 with a BSN if I go through with transferring... (And it would be from a school that has all accreditations.)
Im not crazy right? Transferring doesn't make you a quitter does it? So long as you finish?
Many hospitals will not hire someone who did not graduate from an accredited nursing school.
Hospitals will not hire for thousands, if not millions of reasons.
Did i miss something that requires further clarification? The idea, again, is that the OP finishes their current ADN, and then pursue a BSN from an accredited institution after via rn to bsn bridge (6months-1 year programs available). Minus the risk of changing schools and wasting time.
I hope you know that there are nurses that got their nursing degrees from schools that no longer exist (for example, graduated a long time ago) and thusly, fall into the same category of those who graduated from an unaccredited nursing program. Many of them went on to get their BSNs with no issue and even became APRNs.
Rather than risk applying for a BSN and starting ALL OVER AGAIN due to unsuccessful clinical credits transferred, as well as taking the risk of not being accepted... complete the program they are in now, pass their boards.... And get their BSN from a bridge program that is accredited after. You will end up with a BSN from an accredited institution - solves the accreditation worry completely! There are tons of rn to bsn bridge programs to choose from that will want you as a student if you just have an RN license!!
My opinion is that i don't think it's worth the risks. That is not to say accreditation is not important... but it really should be the least of your concern, as the most important part is you passing the nclex and earning your license. Doors will open after. But more power to you if you can get into that bsn program, and having all your credits transfer and continuing where you left off
The problem is this: I DO want to get my MSN as an FNP. My dream school is the school I'm transferring to anyway, and they won't take me after i complete the ADN r/t the accreditation issues. I live in an area where there are about 5-6 good nursing programs but all require a 2+ year wait list with no guarantee that you'll be accepted... Except for the BSN programs. But none of them will take transfer credits from my current school so after I graduate with my ADN I won't be able to get my BSN unless I go to a school like University of Phoenix or WGU (not that there's anything wrong with them, I just don't want to continue my education online).
Also, after calling around some of the hospitals and other places I'd like to work in the future, I've been told by HR and hiring managers that yes they used to take RNs from my program that had graduated, but they do not any longer because the school is not accredited.
Last thing.... I'm in quarter 5 of 8.... Have yet to do clinicals at a hospital (and there are 15 within a 20 mile radius) because the hospitals won't let our students come there to do clinicals. I'm in maternity now and have yet to even talk to an even postpartum woman. All assessments are done on computer or mannequin. Is that normal?
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
But none of them will take transfer credits from my current school so after I graduate with my ADN I won't be able to get my BSN unless I go to a school like University of Phoenix or WGU (not that there's anything wrong with them, I just don't want to continue my education online).
There are many, many other schools that will accept you into their RN-to-BSN degree completion programs, even if your associate degree was conferred by an unaccredited program. And as far as online schooling, the BSN degree that you earn will not indicate you completed an online program. There are many campus-based programs with good reputations that will accept you for admission.
Specializes in L&D, RNC-OB, now Circulating in the Main OR.
Last thing.... I'm in quarter 5 of 8.... Have yet to do clinicals at a hospital (and there are 15 within a 20 mile radius) because the hospitals won't let our students come there to do clinicals. I'm in maternity now and have yet to even talk to an even postpartum woman. All assessments are done on computer or mannequin. Is that normal?
I don't think it's normal at all. During my first semester (of five), after passing basic competences we were on the floor; doing basic assessments, passing meds (under supervision), attending to ADL's. We built on our skills checklist in class and lab, applied them bedside with supervision until we were deemed competent and grew a little more each time in our "scope". I would have pulled my hair out only doing skills with plastic people.
OP, I think you are doing the wisest thing despite your current challenges, it seems as though the current school you are in is not even allowed you to touch actual live people because they have a less than stellar reputation.
Kudos to you who have researched your market-which included speaking to your area's facilities-which further confirmed your challenges in transferring credits and obtaining a job-and moving forward to the decision that fits for YOU.
Last thing.... I'm in quarter 5 of 8.... Have yet to do clinicals at a hospital (and there are 15 within a 20 mile radius) because the hospitals won't let our students come there to do clinicals. I'm in maternity now and have yet to even talk to an even postpartum woman. All assessments are done on computer or mannequin. Is that normal?
I'm sorry for all the stuff that seems to be driving you to make this decision, it sounds terrible. I guess that also means you have to weigh out whether or not the rest of your life can support the decision to be in another year before taking the NCLEX. To be honest, I am doing the ADN as the shortest route (time-wise) to passing the test. I also intend to go on, but feel like I need to switch careers to nursing before going the next step.
In addition to visiting the new school, can you talk with anyone who is currently in that program? I would think they would have good information so you know what you would be moving into.
There is a lot to consider and I can see why it is a hard decision.
Can anyone here speak to the idea of being in a program that you felt at the time you just couldn't go on, but did? Was it worth it? That might be helpful to kskaggs126 to hear about. Also, people who actually went through the process of transferring for one reason or another.
One central idea comes to mind for me, no educational experience (credits that transfer or don't) is really wasted. Chances are you picked up a lot that will help you wherever you continue.
The problem is this: I DO want to get my MSN as an FNP. My dream school is the school I'm transferring to anyway, and they won't take me after i complete the ADN r/t the accreditation issues. I live in an area where there are about 5-6 good nursing programs but all require a 2+ year wait list with no guarantee that you'll be accepted... Except for the BSN programs. But none of them will take transfer credits from my current school so after I graduate with my ADN I won't be able to get my BSN unless I go to a school like University of Phoenix or WGU (not that there's anything wrong with them, I just don't want to continue my education online).
Also, after calling around some of the hospitals and other places I'd like to work in the future, I've been told by HR and hiring managers that yes they used to take RNs from my program that had graduated, but they do not any longer because the school is not accredited.
Last thing.... I'm in quarter 5 of 8.... Have yet to do clinicals at a hospital (and there are 15 within a 20 mile radius) because the hospitals won't let our students come there to do clinicals. I'm in maternity now and have yet to even talk to an even postpartum woman. All assessments are done on computer or mannequin. Is that normal?
Yikes. This school sounds like bad news. NO, that is not normal. In my OB rotation, not only were we assessing PP moms, we were also taking care of newborns, passing meds, charting (on actual patients), and we also got to witness C-sections and lady partsl deliveries. We started clinicals in a first term.
I would not want a new grad nurse who has never stepped foot in a hospital/pt care setting...would you? I would transfer to the BSN program if I were you.
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
Hospitals will not hire for thousands, if not millions of reasons.
Did i miss something that requires further clarification? The idea, again, is that the OP finishes their current ADN, and then pursue a BSN from an accredited institution after via rn to bsn bridge (6months-1 year programs available). Minus the risk of changing schools and wasting time.
And my point was that there is a possibility that she may not even be able to get a job at a hospital with an ADN from an unaccredited institution. Because with the increase in unaccredited for-profit schools out there, there is also many more facilities that are saying that they won't hire an RN from an unaccredited school.
The problem is this: I DO want to get my MSN as an FNP. My dream school is the school I'm transferring to anyway, and they won't take me after i complete the ADN r/t the accreditation issues. I live in an area where there are about 5-6 good nursing programs but all require a 2+ year wait list with no guarantee that you'll be accepted... Except for the BSN programs. But none of them will take transfer credits from my current school so after I graduate with my ADN I won't be able to get my BSN unless I go to a school like University of Phoenix or WGU (not that there's anything wrong with them, I just don't want to continue my education online).
Also, after calling around some of the hospitals and other places I'd like to work in the future, I've been told by HR and hiring managers that yes they used to take RNs from my program that had graduated, but they do not any longer because the school is not accredited.
Last thing.... I'm in quarter 5 of 8.... Have yet to do clinicals at a hospital (and there are 15 within a 20 mile radius) because the hospitals won't let our students come there to do clinicals. I'm in maternity now and have yet to even talk to an even postpartum woman. All assessments are done on computer or mannequin. Is that normal?
Hmmm...if the hospitals in the area won't allow students from your ASN school to do clinicals there, they might also have a problem hiring someone who got their degree there, even with an RN-BSN degree from another school. Those clinicals are every bit as important as the didactic courses. Sim labs are great for practicing procedures and developing psychomotor skills in a safe, controlled environment, but they are no substitute for hands-on, bedside experience with real human patients. Yes, getting into a BSN program at a reputable school is going to take more time and money, but it could also better prepare you to compete in a very tight job market.
:up:
klone, MSN, RN
14,857 Posts
Many hospitals will not hire someone who did not graduate from an accredited nursing school.