Is RN-BSN at WGU appropriate for a new nurse?

[wolfe86542]

I am a newly graduated nurse and I am looking for a program for my RN-BSN. As of yet, I am not yet employed (this has been a real challenge because everyone wants experience), but anticipate having a job in the next few months. So, in the mean time, I want to chose a program and have everything in place.

My question is....since I am a new nurse with only school clinical experience, would a program like WGU's RN-BSN be appropriate for me? I notice that most of the posts regarding success in the program are from experienced nurses that have chosen to go the route of education through the competency units.

If you are or have been in the program, do you think a new nurse would be able to succeed in this type of program? Or should I look into another type of learning environment? The other schools I am considering are GCU and Chamberlain.

Thanks for any input!

[Sun0408, ASN, RN]

If I'm not mistaking, WGU requires you to be employed before doing the RN-BSN. i would call and ask. Chamberlain was very expensive the last time I checked..

Good luck to you :)

[benegesserit]

Yes, WGU requires employment (full time or regularly scheduled part-time, not PRN) at the time of admission. But I don't think it's otherwise inappropriate for a new grad. It's designed so that, if you already have the knowledge, you can demonstrate that and move on rather than sitting through a semester-length class, but the teaching is there if you need it. There are some classes where being recently out of school is probably a help.

[featherzRN, MSN]

I'm in the WGU facebook group, and we have quite a few new grads doing the program.. However, as Jess6 mentioned, WGU requires you to be employed.

[wolfe86542]

Thanks for the replies. As you guys mentioned, employment is a must. I am going through admissions now in preparation so that when I do get a job (which i hopefully soon), I can begin the program. I just wasn't sure if I would be able to progress at a reasonable pace without having been an active RN for awhile featherzRN, glad to know there are new grads going through the program. Jess6 thanks for letting me know you can "teach" yourself through the classes. This is a different type of learning process than I am used to so I am a little apprehensive but I really love all of the positive reviews.

[Murse901, MSN, RN]

You can and definitely should do the WGU BSN now. Don't wait to get any experience, because no experience is necessary for any of the classes. What you don't already know, you will learn. Good luck.