Job placement for Indiana RNs from non NLNAC or CCNE accredited programs

[jonesLPN]

Hoping someone can give me some direction on this: The ASN program I am going through is accredited by the state but not by the NLNAC or CCNE. It was found by one of the students that some organizations in Indiana have a policy that they do not hire Indiana licensed RNs from a program that is not NLNAC or CCNE accredited. I was unaware that this problem could exist. It was my understanding that if you were licensed in the state of Indiana you were an RN qualified for all RN positions. My program director has since gotten approval from the college to apply for NLNAC accreditation and application will be pending starting 12/2009 for approval in 05/2011. Our class was advised that this accreditation will retro back to our us because we will be graduating from the program during pending acceptance in 05/2010 and that we would be "covered" by the NLNAC accreditation once the program is approved in 05/2011. I fear that there is always a chance that the accreditation may not go through and I'm not sure how substantial that consequences could be for me. If I would be unqualified for RN employment at certain organizatons, I question if I should consider dropping and seeking acceptance to another program. Does anyone have any professional advice on this matter? Does anyone know how common it is for organizations/facilities to not hire licensed RNs that went through a program not accredited by the NLNAC or CCNE?

[sunnysideup09]

I'm sorry you were not aware of the importance of NLNAC or CCNE accreditation. Some of the hospitals will not accept an LPN or RN who has graduated from a college without this accreditation. And with the job market as tight as it is, would an employer take a graduate from a NLNAC accreditated school or a non-accreditated school? The accreditation is like the gold standard - just like JCAHO. I would never go to a facility that was not JCAHO accreditated. There are places for employment, but more than likley long term care. I'm not sure what you want to do regarding where you want to work. Another issue is that your credits at this school more than likely won't transfer, the nursing ones won't at least, so then you'd have to start back at square one. There is a lot to think about, but it's a chance you take to stay in your current program.