Main things to consider in a nursing program?

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Hi everyone,

I am thinking of pursuing a degree in nursing as a second career. I've been looking into several schools, but was hoping you guys' could shed some light on what are top priorities in a nursing program (Clinical placement, faculty-student ratio, affiliated hospitals etc?). I know that getting into a "top nursing program" is not as important as what you do with your education when your there, but say a program had its clinicals at a top hospital in the Country, would that help with my nursing experience?

Thanks guys for the advice!

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You need to know the pass rate of the class each semester! Many students start the program but how many finish many depend on the school! Try to talk to current students and see how they feel about the program. It is important to see how the students feel about the teachers. However beaware some people are very negative.

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, home health, ms, resp....

I personally think all nursing programs are quite challenging. Someone or two maybe even three people will not make it through. This does not mean they weren't smart enough, something else could have happened. In my program many people don't make it. For what reason? I don't ask. Alot of different things are going on in peoples lives and sometimes we just have no idea. I researched the nursing schools before I picked one to apply to. What was important to me was the pass rate requarding the NCLEX exam. My school has the highest pass rate in my area and, which is important it is accredited. To me you can pass the classes and get the degree but you need to pass the NCLEX to practice nursing. I also knew I wanted a BSN. So I really didn't research the two year schools. However I do hear that they have a waiting list of a few years. Any way, my school may be difficult however when I get out I believe I will be well prepaired not only for the NCLEX but for a career in Nursing. :twocents:

I wish you well on your journey

Good luck :up:

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Thanks for the replies. I am looking at schools with accellerated BSN programs since I have an undergrad degree in another subject already. The schools I'm looking at are UPenn, NYU, UIC and University of Colorado Denver. Thanks for the info about NCLEX pass rates. I chose these schools because of location and hospitals in the area as well as their clinicals.

Catz123, can I ask where you went to school? Thanks for the help!

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Specializes in NICU.

I second trying to find someone to speak to in these programs. I went through an accelerated BSN program and it definitely had its ups and downs. You'll get the most honest answer about the ins and outs of a program if you speak to students in it.

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, ED, Nurse Instructor,.
You need to know the pass rate of the class each semester! Many students start the program but how many finish many depend on the school! Try to talk to current students and see how they feel about the program. It is important to see how the students feel about the teachers. However beaware some people are very negative.

I agree with some of the things you say. The pass rate of the class each semester this may questionable. Every student must take the program seriously. You know some students are doing everything but studying. You know at least 2 students that doesnt continue with the class. Just a thought.:D

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I researched the nursing schools before I picked one to apply to. What was important to me was the pass rate requarding the NCLEX exam.

this really is THE most important consideration when applying to nsg programs: their NCLEX pass rate.

my school was 96%.

yet recently, i was told about an 'elite' nursing program, where its pass rate was approx. 67%...not good.

you really want a program that wants to ensure you've been well-prepared, aeb nclex pass rate.

as for pass rates ea semester, that means little to me.

i think you will find that most (if not all) nsg schools graduate with much less than what they started with.

the reasons are variable.

other considerations are amt of clinical time, educ background/qualifications of instructors, resources available, etc.

just do your research and i'm sure you'll find a good fit for you.:)

leslie

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