Published Aug 22, 2009
sixthwannabe
30 Posts
I am in the process of applying for various nursing schools which I have a very good chance of getting into. So excited
HOWEVER, one is very expensive (think 43-50 k/each years for 2 yrs) and the other is much cheaper (16 k/ yr, 3 yrs). These numbers include tuition, board, room, transportation, books, health insurance...
I am already a junior in college done with pre-reqs and don't want to spend forever in school. I have friends that are paying enourmous amounts of money to graduate BSN summer 2010 and intend to work in California (think private schools similar to Touro in Las Vegas/Denver colorado school of Nursing in Denver). They say it's worth the mountains of tuition cost b/c they'll be graduating earlier and making $$$. But is it really worth it becuase if the Calfornia Economy continues the way it has been then they won't really get jobs to offset graduating ealier?
SHould I graduate Winter 2011 at a more expensive school or late summer/fall 2012 at a cheaper, but equally good, nursing school (high NCLEX passing for both, and great clinicals so quality is not a factor here)?
Is it even worth graduating earlier if the economy hasn't picked up? Norcal for example is not really hiring new grads . I know people who graduated in May and Still can't find jobs .
When do you guys think the economy will pick up enough and new grads so that us new grads will have a very good chance at getting a job right out of college? I'm also thinking about giving crna a shot...that means ICU. How has the economy affected ICU hiring rates?
What do you guys think?
money, what a headache!
P.S. Do you guys think prestige matters for nursing fields? I know somebody that is going to John Hopkins (55k a year, good lord) that turned down San Francisco State (i think 17 k/year?)
NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN
2,387 Posts
Prestige is not significant. Most facilities who hire like RN's who have a BSN, but they are not particular. They look more for previous experience such as ER techs, LVNs, etc.
I would not invest expensive education right now to graduate a year earlier. I actually did this, but I had no choice, as my husband went on disability and we had hardly any income.
If you can afford the time, I would definitely take your time and finish the slower/much cheaper option. I know so many new grads who don't have jobs and it will probably carry through next year.
youknowho
470 Posts
If both schools are BSN programs i would say...save your money! A BSN is a BSN.
My BSN from a state school got me good jobs the same as any other!!
Lovelee82
85 Posts
If possible check out the schools before you decide. Many programs have an open house and try to talk to students who have gone through the program. I wouldnt invest in a more expensive school unless they are affilated to a medical center like UCSF or UCDavis. Also these shorter programs are very intense. You dont have a life as it is with nursing school but with the short programs there are little to no break. Think 5 days a week of classes for 1 year compared to 3-4 days a week for 2 years with summers and winter breaks. The longer program gives you time to work as a CNA part time while the other doesnt. I decided on a longer program just for this reason. I couldnt imagine absorbing anything in the amount of time they gave you.