Need some advice please!!

mermcm83 · Dec 31, 2009

Hi, I also attend community college, and I feel your pain. With the demand and enrollment so high for nursing schools and programs, I think they are making it as difficult as possible so that so many people are automatically eliminated pretty much lol. But seriously, have you looked into any of the accelerated nursing programs, or even the ones that allow you to earn your practical nursing license while attending RN classes? I don't know if you've looked into it, but I found that much easier for me, with my community college asking for soooo many different prerequisites and what not.

alienRNwannabe · Dec 31, 2009

I live in midwest and my frd had moved from east coast and she did her schooling here. There are no wait list or lucky draw system for the community colleges here, so she got into a program right after she was done with her pre-reqs. I was lucky enough to get into the university program myself and I didn't play the waiting game but I came out with 20k in debt, which I am not complaining about. I think it is absolutely worth spending a little extra money either by applying at private colleges or univ. to get your degree out of the way. If I had to do it all over again, I would do my pre-req from a community college and then apply at any college with reasonable tuition (even private ones). Once you start working, it will be all worth it, just do your math and plan ahead.

GreatBrit · Dec 31, 2009

P.S. FOR SOME REASON THIS IS POSTING UNDER MY FRIEND'S USERNAME. KALIPSORED IS THE THE AUTHOR OF THIS. Don't hate on my friend if you think this is bad advice, it's not her fault I'm computer illiterate.

First off, my experience tells me that having a shiny BSN from a 'great' school does not get you a job at desired hospital. If you want a job at a certain hospital then go get a job as a floor or ER tech. Part time only in preparation for starting school. I believe hospitals are more inclined to hire techs who they think will stay after they graduate from nursing school. Can't get a job as a tech? Try as a floor secretary or in registration...heck housekeeping too if you can't get the others. I did all of these jobs and learned more about hospital operation and actual nursing skills doing these jobs than what I PAID to get out of nursing school.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE listen to me! Get your RN degree the CHEAPEST possible way you can. If a community college that has a medicore reputation has an opening, TAKE IT! Your license and EXPERIENCE is all that matters....later, after a year of nursing, go do a one year bridge program from a fancy college and get a fancy degree. In my area the average University BSN programs cost, without room & board, books, and other 'hidden' stuff you'll need, about $25,000 - $30,000. THIS IS TO MUCH!!!! If you live on your own please know that you will most likely have to end up using student loans to pay for your living because you won't be able to work your part time job like you want to. Thus you end up with $40,000 or $50,000 of debt while your community college ADN counter part will end up with $10,000 to $20,000 of debt! This fact will make a HUGE in pact on your finances for years to follow your graduation.

I went to the 'good' school because I thought like you do. It is very misguided, we are to easily influenced by sales pitches. I got my first nursing job because of the hospital experience I had prior to graduating, not because of where I graduated from!

RB2000 · Dec 31, 2009

Here are a few things:

1.) Your "A" avg does it include science classes?

2.) How did you do with your entrance exam?

Most schools the two biggest factors are your avg in your science courses as well as your entrance exam score. Some schools use additional factors ex. gpa

I do have a question for you though.

If your goal is to get your BSN and MSN why not get your RN from a commuity college?

As you stated you may not get your dream job right off the bat, so why not get your RN and start working?

You could be gaining valuable experience, and at the same time finishing up your BSN. Now you would be a candidate that has 1-2 yrs experience, and a BSN from a "good" school.

Just for the record, a community college does not a bad school make. One of the community college's in our area has one of the best RN programs around.