New Jersey RN programs?? Need some advice and help!

[rcarson]

hello everyone! this is my first time writing on the site and i have to say i LOVE it. Everyone is great on here. I am currently a hunter college student. I am completing all my pre-reqs this semester thank god! i am currently in the process of applying to nursing programs. Mainly the 2 year BSN programs since i am already 21 years old and definitely not wanting to join a 4 year program. I have had the worst time finding a program that is not competitive. I am around a 3.1 gpa and i have been interning at a surgical center for the last few months observing all the nurses in pre and post op. I wanted to become a nurse since i was a junior in high and right now i feel like i am just setting myself up to fail I looked at seaton hall and did not get it as well as ramapo and saint peters. It is ten times harder being a transfer students applying to a program. Right now i am crossing my fingers on Caldwell College and maybe even PCCC??? anyone out there can give me any advice? I'm also considering an associates degree, although my older brother who is a trauma surgeon at hackensack hospital thinks that an associates degree wont get me anywhere these days just my BSN. anyone out there is the same position I am in??

thanks, looking forward to some great replies.

[spreadlove]

I hope you get into a school. Looks like everyone now wants a BSN but getting a ADN is good as well it might take a little longer but the end result is the same. Good luck!

[DaddyO]

i am going to disagree with your brother. although there is a trend to hire bsn students only, there are some hospitals that are still accepting adns (humc is one). not sure about those from diploma programs. from what i have seen in nyc, bsn is required. rehabs, nursing homes ..etc are accepting all degrees/diplomas i understand.....so the bsn comes more into play with the hospitals because of the magnet designation.

in response to a bsn being required, bergen community has struck a strategic alliance with kean college for its adn graduates to earn bachelors.

if you can get into an adn program sooner....i say go for it....you may have to continue your education....but you can have the hospital pay for your bsn with tuition reimbursement.

[rcarson]

Thank you thats a great help! Spreadlove and DaddyO are you both in nursing programs now? if so, is it a lot of work like EVERYONE is telling me? I'm anxious to get in somewhere but also very nervous considering all the work that goes into it.