Nightingale College - Or move out of state? So torn!

[Pretzel]

Anyone gone to Nightingale College?

I’m in a bind. Nursing programs are impossible to get into where I’m at. I have tried and my GPA is 3.4 which hasn’t been good enough. I got into an out of state program which I’ve been doing as much online as possible but I have to go for the in person classes now. I’ve gotten straight A’s so far which I’m proud of!

I am torn between moving my whole family (husband, kids, & parents) across the country so I can finish. I have 2 years left for my BSN. 

We all love the other state. We have family there but I am pretty sure my husband and I will want to come back to our old state when I’m done. And my husband is ready and willing to go but obviously we would both like to not go through the hassle of moving. We are keeping our house here and renting it out. 

I am worried about moving my kids who are going into kinder and 2nd grade. They are excited to go but they’re kids so it’s up to me to do what’s best for them and I don’t know if moving them there and back here is best. 

It has me considering going to nightingale and traveling for clinicals but I’ve read some things about the school that have me concerned. I need to do something because we can’t afford to live here anymore without me getting a really good job. Please give me advice!

[dianah, ASN]

Moved to Schools/Colleges forum, for better exposure and responses.

[Kelly L. Ferrante VN]

1st- I would prioritize my children's education over mine and seek out locations that rank high in public school education. Then I would assess the impact that moving would have on my partner and our ability to meet financial needs; especially if carrying the burden, for now anyway.  This is what makes sense to me. 

Regardless of circumstance gather as much information as you can.  Who knows, opportunities may unfold that are far better than you may imagine.  Locations that could potentially enhance your current quality of life, such as: 

  -  a nursing program near you that won't bleed you dry
  -  a better education for both you and your children ( CA       public schools rank amongst the lowest in the country ) 
  -  your partner could potentially find a job that offers enhanced benefits 

I have come up against so many obstacles and the truth is Nightingale provides a viable solution to the asinine B.S. that thousands of Californian students face, year after year, after year! 
A system that discourages students to the point in which many give up on their dream of ever becoming an RN.  
To put things in perspective, I don't know of any business that could face the SAME dilemma for this long- and survive. Honestly, isn't education a business?- if not than why do my pockets feel a little lighter after each transcript that gets ordered, application fee, or placement exam that I need to pay for...
(Anyhow enough negative energy from me- sorry, it is the PTSD I have from the horrible experiences of applying to nursing programs)
To sum it up, only you can know if relocating will work for you and your family.  Explore options, and see what other states have to offer.- 

Best of luck to you through your journey. 
 

[Pretzel]

5 hours ago, Kelly L. Ferrante VN said:

1st- I would prioritize my children's education over mine and seek out locations that rank high in public school education. Then I would assess the impact that moving would have on my partner and our ability to meet financial needs; especially if carrying the burden, for now anyway.  This is what makes sense to me. 

Regardless of circumstance gather as much information as you can.  Who knows, opportunities may unfold that are far better than you may imagine.  Locations that could potentially enhance your current quality of life, such as: 

  -  a nursing program near you that won't bleed you dry
  -  a better education for both you and your children ( CA       public schools rank amongst the lowest in the country ) 
  -  your partner could potentially find a job that offers enhanced benefits 

I have come up against so many obstacles and the truth is Nightingale provides a viable solution to the asinine B.S. that thousands of Californian students face, year after year, after year! 
A system that discourages students to the point in which many give up on their dream of ever becoming an RN.  
To put things in perspective, I don't know of any business that could face the SAME dilemma for this long- and survive. Honestly, isn't education a business?- if not than why do my pockets feel a little lighter after each transcript that gets ordered, application fee, or placement exam that I need to pay for...
(Anyhow enough negative energy from me- sorry, it is the PTSD I have from the horrible experiences of applying to nursing programs)
To sum it up, only you can know if relocating will work for you and your family.  Explore options, and see what other states have to offer.- 

Best of luck to you through your journey. 
 

Thanks. Yes the place we would move to has higher rated schools than here. 8/10 and 9/10. But the school my kids go to now is also pretty good at 7/10 which makes it more difficult. I’m really just worried about how it’ll impact them emotionally/socially if we move for 2 years and come back. Financially, going won’t be difficult as we would be going with my parents and with both my husband and my dads income we will be smooth sailing. Far better than we are doing right now on our own. BUT we have to live with my parents LOL. Otherwise it would be tight to rent a place on our own. 
Are you a student at nightingale?

[Kelly L. Ferrante VN]

It is funny you should ask, I literally received my academic plan this morning.  To answer your question, 90% pro Nightingale.  BUT, I just came across a couple of programs that are less time being that I have a non-science Bachelors, in addition to my LVN.  The hardest part for me is waiting, I simply cannot wait in hope being accepted, then crushed if I am not.  I just went through this let down and it SUCKS!  Actually Mission College really screwed me, the application I submitted was not the one they received ( how does that even happen? ).  I found out through a non-nursing counselor, and when we looked at my records the confirmation I received had the correct information, BUT the application that their software submitted marked me as being; male and veteran? WOW!!  And, what's worse is that they consider it as though I lied, falsifying my identification! And, truthfully I am still not over it- but I have faith in knowing that everything happens for a reason.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

Your kids are young enough to be pretty flexible so as long as the schools are good in the new location I wouldn't be too concerned about about the impact on them. Frankly it'll be harder on you as the parent to get them registered and ready for a new year in a new school district than the move will be on them.

I guess my biggest concern for you is finances, especially as your entire family would be moving. Are you parents retired so they are not dependent on outside income?  Does your spouse need to find employment before you move? Will you need to find a job to supplement your income while you are in school? 

How much time would you need to secure housing in the new location? And what about the property you would be renting out? You'd have to have it cleaned out and ready to rent of course but would you be managing the rental yourself or looking for a property manager to take care of it while you are away? There's a lot of work involved in moving and having property only adds to the work.

Despite the negatives it sound like a good opportunity if you decide to do it.

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

According to my research, Nightingale is one of those places that California will not accept so you couldn't get a Ca. license.  They appear to be unaccepting of distance learning programs.  Check with their BON whether you could not practice there in case you every thought about it.

[AspiringRN2B, BSN, LVN, RN]

On 7/16/2022 at 7:58 AM, subee said:

According to my research, Nightingale is one of those places that California will not accept so you couldn't get a Ca. license.  They appear to be unaccepting of distance learning programs.  Check with their BON whether you could not practice there in case you every thought about it.

This is false. The board of registered nursing is accepting Nightingale as a school as long as the examinee has Microbiology & speech classes on their transcript. Get your facts together!

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

6 hours ago, AspiringRN2B said:

This is false. The board of registered nursing is accepting Nightingale as a school as long as the examinee has Microbiology & speech classes on their transcript. Get your facts together!

Yes.  But the problem is that people are applying for a Ca. license who DON'T know that and then find that they have to take the classes before they can get their license.  At least that is what I am reading.  Why are people applying for a Ca. license who don't have Microbiology?  Maybe it's the speech requirement that is lacking?  Who woulda thunk a speech class was a requirement?

 

CaliforniaXState ApprovedNO - this is from Nightingale's website indicating that reciprocity with California has not been approved.

[Kelly L. Ferrante VN]

 AspiringRN2B, 

You rock! And, I know- I just don't have the time to banter nonsense.  Thank you for providing the necessary information for those who are skeptical.  In their defense had I not met another nurse who attended Nightingale, I too would have had my doubts.  In the past, I was advised to solely refer to programs listed on California's BRN website.  Being that online programs were taboo- in addition to Nightingale being out of state; I totally get it.  Nonetheless,  there have been several changes since Covid and the California's BRN website needs to reflect current program options.   

Thanks again for chiming in and helping to clarify Nightingales accreditation. 

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

7 hours ago, Kelly L. Ferrante VN said:

 AspiringRN2B, 

You rock! And, I know- I just don't have the time to banter nonsense.  Thank you for providing the necessary information for those who are skeptical.  In their defense had I not met another nurse who attended Nightingale, I too would have had my doubts.  In the past, I was advised to solely refer to programs listed on California's BRN website.  Being that online programs were taboo- in addition to Nightingale being out of state; I totally get it.  Nonetheless,  there have been several changes since Covid and the California's BRN website needs to reflect current program options.   

Thanks again for chiming in and helping to clarify Nightingales accreditation. 

Are you saying that the website of Nightingale is out of date?  You are aware that just because you went to an accredited school doesn't mean that your license has reciprocity with California?  Or is that was has changed during Covid?

[AspiringRN2B, BSN, LVN, RN]

There’s a lot of students going to Nightingale from California. A lot of students have graduated from Nightingale and are licensed from California. If there’s a will, there’s a way. Stop questioning. If you don’t want to go to Nightingale, then don’t.