Nursing School Questions

mntgrl · May 22, 2008

Hi there,

I can not speak for all the types of programs, but I can tell you what I have learned so far.

How I am doing it

I need to work full time and go to school, so I was able to do the prereqs for my school during nights and weekends, I will be going to NS nights and weekends. It took me about two years to do the prereqs. (I did these at the Community College and I did the extra prereqs I need for my BSN, they transfer to the school I will be going to for my RN to BSN at a much cheaper price) and it will take me 2 years at NS to get my diploma. (so 4 years total)After which, if I work for the NS hosptial I do not have to pay the NS back. Then while I am working at the hospital they will pay for me to finish my BSN as long as I commit to work for them some more. This is the way I am able to do it. When I went to the CC they allow you to pay in 2 installments per semester, which made it managable. Extremly little debt so far just a few books on a credit card.

My Son's Plan

However, my son who graduated from High School then went right to the community college and is now working on the prereqs, then he has to apply to the nursing program. If accepted, he will be spending a total of 4 years to get his RN, not all at a full time status, he works part time during the school year and full time during the summer. No student loans so far. The tuition for the CC is a really good value. Then he plans on working for a hospital that will help him with tuition for his BSN and beyond.

Son's Girlfriend

She is going to school for nursing at a 4 year college for her BSN. She is doing this with student loans, her debt for the first year alone is over $26,000. Too rich for my blood, but she says she can't handle the stress of working and going to school at the same time.

A friend

Finally, I do know someone who went to Frankford. She first applied to Frankford and did not get in, so she took a few classes at the community college, applied again, and then was accepted. Once she got into Frankford it was a 3 year plan to get her Diploma. She then got help from her employer with her student loans and continuing education.

There are many different ways to be able to attend nursing school and get your RN/BSN it really depends on you and working within your budget and lifestyle.

Good Luck!

glamgalRN · May 23, 2008

1: Is it correct to assume when attending a community college such as HACC, when I start school I will be pre-nursing and attempting to fulfill my requirements in order to apply for the nursing school within that particular college?

If HACC is anything like Community College of Philadelphia and most other schools (with the exception of schools that only offer nursing, ie Frankford) this is how it works: You will be taking your prereqs for nursing. You should find out when you need to apply as soon as classes start back in the fall. Most schools are competitive, so it's essential that you apply early and do well with your prereqs!

2: In private nursing school such as Frankford, are you applying directly to the nursing program? If so how is this sort of program any different than going to a community college?

Yes, at Frankford you are applying directly into the nursing program. I know that Frankford does have a good reputation. The way it's different is Frankford is a 3 year, including summers program (that's why I wasn't interested in their program.) Most Community Colleges are two year programs. Frankford is WAY more expensive than a Community College. When I looked into Frankford, I was told that they have an agreement w/Jefferson in which you can get your BSN in only 9 months after you have your RN. I would check into that though because this was a few years ago! Find out if they will pay back your loans if you make a commitment to work for them after you graduate. Also find out if you guaranteed a job after graduation.

3: Is it better, if your final goal is a BSN, to get your RN first then work and earn your BSN part time?

Yes! I just graduated w/my ASN and was told by my professors that we should wait a year to get adjusted to work and then take classes for our BSN part time as soon as we feel comfortable on the floor. I've heard some schools have the majority of their RN-BSN programs online!

There are SO many nursing schools, make sure you make an informed decision as to what's best for you. Good luck!!

cambion · May 23, 2008

Thank you for such quick and concise answers to my questions. I've learned a lot reading the forums the past couple of days.

I don't really want it to take 3 years to get my RN however one must work in order to stay afloat, I suppose I'll take what classes I can when I can. Once I'm actually get into nursing school, I think I'm going to switch to part time work.

Thanks again!

kiss04bam · May 23, 2008

Im probably going to be going to HACC in Harrisburg too. As far as I know you enroll as a pre-nursing student and do you pre-req's, and you work with your advisor to get into the clinicals. Ill have to work also while going too! But I know ALOT of people have worked and went to school.

http://www.hacc.edu/index.cfm?fuseaction=healthCareers.Programs%20Offered&id=922 (heres the link for RN at HACC)

What I might do is go for LPN then do a LPN bridge to RN.

cambion · May 23, 2008

The HACC website has been quite informative over the past couple of weeks. I actually submitted my application this morning for pre-nursing.

kiss04bam · May 23, 2008

Congrats! Im hoping to apply soon! But Im going to apply to a nursing school(for LPN) in Chambersburg first.

MrsBradyMom · May 23, 2008

Hi!

I am currently a HACC clinical nursing student at Harrisburg. You are correct, you must do all your pre-req's before applying to the program. The program is extremely competitive but I hear it's second to none. They do offer part-time evening classes at some of the campus's.

As far as working, I dunno. You might be able to pull off part-time work on the weekends. The program is very intense and requires an enormous amount of study time. I just quit my part time job at the end of my first clinical semester.

If you have the time, money, and resources, I would look into some other programs. While HACC's reputation for nursing is awesome, the program takes no less than 3-3 1/2 years...and that's assuming you make it in the first shot.

Good luck and let me know if you have any other q's.

cambion · May 23, 2008

I'm willing to take the time if the program is worth it. As far as working/money I'll take it as it comes, school being a priority of course. Maybe Ill look into part time evenings for prerequisite classes.

MrsBradyMom · May 23, 2008

I just posted to your other post, lol.

I saw LPN is an option for you. If so, the amount of pre-req's are minor. Check out my other post, I gave you lots of info.

As far as it being a good school of nursing...top notch! I have heard this from many, many people. The NCLEX pass rates are 99%. My A/P professor once told a story of him being at Hbg hospital when a critical situation arose on the floor. The attending MD screamed......"Is there a HACC nurse on the floor????" We ROCK :bow:

cambion · May 23, 2008

Actually I'm not interested in the LPN program on the RN as my final goal is Forensic Nursing/CRNA or Informatics.

Eventually the BSN has to happen, but RN first, then work for experience and return to school part time to finish up.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · May 24, 2008

My SO is an EMT in paramedic school now. He works with a lot of nurses and asks questions on my behalf on local nursing programs. He tells me that Frankford is not highly regarded for producing good nurses. If you're looking for a hospital program in Philly, Northeastern has a great reputation, as does Abington.