NVCC vs Marymount

I'm in your same situation---- unfortunately, I can't keep working at my current job p/t while doing NVCC so it's a huge money issue for me. My hope is getting into GMU, but that appears pretty competitive (especially after going to their info session a few months ago---- I really felt my dreams being crushed). I have a long way to go on the pre-reqs so I won't be applying until 2013--- maybe something will give by then. In the meantime, I continue to devote my time to keeping my pre-req gpa at a 4.0 and trying to get into a hospital to volunteer for a few years.

Do you know anyone with an ADN that has tried getting a hospital job in DC? Like you, I don't want to work in LTC and I am settled here in the area and cannot relocate. Interesting area we live in----supposedly one of the best for new grads. Really? I don't know about that. I read the horror stories.

U say u count on GMU b/c you cant work p/t with NVCC's program. I think the Accelerated BSN at GMU will be more to handle so u definitely cant work during that and it costs more than NVCC. I may be misinterpreting your statement :)

Yea, I am a GMU alum (x2 for 1st BS and MS lol) and eliminated them b/c they tag on a lot more to do's to make their selection process easier.They wont let second degree holders enter their traditional program.

I dont know any recent ADN grads working in a hospital in DC area. I'm trying to find one lol but I dont think they look at this board. I am positive that there are at least a few. I mean come on, let's be realistic. I cant assume there are no recent ADN grads in the hospitals. we have too many hospitals around here. It's just that these folks have a few networks and had to work harder to find a job. I think you have a shot at certain hospitals if you have a point of contact. You might as well eliminate Inova. I worked there a couple years ago and know plenty of nurses in management but I dont think they will hire ADN b/c they are Magnet. Even the BSNs were having a hard time. While I was there, they were under a hiring freeze b/c of the surplus of nurses.

You may have a shot with Washington Adventist, Providence, maybe Dominion...places like that. I started doing the research by looking up current RN openings . I guess I'd look more at hospitals that aren't Magnet, but by the time you and i finish nursing school.......(.lol u know the rest) Some places don't say BSN preferred. But if you do what I plan to do, which is enroll in an RN-BSN as soon as you take the NCLEX, your chances are stronger b/c hospitals see that you are going to get the BSN.

I definitely prefer the accelerated path but its just too much money for me. we'll see what happens. When I start my prereq this semester at NVCC, I will ask people where the nurses end up finding jobs

I got a job as an ADN! I graduated in MAy 2009 and it sucked back then as well, and maybe gotten worse! I think some managers look at thew whole package, not just the degree. I have heard Marymouint is very $$$$$$. Best of luck

I know ADN grads that were hired within the last yr in DC and NOVA. However, the one in DC had been an LVN for 20 yrs, and she's the only ADN I know of hired recently at that hospital, and the one in NOVA had a scholarship through the hospital she is working at, so I'm sure that played into the hiring.

I too found a job as an ADN...I graduated in 2008, got a job in 2009 at NRH (National Rehab Hospital in DC). Dominion, St. Elizabeth's, Washington Hospital, and Inova all hire ADNs. I just got called by the recruiter from Inova for a psych position.

DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT GO TO mARYMOUNT. I graduated from their accelerated BSN program and it is by far the worst decision I ever made. They are disorganized, the instructors read power points provided from the publisher, the administration are as helpful and caring as maybe, Hitler was to the Jews! If they have any indication that you might not pass the NCLEX, they will do everything in their power to kick you out of the program.

LOL ok. I think I've pretty much eliminated MU because its so expensive. How on earth did you pay for it? If I didnt already have previous student loan debt I would've considered a loan.

I went to Marymount and graduated in '08. I have worked since graduation. When you make comments like "no one will hire..." Where are you getting this information? It is easy to talk yourself out of things. You have to hit it hard. Do you have to stay in nova? North Dakota is a state dying for nurses. Same with South Dakota and Wyoming. How about you graduate and take a job there? Get two years of experience and then do whatever. You have to think outside the box. You have to come up with solutions not ways to not accomplish something. As far as the negative comments about MU..they expect a lot from their students. Is that a bad thing? Do you want a nurse who went through an "easy" time getting their degree? Yes..it is hard. Good. I welcome the challenge. Perception is reality. Should have could have mean nothing. Are you willing to take the pain for the bigtime? No one cares except you.

Hi all

I've been reading this board for a while. It has taught me a lot. I know there are several posts like this but wanted to get your thoughts:

After much debate over NVCC's ADN program vs Marymount's Accelerated BSN program--I've decided on NVCC. Marymount is just too expensive (48K) so I'm going to take the long route: NVCC for the ADN then GMU's RN-BSN program. (will be around a total of 15K)

I'm not so sad about taking the slow route but the fact that it's impossible to find a nurse job in DC area with ADN (or new grad BSN for that matter!). I would prefer to leave my current job after completing the ADN, obtain a nursing job with salary somewhat comparable to my current pay (not expecting the same pay), and then have employer pay for RN-BSN program.

My plan is to just continue working where I am part time during NVCC's ADN program and then switch back to full time when I complete the ADN program. While working full time at my current job, I will do GMU's online RN-BSN route and try applying for jobs then.

I feel like it's not even worth my time to look for a nurse job when I complete ADN since hospitals wouldn't hire me. Honestly, I would take whatever unit and shift. I know ADNs can work in SNFs/LTC, but my ultimate goal is the opposite of that (L&D/postpartum/couplet care/NICU) so I think it's best that I start in a hospital setting.

I'm just so frustrated that there aren't more cheaper BSN programs in the Northern VA area. All we have is GMU and its so competitive b/c its the only public university. Plus, they make you retake courses after 5 yrs (my prereqs arent even that old! I am young..mid 20s) and tag on add'l prereqs that'll just prolong your career even more. On top of that, you may not even get in. I wish the state would give them more money so they can open up more seats...(I am GMU alum).

Other close schools like GW, MU, GT, etc are all too costly. I am married and cannot move due to my husband's job. I sure would love to go straight for the BSN but it just isn't feasible.

HAD I listened to myself during my college years, today I'd be a nurse with almost 5 yrs of experience

I just have to say that you are coming from a very negative angle. First of all, you should apply to area hospitals in search of ANY job. In all likelihood, they will pay for your education if you sign a contract. I did this over a year ago and am lined up to attend NVCC in the Fall. I will only pay for my first semester out of pocket and then get reimbursed which will cover my following semesters. Additionally, my hospital makes scholarships available to us and offers a 2 year fellowship program following licensing. As long as I continue to do my job well, I am guaranteed a position at the hospital. Yes, it is difficult coming from the outside because you haven't demonstrated a passion for healthcare and you have no experience outside of your clinicals. If you don't get involved, you can't prove yourself to anyone and hospitals are filled with EMT's and nursing assistants that are applying to nursing school and have shown their dedication and commitment to healthcare via blood, sweat and tears. Believe me, once you are in a position in a hospital, you will be inundated with positive reinforcement and be introduced to many people that want to help you any way they can. After all, it only benefits us to have quality people on our teams. You can do it so start today!