Online Nursing Programs

[Shinka]

Question for the nurses?

I'm seriously considering pursing this option for my career and I'm trying to think creatively. I live in South Florida where according to a recent article they are in nurse shortage. However I work full time and would like to do an online program. I need to keep working full time too, can't afford to live of loans for personal expenses.

Most of the online programs are RN to BSN except Kaplan University. I'm not terribly concerned about the cost. None of the Comm. College and Universities offer programs online or pre-req course online. I will finish my a BA in April in Human Services.

Finally the Question: I know online degrees have a bad stigma, but the clinicals are held in South Florida Hospitals. Would it look bad if I completed the Associates in Nursing program from Kaplan University even if I pass the RN test?

Despite having a degree from Kaplan, could I still gain admissions to a more presitigious Florida school for their online or traditionally Rn to Bsn programs, if I have an RN?

Do you think hospitals or any medical facility will hesitate to hire someone with a Kaplan University Degree even if I pass the RN exam?

I'm just trying to figure out whats more important the school, as long as its accredited, or passing the RN exam.

[woknblues]

In any profession or career or resume, a prestigious school looks good. If you go to one, by all means, mention it. However, if you have passed the NCLEX, little else matters to an employer that will hire a new grad. Being a student nurse is not the same as being a nurse. Many top school 4.0s are flops, and many online/cc/etc average grads raise to the top, quickly.

If you did your clinicals locally, all the better, and easier for your prospective employer to hire you based upon your geographical familiarity and ties, and a better understanding of your clients, not to mention you may have already done a clinical there!

I think you are in a good position to go to school now, as the nursing job market is tightening up. It is bound to get better in a few years. If at the end of your educational journey with Kaplan, you are authorized to write the NCLEX, I say, go for it.

[caliotter3]

The quality of the school you attend won't matter much until you start getting interested in advanced education or positions that require advanced education. Until then you will find that employers are typically only interested in the fact that you are an RN with a clear license. Attending local clinicals works to your advantage in that you can make impressions and build relationships that lead to future jobs. Many students line up their first RN job at one of their clinical sites.