Orlando, fl nursing schools

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Hello everybody

If you live in Orlando, which school do you go?

I've heard UCF and UF nursing programs are very competitive. I'm going to Valencia college, but looking for an affordable BSN program. How is Florida Hospital program? I've heard it's a religious program and they say payers in their class.

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Specializes in Rehab, Ortho-Spine, Med-Surg, & Psych.

Hello,

UCF and UF programs are competitive, but apply anyway.

Valencia College is a great place to get your ASN. You can transfer from there to UCF easier than if you weren't a Valencia student.

Florida Hospital program is private, higher tuition than UCF, and run by Adventists. Christian views are very important in this institution. Be aware that graduating from this institution does not guarantee a job at any Florida Hospital.

Three years ago, I found the BSN program at St Petersburg College was the most economical. Their program is all online with the exception of 2 practicums with the last 2 classes.

Hope this helps!

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Hi Devon

thank you

your answer is helpful indeed.

Is it hard to find a job with ASN in Orlando?

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Specializes in Rehab, Ortho-Spine, Med-Surg, & Psych.

It can be difficult. Some people find them quick... I had a hard time though. It took me 2 years to get into a hospital and almost didn't get in. A friend had highly recommended me for a position, so that kind of tipped the scale on my favor.

The BSN is not going to make any easier finding a job if you don't have experience, so make sure you work as an RN while getting your BSN.

BSN+experience is attractive to many hospitals.

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It can be difficult. Some people find them quick... I had a hard time though. It took me 2 years to get into a hospital and almost didn't get in. A friend had highly recommended me for a position, so that kind of tipped the scale on my favor.

The BSN is not going to make any easier finding a job if you don't have experience, so make sure you work as an RN while getting your BSN.

BSN+experience is attractive to many hospitals.

Thank you

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It can be difficult. Some people find them quick... I had a hard time though. It took me 2 years to get into a hospital and almost didn't get in. A friend had highly recommended me for a position, so that kind of tipped the scale on my favor.

The BSN is not going to make any easier finding a job if you don't have experience, so make sure you work as an RN while getting your BSN.

BSN+experience is attractive to many hospitals.

So you didn't have a job for 2 years after graduation?

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Specializes in Rehab, Ortho-Spine, Med-Surg, & Psych.

No, I had jobs, but not in hospitals... like I wanted it.

I started out at a rehabilitation facility for post-op patients. I did that for 8 months... it was grueling!

Then I moved on to Correctional nursing. While it is not for everyone, I loved it! I felt proud to be part of the Sheriff's Office team. However, you tend to loose your skills because there is only so much you can do (oral meds, insulin injections, some wound care, and the rare IM injection). Also, there is only one medical unit, so no much room to grow professionally). I did that for 1.5 years.

I then moved on to Behavioral Health in a hospital, which opened the door to Orthopedics (in my case).

See... I didn't know anyone in the field when I started out, so it was all about proving my work ethics with time and example. I earned my patient's respect and their compliments. That's what has helped me along the way... and continue to do so. Patient satisfaction is not only something I need, but also one of my goals.

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Hi :)

Im at Valencia in the advanced standing track, with one more semester to go. I also got my AA from Valencia.

I'm also duel enrolled at UCF finishing my bachelors in healthcare administration.

The generic track at Valencia isn't competitive. All you have to do is meet the minimum requirements and you get put on a waiting list to start.

Advanced standing is the competitive program. We get points for different things, and then they pick the best 20 for that cycle.

I didn't see Seminole State on your list, but I've heard their program is good too. They only have a generic track though, since they closed their bridge program a year or so ago.

As far as your BSN, not sure. I'm paying a little over $200/credit at UCF. It's not too bad.

A private program, like Florida Hospital I imagine would be a lot more expensive.

Good luck!

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