Phoenix Baptist RN program.....

RNfaster · Jun 10, 2007

Phoenix Baptist's diploma program is not yet "interchangeable" with the associate degree program of the Maricopa Community Colleges. Some view this as a problem. I suppose it might be if you were not to complete the diploma program. But it would be very easy to complete it and then enter the RN to BSN program at ASU.

I declined an offer from Phoenix Baptist per comments I read on this site. It does not seem to have the strong reputation of hospitals such as St. Joseph's, Banner, SunHealth, and Mayo. I also didn't really like the evident age of the Phoenix Baptist facility and its location in town. I also knocked it for its limited size compared to other facilities ---as I equated greater size with greater opportunities to advance in the hospital (on other hand, you can get "lost" in a larger, less intimate working environ of a larger hospital).

On the other hand, I did feel positive about the manager that offered me the position. I talked to nursing students from (Gateway --I think) that I saw in Phoenix Baptist, and found that they had positive things to say about it.

I think you have to weigh your goals. --Where in Phoenix Baptist would you want to be working AFTER graduation? Are there enough opportunities for you there? Is the commute decent? Do you like the hiring manager and his or her team? Will it work with your long-term goals for a BSN, advancement, or even a masters degree?

Oh...one more thing... I also viewed it as a negative that I could not get information from peripheral departments such as HR about education and other questions. They did not seem to support the hiring manager's process. That really concerned me...

sassiebaz · Jun 10, 2007

Phoenix Baptist's diploma program is not yet "interchangeable" with the associate degree program of the Maricopa Community Colleges. Some view this as a problem. I suppose it might be if you were not to complete the diploma program. But it would be very easy to complete it and then enter the RN to BSN program at ASU.
I declined an offer from Phoenix Baptist per comments I read on this site. It does not seem to have the strong reputation of hospitals such as St. Joseph's, Banner, SunHealth, and Mayo. I also didn't really like the evident age of the Phoenix Baptist facility and its location in town. I also knocked it for its limited size compared to other facilities ---as I equated greater size with greater opportunities to advance in the hospital (on other hand, you can get "lost" in a larger, less intimate working environ of a larger hospital).
On the other hand, I did feel positive about the manager that offered me the position. I talked to nursing students from (Gateway --I think) that I saw in Phoenix Baptist, and found that they had positive things to say about it.
I think you have to weigh your goals. --Where in Phoenix Baptist would you want to be working AFTER graduation? Are there enough opportunities for you there? Is the commute decent? Do you like the hiring manager and his or her team? Will it work with your long-term goals for a BSN, advancement, or even a masters degree?
Oh...one more thing... I also viewed it as a negative that I could not get information from peripheral departments such as HR about education and other questions. They did not seem to support the hiring manager's process. That really concerned me...

Is it not set up like the "Block" system? I would think that because you still have to take the major pre-req's it would be interchangeable? Also, I wonder if I could come in as an LPN? I do understand how it may seem like a smaller hospital and may not have the opportunity as some others, but I was thinking along the lines that if I only had to make a 3 yr committment well, I'd have to work somewhere for 3 years right?? But then again, I wouldn't be able to work at all until after graduation. Whereas, if I have my LPN and did the LPN-BSN at UOP I would still be able to work. But that is a $40K difference to consider as well. Thanks for your input!!

RNfaster · Jun 10, 2007

As I understand it, there is not interchange. Baptist is based in TX...they do have some impressive literature describing their program. If the local folks aren't responsive, I wonder if you might call the TX folks.

With the Baptist program, they will flex with you so you can work there, e.g., as a CNA or CCT while you complete the program.

I was wary of a three-year commitment at a small hospital where the hiring manager talked a good talk, but the peripheral organizations did not seem to support her efforts (e.g., when I --someone who had been extended a multiple choice offer --could not get answers from them as I investigated the opportunity presented me). This caused me to fear that once in the system, I would experience similar apathy ---that I might have a great manager --but poor support in other departments that would hinder my pursuit of my goals.

I also currently believe I want to work in a critical care unit on graduation, and Baptist does not have many beds in such a unit compared to other hospitals.

Is it not set up like the "Block" system? I would think that because you still have to take the major pre-req's it would be interchangeable? Also, I wonder if I could come in as an LPN? I do understand how it may seem like a smaller hospital and may not have the opportunity as some others, but I was thinking along the lines that if I only had to make a 3 yr committment well, I'd have to work somewhere for 3 years right?? But then again, I wouldn't be able to work at all until after graduation. Whereas, if I have my LPN and did the LPN-BSN at UOP I would still be able to work. But that is a $40K difference to consider as well. Thanks for your input!!

RNfaster · Jun 10, 2007

One more thing. If I recall correctly, I also dinged Baptist as they encouraged a BSN at a private (Christian) university, Grand Canyon, that has very high tuition rates. --I would prefer to attend ASU.

If you were to walk away from the three-year work commitment at Baptist after completing your BSN at the private university, it would be markedly more costly than ASU.

I think if your short-term and long-term goals are to become an RN that Baptist looks good. But if you have some specific goals, e.g., RN focus areas, BSN, masters, etc., that you should investigate carefully to see if Baptist is a good fit.

sassiebaz · Jun 11, 2007

One more thing. If I recall correctly, I also dinged Baptist as they encouraged a BSN at a private (Christian) university, Grand Canyon, that has very high tuition rates. --I would prefer to attend ASU.
If you were to walk away from the three-year work commitment at Baptist after completing your BSN at the private university, it would be markedly more costly than ASU.
I think if your short-term and long-term goals are to become an RN that Baptist looks good. But if you have some specific goals, e.g., RN focus areas, BSN, masters, etc., that you should investigate carefully to see if Baptist is a good fit.

Makes sense...thanks!!!