BBFRN

After 20+ years, and after teaching many, many nursing students who dragged themselves out of poverty by applying themselves in a career where they'd get paid a decent wage, I'd say it's none of our business what motivates somebody to walk in the door every day as long as they're doing their job.

You might get official data on this from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing: https://www.ncsbn.org/index.htm

Just an idea: Do you think you could be asking for help more, when you need it? It's OK to need help when you're a new nurse. Granted, we can't tell the tone of voice they're using here, but this just sounds like they're trying to get you to quicken your pace a bit?

Apparently, Jewish recently laid off a ton of nurses. Plus, we have all those new grads coming out. That might be why the jobs are so scarce now in the Louisville area.

I agree with Penguin67 re: the DNS. My major professor is a DNS, and she's an extremely rigorous researcher. From what I understand, the DNS offered her more hands-on research education than the PhD options at the time she studied. I wish some of our current PhD programs offered more of that these days.

In agreement with VickyRN, many schools are also re-auditing and awarding PhDs to their DNS alumni in an attempt to further streamline things. Indiana University is currently doing this now.

Oh wow. RIP Daytonite. You were one of a kind, dear lady. :-(

Indiana Wesleyan has a ASN-BSN program. I was suggesting it for those who have completed their ASNs at certain non-accredited schools.

I think it's great that you are thinking ahead regarding your educational plans, and for most people who have their lives worked out to be able to attend a 4 year university, I would highly encourage that myself. Many people attending nursing programs such as this in my area have lost their jobs, and they have families to feed. They have decided to complete a program that won't take as long as a 4 year BSN, so they do the 1+1 at schools like Galen (LPN the first year, then RN the second year). All the hospitals in my area offer tuition reimbursement for Indiana Wesleyan's program, so they don't seem to have a problem with it. I have heard nothing but good things about them, so I will reserve any opinions about them having a shady reputation. It's wonderful that you have the option of completing a 4 year degree, and I agree that you should definitely stick with your plan. Good luck to you in your educational pursuits, and welcome to Allnurses.

NLN accreditation does not affect job placement, although it can affect subsequent educational pursuits. Galen is currently in the process of obtaining their accreditation, and current students are aware of this. FWIW, Indiana Wesleyan offers an accredited RN-BSN program for those who have completed unaccredited ASN programs. There are options out there. In addition, none of my former students have had any issues whatsoever obtaining employment. The odds are not bad at all.

Another thing to note about this program, is that they are connected to the Cleveland Clinic, so you can't get any better than that, as far as having a cardiac population to study.

I'm currently in a BSN-PhD program. One of my good friends is doing her postdoc at Case Western at this time, and has told me that they are working toward a more global health focus, so you may want to consider their program. They do have a BSN-PhD option, as well. One thing to note though, is that this is probably the most competitive doctoral nursing programs in the US, but it's definitely worth looking into. Here's the webpage: http://fpb.case.edu/PhD/entry.shtm

If you are in KY, IV certification is generally not part of any nursing program, and certification is not needed to insert peripheral IVs. However, you will receive IV insertion training in the RN portion of the program at Galen.

Your best bet is to post this question in the Distance Learning forum, where the current EC students are, Linda.

I received my ASN through Excelsior. It should be noted that it is a distance program- not an online program. As a distance program, the format is that you test out of each course. You do not receive guidance for the courses from an instructor, and you go at your own pace, which means it is difficult but do-able if you are a self-motivated learner. That being said, I had no problems getting a job at all. I was already an LPN at a local hospital, and remained there after I got my ASN. I subsequently received my BSN at a local brick-and-mortar school, and am now working on a BSN-PhD at a local university. I have never had any issues in finding jobs or in upgrading my education, because of my receiving the ASN through Excelsior. It is also approved by the KY BON. In fact, I received a scholarship through the BON to attend the program. Check out the Distance Learning forum for more info- there's a wealth of info regarding Excelsior there. Good luck to you!