BSWtoRN

Because I'm currently considering applying for Watts School of Nursing this January (I've recently posted about that as well), which has a partnership with University of Mount Olive, I of course looked further into Mount Olive's RN-BSN program. Apparently, unless I'm missing something, Mount Olive is not accredited by either ACEN or CCNE--the two national accreditation organizations for Nursing programs. Now from what I understand--although I may be wrong--in NC only pre-licensure Nursing programs need to be approved by the BON because with RN-BSN programs, you already have your license so therefore the BON doesn't really care about programs like Mount Olive. But my point is that I've already noticed many MSN and DNP programs require that one's BSN be from a nationally accredited Nursing program. So it seems if I got my BSN from Mount Olive, I would be ineligible to apply for many graduate Nursing programs. And I know just because I get my RN from Watts I don't have to get the BSN through Mount Olive--I could just go to any other college to get the BSN--but because Mount Olive supposedly guarantees all Watts graduates direct entry into their online RN-BSN program, and because of the high tuition, I felt like it was important to make this post on here. Honestly, it also makes Watts look very questionable to me as well because of the fact that they even have anything to do with Mount Olive. In addition to a couple of other issues, I just wish Watts wasn't even associated with Mount Olive--if it weren't, I would feel even more confidant about potentially leaving ECU to attend Watts. And just to be clear--it's also important to note that of course Watts is accredited by ACEN and approved by NC BON. I'd appreciate to hear anyone's thoughts on this. Would this affect your opinion of Watts or Mount Olive? Would you still get your BSN from Mount Olive? Or, does none of this matter at all?

kate, I definitely agree!! I myself am interested in potentially pursuing the Psych NP. Diane, thanks again for your help!! I would love to keep in touch since you're starting in June—It'd be nice to hear how the A&P will be. Is it possible to private message people on here?

djstormin, Thanks so much for sharing your experience and advice. And congratulations on your acceptance to Watts!! I've spoken with professors, friends, and family and they all pretty much feel that I should just complete the BSW at ECU and then I can go back for Nursing later if I really still want to. And mental health has always been a close second interest of mine to Nursing, so I suppose that is what I should do at this point. However, I am still debating getting my NAI this summer based on the advice of others to see if I can handle the "nitty gritty" parts of Nursing. By the way, I just thought of this -- I know Watts doesn't require any Chemistry courses for their diploma, but would a graduate of Watts need to later on take Chemistry (and potentially other courses) in order to get a BSN?

I'm currently a 22-year-old BSW student at ECU. My original goal was Nursing, however after attempting A&P (twice) and Chemistry and having to drop them, I reluctantly settled on Social Work with the eventual goal of getting the MSW to become an LCSW. However, after taking the introductory Social Work courses and doing more research into the field, I've become sort of disillusioned with Social Work for various reasons such as earning potential, prestige, etc. so I'm now reconsidering Nursing. I've recently discovered Watts in Durham and am intrigued by the lack of pre-reqs (although I'm still worried about their A&P) and how their website makes it seem like their admission standards are lower than public university and community college programs. I emailed them last week asking about their admission rates and my chances of admission but I'm still waiting to hear back from them. Basically my debate is this: Right now I have 2 years left before I get my BSW, and then 1 year after that before getting the MSW; so therefore 3 years total until I can realistically start a career in Social Work/Mental Health. Hypothetically, if I did get accepted into Watts, would it be worth it to drop out of ECU to attend essentially a diploma Nursing program? Do hospitals and other employers in NC view diploma/ADN RNs less favorably than BSN RNs (I've been hearing this for years now)? And I've looked into a few ABSN programs - such as ECU's - but they all seem to require a lot of pre-reqs, and accept so few students that I would probably never get in anyways. From what I understand it seems like it would be easier just to get the RN from Watts and get the BSN online later. Also, has anyone here graduated from Watts or know anything about how difficult it would be to get accepted, how difficult their A&P course is, etc.?? I apologize for the lengthiness!! I look forward to anyone's response :)

Thank You :)

Hey yall I am a high school senior right now interested in a career in nursing for my future. However right now, I am currently thinking about taking the test to become an NA I and applying for a job so I can gain some experience and earn some money at the same time. I know that there are bridge programs for RNs with ADNs wishing to get a BSN; and also bridge programs for LPNs wishing to get an ADN to become an RN. So, I was wondering if there is a bridge program in NC for an NA I to become an NA II without having to be admitted into a nursing school? (Maybe I'm wrong on this, but I've noticed it seems like you have to be admitted into a nursing program to become a NA II?) I would appreciate any help, Thanks! :) P.S. I live in Greenville, NC