dillinger

Hey everyone, I'm currently in junior college working on my general ed and prerequisites so I can transfer in about a year to a university with a BSN program. After looking at different schools, I noticed that some are NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) accredited, and some aren't. How important is this accreditation? For example, I've been looking at San Diego State University and Humboldt; the programs and schools look really nice, but they're not NLNAC accredited. Does it 'look better' on your resume if you went to an NLNAC accredited school or should I not worry about it? Any help would be appreciated.

I'm a newbie, so if I'm asking questions that have already been asked 1,000 times, I apologize in advance. When do you choose which type of nursing you want to specialize in? (I'd like to work in the NICU.) Do you need any special certification or anything? How long will it take before a new nurse can work in the area he/she would like to specialize in?

Thanks a lot for all the info, guys. I'm only 17 and I just graduated HS 3 weeks ago, so I have more than enough time for higher education and whatnot; I'm just trying to look at my options and see which one would be the best. I'll most likely go on after jr. college for my BSN. (ASN program I'll be starting after I finish all my pre-reqs: http://www.msjc.edu/catalog/ay0405/programs/rn.htm)

Hey, In about a month, I'm going to start attending college to earn my ASN (RN); and I haven't decided whether or not it's worth it to go to school for another 4-5 years after that to earn a BSN. Are there any benefits to having a BSN? Is it just for people who want manager positions? & Do you earn more money if you have a BSN (if so, how much?) Any information on ASN/BSN would be greatly appreciated.

What's the difference between LPN, BSN, ect? What's the degrees (lowest to the highest) and how many years does it normally take to earn each degree?

bump [to delete]

EDIT: sorry for posting in the wrong forum, I re-posted the same thread in the NICU forum, thanks for the info--if it's not too much trouble please delete this current topic. Thank you! Hey guys, I'm a newbie to this board and I'm interested in pursuing a career in nursing. Currently, I'm a high school senior who will be graduating in about 2 months; and these are my questions: * How does one become a neonatal nurse? * After becoming an RN are there any special colleges/courses you have to take to become a neonatal nurse? If so, are there any NN schools in California/the surrounding states? * After high school would it be smarter to go to a junior college for two years and then transfer to a university, or just go to a 4-year right after HS? * To get into a university nursing program, do you have to have a certificate/degree already or can first-time college freshmen with no experience be accepted in the nursing program? And finally, those who are in the neonatal/NICU field: do you enjoy your job? What exactly does a neonatal nurse do? Do NICU nurses deal with any older patients or just the babies? (multi-tasking?) Any information/advice is greatly appreciated. :)