does it really matter where you got your degree from?

[Nolander]

Basically, how serious do employers take it when reviewing where a nurse got there education. For example, assume my situation where I would get an ADN from a community college then a BSN from a somewhat well known university, how would employers see that as compared to someone who had a straight BSN from a large, well known public university?

[rustynail]

I have noticed some minor differences between CCNE and NLNAC. NLNAC-accredited schools require you to take a College Chemistry course as a pre-requisite. CCNE-accredited schools are fine with high-school Chemistry or an Introductory Chemistry. I chose the easier Chem 101 and it came back to bite me when I couldn't apply for RN-to-BSN at a NLNAC-accredited school unless I took a College Chemistry course.

That said, I started learning organic chemistry on my own via Khan Academy, it is awesome!

Rusty

[mindlor]

WHAT? Seriously?

yup, seriously

I will vigourously stand by my position on this....

Flame on

[mindlor]

No overlap between CNA and RN? Really? Let's look at vital signs.

CNA Scope: Take vital signs. Recognize VS that are outside of parameters and notify RN.

RN Scope: Take vital signs. Recognize VS that are outside of parameters, interpret and take action.

Yes, the RN has more responsibility, more training and knowledge on what to do next, but to say there is NO overlap is just ridiculous. Just that fact that as a CNA you will learn about what is normal for vitals will help you in nursing school. I was not a CNA before I became a nurse, and I wish I'd had the opportunity. Many of the best nurses I know climbed the ranks from CNA to LVN to RN (and a few now to APN). Each level of knowledge builds on the previous.

Once again you are spouting disinformation and not taking the time to read. Where did anyone say there was NO overlap? Go back and read...

I said, LITTLE overlap

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

Once again you are spouting disinformation and not taking the time to read. Where did anyone say there was NO overlap? Go back and read...

I said, LITTLE overlap

Um, maybe you should go back and read. I never quoted you. OhioStudentRN DID state that there is NO overlap. Taking this a bit personal, aren't we?

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

RN= CRITICAL THINKING.

Last time i checked, they did not teach critical thinking at a 2 week CNA certification course..

So...No.. the two jobs do not overlap. an IV start does not a nurse make...

Emphasis mine. This is the statement I was responding to.

[scrapbookingmom2]

The only time it may matter is if you're fresh out of school and wanting to go straight into an ICU setting (which I wouldn't suggest for anyone).

I am an Assoc. RN and am currently working in a cardiac icu, and a med/surg icu perdiem.:redbeathe

[mindlor]

Um, maybe you should go back and read. I never quoted you. OhioStudentRN DID state that there is NO overlap. Taking this a bit personal, aren't we?

You know what? YOu are right.

My apologies to you!!:redbeathe

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

No problemo. I probably should have direct quoted it to remove any confusion :)

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

NLNAC is not required, and there are many CCs that are not so accredited (at least around here). The state is the entity that decides which programs are "worthy" to have students sit for NCLEX. I selected my school carefully, and went in knowing (and not really caring) about NLNAC. It is voluntary.

My former school is one of the largest, and one of the oldest in the area. Entry is HIGHLY competitive, our grads are eagerly hired into some of the largest and most well-known hospitals in our state and region.

So, not really so scary. I have my moments, but I wouldn't call myself a scary nurse....

I work at a Magnet Hospital and I shift through the applications, and ALL applications say that the nurse must have graduated from an accredited nursing school. Would you want a doctor performing surgery on you that didn't go to a school that met the minimum requirements? I sure as hell wouldn't.

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

I'm from Boston, where your nursing school matters a lot. Here in Vermont, not so much.

[lynndelaga]

I have an ADN and am currently contemplating a BSN (then in the near future...an MSN) degree.My husband (also an RN, who got his MBA and will be doing healthcare administration for the military) and I have frequently debated on whether or not it matters where I obtain my BSN. Because of the nursing shortage, I disagreed with him the need to obtain a degree from a "brand name" school. Perhaps he is attempting to live vicariously through me, but he stressed the importance of a "quality education", often telling me that certain trade schools do not provide that opportunity.That said, although I have completed a few nursing undergrad courses at certain "trade schools", I took his advice and am now looking into a brick and mortar institute, or at least one that provides distance/online learning.My two cents: it probably DOESN'T matter where one's BSN comes from. However, for the experience of a quality education, I'd invest in a good institute/college that is both ANCLC and CCNE accredited. Most likely, it'll matter more where one obtains his/her MSN, as opposed to the BSN. With facilities and hospitals having quite a nursing shortage, most will take an ADN and BSN nurse. However, from my experience, being an ADN nurse of 11+ years, I've been a top contender over someone with a BSN an only 2 years experience. To sum up: experience seems to be the determining factor when it comes to bedside nursing. In most cases, the BSN wins any administrative job over someone with an ADN and the most clinical experience. And it truly doesn't matter as much where one obtained that degree, so long as the degree exists.

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

Can we try to keep the thread on topic? Anyone wanting to debate the overlap between CNAs and RNs can surely start their own thread, can they not?

To the OP: if you plan to stay in the area where you go to school, local reputation matters. Some areas have a strong hiring preference for BSN prepared nurses as well (and some won't). I don't think it would hurt to call a few hospitals in your area that hire new grads and ask them if they find some schools turn out better nurses than others, if there are any schools they steer away from. You can also ask the schools you're looking at to provide info on past classes employment rates within the first year out of school.

My impression is that while big flashy names can carry some weight in nursing, local reputation is often more meaningful in the hiring process than it appears to be in other industries. Check out the AN board for the state you're in and research schools you're looking at there as well.