Ryerson University vs. York University for BScN.

[futureRN_Anastasia]

Hi all!

I have been admitted to York for the 4 years BScN program (it is a career change, but I have nothing even mildly related to health care in my previous university studies so I do not qualify for the 2 years program). I have to postpone my studies to the next year since we are having a baby this November, and I need to take some time off. This pregnancy is the toughest thing in my life so far, I feel absolutely horrible even though I'm on medication from excessive all day sickness.

But back to the point, when a friend of mine, recent nursing graduate from York, heard that I'm going there next year, she told me about the strikes and that it was all very chaotic for her in terms of the practicums etc. I am thinking about applying to Ryerson next year instead of York. However, I see that Ryerson has a whole year spent on community nursing, and it appears to me that it has overall less practicum hours. I am confused.

Could you please advise? What did you hear/experience in either of the programs please?

[m_aidez]

There are always ups and downs with each programs. York is known for strikes and the last one screwed up a lot of people, especially those who are graduating. I have a friend that transfered from York to Ryerson because he isn't "taking anymore chances." Although community health is not my ideal future job, it has actually broaden my way of thinking about holistic care and thinking outside of the box. A lot of concepts in community health is applicable to acute care, in my opinion. However, I do agree that clinical wise, if you don't like community health, you do feel like you're wasting your time educating patients about mental health, drug abuse, and violence in society etc.

One thing you need to understand is this: No matter which school you go to, nursing school will not teach you every required nursing skill. A lot of your skills will be learned when you actually enter the workforce. Besides, hospitals only care that you passed the CRNE, not the school you attended.

[futureRN_Anastasia]

Thank you!

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

York is a great school. But as far as the nursing community goes, Ryerson grads are typically preferred over York U. I think because we have more clinical time. I just graduated from Rye. Good luck.

[futureRN_Anastasia]

Thanks! I am going to apply to Ryerson and see if I get in. :)

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

As long as your grades are good (hopefully at least 80 or above), plus if you are a mature student, they should probably accept you. The faculty is amazing at Rye....very helpful and approachable. Good luck with everything! I actually just signed up to be a tutor the other day. I'm graduating with honours....mature student...blah..blah...

Now I just need someone to hire me! At least by the time you are through, they will be crying for nurses again. Right now, new grads are having a hard time.

If you have questions, you can email me: [email protected]

Good luck :)

[HealthShepherd]

Are you sure that you couldn't get the prereqs for the 2-year program at York or U of T accomplished in a year? Even if you're not qualified to apply for a 2-year program now, I bet you could get qualified in less than 2 years, since you already have some university credits. Besides saving some time, this would have the advantage of keeping your options open a little longer (i.e., maybe while doing the prereqs you'll decide that you'd apply them towards another health care or science profession).

For example, if you look at the UT admission requirements:

Admission Requirements

You need 10 credits, but only 4.5 credits that are "mildly health care related". You can get those 4.5 credits in a year then use your previous studies to make up the other 5.5. The end result would be a BScN in three years instead of four.

Good luck, Rhymeswithlibrarian

[futureRN_Anastasia]

rhymeswithlibrarian, I am missing 6 courses, so I can do it in a year (next year, I am due with a baby in November), but then I will have a very intensive program program on my hands with no ability to see my baby at all.

joanna73, thanks a lot!

[Fiona59]

rhymeswithlibrarian, I am missing 6 courses, so I can do it in a year (next year, I am due with a baby in November), but then I will have a very intensive program program on my hands with no ability to see my baby at all.

joanna73, thanks a lot!

Why are you so determined to do this with a newborn? With two such diverse things as nursing school and an infant, one of the two will suffer, no matter how determined you are to make a success of everything.

[futureRN_Anastasia]

Fiona59, there is never the right time for anything. I am postponing my studies by one year so that the baby will be 8 months old, I am going to be taking easier load, I don't want to postpone it by 2-3 years instead. I have been postponing the career change for 5 years now for variety of reasons. I think, this is enough.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

It's not impossible to do the program with a baby. It is harder, but I know people who did it. Also, the two year program is not enough clinical, in my opinion. I know U of T students that I worked with in my last practicum who did not feel as prepared as some of us who had the clinical time.

You might want to do some of the electives in the Spring and summer to lighten your load during the school year. The first year is 7 courses. Some of the courses are easy (the electives I mean) so not alot of work is required. Take Pop Culture or Politics and film, for example. Easy A's I thought.

[m_aidez]

I agree with joanna73, it is not impossible to go to school and take care of a baby. First year is not so bad to be honest but it does get harder throughout the years when the school starts adding more practicum time. You already have skills from being in university so I don't think course work management is an issue. I think the hardest part for me was the time management but the course work itself for first year isn't overly difficult, it's just a lot.