Samuel Merritt ABSN??

[boogalooga]

I've read all the threads posted here about Samuel Merritt, but they're all almost ten years old now.

I am planning to apply to the Samuel Merritt ABSN program this spring, and was very excited about it up until yesterday. I had only heard good things about the program and its reputation (other than the $), but after speaking with an NP at my work (an academic hospital), I'm having serious reservations. She said that she refuses to precept for Samuel Merritt students now, because she's had several experiences with graduates in the past who didn't have even the most basic clinical knowledge/skills.

A family friend, a NICU nurse at Kaiser, told me that Samuel Merritt nurses are well regarded and respected where she works. At this point, with all the conflicting information I've received, I don't know what to think.

Can anyone who has direct experience with the Samuel Merritt BSN please provide some insight into the reality of the quality of education provided and how graduates are viewed? Does their reputation and job outlook differ between academic institutions and places like Kaiser, Sutter, Mercy etc.?

Thank you!!! I'm so confused, and just want to make sure I have the best possible education and job outlook when I graduate.

[SmilingSista]

Hi there, I am a recent grad from SMU's ABSN program. I will say that, generally speaking, SMU students are highly regarded across most hospitals in Northern California. This is because their programs (ABSN, ELMSN) attract candidates with strong academic and professional backgrounds--many are second career nurses who are well-established in other fields. You will meet nurses who dislike SMU grads for one reason or another; everyone is entitled to their own opinion. In regards to the quality of education, most of your learning is done on your own, as with most other nursing programs. You will be required to do a ton of reading and you will be tested on your knowledge on a weekly basis. Considering the cost of education at SMU, I don't think that the quality is any different than other nursing programs. The only difference, I feel, is that you will be held to higher standards because you only have one year to learn it all. Clinical experiences are great, but this varies depending on clinical faculty. The job outlook is good because you will hold a BSN degree, which qualifies you for private, county, and academic hospitals (Note: academic hospitals require a BSN at minimum). It is also important to consider the timing in which you graduate--most hospitals hire in the summer for May/June grads and in the winter for nov/dec grads. BOTTOM LINE: no matter what school you choose, your experience and quality of education depends on what you make of it. DO NOT spend a fortune on your nursing degree unless if it is your best and only option.