School Choice

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Hi all,

I'm really glad to see a state forum - what a great idea.

Is there anyone out there that is involved in the hiring process? I've heard conflicting data on which schools' reputations are best here in Denver. I've finished my pre-reqs and am planning on getting into a nursing program next year. There is a chance that I can get into Front Range in January (to get an ADN) or I can begin a BSN program at UCHSC in June. I don't want to get into the whole ADN/BSN debate, as I believe that each program has it's pros and cons. What I'd like to know is the reputation of each school's graduates when it comes to getting a job after graduation. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Shenandoah

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Shenandoah,

Congrats on your decision to start Nursing school. It is one of the best things I have ever done for myself. I graduated in May 2002 from UCHSC and thought it was a great program, but they are under some budget strains right now and I don't know how that is affecting the current quality of education. I also have heard great things about Univerity of Northern Colorado's nursing program, which has a more rural focus. I work with many nurses who graduated from that program and have very good things to say about it. I've worked with ADN nurses who graduated from Front Range and found them to be competent , though my experience is limited since I work in ICU and nearly all employees there have a BSN.

The BSN/ADN thing is something to consider when thinking about where you want to eventually end up. If you have a yen for emergency or ICU nursing you want to get your BSN as I know of no programs in this area that hire new -grad ADN nurses into those specialties. On the other hand, if you are drawn to Long-term-care facility nursing, or med/surg you'll do fine with an ADN in most hospitals.

Good luck to you,

Briar

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Greeley is tough to get into. They accepted 180 freshman for a 50 kid program. If money is an issue, get your ADN get a job and most hospitals offer some or most of your tutition paid for. Look into that if money is an issue. might take you longer but cheaper in the long run. as to the preparedness of both these programs it is depenent on the induvidual. have worked with both good and bad from both.

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Thanks, I appreciate your replys. I have decided to go ahead and begin the program and Front Range. There were many factors in my decision, but mostly cost of tuition and commute time. I'll be working full time while in school, so the hour commute to downtown was definitely a factor.

Thanks for your input and encouragement. I can't wait to get started!

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Shenandoah,

I am taking pre-reqs to get into school now. I read your post on Front Range, and have a couple of questions.

From the time you put yourself on the wait list, how long did it take you to get in?

Do you think you can actually work full time and still be in school? My understanding is it was "really" full time. I would love to go to Front Range, but I need to work. Do you have any idea of the program schedule, like, for instance, you are in class and average of 3 days a week or 2 days a week?

Thanks,

Rosie

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Rosie,

I was placed on the wait-list for FRCC in May of 2002. I just got in this Spring ('04). I'm hoping that I will be able to work full time and go to school full time as well. When I was placed on the wait-list, I was told to expect a schedule of 8-5 Monday-Friday. I received my schedule for this spring and that is fairly accurate. Classes are 5 days a week before clinicals begin, then it averages 3 days of classes and two days of clinicals per week this semester. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them if I can.

Shenandoah

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