Selecting a Nursing Program

Jules A, MSN · May 24, 2010

I don't know any of them but my strategy was

#1 accredition

#2 which ones I could get acceptance into

#3 price

NCLEX pass rates which some people put in high regard didn't impress me. Good luck.

sunnycalifRN · May 24, 2010

Right now, the best program is the one that you can get into! After you've completed nursing school and are looking for a job, it doesn't really make much difference where you went to school.

UVA Grad Nursing · May 24, 2010

US News & World Report ranks graduate programs, but not undergraduate schools. There is no national ranking of BSN programs.

I agree with JulesA that you should consider the NCLEX passrates. The State Board of Nursing should publish the passrates for all accredited programs.

Bobbkat · May 24, 2010

This is purely anecdotal, but regarding the schools with hospitals being attached, in my very little experience I disagree. I say this only because I delivered my daughter at a large university hospital and was assigned as a patient to two nursing students from this university. First, they didn't know how to work the stretcher, touched it anyways, and I nearly fell off because the whole foot dropped down, then their instructor came over with a breast pump, and without saying so much as a word to me proceeded to grab my breasts and start pumping them (great thing to teach your students! Just grab em without asking), and finally I had to teach them how to use to BP cuff, because they were supposed to get my vitals and couldn't figure out how to use it. I was a nursing student myself at the time, though at a different school, and I was seriously disappointed that the university allowed these students on the floor, as they clearly had NO idea what they were doing. I was also shocked that their clinical instructor would think it was okay to just reach in someones gown and pull out their breasts without even asking.

So yes, that's purely anecdotal, and only one experience, but IMO having a hospital attached does NOT equal a better school.

Pneumothorax, BSN, RN · May 24, 2010

I don't know any of them but my strategy was
#1 accredition
#2 which ones I could get acceptance into
#3 price
NCLEX pass rates which some people put in high regard didn't impress me. Good luck.

excellent points.

i am a bit biased toward hospital based programs because i am in one hehe.

You probably get a better pick of clinical times. thats one advantage i can think of. But take that list of schools and call/email the recruiters and take a tour and get the info that you need. its your money , spend it wisely and get the education you want :) :nurse:

Nursingmom25, ADN, RN · May 24, 2010

This is purely anecdotal, but regarding the schools with hospitals being attached, in my very little experience I disagree. I say this only because I delivered my daughter at a large university hospital and was assigned as a patient to two nursing students from this university. First, they didn't know how to work the stretcher, touched it anyways, and I nearly fell off because the whole foot dropped down, then their instructor came over with a breast pump, and without saying so much as a word to me proceeded to grab my breasts and start pumping them (great thing to teach your students! Just grab em without asking), and finally I had to teach them how to use to BP cuff, because they were supposed to get my vitals and couldn't figure out how to use it. I was a nursing student myself at the time, though at a different school, and I was seriously disappointed that the university allowed these students on the floor, as they clearly had NO idea what they were doing. I was also shocked that their clinical instructor would think it was okay to just reach in someones gown and pull out their breasts without even asking.
So yes, that's purely anecdotal, and only one experience, but IMO having a hospital attached does NOT equal a better school.

I probably would have smacked her hand away and told her to get the HELL out of my room! LOL :mad:

Saysfaa · May 24, 2010

Peterson's ranks undergraduate schools but I think it might be the school as a whole rather than by program. Their books are usually in the reference sections of public libraries.

scu51lly · May 24, 2010

I don't know any of them but my strategy was
#1 accredition
#2 which ones I could get acceptance into
#3 price
NCLEX pass rates which some people put in high regard didn't impress me. Good luck.

thank you Jules for your direction, these are great points.

caliotter3 · May 24, 2010

Nowadays with the keen competition for admission, most people go with the program that accepts them. Should you have several schools offer you a seat, then you would have to use your own criteria to pick the one that is best for you.

scu51lly · May 24, 2010

Everyone is so great for their input. Your words and experience have really answered many questions and given me a lot to consider.

you've all made some decisions a bit easier also.

Thank you so very much.

Bob_N_VA · May 24, 2010

Everything I have heard is that passing the NCLEX is what counts, not where you did your training. Hospital based programs have traditionally held an advantage with the amount and quality of the clinical time they offer their students. And contrary to anecdotal accounts, just because you have a bad experience with a particular university hospital and its students or any hospital with students, painting every other program with the same broad brush makes very little sense.

Take your time and do your research, talk to the admissions folks, ask what they require for any pre-reqs, what their waiting list is if any and of course what the tuition is. Ask about their accreditation status, they all may not be fully accredited. If there are any special features of one school, note them down. Weigh it all and then apply to the ones that suit you best and you think you have the best chance of getting in. And do keep in mind the NCLEX pass rate, its the only common denominator for all programs. :twocents: