Should I switch Nursing Schools after finishing my 1st semester?

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So, I have been in tears for 2 days now with this internal conflict that I am having about leaving my current nursing school for another.

I started one of those small, expensive, private nursing schools after completing all of my prerequisites with a 3.76 GPA from my local community college. This school is a 1 year ADN program that is approved by the state of Florida but not accredited. Their NCLEX passing rate is about 40% but I decided to go in order to finish nursing school quickly and start working. I figured even if the passing rate is low, I will still do well because I know the type of student I am.

Needless to say, I don't feel like I am learning much. I just finished Pharmacology in 4 weeks. It's impossible to learn what we need to learn in such a small amount of time. Although I have A's in this school, I doubt myself everyday for making the decision to come here. once we were told by someone in administration that "we should be lucky to be here because we obviously couldn't get in anywhere else". I felt like saying "thats not why I came here". Granted, most of the students or teachers do NOT speak English at this school (Miami, Fl.)

I recently spoke to an admissions rep at another school that is well known in Miami and has a reputation for developing grade A quality nurses, however the program is 27 months (BNS). She said I would have no problem getting in. This school is $40,000 as apposed to the $20,000 school that I am at now.

One RN I know, told me to stay at the school that I am in now because what matters is me passing my NCLEX and everything else I will learn on the floor. She says she also felt that she didn't know anything when she graduated from her school and she managed to pass her boards.

I am in tears as I write this because I don't know what to do. I have finals at my school this week and I need to end on a good note should I decide to transfer (but at the new school I will have t start from scratch). I just want to be a great nurse. I don't want to settle for good. I love this field and have a deep passion for nursing. Any advise is appreciated!!

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

I would switch schools if it were me. You will be a better nurse and save yourself a lot of headaches.

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If you do not feel that it is right for you, then you should switch. You do not sound comfortable with the school and even though its double the price, its also a BSN program. Good luck in your decision!

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You will learn your meds during your program as all your instructors will include meds for each topic... so don't worry about that.... What I would have a problem with is the administration saying that you should feel lucky to be there... Although someone should feel lucky that they got into a nursing program, the context to which she is speaking is not very caring... I would think that the administration is not caring of their students enough to help them. Anyways I would say switch. Perhaps the new school would work with you on the classes you've already taken at the other school.

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when it is unaccredited you can only practice nursing in that state. I would go to a college where the courses are accredited. It doesn't do any good to take the courses when the degree you get is not even worth the paper it is written on. A true college will have all the accreditation in place. Even if you finish the courses you still may not be able to sit for boards. I would definately change programs while I was early in the game. I am in the ADN program in Georgia and our Pharmacology was 16 weeks long. There is no way you can get all the clinical hours you need in one year to be elgible for boards.

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I don't know if this helps or not, but in switching from a non-accredited school to an accredited one, your classes may not transfer. It could mean starting over from the beginning at a new school. Make sure you have your transcripts evaluated at the new school to determine which classes will transfer before you make your decision.

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Hi JCast87,

I would definitely switch schools regardless of the $20,000 difference, especially since the school is not accredited!!! You will thank yourself in the end!

My school is $ 33,000 per year and I am taking out loans to help pay for it, but I am not worried about it too much. I know in the end that I will get a good education. GET OUT OF THAT SCHOOL ASAP!!!!!

My school NCLEX pass rate is %100.

Good Luck to you!! ( BIG HUGS)

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I would switch schools if it were me. You will be a better nurse and save yourself a lot of headaches.

i completely agree!! i'm 2 weeks away from graduating from a small lpn program where i live. the passing rate here is 94% or better. yes, there will be much to learn in experience, but you need that foundation! i'm heading back for my rn this fall, this time i chose a larger school. my whole thing is that i really want to KNOW this stuff- not just bring home some good grades! i mean, who wants a nurse who isn't knowledgable?!?! good luck!!!

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Follow your instinct. There's a reason why you are questioning this program. The NCLEX passing rate is a concern but you sound like you shouldn't have a problem regardless of whatever school you attend. My sister who's a nurse say the same thing, the school doesn't matter as long as you pass the board, but for me I plan on specializing in a certain field so that's something I have to consider when choosing a school. Good luck in whatever choice you make.

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If I were you, I would get out while you can! Not being accredited is a BIG DEAL! What if you decide down the road you want to continue your education? If nothing transfers (which it won't) you will have a lot to take over. Also, hospitals are becoming more and more selective in choosing RN's, especially new ones. If they have a choice between an RN with a BSN and a RN from a one-year non-accredited school, who do you think they will choose??? Don't let money be a reason to have regrets down the line!

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

Agreed with above! Switch switch switch..I took a chance and switched to a really good university when I was ready to apply to my cc because in my area BSN's are being preferred at hospitals and I wanted to get mine anyhow so I was really scared to switch to a new school and I had more pre-req's but I took the plunge and I'm so glad. I love my school, I got accepted my first app., and am about to graduate this year with my BSN and if I had stayed at the other school I probably would only graduated 1 year ahead or the same as I am. It's scary switching but I tihnk Im getting a better education and the degree I wanted.

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Talk face to face to some nurses who work. Ask them to inquire to their DONs or assist DONs. Some of them may know nurses that graduated from that school and give you a more balanced answer.

And DO talk to the last level students! ask them about their experiences. Nothing beats the advice from insiders that are in the same boat as you!!!

You need to feel comfortable while learning and sure of yourself, however many have said that schools today seldom provide enough training for their graduate to feel comfy on a brand new job. That comes with experience. About 1 year of experience.

If you feel that you can NCLEX with your current school, then stay and finish it. You'll be a year+ ahead in experience over this other college. You can always brush up on your skills and theory studying by yourself (even though there's little time)

practice NcleX questions online and in KAPLAN type study guides... Really!

It's a tough choice you have, pal, but stick it if you can. Please, do more research.

And that accreditation point someone made, is a serious one. Find out; it's definetly worth considering.

Much luck!

(Keep us posted on how it goes, ok?)

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