Stay or Go? BSN program

[emmy4]

Hi everyone,

I am currently in my junior year of a BSN program (this past fall was my first semester of actual nursing courses). Our class is the first class to be in this program (the school previously had an ADN program they are now phasing out). My dilemma is this- the school is incredibly disorganized, and has yet to have a visit from the NLN to confirm accreditation for their new BSN program. Program administrators tell us that the school already has NLN accreditation for their ADN program, so obtaining approval for the BSN program shouldn't take long at all. The clinicals are a disaster because they are constantly changing the requirements for us so that we are up to "BSN" standards like other schools. They are still trying to determine which skills we will be learning each semester (the only skill we were checked off on last semester was vitals).

My alternative to staying at this school is to enroll in a local ADN program, that is cheaper but would add an extra 12-16 months to my graduation time.

Any thoughts or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks for reading and happy holidays!

Emmy4

[Shorty11, BSN, RN]

Honestly, I would be very concerned that your program has yet to "officially" receive accreditation. Although the school says that it should be "no time" before they receive accreditation because they have already received it for their ADN program, this does not mean that accreditation for their BSN program will be a given. The fact that they are accredited for the ADN program is a good sign and hopefully this does mean they will have no problem receiving accreditation for their new BSN program, but it is not a guarantee. I am not saying you should leave your program because I do not know all the details, but I would be concerned about the lack of accreditation, the disorganized curriculum, and the changing standards. I personally would not want to attend, nor graduate, from a program that is not accredited.

[ChooSoul]

Id be worried to . Is there a way to transfer your bsn credits to get adn? So you could have the associate degree while taking the bsn. Just for insurance you don't waste time and money and effort.

[Red35]

I feel your pain...I'm currently in a similar situation....

My advice-look at your states BON-some states allow nursing students to take the LPN NCLEX after one year of nursing school. Once you become an LPN; work for 6 months and start an accredited program online or do a bridge program. I know you have spent money and completed classes you will have to re-take but maybe there's a reason why your program is not accredited (disorganization).

It happens..some schools aren't a good fit

Good luck!

[kaydensmom01]

I wouldn't stay. In my state you may be able to take the NCLEX at a non-accredited school (not sure) but all of the jobs that I see require you to be a graduate of an accredited school.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

I would ask the office of the dean directly. I can't tell from your post whether your information about their accreditation and where they stand in the process is accurate or not. The school could be grandfathered for some requirements, they could have a conditional accreditation (which counts for purposes of the BON and NCLEX), or another factor. It is perfectly acceptable to ask the dean to make a brief presentation to your class or issue a brief written statement about where they stand in the process, and, consequentially, where you stand. Don't cut and run until you have a very clear understanding of what they say...and you have asked the BON what it means to them, too.