Still overwhelmed...

[Art_Vandelay]

I have read several threads r/t online RN to BSN programs, and I still feel overwhelmed.

And I still have questions...

1)The Clinical component? Does it matter? Some schools require it, some do not. As far as the clinical portion, I felt I had a solid clinical experience in my A.D.N. program, I just want what will get me hired by a prospective employer.

2) Cost? I have found schools ranging from approximately $150/credit hour to over $400/credit hour. Again, how much does the school's name matter to the prospective employer? Will a cheaper out-of-state non-clinical online school land me the job just as quickly as the more expensive, presigious one? Does the saying "you get what you pay for" really apply to RN to BSN degrees?

3)Accreditation? NLN? CCRN? What's best?

Truthfully, I don't want to go back to school and spend more money right now, but the economy is still tight and my phone is not ringing off the hook with hospitals calling me to interview despite experience.

Help! Thanks!

[le_kd]

I, too, am completely overwhelmed. It was not my original plan to go straight into an RN to BSN program, but I have been looking for work now for over six months since graduating with my ADN and no one is knocking down my door to hire this inexperienced new grad, so I feel like I need to re-group and get the BSN now. But there are so many to choose from and I don't have a lot of money but I don't want to waste my time and energy, either. I'm so confused!!

[microtutor]

FWIW, I have chosen a local school with a hybrid rather than a purely online program. The cost is more than a pure online program but less than the big universities in my area per credit hour. (It is both NLN and CCNE accredited.)

My rationale is related a few factors:

First, to my experience with online coursework. Its PURE self-teaching and self-motivation. I can do that, but I definitely do better with some face time and real classroom interaction. To me, the extra $$ per credit is worth that.

Second, to which schools' programs are considered for post BSN residencies in my area. I want to have a shot at a post-graduate residency.

The head of the program said the program doesn't require additional clinical hours, but it is designed so that you can work and go to school at the same time - so I assume I will have a better experience if I find some sort of job to continue gaining clinical experience while participating in the RN to BSN.

Good luck to us both, right? :)

[nursingilove]

I was reading your post and just wandering what kind of facilities you are applying to? I am not sure what state you are in?

Sometimes if your just applying to hospital jobs, you may be sitting a while these days, maybe if you didn't yet, you could try Dialysis. They do hire new grads, ADN, especially if your plan is to attend college for your BSN. Just my . Wish you luck!!!!

[jtmarcy12, BSN, RN]

You have my best wishes for you and all the new grads out there. I have a friend who is a nurse recruiter and she said her hospital here in California are first interviewing BSN grads, and they go from there. I don't want to be a Debbie downer but I have heard this from many others who said the hospitals they applied to wanted BSN grads, but there are some hospitals who may hire ADN also.

This probably will be like this until the economy improves. Right now these hospitals can be selective. Maybe try a dialysis clinic as another post stated. But keep trying and praying, never ever give up!!

[LobotRN, BSN, RN]

One thing to consider is that schools w/ a clinical component will get you face time with potential employers, be they clinics, dialysis, HH, etc., and maybe even acute care. That is one thing I would stress to all nursing school students and soon to be graduates (ADN/BSN/MSN whatever!). Don't just pass clinicals! Those are some of the best ways to get yourself seen by the nursing manager, they can see you, etc. If you do a clinical rotation and like the place, do not be bashful! Use your lunch and breaks to find out who the players are, ask the nurse you are paired with to see about what it takes to get hired and if they will put in a good word, find out who hires, and say to him/her, "I'm x weeks into my clinical rotation here, and THIS IS THE PLACE I want to be. You have great staff, the work is interesting, and I have heard some wonderful things not only about the care here, but about working here, too." Then ask for potential positions, permission to keep in touch, and let them know your plans.

[Art_Vandelay]

Thanks for sharing all your experiences. :)

Microtutor: I will look into hybrid programs as I haven't seen any of those. LobotRN, the program I like does have a clinical component and is associated with a reputable hospital; I just have a hard time swallowing over $400/credit hour being that I'm not employed. If only I would quit relocating after landing employment...this economy doesn't leave much room to do that...at least, in my experience. I will check into dialysis clinics too. Thanks for the encouragement.

[Art_Vandelay]

I was reading your post and just wandering what kind of facilities you are applying to? I am not sure what state you are in?

Sometimes if your just applying to hospital jobs, you may be sitting a while these days, maybe if you didn't yet, you could try Dialysis. They do hire new grads, ADN, especially if your plan is to attend college for your BSN. Just my . Wish you luck!!!!

I have been just applying to hospitals. Please please please don't make me go back to SNF. I saw such lack of ethics there.

[CrunchyMama, ASN, RN]

After I was done getting my RN, I knew I never wanted to go back for my BSN. NEVER! Spent too much time in the books and away from my family. Well, now that I've been an RN for a year now, I've decided to go back for my BSN. Stupid me, lol. I'll be starting in the spring. Around here, RNs are hired, I was right out of nursing school. But I decided I want to become an NP, so a BSN is the next step for me. I'm taking it SLOW though, considering I work part time plus I have 3 young kids. I'll be doing online and the program doesn't have clinicals....there's 2 classes that are counted as clinicals. Anyway, good luck to you!