Two Acceptances - Help me pick! Southern Ca

Published

I have gotten accepted into two nursing schools here in SoCal (yay) I am very grateful to have this choice, because California is rough. But. I worked hard! Background on me, I am a *mostly* stay at home mom of 4 kids aged 12, 7, 5 and 2. I have VERY little outside help with them, if at all. So far, I've figured it out pretty well. My family (parents and one sister) say they will support me with whatever I need. But, dad has cancer and doesn't do kids very well. My mom works nights and my sister is a full time CFO at a dealership. I will be 30 when I start the program as well. I'm married, my husband is great but he works long hours and won't be much help.

School 1: Victor Valley Community College

Pros:

-cheaper, closer, friends there already, smaller cohort of 40, told my best friend (who also would be in my cohort) that I'd choose VVC over the university. NP1 instructor is my CNA instructor, shes very cool and knows her stuff and likes me (I think LOL). The college also has consistently a 98-100 percent NCLEX pass rate. An RN I know who went to CSUSB works with students from VVC now and said to go VVC route because they are well trained. My kids in home daycare is close and she's bee awesome so far working around my school schedule. NCLEX pass rates are consistently 98-100.

Cons:

- End up with ADN instead of BSN, less "prestigious", Smaller on campus daycare that I will most likely be waitlisted for. 12 hour clinicals that are less flexible. Same length as the BSN program.

School 2: Cal-State San Bernardino

Pros:

- I get a BSN in the same amount of time as the ADN. Beautiful campus, more "prestigious". I'd graduate from a university over a community college (I know it doesnt matter much) On campus childcare, I've spoken to a few students - some have been waitlisted, others haven't been. 8 hour clinicals that are a bit more flexible (That matters because it is easier to find childcare for 8 hours rather than 12) 5 semesters, same as VVC.

Cons:

-Further away. Down the mountain (Those of your from so cal know that the pass/15 can get super backed up for no reason at all) My car isn't in the best of shape. More expensive (but not crazy) No friends there, let my best friend down. Larger cohort of 60. NCLEX pass rates are like 85-95

 

I just really don't know which to pick. I really didn't think I'd get into the university. My heart is set of CSUSB but its more for personal reasons that don't matter a ton. And the fact I'd have a BSN in the same amount of time as the ADN from my community college. Also, the community college may be easier? If its the same amount of time as the BSN? I don't know. This is hard, and scary.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My personal choice would be the University route. You’ll get paid more with a Bachelors degree. Also if you did do the community college route  would you want to go back to school to eventually do they BSN route? I wouldn’t think twice honestly and choose the University over the CC. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 3/31/2022 at 6:55 PM, Thart said:

My personal choice would be the University route. You’ll get paid more with a Bachelors degree. Also if you did do the community college route  would you want to go back to school to eventually do they BSN route? I wouldn’t think twice honestly and choose the University over the CC. 

Yes, I do definitely want to pursue my BSN and beyond even possibly. Many people tell me university, easy choice. My kid situation scares me though, being away from them and the traffic can get insane. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Licensed Vocational Nurse.

Hi I would say community college… it’s way cheaper and closer to you and afterwards you can do an online RN to BSN. That’s what a friend did Good luck on whatever you end up choosing 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion