UW BSN vs. SU BSN

U.S.A. Washington

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Hey everyone!

I feel very lucky and humbled to have been accepted into the UW BSN program and the SU BSN program. I now am trying to figure out which school to go to. Has anyone been through either one of these programs? If so what was your experience like, and did you feel prepared as a nurse when you graduated? Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

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Specializes in Float Pool, acute care, management/leadership.

I am in the exact same predicament as you are.

Leaning towards UW just because of the difference in tuition and because of its reputation. Although, I like SU's location and I like their focus on social justice/community themes.

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It's great to hear that I'm not the only one trying to decide! I feel like UW would be a great school, but I have also heard that while UW is considered #1 in the country, it may be because of the research they do and the graduate programs they have, not necessarily the BSN program. I have heard people say that while UW students are strong in textbook knowledge, they may not have the same skills or ability to deal with real life nursing situations. What I am trying to figure out if any of this is true or just rumors.

I do really like SU's focus on community outreach and it seems like they have a good program. The cost is definitely a little scary though.

I really can't decide what to do...

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Specializes in Float Pool, acute care, management/leadership.

I've heard the same thing as well...and UW's ranking is more for the graduate programs like you mentioned. However, I think the BSN programs are somewhat similar across the board, and each school will have its pros/cons. While people say UW is research-oriented and focuses more on theory vs. clinical; I also have a friend attending SU's BSN program right now and he mentioned that for as much as he's paying in tuition, he had more expectations for the program than what he is experiencing.

I told him I liked SU's emphasis on the community and he also mentioned that you do meet some great instructors that focus on it and having amazing stories, but he said he would be surprised if SU's focus on community themes was THAT much more than UW's.

I think it is true that ADN nurses come out with more clinical skills. At any rate, it's going to be a tough decision. This is my 2nd degree, so I can't really see myself getting into a lot more debt than I already am. I went to UW for undergrad so I'm familiar with their system, places to live, etc. Plus...is it bad that I excited that I'll have the option to buy student football tickets again? :p

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Specializes in NICU.

I went to SU for my BSN and there is a lot of emphasis on social justice and our place in the world for nursing. Sure there have been some bad teachers, but also some great ones.

In the end, if you can afford it, I'd recommend it.

However...I wouldn't go into debt for it. When you look at your career of (hopefully : ) 20-30 years of nursing whether you get your masters or not...after a year or two of bedside nursing most folks are the same in clinical skills/knowledge regardless of which school they went to.

My best advice for getting clinical experience for you is to apply to all the major Seattle hospitals to be a nurse tech. You will learn a ton doing this and learn how a hospital really works. I spent a summer doing this and everyone (including the other UW girl on my floor) agreed that we learned more that summer than the hours we spent in clinical...

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