WGU will not accept me

[jenam2you]

I am a New Grad ADN with my license (RN), but have not found a job yet because acute care hospitals are requiring BSN. I applied to WGU, but they will not accept me unless I am working as an RN. Currently working as HCP (Health Care Partner) in an acute care hospital. I work along side RNs on a daily basis. I realize that isn't the same thing, but the only reason that they could give me for this ridiculous policy is that they have found that those who aren't working as an RN are not able to pass their classes. Am I crazy to try and fight to get this policy changed? Input please...

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Having graduated from WGU's online BSN program last year, I can confidently say that the coursework draws upon the student's previous work experience as a nurse. Nurse's aide experience will not cut it. 'Health care partner' experience will not do.

Without hands-on experience as a nurse, completion of the coursework would likely be an uphill battle for a student. The school has this admissions policy for a reason.

[elkpark]

Sure, give in, drop my whole life and move. Lets not question anything. Lets not try and change anything. Lets just be conservative and not fight the powers that be.

People in lots of other disciplines attend school expecting that they will move when they finish school to wherever they can find a first job. Nursing is pretty unusual in the near-universal expectation that one will be able to go to school in one's current hometown and then will be able to get a job in the same location after finishing school. So you finished an ADN and employers in your area are only hiring BSNs -- how badly do you want a job?

And every BSN completion program I've known of has required that applicants be working RNs (or, at least, have been working RNs for some specified minimum amount of time -- typically, two years). WGU is not the only school with this policy and it's not "ridiculous." Schools don't look for ways to arbitrarily exclude potential students and pass up potential tuition income; if they could (ethically, responsibly) fill up their programs with unemployed new grads, I assure you they would be delighted to do so. The only reason they have a policy like this is because they have some good reason to have it.

[jenam2you]

I am not saying that they OWE ME THIS, I am just saying that I have a special set of skills and experiences that would/ could be very useful in this program, but if they are unwilling to step outside of their box and actually speak with me, they might think differently.

[jenam2you]

Actually WGN is the only school that has this policy. I was just wanting this school because it can be completed in a shorter amount of time, and would cost me less, because I have a guaranteed job as soon as I get my BSN. They are hiring BSN in acute care hospitals where I live. I have been in the Healthcare industry long enough to know that I don't need an RN job bad enough as to work in a SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility). Acute care is where I want to work and that is where I will be. I was just trying to be fiscally responsible and not trying to have student loans out the ying yang, but such is life.

[ThePsychWhisperer, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

Actually WGN is the only school that has this policy. I was just wanting this school because it can be completed in a shorter amount of time, and would cost me less, because I have a guaranteed job as soon as I get my BSN. They are hiring BSN in acute care hospitals where I live. I have been in the Healthcare industry long enough to know that I don't need an RN job bad enough as to work in a SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility). Acute care is where I want to work and that is where I will be. I was just trying to be fiscally responsible and not trying to have student loans out the ying yang, but such is life.

I can't speak to WGU's policy on not allowing in students that don't have work experience as a nurse, but as one user posted, s/he recently graduated from that particular school, and they drew on work experience and acquired nursing knowledge a lot during the course of the classes. Also as stated, even though you have oodles of experience as a PCA or CNA or what have you, nursing is a LOT different, and therefore, you do not have the correct skill set required by this university. As for not working in a SNF, work experience is work experience. Acute care is a fine goal, but there are many other options out there. When I graduated from nursing school, I managed to land my first job in an ED, but you'd best believe that I had my application in at many facilities, from hospitals on down to SNFs, and would have taken anything that would get me nursing experience and a paycheck. I think you need to come down off of your high horse and be willing to branch out just a bit.

[Kuriin, BSN, RN]

This thread is silly.

Sure, give in, drop my whole life and move. Lets not question anything. Lets not try and change anything. Lets just be conservative and not fight the powers that be.

You are sillier for even mentioning this. I would say a majority of new grad RNs have to move for their first job. Deal with it.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

I have been in the Healthcare industry long enough to know that I don't need an RN job bad enough as to work in a SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility).

Well if you really want a spot in WGU's program, this statement may not be accurate.

You are chasing your tail here. You can't get into WGU's program without nursing experience, but you are not willing to take an honorable, important job that would give you said experience. In your area you can't get an acute care job without your BSN, but are not willing to take a job that would lead toward getting said BSN.

You are focused on convincing them to change their policy...which even if they spoke to you and allowed you in, you still don't have any nursing experience on which to draw, so may not end well for you. Wouldn't it be easier, but also more productive to take a nursing job, get into their program, and get on with life?

[imenid37]

There are some other schools with relatively low tuition which will accept you. Many hospitals will hire you if you are actively pursuing a BSN. One of the people I work with had an ADN and was working "unpaid" as a volunteer nurse with immigrints. She was working on her BSN at one of our PA state universities and was hired into an RN position because she was pursuing the BSN. Try another school. I hear Ohio State is low cost. Also University of Wyoming is low cost. WGU has lots of students and are probably not going to change their policy. Fortunately, they are not the only game in town! If you get an employer, you can get them to help with tuition. There are lots of people in my area who worked at a large nursing home here and went from LPN to ADN and even BSN on the facility's dime. Don't be so stuck on having to go to WGU and having to do only acute care. If you look at the whole picture and look at the alternatives, there are several ways to get where you want to be.

[jenam2you]

I am far from being on a high horse. It's called "knowing what you want and fighting to get it" not just SETTLING like most people do. I have a wide range of experience in all aspects of the nursing experience. I have worked in nursing homes and have seen what RNs do and know that is not for me. Money is not the reason that I became an RN. I have a good income so I can be a bit more selective in where I choose to get my experience, so don't judge my decision making process.

[jenam2you]

Did you have to move? If so Kudos to you!!! I'm sorry that you think that voicing my opinion is silly. I am the type of person that gets what I want because I speak up and fight for what I WANT, so no I will not just DEAL WITH IT and settle for the mundane

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

Sure, give in, drop my whole life and move. Lets not question anything. Lets not try and change anything. Lets just be conservative and not fight the powers that be.

I agree with you that you need to fight the power. But I think you are picking the wrong fight. I think you need to get the hospital you are working for to hire you as an RN since you are in fact an RN. You don;t stop being an RN just because the hospital decides to call you a "Health Care Partner" whatever that is. You are an RN working in a hospital. Your job description ought to reflect that. If the hospital won't change your job description, leave. Best wishes.

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

Im kinda surprised that they are letting you work in a non RN position with an RN. Most places don't allow that. Kind of some crappy stanfdards to uphold if you are a PCA/tech/aide /uap.

I dont blame you on the nursing home thing though. Those owners are brutal. May as well leave your license at the door.

I feel sorry for those who have to live (?) there. sorry, different subject...