What to do??? Need advice!!!

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Hi, I am new here. In April I was accepted to the Nursing Program at West Hills in Lemoore. Now, I recieved a letter from Fresno State that I have also been accepted into their program. I live in Fresno, so that is convenient. However, the cost is significantly higher at State. I have heard great things about Lemoores program and do not know much about States program. I have heard that Fresno states emphasis is on theory and bookwork whereas Lemoores emphasises on clinicals. I am definatley a hands on learner. I am not sure what to do. I know that you graduate with a BSN from State and an ADN from a city college, but if I choose Lemoore I intend on getting my BSN and have already completed all my undergrad classes. Any advice would be great. Thanks

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How far is West Hill from were you live now? Is the drive there every day worth it. Gas is not cheap now a days.

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Specializes in Neuro, Neuro ICU.

I'd do the Bachelors:

I was recently in a similar situation. I was accepted to a Bachelors program @ Private School, that is based out of a major hospital, that would have cost about 30K. I would have been able to start last fall. Instead I have waited an additional year for my community college, that will cost me about 8K when its all said and done. I chose the community college, and I sometimes wish that I would have chose the Bachelors. Here's why:

I'm planning on getting my bachelors through RN-BSN anyways, so I could have saved myself and extra year of schooling (2 years in total, since I had to wait an additional year to start the program). Add the 8K i'll spend for 2 years at a community, and the 15-20K at the university for my RN-BSN, and Its not really that much of a savings. Especially since I'd have been a Nurse with a BSN a year sooner, and could have been making 40K that year, to make up the difference in cost easily.

Another thing- I am also a hands on learner, and clinicals will make you feel comfortable, but you'll never experience everything you need to know as a student in clinicals. The best thing you can do is know the theories behind the decisions that need to be made. So many nurses I know, say they didnt really learn anything until they actually started working as a nurse.

I think another major thing is the closenesss to your home. You are going to need as much time as possible while you are studying, you arent going to want to be spending it driving.

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afox made a great point once in school every min costs, the more time you have for study the better. What is the price difference if you dont mind me asking.

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Thanks for the advise. I will be able to start either program at the same time so I will not have to wait which is good. Lemoore is a 45 minute drive each way for me. Fresno State is about 20 min.

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hi there i was wondering which college you chose? we will be moving to lemoore, ill be a transfer student wherever i go, i was looking into both of the colleges mentioned as well, but i will be closer to west hills. have you heard anything else about these 2 colleges? im also hands on. i aced my clinicals i have done so far, but the 1st nursing school i went to i had some trouble with the testing. any advice you can give me id appreciate!

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Hi. I chose to go to Fresno State because I live in Fresno. I will also graduate with my BSN. I recommend that you apply wherever you can. I would contact them to find out where you will transfer in (which semester) each school will be different. Fresno is about a 45 minute drive from Lemoore. Hope it helps. Good luck.

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how are you doing with that program? does the school seem fair?

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