Worried about Sentara Program

[wrn12]

Hi all. I am starting Sentara's RN program in January. I am excited but a little apprehensive because it is a diploma program and not a degree program. Does anyone have any experience on becoming an RN through a diploma program? I was wondering how hard it would be to get a job out of state with a diploma in Nursing. I have heard the rumor that the program might become a Bachelor program, but is it just that, a rumor? :icon_roll

[blessedx2]

We all still take the NCLEX exam to be a nurse.

It is hard - its one of the better programs in the area. And yes, they even plan on making a 4 yr RN program available.

See ya in January - did you go to registration night?? They should have answered a lot of questions for you. There will be an orientation night coming up - that is awesome! Make sure you go - they have a panel of students in various levels of schooling there and they answer your questions. It is VERY helpful.

[wrn12]

Thank you for the reply and congrats to you. I have only heard good things about the program. I guess that is my only concern. I know we sit for the NCLEX, but I also know that when you apply to Nursing jobs you are asked for a copy of your degree or diploma.

[Jules Anne]

I work with many Sentara school of nursing graduates and they are fantastic. You'll be getting a great education and they are working on a BSN advancement if you want it later.

[CryssieGRN2019, LPN]

I actually am also interested in Sentara's RN Diploma program. The cost is alot less for the purpose that you are taking it for, which is to become an RN. When you want to advance in your education and obtain an ADN, BSN, or MSN, there are bridge programs available. At that point you could have your student loans paid down from the diploma program. The primary reason that I would like to attend the School of Health professionals is the amount of hands on time that they receive in clinicals. I am in MCI's LPN program and we get quite a bit of clinical time, but nothing compared to Sentara's program. Things that we learn in theory class dont always make sense until you hit the floor, apply it to a human life, and see the instruments and conditions that you have discussed.

A friend of mine graduated from Sentara, and at least a month before school was over she already had a job at Sentara's Heart Hospital, NOrfolk. I think that people place stigma's on programs that dont come with a "degree," but in the real world, RNs with or without degrees are making the same amount of money, or at the most $1 different.

[al7139, ASN, RN]

Hi,

Don't worry! Whether you have a diploma or a degree you are still an RN after you pass the NCLEX-RN. If you want to go on to get your BSN or RN most schools have bridge programs. You may have to take a few extra classes for prereqs, but you are still eligible to continue your education without going through an ADN program. I went to TCC for nursing school, but that was a personal choice made based on cost, flexibility of schedule and prerequisite requirements (I think that TCC's required prereqs are less than some of the local diploma schools). You will be fine at Sentara, and in some ways at an advantage because you are trained in specifics for Sentara and get alot of clinical time to experience "Real World Nursing".

I have worked with graduates from all different schools, and there is not much I see different in how we practice and our knowledge base. It's like everywhere, we all have different strengths and weaknesses, and we all learn from each other.

I'm sorry I can't tell you about out of state for sure, but since Sentara is an accredited school, you take the NCLEX, and you are an RN if you pass, so it would make sense that another state would honor your license no matter what school you went to.

You will do just fine.

Good Luck.

Amy