School choice

[sassalicious]

I've been accepted to 2 programs.  One is a one year accelerated BSN at a school that is probably not well known outside of Missouri. The other is a traditional BSN (I'd only need to do the 2 upper level years) at a well known school, with all the bonuses of attending a state university...summer break, study abroad, and an opportunity to get a

Comments

[sandi1743]

when talking to nurses that are working when i was deciding between very well known schools i was rec'ed to go with the traditional program (last 2 years, I already have a Bach and masters in science) as it would be "better training" as i would not be as rushed. i went that way as it the traditional was less money overall (state school) and i could still work full time.

[sassalicious]

Thanks for the input. It may come down to finances bc even though tuition is same, there is a difference in the amount of federal vs. private loan I have to take out and the possibility of working while going to school.

[jetaimemoncheri]

What's the school? I live in St. Louis.

[sassalicious]

Goldfarb school of nursing in St. Louis or uni of Wisconsin-Madison here in Wisconsin.

[jetaimemoncheri]

Honestly? I've never met any nurse that went to Goldfarb. That could be, though, because it's the feeder school for Barnes hospital, and I've never worked there, and maybe their nurses don't want to work anywhere else (Barnes is a very good hospital).

I think for practical reasons, the accelerated one would be better for you (but I loved my traditional program). As far as getting into master's programs, I don't think it matters has long as it's a BSN from an accredited university (and I don't really know much about Goldfarb to say this is the case) and you've got the work experience.

I don't think it would matter for a job either since you already have your RN and work experience. ADN and BSNs do the same job as far as staff nursing.

Also, if you want to do WHNP, it might be good to come here because UMSL has a WHNP program and it looks like those are really hard to find.

[sassalicious]

Thank you for our input. What's the nursing job market like in st. Louis and/or Missouri?

[chickapin]

I think the name of the school on your resume/CV would make little to no difference unless you were trying to get into an Ivy league or top-tier master's program. In nursing, work history and recommendations are incredibly important. I'd rather get through school faster and start getting work experience (and make some money!) than spend an extra year learning the exact same material in a traditional program. FWIW, I loved my accelerated program.

[sassalicious]

Thanks for the input!