Nursing School Recommendations/Experiences? (Durham, Greenville: rent, home, transfer)

[Glitterific]

So graduating from Watts as a diploma RN won't carry any stigma? At least in the triangle area?

I never considered a diploma program but seeing all the clinical experience the students are receiving is very, very attractive. It seems to be such a plus to hit the ground running after graduation especially when so many hospitals promise new grad orientation to be months long then you are lucky to be in one for some weeks.

I don't know if that is the case the the Raleigh area, but many new grads have been complaining all over.

[WeLuvNC]

For career advancement or doing anything other than direct care, a diploma program is not the way to go.

[CaliBoy]

Originally Posted by Glitterific

So graduating from Watts as a diploma RN won't carry any stigma? At least in the triangle area?

I never considered a diploma program but seeing all the clinical experience the students are receiving is very, very attractive. It seems to be such a plus to hit the ground running after graduation especially when so many hospitals promise new grad orientation to be months long then you are lucky to be in one for some weeks.

I don't know if that is the case the the Raleigh area, but many new grads have been complaining all over.

Have new grads been complaining about unpreparedness for the profession when graduated from UNC, Duke or other programs? What is the gist of their complaints?

I have enrolled in the prerequisites necessary to apply for the programs both at UNC and Duke. In the meantime, I am still working on investigating the best school for me based on what they have to offer.

I still love Watts due to their focus on clinical. However, they require that a semester be taken at Mount Olive College in Durham with a minimum of, I believe, 18 units (or somewhere close to that). Since I have enrolled in required prerequisite courses at Durham Tech, I would still be required to complete the same number of units at Mount Olive. It's sort of odd why... and I wouldn't have so much of an issue with it if not for the number of units required along with how expensive it is to attend Mount Olive just for courses that may not be required of the degree.

UNC is looking good so far, however. The staff there have been quite helpful and wonderful in working with me to find clarification on what previous courses transfer. I still have not concluded the percentage of clinical versus course room study they provide, but it appears they are heavier on class. I am hoping for more clinical. In addition, there appears to be at least one course on research. From what I heard, that part is simply dull, boring and geared more for a potential educator rather than a working professional (not denying that anything nursing related is a benefit).

UNC has two different accelerated programs, it appears. The four and six semester. More people apply for the four but less are accepted. It might prove less risky to apply for the six even though my grades are pretty good from former institutions. However, the six semester means that a side life can still be sustained... the four, probably not.

Duke has been quite nice and receptive to my inquiries as well. I would be required to take the GRE in addition to the prerequisites required, but this program is what I least have information. I am investigating more as I write this.

So far, UNC is looking to be the first one on my list. Watts being second. Though there are no guarantees of acceptance at either one, of course. I rarely worry about such things, however, I just plan for contingencies.

[WeLuvNC]

@ UNC and probably Duke, a research class is required because they are teaching evidence based practice. The research course provides the basis for evaluating the evidence. It is not the most exciting of classes, but usually you are allowed to pick a topic for a paper, so you can evaluate articles based on something that interests you. A research class is also required of most master's programs, so they get that done for you in case you ever want to continue on.

I have heard nothing but good things about UNC and Duke graduates. Another program that you might consider is East Carolina's Nursing program - again - nothing but amazing things said about their grads but it is a drive from RTP.

[Glitterific]

Originally Posted by WeLuvNC

For career advancement or doing anything other than direct care, a diploma program is not the way to go.

I plan to go back for a BSN degree. To me, it is better to have the hospital I work at helping me to foot the bill later on than to come out of my own pocket with it.

[Glitterific]

Thanks WeLuvNC- I am currently living in Fayetteville, and I am able to move anywhere, so the location isn't an issue.

Now that I think back, the complaints weren't from any of the Triangle graduates...it was moreso from other states I was contemplating moving to.

Initially I was going to complete a BSN program. I left a stable job to return to school while supported by my spouse. I recently got the 'big D' papers served on me so I need to rethink my plans a bit, since I have 1 small child to raise.

Doing some research, I noticed that the Associate programs had a higher NCLEX pass rate than the BSN. I would hate to slave and bust my butt through school and not pass the NCLEX, so getting an Associates in nursing became more my speed. Being that I am prior service military, working in a VA hospital is what I would love to spend most of my career doing, giving back to the vets. Most VA hospitals will foot the bill for their employees to get their Bachelors, not to mention you will get promoted faster and paid more which isn't always the case in a regular hospital.

[WeLuvNC]

ooh yes. See if there are any current VA scholarship opportunities. When I went through (years ago), they paid 2 years of BSN if you would work there for 4 years. It was a deal. If you know you want to head to the VA, definitely check it out. I have also heard good things about working down in Fayetteville @ womack.

Also, the NCBON has a 'pass rate' of the various schools - you are right - Watts pass rate is 100%. ADN is higher overall than the BSN. But the website has a list of all the schools and the pass rates taking the NCLEX for the first time. NCLEX Pass Rate 2006 - 2007 Look under 'statistics', at their website:

North Carolina Board of Nursing

[Glitterific]

I have only heard great things about UNC, Duke and ECU. While I would love to say I graduated from those top universities- I need to take other more pressing issues into consideration. I hope you get into the school/program of your choice.

I haven't gotten much information from the Watts school site, I noticed they have an information session at the beginning of the year, but I need to double check in case that was the 2008 date or not. Maybe there is more info on the Mt. Olive website. Being able to transfer CC courses is very important to me- 18 credit hours is serious business.

[CaliBoy]

Originally Posted by WeLuvNC

@ UNC and probably Duke, a research class is required because they are teaching evidence based practice. The research course provides the basis for evaluating the evidence. It is not the most exciting of classes, but usually you are allowed to pick a topic for a paper, so you can evaluate articles based on something that interests you. A research class is also required of most master's programs, so they get that done for you in case you ever want to continue on.

I have heard nothing but good things about UNC and Duke graduates. Another program that you might consider is East Carolina's Nursing program - again - nothing but amazing things said about their grads but it is a drive from RTP.

Thanks for shedding light on the benefits of that research class held at UNC Chapel Hill. And thank you for your response.

I checked on the location of the East Carolina's Nursing School in Greenville. You're right, it is a bit of a drive. Though I will investigate, I would need to factor in additional costs such as additional rent on top of my mortgage. I'm sure rentals there aren't too expensive, but I don't see it reasonable to commute nearly two hours. However, for a good program, it would be worth figuring out a budget and working out details.

I also heard they have an MSN option for second degree holders that started some time in 2004. I'll verify and look into that too.

Originally Posted by Glitterific

I have only heard great things about UNC, Duke and ECU. While I would love to say I graduated from those top universities- I need to take other more pressing issues into consideration. I hope you get into the school/program of your choice.

I haven't gotten much information from the Watts school site, I noticed they have an information session at the beginning of the year, but I need to double check in case that was the 2008 date or not. Maybe there is more info on the Mt. Olive website. Being able to transfer CC courses is very important to me- 18 credit hours is serious business.

Yes, every additional credit hour makes an impact. That's for certain. Thus far, courses taken to earn my prior degree along with my previous community college degree work seem to be (informally) transferring well. Thus, it appears that I only need three, possibly four, prereq's. However, the Mount Olive component does throw a wrench in the works if Watts is the way to go. Though I understand it to be an exemplary school.

Btw, forgive my ignorance but when you mention the 'Big D', I take it you mean you were discharged from your previous place of employment. From what I understand, if taking any of the accelerated programs, maintaining full-time employment might be rather difficult if not impossible.

With Watts, (and to paraphrase) they recommend that you do not work and that your success depends focusing on just that program. UNC's four semester program forces you to do the same. I've heard their six semester programs affords you time for some part-time work and a personal life. Duke, well, I just don't know yet.

Keep me posted on your progress and findings, Glitterific. We have similar concerns, I'm sure. I've also wondered about the age old argument of attaining a diploma over a BSN since both allow for NCLEX RN testing. Since I bachelor's degree majoring partly in Business (as well as other accreditations), it may be that I don't have as many limitations rising in the ranks later on should I decide on a diploma. However, I haven't seen much of a difference in time or classroom topics in either program. Thus, I am pursuing the BSN.

Can anyone enlighten me on the the keen differences between the diploma, LPN and BSN? Not just regarding career prospects, but about the programs specifically. Is one more focused on practical care than the other? Clinical more than theory? Time? Etc?

[PDXmom]

Originally Posted by CaliBoy

Btw, forgive my ignorance but when you mention the 'Big D', I take it you mean you were discharged from your previous place of employment. From what I understand, if taking any of the accelerated programs, maintaining full-time employment might be rather difficult if not impossible.

I read the Big D as divorce. But I could be wrong.

I've considered going back to nursing school. I have an undergrad degree and took many of the require prereq courses such as anatomy and physiology for my BS. That was a while ago so I'll retake some of the courses but hopefully not all. Does anyone know if there is a time limit to how long ago you took the pre-reqs? I'm fine taking the science over again. But I really don't want to have take stats and psych and such over again.

I know it probably varies by school. I'm really hoping to look at UNC-CH or UNC-G. Maybe Duke... but tuition ouch!