nursing programs--determining quality ?
i am a second-degree nursing student deciding on bsn programs and owuld
like some guidance in selecting a program. i am entering nursing primarily
to become a cnm. i have been accepted to catholic university in d.c. and
the university of maryland at baltimore for their accelerated programs (i
am not interested in accelerated bsn-masters programs). i am waiting to
apply to the university of michigan.
what should guide my choice:
--program ranking?
--population (i am interested in underserviced areas, particulary hispanic
pop's)
--rapidity of program?
what are marks of quality in bsn-prgrams?
and finally, does anyone know how i can get a listing of current rankings
of nursing programs?
Regarding population, I think that at most major university hospitals
(especiallia inner city) you will see a good number of underserved
clients. I had visited U of Michigan: Ann Arbor and I liked it (yes I
know that's not where I went, but that was something completely
different) and I think you should see a good deal of the desired
population there, as well as in Baltimore.
Finally, what should you look for? If you want to work on you own, I
think a large university with decent ranking. If you want to work in a
hospital, go all the way to the top of the rankings above anything else.
As to speed, there are BSN?MSN programs which are only one extra year
over regular BSN and seems like a good choice, but that's just my
two cents. Anyway, speed should only really be a factor as far as
finances go. Chances are that if you are there longer you will learn
more, but if you have to get out and make money fast, then do that.
While many schools have different reputations, professors, and clinical
experiences, the bottom line is your own motivation. Graduating from a
nursing school in Delaware, I have seen fellow students slide through
school and pick up a few things here and there. After being out for some
time, they tend to continue to slide along in their chosen profession.
Other people, who take the initiative, tend to get the most out of their
experience, and are better nurses thereafter.
So, my advice to you would be to pick a good school, and ensure that you
have the motivation to make the most out of it.