If I were to go into an RN diploma program (NOT Associates), and graduate, will job opprotunities be hard to c

come by? The hospital (UPMC) would pay for tuition (about 16,000) in exchange for 2 years of full time work as a RN in one of their hospitals, but if i didnt stay with that chain, would i be hard pressed to find work without an associates, only having completed a diploma program? Please help...can give additional info, so please ask if needed. =)

The problem here would be that i wouldnt be getting an actual degree, just a diploma...I'd still be able to take the NCLEX, so thats not a problem...I'm just wondering if hospitals would discriminate against me for only going through the diploma program in comparison to an associates/ bachelors.

In most cases, as long as you hold your RN license, that is what is important in most employers eyes if you're just going for a staff nurse job and not trying for leadership positions. However, diploma programs are becoming rare. And it's always better to some degree to hold a higher degree - eventually you should plan on going for your BSN.

I know there is big temptation when tuition is being waved in front of you, but ultimately you'll do what you have to do. Good luck.

Nurses are in short supply, so you shouldn't have much problem finding a job. Different hospitals have different requirments, though. So before you make any desions, i'd call around to local hospitals that you'd be interested in working for and ask for their hiring requirments.

Absolutely not. The nursing field, right now, is in very high demand. My sister graduated with an AS degree in nursing and she had a job lined up for her even before she graduated starting out at about $40/hour plus benefits! If they'll pay for your school, go for it! Hell, why don't you leave me their contact info while your at it!?
Good luck!

Diploma Nurses, Associate Nurses and Bachelor Nurses all take the same NCLEX exam at the end. Generally speaking, there isnt even a difference in pay.

Now, you will have a lot more work to do academically should you want a bachelors, masters or doctorate. You will do fine. Good Luck