CSUS Fall '11 Hopefuls....??

davismom · Jul 15, 2011

Oaktown2-I agree with the commute time posted by Mt2544. That's been my experience doing that route but in opposite direction. If closer to the fwy in Carmichael, it might actually take a little longer with traffic.

Mt2544-With regard to the discussion of loan forgiveness we began awhile ago...A good friend of mine got $12,500 for signing a 2 year contract at Sharp hospital in San Diego two years ago. Her roommate got a job in a different unit and was able to get $25K. That might have changed in the last two years...no doubt. She did lots of her clinical rotations there which probably had a good deal to do with why she ended up getting the job...she claims MANY people are applying for these positions (and even were then).

I have antecdotal evidence about this occurring in this region for the NP's this year. My friend graduated last year with her NP and one of her classmates got $100K. Probably not the norm, but it is nonetheless occurring. It was for this reason that I posted the inquiry.

There is hope!!! You sound eloquent and extremely knowledgeable. I'm sure you'll get a job soon! I hope for our graduating class that there will be some easing in the job market in the two years we're in school!

calstudent · Jul 18, 2011

Hi everyone! I'm also one of mt2544's classmates and I am the one she asked regarding the commute from Carmichael to Sac State (I actually asked a very similar question 2 years ago before starting the program...I'm a Bay Area native who moved to Carmichael to attend Sac State). I absolutely loved the Sac State nursing program and if I can help to answer any questions, please let me know!

I'm a second bachelor's student who entered the Sac State program pretty much right after the completion of my first bachelor's degree (so no real work experience besides some jobs during school). During the program, I got the privilege to participate in a paid nursing internship in a Kaiser ER/Trauma Center which was amazing. I had all of my clinical rotations at UCDMC (with the exception of mental health) and completed my preceptorship at Sutter Roseville in the Trauma/Neuro ICU so if you have questions about UCD or Sutter Roseville or Kaiser, feel free to ask.

I've been blessed to have had 2 wonderful job offers about 1 month after graduating from CSUS. One from UCD and one from USC in LA (both wonderful, renowned teaching hospitals), and I start my UCD orientation tomorrow!

Needless to say, the job hunt for new grads is extremely tough and if I can offer any advice, it would be to get to know your professors right off the bat. They will be the ones writing your letters of recommendations for internships, scholarships, and eventually for jobs. There are plenty of opportunities to interact with faculty at Sac State, such as through TAing or volunteering in the simulation labs.

Also, definitely get involved with something meaningful to you during nursing school (or continue to be involved in something showing your dedication to improving your community, your profession, etc). Think about finding ways to make yourself "different" from the other hundreds of nursing students fighting for the same jobs. In all of my interviews, I've always been asked something along the lines of "Why should we pick you out of everyone else for this position?" Volunteering at hospitals/clinics, working at summer camps, being involved (rather than just passively attending meetings) in CNSA, are just several examples.

Anyways, this site has been very useful to me from the time before nursing school all the way through the job search, so I'd love to do my part and help anyway I can!

mt2544 · Jul 19, 2011

davismom -

That's wonderful to hear about those two nurses getting loan forgiveness a couple years ago! There may well be some positions in Cali still offering that to inexperienced new grad RNs, but I just haven't heard of any myself. (All my job market info is either anecdotal or gleaned from hospital websites.)

I too have talked to a couple new NPs in the Bay Area who are getting very attractive offers that include loan repayment. Alas, there is a world of difference between their lot and that of us lowly new grad RNs.

And I'm sure the market will be better by the time you graduate. My class is continuing to get jobs one by one, and while I am unfortunately not yet one of the lucky ones, I have been getting some very encouraging nibbles. :)

~M

BrookeLoraine · Aug 2, 2011

Has anyone gotten a confirmation about their CNSA equipment order? I mailed in my order form awhile ago with a check but the check hasn't gone through yet. Just curious if anyone has heard anything.

oaktown2 · Aug 3, 2011

I haven't heard anything, but I haven't looked to see if my check cleared. I sort of assumed that we wouldn't hear anything until the 24th. (Not sure why - maybe because it isn't really an actual store.)

TLS11 · Aug 3, 2011

The checks will be deposited within the next week or two. CNSA has received the supplies and they will be distributed during orientation.

Congrats to everyone who is attending Sac State Nursing this fall. You will have a great experience.

BrookeLoraine · Aug 4, 2011

Thanks for the info TLS11! I was beginning to worry that my check got lost in the mail.

nicole8584 · Sep 30, 2011

I have to take pharmacology as well, and won't be able to take it this summer. For the people that have taken it: how hard is the class? It's going to be hard to get back into study mode after having a year off of school!!

Hi Elyse, I was sifting through this thread and came across your post. I'm applying for Sac for this spring, and I'm feeling good about my chances. I haven't taken pharmacology, and I was wondering how it was going for you on top of your other classes?

wilcox77 · Nov 15, 2011

I have already posted something about this post but can someone help me find the informatipn sheets on cost of program.i emailed teri but havent heard anything from her.i was wondering how much is Liability Insurance and thebackground check and drug screen. My job currently does a urinalusis seven panel drug screen as well as a fbi background criminal background check free of charge .are these the same test sac state does it would really help to save some money.

csusfallhopeful · Nov 15, 2011

The program requires you to use their background check and all screenings per their request. You must pay for the drug screen, background check which I think ran around $100 for both, but I don't remember. The total cost of the first semester ran around $5000 for me which included fees, vaccinations, insurance, supplies (stethoscope, etc), and books. I believe that future semesters will be a bit less expensive but plan on at least $4000 per semester with fees and books. Hope this helps!

wilcox77 · Nov 15, 2011

thank you so much I talked to my employer and told them the stipulations on the background drug screening they have agreed to pay for it if its a hundred dollars I talked to the picked health information lady and she had told me its quite expensive because they are contracted with two departments to do a hair follicle test which could cost me anywhere from 150 to 200 dollars has anyone else had to do thos kind of test she didnt seem to know much of what she was talking aboit because she also told me that physical therapy is the other department and when I called them they said this wasnt true . Nursing department hasnt picked u there phone.

Im movimg from yuba city and really need to get all of my money together that I have to ay out of pocket. So is this the new drug procedure because there isno way my job would cover that kind of expense . I am also going to have to pay for health insurance

saxuhmuhphone · Dec 4, 2011

Does anyone have an opinion on taking Pharmacology before or during the program? My community college offers Pharmacology but I hear its incredibly easy and you don't learn anything. I thought that was strange considering nurses use pharm so much. Would it be a mistake to take it before entering the program? Or is it difficult to take during the program? Thanks!