NAU - Zona Rosa Nursing program opinons?

I attended NAU Zona Rosa for my ADN. I graduated almost two years ago. I had a job before taking my NCLEX. I worked there for a year and 1/2. Moved, and was able to get two more jobs. One a full-time and the other PRN. I have not had a problem getting a job. I have recently changed departments in the hospital I am working full-time for and LOVE my new position. It is in LDRP.

Downsides to NAU - the expense. It is a very costly school. I am currently looking into ADN to MSN programs whoch cost about the same as my ADN. However, I was older and couldn't wait to get into another program. I was REALLY a new program when I started; and there were some ups and downs; but I feel I was prepared because I put in the effort to learn everything I could.

Hope this helped. Let me know if I can answer any specific questions for you.

Shoecollector;

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond. I have been in training for a new specialty. I will try to answer your questions. I feel like I was prepared to take the nclex and have the basic understanding of the nursing field; however, as with ANY program or school; you will not be able to learn everything you need to know. There is SO much "on the job" learning as you won't be exposed to everything during clinicals. As for the medical community looking down on NAU graduate - personally, I have not seen that at all; nor have I heard of anything. I think I may make fun of it more...especially when I hear those AWFUL commercials. However, I was hired by prominent hospital before graduation and before taking the NCLEX. I did the telemetry fellowship. I left there earlier this year for some personal reasons....not related to the hospital at all. I miss my co-workers and my previous manager very much, but I had to take care of my family. I recently started at two other hospitals, I am PRN in the ICU at one hospital and working LDRP at another. So, as you can see, I graduated almost two years ago and I have been able to get into several different specialities.

I have talked with several different schools because I want to obtain my MSN also. I have not had any program deny me from potential enrollment. I did graduate with a 3.76 GPA, but I worked my butt off to get it. It was not given to me. As I stated before, it is what YOU put into it. The information and knowledge won't be spoon fed to you. Now, as far as instructors, I know there has been a lot of turn over; so I do not know the state of the instructors / program now...but by far, my favorite instructor was Heather Roberts. She is an excellent educator and nurse. I was also older when I started the program and the reason I choose it was the time frame. The program take committment, but it is doable. I am the wife and mom of 4, so it can be done!

I wish you luck in whatever way you decide. I don't know how the program is now, but even with its ups and downs, It worked out well for me.