Any Colorado nurses that can give advice?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Orthopedic/Spine.

Hi! I am currently finishing my last semester of an Associate degree nursing program in Arizona when we received orders to move to Denver shortly after I graduate in May! I've done some research and believe it best that I take my NCLEX in Colorado (all though AZ and CO are both compact states). I also looked up nursing positions in the Denver-Aurora area and noticed the majority of them request or require a BSN. I started my BSN when I started my ADN program as part of a concurrent enrollment program but paused my BSN classes when I became pregnant again only 7 weeks after I had my first son during my first semester of school! I am currently on track to begin my BSN classes again 1-2 weeks after I pass my NCLEX. Are there any nurses, from Colorado or not, that can give me some advice on finding an RN career as a new ADN graduate in the midst of pursuing their BSN?? I feel it may be an uphill battle once we move and I know that I will be a great nurse if I can just find the position that will hire me.

I have an ADN and most of my classmates work in oncology, med surg, and peds at either Lutheran, st Joe's, good samaritan, littleton adventist hospital, north suburban, and a community hospital in hugo.

Most got hired on in the new grad programs with an ADN. A few got hired at north suburban and the community hospital as staff rns. And there were a few new grads that started at the hospital in cheyenne wyoming.

Specializes in tele, ICU, CVICU.

I don't know anything about CO, Sorry on that end.

Are you visiting Denver, before the actual move? Just to iron logistics and all that fun stuff out prior to moving? Some won't even set up interviews unless you have your RN.

Networking is always a good idea. Do you have any connection to other healthcare workers, that could recommend you to management? Obviously, you need to be presented in a positive light from that person.

I would also research different facilities you plan on applying to in your new location. If you interview, you could ask HR or nurse manager about any reimbursement or anything else, to assist with obtaining BSN. I don't think I'd specifically ask the manager and/or HR. It could go either way: facility thinks you only want your BSN and somebody to pay and think you'll leave after you've completed the BSN.

I took my NCLEX on a tuesday AM, and that tuesday evening, was the start of the accelerated BSN program. It was pleasant surprise, that courses were one evening a week for 4 hours and was actually held in the HR building.

It seems as though most places want a BSN, but the good majority seem to go with "Bsn required or obtain within 2 years" or something along those lines. Seems nursing is changing: phasing out LPN's (who are the same as RN's, in that there are really crappy RN's and LPN's. Likewise, both RN's and LPNs have amazing & awesome nurses in both class. Some larger facilities would encourage their staff to add more credentials to their name and would be more willing to assist you in that journey. Just speculating.

I took my NCLEX on a tuesday AM, and that tuesday evening, was the start of the accelerated BSN program. It was pleasant surprise, that courses were one evening a week for 4 hours and was actually held in the HR building. This was a significantly smaller, more country type setting as opposed to bigger cities & facilities. Just be aware of the requirements & all the small print:

employer requiring XXX months of FT staff RN, pay back plan if you don't uphold your end of deal., failing a class and not receiving $$$ for that repeated course, maintaining a good GPA etc.

Sorry to not really answer your questions/concerns. And congrats on rouding the last bend for the final straight-away.

Specializes in Orthopedic/Spine.

Thank you so much for the information Whiteorchid! I just keep looking at all the facilities opportunities and the closer to our move I will contact their new grad recruiters. Thanks for giving me some more facility names to look up! Congrats on your position!

Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

It doesn't matter where you take the boards. Taking the boards does not give you an RN license. You have to apply to the state you want a license in. Most states will want a copy of your transcripts for the first time application so be ready when you grad; buy 4 copies of sealed transcripts for current and future use. At least buy 1 sealed copy for initial application (I bought 4). Good luck to you. :)

Thank you so much for the information Whiteorchid! I just keep looking at all the facilities opportunities and the closer to our move I will contact their new grad recruiters. Thanks for giving me some more facility names to look up! Congrats on your position!

No problem. I think the community hospital in hugo is called lincoln community hospital. My friend who works there loves it. She works in the ER.

Hi, I moved from Arizona to Colorado as a new ADN grad, and applied to nearby HCA and Centura Health hospitals as well as LTAC; I made sure I had my resume AND stellar cover letter ready. HCA declined my application within the same day (for 28 positions) but I got 2 offers from Centura and 1 offer from LTAC. I recommend try nearby Centura hospitals or LTAC. Best of luck to you!!!

Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

Just apply to everything. HCA, Centura, DG, University etc. doesn't hurt to try. It seems like the big 3 always go in waves where they scoop up some ADN nurses

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