Does School Name Matter???

I don't really think it matters...I went to a private school, graduated in Dec 09, and haven't found a job let alone even gotten an interview from the 30+ applications I've sent out.

If you're willing to pay for it, I would consider going private because it usually doesn't involve a lottery system or something to be accepted.

Congrats on graduating Lindsay! Can I ask where you went to school??

I'm sorry to hear its been such a struggle to find a position!! What type of positions you have been applying for? Are you an RN? I apologize for having so many questions, but any tips you have would be great :) Thanks!

Nope, it doesn't matter. I went to a private school that was a trade school, most of those tend to be looked down on. But I got my 1st job in ICU as an RN right away. But it was more because of my years of experience as an LVN, a great resume, and a good job interview.

They do not care where you went to school, it's more do you have a nursing license, do you have previous experience, etc.

Unfortunately, most new nurses are not getting jobs regardless of where they went to school. The economy is very rough. I would not recommend spending 50k or more on school when there is going to be no guarantee of a job post-graduation. Currently many retired nurses are working and many part time nurses went full time. They will always hire an experienced nurse over a new graduate to save money.

mochagirl26 - I'll send you a PM. :)

Thanks for the great info Nicki! I can see that the factors you listed are definitely making it more difficult for new grads to secure employment. What a good thing you had experience as an LVN! I was planning on working toward a BSN, but may take the test to become a CNA this summer. What do you think, are CNA positions just as hard to get as RN positions at the moment?

@Lindsay: I'm so sorry, I'm new to allnurses.com and can't PM yet I can't wait to talk more because I'm applying this fall (to transfer to a CSU/UC and I'm also really looking into ABSN programs). I'm feeling a little lost with how much information is out there and want to make sure I'm doing everything right so I can become an RN!

Well, I guess not everything "right." Just making informed decisions

I'm kind of new around here too...does that mean you read my PM but aren't able to respond?

Yes, I can only read it, but I can't respond... so frustrating! I'm finishing my pre-reqs at a community college in Sacramento and am taking TEAS in a couple of months at SMU. I'll try to post more often so I can communicate a little better. Thanks for your message!!

At this point, experience will trump education in terms of securing a job.

At this point, experience will trump education in terms of securing a job.

+1

99.99 percent of the time the first thing they'll ask you is how much experience you have