Advice needed

[TeresaRN2b]

I went looking today online. Actually I had looked for this before, but never been able to find any local hospitals doing this. Anyhow, one of the hospitals here has a "career sponsorship program". I am copying and pasting the info on their site (but deleting the hospital name for privacy reasons).

***How does Career Sponsorship work?

The student is paid a loan to cover the cost of tuition expenses and books required to complete their degree. If the student is awarded Career Sponsorship they will be required to be employed at Medical Center on a minimum of PRN basis while completing their degree.

What happens once I complete my degree?

Students will be eligible to have their loans forgiven by accepting a professional position at Medical Center and working for a specified period of time. If all requirements for forgiveness are not met, students must repay the loan with interest.

How much does the program cover?

Students are eligible to receive up to a maximum of $5,000 per calendar year ($2,500 per semester maximum) to reimburse tuition expenses and books. Students are eligible for a maximum reimbursement of $10,000, not to exceed two consecutive calendar years.***

This looks like it would really be a good idea, but not sure if I want to commit to working during school. The loan part isn't a big issue to me because I really have nothing to lose if I change my mind. I'd just have to pay back what I was loaned. $5000 a year could really help me out with paying for school.

Ok on to the bigger problem, if I apply I need all this info and I am totally clueless what to do. First off I need a resume and secondly I need two professional letters of refererence. I have been a stay at home mom for 5 years. I did work as a medical assistant for a brief period of time, but that was years ago and not in this state. I don't know anyone I could use for a professional letter of reference and am really not sure what I should put on a resume with me being out of the workforce so long. Most of me feels I have nothing to lose by applying, but I don't know what to use for references and a resume. (I also have to answer some essay questions and a couple other things, but the references were my biggest concern). Help! Any advice would be appreciated.

[Rena RN 2003, RN]

you could ask a nursing instructor for a letter of recommendation. i would also check into how "minimum" the hour requirements are actually. one weekend every 6 weeks, etc.

[kiddoRN]

We have a similar program here and are only required to work 1 shift per month while in school. Now most of us do choose to work more and of course during semester break many work full time for those few weeks. Good money source. Then when you graduate they start paying on your student loans and if you're happy with your position the 2 yr committment just seems to fly by. I don't believe the max here is as high as 10K but it's pretty decent.

[fnimat1]

Teresa,

I have found lots of offers and scholarships like this at the hospitals in my area. I was talking to my dh about it. I'm still thinking about it though. I really want to make sure this is a hospital that I want to work at after becoming an R.N. It's a lot to think about.

Fatima (who's still waiting for her letter)

[twarlik]

Definitely talk to people about the hospital first before you commit. Make sure it's someplace that you'd be willing to work after graduation.

As for the resume, just include all your work experience and skills. There are a lot of books and other resources about building a resume. Does your school have a career center? A lot of time career centers offer workshops on writing a resume.

Good luck!

Todd

[Ortho_RN]

I say you have nothing to lose.. I'm doing it... And if I go to another hospital to work that hospital "usually" buys out the loan from the original hospital and then you just owe the time that one... Otherwise you just pay them back, no differenet from a student loan.. Except i was told the interest rate is much less at the hospitals..

Go for it... One shift or so won't be bad.. I usually work 3 shifts evert two weeks..

[TeresaRN2b]

Thanks for the advice. My MIL actually works at this hospital and I wouldn't mind working there. I had a bit of a preference to the other local hospital, but nothing I can't get over. The other hospital doesn't offer this program. I haven't actually started clinicals so I wouldn't be able to get a letter of reference from a nursing instructor till after the application deadline. Any other ideas for references?