Graduates from CCBC's RN Program... Help!

I am a recent (May 2013) grad of CCBC. I have to tell you honestly that the program is difficult in ways that it doesn't have to be. The majority of the classroom instructors are difficult to deal with and teach to their own knowledge not that of the real world of nursing. I found my clinical instructors were ok and challenged me regularly (in a good way). I hate to recommend this program to anyone BUT... I was completely and overly prepared for my NCLEX (I also took Hurst, which I really liked). I, as well as the majority of my class, passed in 75 questions. While I did tech for about 6 months, the clinical experience that I got at CCBC really prepared me to be on a unit. One of my clinical instructors helped me get an interview and I was hired within weeks of passing my boards.

I don;t believe that any other program (BSN or ADN) gives you as much clinical experience as CCBC. I look back on my experience as a hazing and I think that the program can definitely be run better but you will be completely prepared for anything that comes your way. You just have to keep your head down and get through the two years. I graduated, passed my boards, got a great job that I love, and am already starting on my BSN in January. You can do it...just commit and don't look back!!

Gaelros- what kind of job did you get? and do you know, did your classmates get jobs or were there a lot of people still looking 6 months+ after graduation?

I too am interested in what it is like in the Baltimore area for new grads with their ADN. US Dept. of Labor Statistics shows that new graduates with nursing degrees have the lowest unemployment rate compared to other degrees. But everything I read on the message boards here say that the nursing shortage is a myth.

Hi I'm so sorry I just saw your message from last year! I have just been really busy but Ill be honest and say I don't nor have I in the past worked as a tech or student rn. It is challenging to weigh your schedule in nursing school as I'm sure you are aware of now that you have started. I am actively looking for a job now as a tech and I do recommend that if you can get your foot in the door somewhere then take it. I have heard mixed things about the job market but I'm trying to stay positive. Like someone previously mentioned the program is very hard and I don't think it starts until after fundamentals so I guess it is was for the best that I was not working.

HI Gaelros- May I ask where you are getting your BSN from? I was looking at RN to BSN or RN to MSN online programs and really don't know which one to choose. I graduate in December and want to start the next level of education right away.