Huntsville: What Am I Up Against?

[HopefulMichelle]

I will be applying for the Delayed Progression Nursing Program at Calhoun for 2008. I am a mother of 2 and currently work in social services. This will be a second career for me. I really have a passion for OB and would love to go into L&D, Postpartum or Antepartum. I have been a little discouraged when getting on the hospital websites because it seems that any of these positions require 1-5 years experience. Do they hire new grads at all for any of these RN positions? I know this seems to be getting way ahead of myself since I haven't even been accepted into nursing school but I would love to know what I am up against. I definitely expect to pay my dues and not walk into the exact job I want but is there anything that you can do to increase your chances of getting the job you would like when you graduate? Do they do internships at these hospitals? I know you spend a semester in clinicals but that is not nearly enough. I just know this field is so specialized and I understand why they would prefer to hire a nurse with experience. Any insight or words of encouragement would be appreciated! I will definitely be speaking with an advisor about this if I get accepted. I know that clinicals will expose me to different areas and I may find other areas that will be of interest to me but I really feel that this is what I want to do.

Michelle

[Jedi of Zen]

Cool..

One of my coworkers just started this year's Delayed Progression program. Haven't had a chance to ask her about it but from what I hear they only have class one night a week; what doesn't get covered in class has to be completed online. You probably already know that though. I think my coworker is in the very first group to do the new Delayed Progression program. Apparently it's a new thing at Calhoun.

[HopefulMichelle]

Jedi,

Yes it is new! Please let me know what your friend thinks of it if you get a chance. I didn't know about the online work but that will work out fine. I did email the nursing advisor over the program when I began the process just to see how feasible it was going to be and she said that they have class one night per week from 4-8 (that is taking into account any of the non nursing classes included during the semester). She said they have clinicals either one night per week from 4-9 or on a weekend day. That was when I realized that this will be very workable. I have had a hard time getting my husband on board. He didn't want me to quit my current job to go to school. I was able to fend off some of his objections because of this program. Also it won't be as costly for me since I already have all of the non nursing classes (with the exception of Microbiology). I just don't know how many people apply so I am trying not to get too excited. I take that back...I am excited and will be pretty let down if I don't get in. I have no control over that though so what will be will be.

Michelle

[Jedi of Zen]

I just don't know how many people apply so I am trying not to get too excited. I take that back...I am excited and will be pretty let down if I don't get in.

LOL...I hear ya!