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Hello. I am graduating with a degree in liberal arts next year at a two-year college but I am considering about a career in nursing. What should I do?
I have a B.A. in English (2005), and after a few years of testing my mettle in restaurant kitchens (uh.. no), women's health activism, and caring for elderly family members, I decided to go for nursing. The job market isn't easy, of course, but getting some patient care experience will help you clarify your path and also make a nursing school application that much more attractive.
Volunteer if you can, or try working as HHA or CNA (both will require some training but many agencies will train-to-hire). The program I'm going into this fall is an A.A.S. (2 yr) RN, though I also looked at second degree Accelerated BSN programs. Financially (and because I need to work while in school, which most accelerated programs recommend against) the community college was a better choice for me.
Another option (that I've tried without success) is to try and get an administrative/ clerical position in a hospital. Some hospitals offer tuition matching benefits, and you would be able to network with nurses on the job.
Good luck!
elizanne
27 Posts
Not sure where you're located, but GHSU (formerly Medical College of Ga) has a 16 month pre-licensure MSN program. Requirements are at least a Bachelor's in another field and some prereqs. They look at GPA, GRE, experience--pretty much the typical stuff. I'm currently in the program and graduating December 2011; it is VERY accelerated but also great training. I love it, and I think I'll be pretty proud of myself when I get my diploma in hand! Good luck!
Here's the website: http://www.georgiahealth.edu/son/cnl.htm