Indianapolis Ivy Tech Nursing Program Advise Needed.

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I have several questions/seeking advise about the Ivy Tech Nursing Program in Indianapolis. I currently have my Bachelor's from IU, but now am looking to get my RN. For cost reason's, I am very interested in Ivy Tech's ASN program and then eventually getting my BSN. I'm wondering/wanting to get some advise from nurses in the Indianapolis area:

-What is the job market like in Indianapolis for graduates with an ASN/RN degree in the hospitals?

-I know the ASN program is very competitive and have been encouraged by the school to also apply to the LPN program and after completing this could do LPN-ASN, has anyone done this route or have any advise about this back up plan?

-I am thinking about taking the CNA course at Ivy Tech and working as a CNA until classes begin/while in school. Does anyone have any advise on what hospitals, organizations, etc. to work for after this that may assist in paying for getting my RN (either directly with the ASN program or the LPN-ASN route). I have heard that some hospitals will pay for part/all of your tuition if you sign a contract with them, but I'm not sure how that is going with the economy.

-Once you have your ASN, where in the Indi area can these credits transfer to get your BSN? Do many hospitals have RN-BSN programs?

-Anyone know hospitals that may help pay for the CNA course or how to go about getting someone to pay for it? I know nursing homes often will offer classes and paid training, but I would really prefer to be in a hospital setting.

Thanks for you help.

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Specializes in PCU/CICU.

If you already have a BSN why not look into IUPUI's accelerated BSN to BSN program??? You already have a BSN and that should be a quicker route. JMO

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Spider,

I have looked into this program since I posted this and am meeting with an adviser next week to discuss applying for Summer 2010. However, I also need a back up plan and Ivy Tech is it. I've heard IUPUI is very competitive and until I meet with someone, I don't really know where I stand right now as far as getting into it. I'm also in no hurry to have my BSN, and since Ivy Tech is much cheaper, going the longer route, getting my CNA and working for a hospital that will pay for my schooling doesn't sound like a bad alternative. Either way, I just want to get into a school and get out to start working as an RN. If there is some big difference in ASN vs BSN as far as bedside nursing, other than it can be more competitive to land a job at a hospital because you are competing against people who have BSNs, that may change my mind. Fingers crossed this meeting goes well next week and they think I am well on my way to getting into IUPUI!

Thanks for the advice

-J

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

I know that the indy hospitals are like everywhere else right now: only experienced nurses need apply, and few jobs at that.....

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^^ huh? that's not true at all! I know several hospitals that are consistently hiring and especially graduate nurses...

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I agree! IvyTech has a 100% placement and the health care facilities actually come to them! The market in Indy is good :up:

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

strange, I teach there and know there have been some slow down in the hiring...

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You also have to remember that she probably won't even be job searching until 2012. By then, I am sure the market will have picked up a bit more by then. :)

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

we're hoping, but some are telling students that the job market is great, you'll be in high demand, you're guaranteed a job. I make sure my students know that right now the market isn't roses and sunshine. I want them to know what they are getting into, because right now, many new grads are not getting hired, and are upset at the fact they feel they were lied to. Previous students of mine have come to me and just vented at the current situation. No one is guaranteed a job, no matter what the profession or educational level, but with an education, you sure stand a better chance! I wish all students, current and future, good luck....

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I agree with the last part...any degree you receive you will not be guaranteed any position anywhere. But, as I said, with my mom in nursing and quite a few friends- there are opportunities out there especially for new grads. I have seen ridiculous amounts while just searching local hospital websites. For the sake of everyone though, I do hope this slump ends soon!

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I definitely recommend getting some CNA or Student Nurse Extern experience while in school. It appears to be the dicisive factor in selection process right now. I graduated from Ivy Tech with honors and no previous hospital experience. I am having a hard time finding a job.

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I am not even enrolled yet and I too have concerns about the job market in Indianapolis. I did some job site searching. Many hospitals require "experienced" nurses. Almost ALL job postings list "minimum 2 years of experience required" - but where do you get that experience after you graduate and nobody wants to hire you as a new aka noob graduate.

Does Ivy Tech help with job placement after graduation? Or are you pretty much on your own? Looks like it's nice to have friends in high places. I hear most people get hospital jobs because they know someone who works there.

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