Indianapolis Ivy Tech Nursing Program Advise Needed.

[JRenihan]

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.

[MsMoore131]

Just like most other jobs in any field right now, experience is necessary...with that being said, try doing some volunteer opportunites at some clinics in your area as well as try to obtain some extra certifications. Anything that can beef uop your resume and make it more appealing than the next graduate nurse. Keep your head up, there is a job out there for you and although it may not be in the hospital, area you want right now, ANY experience is good experience!

[biblepoet]

I agree either CNA or student extern people faired lot better than us that graduated from IVY tech lawrence and no medical experience. I had to work about 6 months in the prison to even get interviews and now I am getting we hired the person with more experience thank you for your time. Some places you need a yr. experience and I have applied to even those and no answer. I think you will fair better with some medical experience even though not a RN than none. All of us I know have a job just not in the most desirable places. I work in an infirmary at a prison that is a med/surg area with lots of cancer pts. We get all of the dialysis pts. as well. I was glad to get a job that was not in a nursing home so I could use my skills and get the desired experience so I could land a better position.