biok8e

I can at least attest to the fact that we have several current hospital workers in our program... a lawyer, a person with a masters, and a BUNCH of others. Honestly don't know how I fit into the mix... but they're really not kidding!

I know. I'm hoping against hope that I'll be able to pull off a miracle and somehow get a job! I'm cautiously optimistic! :)

Good luck!

Yeah, the other universities in the Boston area are running at LEAST that if not more. Northeastern's program runs almost $100K. BC's isn't cheap, either. That's why I figured I'd go back for a 2nd degree, and then do my master's part time so that I can work while I go to school. The only problem with UMass Boston is that the specific program I am in is the pilot program - so there are a lot of kinks that they need to work out. Hopefully it will be better for years following me. But the professors are dedicated, and invested. I liked it there a lot the first time around, and that's why I went back!

The entire accelerated program is running about $20k. But keep in mind, that doesn't include books, and the "distance learning fee" for the online courses is KILLER (about a grand a course!). The university is doing a great job of offering plenty of scholarships, though - which is NOT usually the case for a second degree program... I think UMass is definitely the way to go, financially. Other programs are upwards of $50k!

The only thing I did was to call . I emailed her a bunch, too. I was a UMB alum, too - maybe that helped! Who knows - I can give you all a little update on what I've heard about the program for the next cohort: First, they're using our input for you guys, so hopefully you don't have to deal with some of the same garbage we did. For example, they've already got clinical sites and times set in stone for you. Secondly, they have about double the number of applicants this time around. That's all I can think of right now. Good luck to all of you! :)

I am. At least in my program. However, the catch is that the program must be able to be completed in a year ( I didn't file for unemployment until 5 mos in) and it needs to be "approved" by the unemployment office. I'm so lucky I managed to fight my way into approval. This is seriously one of the best opportunities of my life.

That's really exciting! Thanks so much for the info. Pedi psych is something I really enjoyed during my mental health clinical. I had the opportunity to work on the CAU at Cambridge Hospital and the experience was incredible. Oh boy, oh boy - now I'm all amped up!

I apologize for coming off like I'm rubbing it in. The thank you was sincere. I got my benefits extension from the Federal government which allows me to continue to attend school and not have to work. Up until I got laid off, I was working 7 days a week, well over 70 hours to make ends meet. The only reason I get to go to school at all is because of the "training" program offered by the state of MA. It's an incredible opportunity... at least I'm using it for what it's meant for! I've worked forever and paid my taxes - We live in a land of so much opportunity and so many people don't know about. Again, sorry if my post comes off "ostentatious" or like I'm "rubbing it in". The fact of the matter is - I'm insanely grateful... and it was like Christmas when they extended my benefits. You can only take out so many personal loans before they start telling you no: add that to the loans I already have from my FIRST degree - heh... I'll be paying back Sallie Mae until I'm 90. Everyone is so quick to assume the worst of others... my intention was genuine even if my words were kind of twisted.

It's all about being broke, married and a mommy... then they HAVE to give you money.

Yes, you are reading my post wrong. I'm collecting unemployment as I finish my 2nd degree BSN program. It's excellent. Not only does the federal government provide me with scholarships to pay for school, the state government pays me unemployment to NOT work as I continue my education. It rules.

...for funding my education. This is wonderful. I call a number every week (yes, yes, no) and money appears in my account. We can complain about our government all we want to, but when you get laid off and go back to school... I LOVE UNEMPLOYMENT!!!!! That being said - I get the opportunity to get paid for doing something that I love and that I'm good at. Isn't that living the dream?!? To get the chance to work 3 days a week, spend time with my family... I couldn't be happier. Now all I need to do is find a job when I graduate... Details!

For new grads?

I'll drop my two cents into this one. I'm a 27 year old second degree student with a 3 year old little girl. If you have a LOT of help, and an extremely supportive husband, and you're not planning on bringing junior into the world until after you take and pass your boards... you can probably pull it off. I'd recommend that you wait until after you've finished school and worked for a year. That way, you'd have maternity leave AND (if you pick the right hospital) a daycare subsidy. I both applaud and respect that you're taking the time to think this through rather than just letting your biological clock do your thinking for you. Best of luck in whatever you decide.

One, my previous degree was in psych... I won't mind! It's not a matter of not being able to find the job I WANT, it's a matter of being able to find ANY job at all. Most people are capable of finding SOMETHING - if you live in an area that isn't Boston. It's the most frustrating thing EVER to get high grades, do an insane amount of work, and have the drive and dedication to interview over and over and OVER and at every hospital... they're "hiring internally", meanwhile their nurses are working overtime to the point that they are endangering patient safety. I'd be happy to work general med-surg or psych for a year. I wouldn't mind working for the VA. (Actually, the VA has some crazy benefits!) I would kill! I'm not just complaining because I can't get 12hr days in a major hospital in a specialty right out of school. I'm complaining because I legit canNOT find employment - and I'm still volunteering on floors where the nurses that DO have jobs don't care. This isn't some barely-scraping-by-with-a-c student here. I have a previous degree in biology and psychology. I graguated Magna the first and second times around. I got scholarships, awards, I volunteered. I did everything right... and still I'm getting passed over because nurses that should have retired 10 years ago are still working. They're still working because the economy sucks and they need the money. Their 401k's are worth nothing, and they want to retire. I get it - but..they have no desire to be there, don't care about the patients, and have no respect for each other. What the hell is so wrong?