jessrn78

It is 60 for both semesters. When I applied a while ago, the application said 120 and the 2 years I was there it was always 60 students each semester. You need to go ahead and realize that the people you talk to at SW have NO IDEA what they are talking about!!! They do not have the faculty to teach 120 students. It is 2 classes a semester broken down to roughly 30 a class. The numbers dwindle as you get further in the program. There were only like 20 people that graduated in May, so if there are 120 to start with, that would be really scary!!! (FYI - I graduated in December with 36. Only 13 of us completed the program on time. In other words, out of 60 only 13 made it without repeating a class. At least 3 or 4 of those did not pass boards so SW will not be reporting a 100% pass rate this year.)

I have 2 other BS degrees. I took the ADN route because I didn't think I needed another BS degree. Sadly, in the nursing world, my other degrees mean 0. I am now in a RN-BSN program to get my 3rd BS degree. If it is only 1 more semester, why not? You never know what might be useful in the future. I at least know that I have 2 other degrees to fall back in the event I change my mind in the future.

I think the tide is definitely turning. I would say go for BSN. If that really isn't option, then go for the ADN then go back. I don't think in Memphis, at least in the next 2 or so years, you will have a problem getting a job. It may not be your dream job, but you will get something. I've always worked. During my ADN and now in the RN-BSN program. It works well because some of my coworkers are in the program with me and we can use some of the hospital resources.

I graduated in December with my ADN and I know that between my class and the Spring 2011 class at least one person got hired by every hospital in the Mid South except St Francis (Meth U, S, N, Baptist, VA, Lebonheur, St Jude, and the Med). No one has gotten Magnet status, but several hospitals are trying to get it. I immediately went into the U of Memphis RN-BSN program. Just want to have it under my belt so that I never have to worry about it!

I had ACLS but it all went out the window the first time my patient coded. I was a deer in headlights and so freaked out, I didn't even know how to call for help. Thankfully, we brought him back him back quickly. I don't care who you are or how much you know, the first time you experience that, it is a shock. I failed miserably, but have never had a issue since!!! To this day, when I have pt who has the potential to code, I am always more aware of who is working near me and what I need to do be on top of the worst. I am a far better nurse today for being a failure in the past.

I graduated in December 2010. I did have to email them to get my transcript evaluated and know that a friend of my in the program had to also. They do put the regular BSN students first so if it takes longer than you think it should, get in touch with the transcript office so that your app can be processed ASAP. (Not sure if that is a problem with the Nursing Dept or the Transcript Office.) Anyway, I wanted to start in January, but they never evaluated my transcript so I never heard back. Finally got through the red tape and started in the summer. I think as long as you have a 2.7 GPA, you're in.

I am currently in the program. I chose the 3 semester route. I wouldn't recommend going less than that. I took one class over summer and am taking 3 this semester. 2 are half semester classes so it comes out to 2 classes at a time. So far so good. With any online program, you have to be motivated and keep up. So far they have been incredibly flexible. I have had a couple of situations where I had to work a long stretch or had a death in the family and they totally worked with me. I start clinicals next semester and I know that they work with you to find a good placement and if you don't like it they will work to find you something else. We aren't supposed to use names one here. but the director of the RN-BSN program is amazing. She is a total class act who would do anything to help you out. She also teaches several classes. Overall, a very reasonable, very fair program. I personally am more comfortable attending a "real" university.

I am a second careerer too. I made way more money in my last career but was totally trapped - no advancement, not marketable in other cities, etc. Nursing offered me almost as much with the ability to advance/move. I never thought nursing paid a lot hour. However, it does offer a lot of potential. For instance, we are always short. You can pick up any time which means overtime. Couple that with a PRN job, you can easily make 100,000/yr. The money is out there, you just have to work for it. At the end, I work 3 days a week. I might work my tail off those 3 days, but I have 4 days to recover!! We work less days than teachers!!! Love it and wouldn't trade it!!!

I waited 6 months after graduation to look for a job. I just needed the break. I spoke with a recruiter prior to making my decision and she flat out said there would probably be more opportunities for me AFTER I am licensed. (She some some specialties at her hospital will hire new grads but will only look at their apps if they are licensed.) When I did start to apply, it took a couple of weeks, but, got the call in the area I wanted. I interviewed on Friday, got offered the job on Monday. Was I in the pool with newer grads? Yep. But the difference between them and me? I had a shiny license in my pocket and could start right away!!! I started with 2 brand new graduates who were interns for 6 weeks while they took boards. I'm now considered more senior than them! Sometimes being an "old, new" grad has it's advantages!! Take your boards, do what you need to do, and start applying a month or so before you come back. As far as losing skills in 6 months, to be honest, once I started working I was like - did I even learn any skills???? None of the things they focused on in school seemed to apply to the real world. You can teach catheter insertion all day on a dummy but until you are I&O cathing a 16 week old or placing a Foley in a 100 year old, you will never really know how to do those skills. Your not going to forget how to turn a patient, how to put a patient on bedpan, etc in 6 months!!! Plus, at least in my area, you go through a whole orientation process where the hospital teaches you skills the way THEY want you to do them. I wouldn't worry!