mountainside son questions for those who are currently in program

I wouldn't waste your time on a diploma program in this economy. You will have very little opportunities unless you can secure employment across the street and even now with the merger of Hackensack I'm sure it's even more difficult. BSN students are having a really difficult time getting jobs because of the nursing glut. It's not easy out there so definitely do your research before giving them your $. If money is tight try Essex County College. I didn't go there but I've heard that nurses come out of there really prepared (then at least you might possibly be considered for LTC, even though they are becoming choosy too) but at least you will have an associate degree so it would be easy to move on to further your nursing education from there if you decided to go back for your BSN. Not only that but Mountainside actually closed the program down due to finances about 3 years ago and only reopened them thanks to Caldwell College bailing them out but that deal went sour after only 2 years so I don't know how they have been able to survive after Caldwell left.

If you don't mind me asking, what school did you attend? and how was your experience there?

HI, I am a current student in the program and I will be graduating in just a couple of months. It is a good program and you gets lot of great experience in clinical especially if you have one of the good teachers. As for jobs, Getting a job is hard for EVERYONE right now. Whether you are Diploma, asn, or bsn. It is all in who you know. I know a few personally from the previous class who have gotten jobs at hospitals so it is possible.(Morristown, Robert Wood, etc) I also know BSNs who have graduated more than a year ago still stuck in LTC. From what I was told it is about connections and networking. Me personally I already have a bachelor's Degree and do not want another one. I plan on getting some experience and Going straight to a MSN NP bridge program part time while I work. If you can get into a BSN program GREAT do it, but if you can not afford it a Diploma program like Mountainside is just as good. You can always continue your education and Have an RN while doing so. These days BSN does not even guarantee you a job either. The climate for nursing is just tough right now and you need to network and make connections. That was the advice I am constantly given. If you have any more questions about Mountainside please feel free to ask. Good Luck

Congrats on your accomplishments :). I sent you a Private message regarding the school you attend.