NAU - Zona Rosa Nursing program opinons?

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I am currently getting my nursing pre-reqs done at MCC colleges. I think I have looked into every nursing program in the area but am not sure I can give up my current day job to go to a nursing full time day program (I am a wife, and mom of two kids). I am definitely leaning towards Penn Valley's program but of course won't be able to get in until 2012 (if accepted)...which means I won't be finished until 2014!!! I hate that thought. I noticed that NAU has a nursing program and it looks like I could maybe work it around my work schedule. I know it's a new school....any students out there that can tell me how it's going? Are people getting hired after graduation?? Will this type of school hurt me if I plan to go on and get my BSN and then my masters???

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I attended NAU Zona Rosa for my ADN. I graduated almost two years ago. I had a job before taking my NCLEX. I worked there for a year and 1/2. Moved, and was able to get two more jobs. One a full-time and the other PRN. I have not had a problem getting a job. I have recently changed departments in the hospital I am working full-time for and LOVE my new position. It is in LDRP.

Downsides to NAU - the expense. It is a very costly school. I am currently looking into ADN to MSN programs whoch cost about the same as my ADN. However, I was older and couldn't wait to get into another program. I was REALLY a new program when I started; and there were some ups and downs; but I feel I was prepared because I put in the effort to learn everything I could.

Hope this helped. Let me know if I can answer any specific questions for you.

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Do you feel like you were well prepared for the nursing field? Do others in the medical community look down on NAU graduates? How did you like your teachers? DId you work full time while going to school and did they have evening courses? I have a meeting scheduled next week with the advisor at Zona Rosa. I'm just very "iffy" about an education from this school. I don't want it to hinder going on to get my MSN. I do like the fact that I can maybe get into this program faster than other options as I'm older (mid life career change) and a wife and mom of two so I really need a program where I can work school around my job!!

Sorry for all the questions. Would love any information you can share!! I trust a graduate more than advisor who is trying to get my money!!

Thanks!

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Shoecollector;

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond. I have been in training for a new specialty. I will try to answer your questions. I feel like I was prepared to take the nclex and have the basic understanding of the nursing field; however, as with ANY program or school; you will not be able to learn everything you need to know. There is SO much "on the job" learning as you won't be exposed to everything during clinicals. As for the medical community looking down on NAU graduate - personally, I have not seen that at all; nor have I heard of anything. I think I may make fun of it more...especially when I hear those AWFUL commercials. However, I was hired by prominent hospital before graduation and before taking the NCLEX. I did the telemetry fellowship. I left there earlier this year for some personal reasons....not related to the hospital at all. I miss my co-workers and my previous manager very much, but I had to take care of my family. I recently started at two other hospitals, I am PRN in the ICU at one hospital and working LDRP at another. So, as you can see, I graduated almost two years ago and I have been able to get into several different specialities.

I have talked with several different schools because I want to obtain my MSN also. I have not had any program deny me from potential enrollment. I did graduate with a 3.76 GPA, but I worked my butt off to get it. It was not given to me. As I stated before, it is what YOU put into it. The information and knowledge won't be spoon fed to you. Now, as far as instructors, I know there has been a lot of turn over; so I do not know the state of the instructors / program now...but by far, my favorite instructor was Heather Roberts. She is an excellent educator and nurse. I was also older when I started the program and the reason I choose it was the time frame. The program take committment, but it is doable. I am the wife and mom of 4, so it can be done!

I wish you luck in whatever way you decide. I don't know how the program is now, but even with its ups and downs, It worked out well for me.

Do you feel like you were well prepared for the nursing field? Do others in the medical community look down on NAU graduates? How did you like your teachers? DId you work full time while going to school and did they have evening courses? I have a meeting scheduled next week with the advisor at Zona Rosa. I'm just very "iffy" about an education from this school. I don't want it to hinder going on to get my MSN. I do like the fact that I can maybe get into this program faster than other options as I'm older (mid life career change) and a wife and mom of two so I really need a program where I can work school around my job!!

Sorry for all the questions. Would love any information you can share!! I trust a graduate more than advisor who is trying to get my money!!

Thanks!

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