New to this forum, starting at St. Louis Community College Fall 2012

Hi, I wanted to introduce myself and see if there is anybody out there that will be starting or has already started the nursing program at STLCC. I will be starting at the Meramac location.

I would like to speak with anyone who can give me tips and advice. I got a little nervous during orientation because they were talking about how hard and time consuming the program would be. I actually have finished all my other classes and only have the nursing classes to do. So I will be taking 2 nursing classes for each Fall and Spring semester. I also have to continue to work full time, I work in animal medicine, in order to keep paying bills and keep all my medical benefits. I have 2 children, but they are older and self sufficient and we live with a relative who takes care of them when I am not home. I have also heard that nursing students who continue to work during the program are more sought after for hire after graduation since they are seen as having a good ethic and ability to juggle responsibility.

Also, has anyone newly graduated from STLCC had any issues finding a job in the St. Louis metro/IL area? I live right across the street from a hospital here in IL and when I search their job postings it doesn't look like they hire new grads and only have openings available for those with years of experience.