kmj1228

Congratulations on your new job! I will be graduating in May and am starting to worry about finding a job when I'm done! What floor are you going to be working on? Did you have any problem getting interviews? Did you have any previous tech experience or anything like that? Any hints or words of wisdom you could give would be appreciated! thanks!

Hello, I will be finished with nursing school in April next year and would REALLY like to do OB. However, those jobs are pretty hard to come by around here especially for new grads. My second choice is probably cardiac, but I was wondering if it would be dificult to transition to OB, if I get the chance, after having that experience. Would med-surg be a whole let better? I just really am not interested in med-surg, but if it would increase my chance of getting into OB I might be able to tough it out. Any insight would be appreciated! Thanks!

What department are you in and what do you like about it? I'll be graduating in May and have been thinking about the possibilities. Do they still have tuition reimbursement? I know some of the hospitals have stopped it for the time being. I was just counting on having that when I took out my loans. thanks!

Thanks for the tips--they're good ones! (I think I'll print them out and keep them for later in the year so I don't forget!) I was wondering when to start applying, because I know a few people who waited too long and then had a hard time finding something. I will definitely start early! Good luck!

Congratulations on your new job! I'm still in school at Barnes College of Nursing and will be graduating next year. What department will you be working in? Have any job search or interview tips you'd like to share? Have to get back to doing my careplan now...It must be a relief to be done with those!

Actually, Barnes' Upper Division program is now 5 semesters,(used to be 6) including a summer (19 months). I'm in it now and it's pretty manageable--much more so than what I've heard about the Accelerated!

Hello, I started the Upper Division BSN program there last month, and while I go during the day, the class that starts in January will be nights and weekends. When I was first applying there, I was told that they were going to alternate with day program starting one semester (fall) and a nights/weekends program the next (spring). The BSN is a total of 5 semesters, which they just changed from 6. I usually had good luck emailing one of the recruiters when I had questions. If you haven't had a phone call yet, you might want to try that route. Let me know if there is something I can help you with. KJ

Hello, I was just wondering what UMSL's program is like--just to compare! How many classes do you take at a time? How many students are in a typical class? How many semesters is the entire program? For an average week, how many hours do you attend class? Are you happy with what you've experienced so far? I guess everybody has a different idea of what they want and what they can work with, and for everybody you find who really likes a program you're going to find someone who doesn't. I'm just wondering what your thoughts are. Thanks.

Hello again, I just started the Upper Division Sept. 4 and so far I have been impressed with it! I only have 4 classes this semester (which is very managable I think), the teachers all seem to be very interesting, approachable (which is important to me!) and overall I'm happy with my decision. I was certainly a little frustrated with the scheduling issue, but when I asked about it at orientation, they said they try their best, but especially with scheduling clinicals, when there are so many other people involved, it can be difficult. I guess I'll just have to learn patience and flexibility on that one. Anyway, just wanted to give an update. I'm relieved that I did not try to do the Accelerated program. And true, I have only just started, but I hope things continue on in a positive direction! Anyone with questions, please feel free to ask!

Thanks for the schedule. Those are my first sememster classes. That would be great to be finished in May instead of just having one class over the the last summer. I emailed someone at the school and of course haven't heard back. (I get a little frustrated with their lack of communication sometimes!) I guess when I start classes next week I'll go and talk to them and see what the plan is. Thanks again for the info!

I am set to start the Upper Division program next week. After many schedule changes (3-4--which is a HUGE pain when you're trying to plan for childcare for 3 kids!!!) I only have class for half a day Wednesday and Friday and all day Thursday. Then mid-semester I'm finished with the Thursday am class so it'll just be three half-days for the last 7 weeks. I think when comparing that to the Accelerated program it is a much more realistic program for me. I know someone with kids that just finished the first semester of the accelerated and she said it was pretty crazy--just so FAST! She said at times she really wasn't even sure what they learned the week before because it was so much. She wishes she would have done the the two-year one. I have not heard that they shortened the UD to 5 semesters instead of 6--that would be nice though. There is only 1 class that last semester anyway. I know they are messing with the schedule as mine is different from any I've seen on past semesters. Anybody have confirmation on that directly from the school?? I've learned that they are not good at keeping their wesite up to date! Thanks!

Do you need to have any experience or go through training to work at St. Anthony's or the Urgent Care? Thanks.

Congratulations! Do you have any prior medical experience? I'm starting at BJC College of Nursing in the fall and would like to work somewhere this summer to get a little experience, as I have NONE so far! Do you know of anyplace that will hire someone like me? SSM already told me they don't have anything, but I need to check into other places. Any suggestions would be great! Thanks!

Hi, I was wondering what Barnes Accelerated program is REALLY like. Right now I've been accepted for the Upper Division for the fall because I have little kids and am worried about having the time to really put into school. I decided the 2 year program would be a better option. BUT, the idea of being done in a year is also really appealing! What's the schedule like and how much study time do you need? Are the classes really difficult and time consuming? Anybody doing it with 3 little kids and a husband to take care of, too? I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that I'm making the right decision. Any feedback would be great! Thanks!

JBGC4, are you talking about the Upper Division Program at Barnes Jewish College of Nursing in St. Louis? If you are, that's what I'm planning to do! I already have a Bachelors in Business and could do an Accelerated pragram and be done in a year, but with 3 kids and a husband, I feel that would be taking on too much. This program is a little slower paced over two years instead on just one...much more managable, I hope! My initial plan was to do ASN, but when I started checking into programs, I found I could get a BS in the same amount of time. True, there are more prereq's, but I've been taking them 1-2 at a time for the last year, with 2 more semesters to go and will be starting nursing school in Fall of '08--perfect for me since I'll have two kids in school and one starting preschool. So, that's what's working best for me. I felt that it was worth it in the long run to get the BSN and be done, plus I'm hoping it'll help me get the job I really want when I'm finished! If you are in STL, where are you planning to go? KJ