Snickett

Ain't no way I would sell my rights to speak for myself to a union.

I didn't mean to disturb you, but I was referring to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, not South Alabama.

Yes it is that bad. A friend of mine went to school there for his basics; he needed an "override" to register for an anatomy class - just like every other nursing student, when he showed up with about a dozen of his female classmates, they all got an override form and he was told sorry. Another friend was told that being a single mom would make it "too difficult for her at UA and that she would be better suited for Shelton State Community College" - even though she had a 4.0 on ALL her prereqs. I have since graduated and now work at a facility that hires several new grads each semester, and the UA new grads are definitely NOT prepared. I had a new grad recently that claimed not to know how to give an IM shot! Don't just take my word for it; do some research and talk to a lot of people and I think you will see a pattern. Plus, if you go to a ADN Program it will only take 5 semesters to get your license as opposed to up to 8 semesters at UA. Think of how much money you could make in 3 semesters working as an RN while getting your BSN online? Good luck with whatever decision you make.

I know several people who attended UA. My advice, don't do it. There are several other programs in West and Central Alabama that will do a much better job of preparing you to be a nurse, and the other programs are much more student friendly. UA is all about the image - white, 18-22, female, and rich - not about actually preparing you for the hands on job of caring for patients. If you are deadset on having a degree with "University of Alabama" on it, get your ASN from somewhere like UWA, Shelton, or BCC and then complete the RN-BSN program online. This route is quicker to having your license and working earning the "Big Bucks."

Lots of great places to live in Alabama, but stay away from Tuscaloosa- except for football. The crime rate is on the rise, housing costs are horrible, and DCH is the ONLY (acute care) place to work and they treat their employees like crap.

I just renewed - also a May 2008 Grad. You need 16 hours, BUT 8 are specifically required. The 8 required are ALL online at the ABN website, and are very boring. They take about 4.5 hours to view and are all short video you download.

Buyer Beware. ALWAYS read for yourself. If you look at the program and course catalogs and the schedule of classes, you can figure out how long it will take you to complete a program. As for the grants.......never assume you are getting financial aid until the money is in the bank. And as far as the NCLEX, on the Alabama Board of Nursing website, it clearly states that you must be a GRADUATE from a program BEFORE you apply to take the NCLEX. I am not a student or spokesperson for USA, but remember that ALL faculty at ALL colleges are "Salespersons" and you need to research facts and statements for youirself. As I said before, Buyer Beware.

An "Associate's Degree of Nursing" is a college degree. I gon't know of any organization that will hire a BSN into a "higher position" to "begin with".....sorry to disappoint, but every nurse will staet out as a Staff RN.

Hey ya'll, got my first and best job offer today........Weekends and Nights for $38 an hour! If we were unionized I could not have negotiated and gotten a better deal.

Yes, and we too cn have 25% unemployment like France, or drive to Canada for elective surgeries like organ transplants, or wait 8-12 weeks for a hospital bed like England........oh, yeah, since when was Medicaid and Medicare an "Insurance Conclomerate?" As to what we could do if we were to unionize?.....I'd move to Florida.

May I suggest returning to college and training to be a Stock Broker or Lawyer. With all due respect, you are burned out with nursing. One should NEVER be in a career for respect or pay, because EVERYONE is "Mistreated" and "Underpaid" regardless of profession. I have been in several hospitals in Alabama and Florida - working, visiting, and as a patient since starting Nursing School 2 years ago, and I can say that for the most part, Nurses are paid well - considering COL, and well staffed- when no one calls in, and the patients and families (myself included) have the greatest respect and admiration for what nurses do - this is why I chose nursing as a career. So, once again, take a break and change careers to something that is entirely unrelated to Nursing, and I think you will realize what you have is a level of job satisfaction that is worth far more than a 7 figure job.

I am not sure where you live, or if you are willing to relocate/live on-campus, but the University of West Alabama in Livingston has an ADN Program that is fairly easy to get into. They base admission on your ACT scores; a 21 or better gurantees you get in and a 19-20 is a pretty good bet on getting in. You can start the program with only your A&PII and Micro left. It is also a wonderful program. The instructors REALLY care, and you are virtually guaranteed to pass the NCLEX on the first try.

Right now, all Active Duty Branches must have a BSN to be commissioned as a nurse. The Army Reserve, however, still will commission you with an ADN, but I believe you must complete your BSN in a set amount of time.

Does anyone know what knid of sign on bonuses B'ham hospitals are offering?

Sorry about the typo- wish it were 1-1 pt ratio; it is REALLY 1 RN; 1/2 LPN; 1 PCA for 8 med surge pts.......fingers are all thumbs sometimes, please forgive, but I still believe that the quality and quantity of care in Alabama is EXCELLENT without the need for unions.