Garrulous

None. At our facility, critical care nurses (ICU/ER) don't float anywhere. We have "closed units."

I called and asked a Chamberlain advisor about the info Donald shared. The way she explained it was that this was a small issue temporarily affecting current residents of Tennessee. She stated that this would not affect me (who graduated as an RN from TN, but live elsewhere now and would like to return to TN for a master's program after completing the RN-BSN). The way she explained it was as if it had nothing to do with the board of nursing. I can't vouch for what I was told and will look forward to hearing what Donald learns from the TN BON. Attending Chamberlain would enable me to graduate at least 6 months earlier than the other programs I've checked into.

Thank you Donald for sharing that information. Please do update us when you find out.

The 3 semesters are over 12 months (including Summer).

I'm also considering Chamberlain. The main draw for me is completion in 1 year. From the posted link, "All registered nurses with a current, active RN license in the U.S. or associate member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) are awarded 81 transfer credit hours through the Chamberlain College of Nursing Articulation Plan (C-CAP). This includes 45 general education credits and 36 nursing credits. Awarded Hours: 81 Credits." This leaves only 3 semesters remaining or 1 year.

Wow, that's awesome news! Thanks for sharing. I'm going to look into it.

I looked into this pretty thoroughly for CRNA schools in East Tennessee. The answer was always minimum 1 year ICU (preferably Surgical ICU, but not exclusively). I did, however, meet a CRNA who had worked 20 years in the Operating Room and she managed to get accepted into school without ICU experience.

In case my personal experience helps anyone... I graduated nursing school last December and moved to the Big Island later that same month. Keep in mind this was after more than 18 months of personal preparation. I took my board exams in Honolulu about a month later and began applying for work immediately after. We're closing in on 10 months now since the move and I've just now obtained stable work (although I graduated "Summa Cum Laude", was ACLS certified, with two years as a nurse tech in a high acuity SICU, and excellent references...both mainland and island). It may be worth noting that new grads are the hardest hit. There are a lot of us here (my island has two institutions pumping out volumes of RNs). It appears that the majority of prospective employers dropped me immediately when they heard I had less than "one year experience". In our case my wife and I did just fine because we came prepared (financially and otherwise). However, I will tell you that I gave it my very best effort to find employment. After 5 months I got my first work of any kind, a temp. position through an agency as an LPN clinic nurse (note: I am an RN). Then I got an on-call RN position with a nursing home. It was a very hard & unpleasant environment. I was tempted to quit every day (I wasn't desperate for money) however I just pressed on realizing I was just getting experience and moving on. It's kind of like stepping stones. The path to where I am now has been a humble one, but it worked out for me. I've just now started a new job in the ICU of a large state run hospital. I've met a number of local graduates with similar stories. It's not terribly uncommon to work a year after graduation as a CNA to get your foot in the door. Anyhow, I wish each of you all the best as you pursue your dreams, wherever they take you. You can accomplish anything. It's just a matter of whether you want it bad enough and are willing to work for it.

I took the exam in Honolulu Friday morning. Followed the instructions for "the trick." Got the good pop-up. I tried three more times over the next 48 hours with the same results. Waited till Sunday morning and paid for Pearson's "quick results." I passed! The trick worked for me too!

I'll be graduating this fall (have 3 more classes to complete) from a nursing school that I have thoroughly enjoyed. All of my teachers have been exceptional. I still do not plan to attend the pinning or graduation. I view the whole thing as a bit too grandiose and ostentatious. In addition, I am shy to some degree. I might be persuaded if I graduate summa cum laude, which I have a very good chance of being awarded - simply because it's something somewhat meaningful and out of the ordinary. I love my school, graduation is just not really who I am.