CoffeeRoll

NVCC (Northern Virginia Community College) is worth checking out. It's hard, it's 1 of the top programs in the nation, it's less expensive, it's worth it. I did the pilot 15 mth. program, a Fall to Fall without break program. If it's speed you're looking for - check it out. They moved it back to the MEC campus in Springfield. They also offer (as far as I know) the online program, & the Momentum 2 + 1 program that allows you to obtain your BSN in 3 years jointly with George Mason University. It's worth a look. Here's a link, look under "Allied Health & Nursing Programs": NOVA | 2009-2010 College Catalog If you're interested, let me know & I can give you a couple names of some good people to talk to over there who will help you out. Good luck! :)

I am partial to UVa. I work at the medical center & know the quality of people I work with and the quality of students I've seen. Although I haven't had a chance to work with many students, the ones I have seen are top notch and knowledgeable. UVa is ranked #2 in the nation just under Berkley, which it flip flops with year after year for the #1 spot, for an undergraduate degree. That's not to say that VCU isn't a great school - it is! It's just that I am more familiar with UVa. It's also much safer here in Charlottesville than it is in Richmond (known as "murder capital", and so much more aesthetically pleasing to the eye :) However, a bit of caution for Charlottesville, it's difficult to meet people if you're in your 30s. This is a college town and a family town, so many are already set in their lives (not a bad thing at all they just already have their lives & not as much free time), so it makes making friends a little more challenging. If you are single, it's even worse for hoping to meet anyone. Most people are taken, too young, too unfaithful, or attracted to the same gender, which narrows options to very little. If you already have someone or kids or all the above, then this town is as close to perfect as it gets! If you are single and in your 20s or a man, then not to worry either! It's a college town & you'll love it I'm sure; the pool of women to chose from is much more & there's a crud load of beautiful people here....it's a little wierd....sometimes I wonder if looks play a part of who's chosen to go to school here lol For a top notch school, top notch education, top notch place to work with the most experience from top notch nurses, the chance to work with world renowned & top notch physicians, & gorgeous views - I'd go with UVa - social life, not so much. VCU, IMO, would be better for that.

Thanks so much for your response! I'm glad to hear the units I want as my 1st choices are hiring. So far in the SIMC I've had the opportunity to work with the types of patients you've mentioned under the guidance of a great preceptor. I loved it! Still, love it because I have 1 day left....Eventhough it's intermediate care, I had the opportunity as well to pay a visit to the MSICU & TICU - I really like all of these units! I definitely want the chance to learn a heck of a lot, so I'm hoping I get in the STICU then - sounds like it's more up my alley - or so I hope - guess I'll find out if it is once (hopefully) I start working there (hopefully!).... Looking to move more to the Waynesboro area as their housing is a whole lot cheaper than CHO's.... Thanks for the tips!

I really don't know about the jobs, their insurance, etc....But, if you don't stay where you are now to get your CNA & you decide to come out here & begin fresh - let me know! I have a 1 bedroom apt. on the 3rd flr....I'm assuming your a SF (I am) & I feel very safe where I live. I have lived here for 4 yrs. now & if I weren't moving back in with my father, I'd stay put in this apt. Anyway, it's a good price with many amenities, convenient in so many respects because it helps keep the use of gas @ a minimum, a feet walking distance to Greenbriar Shopping Center, about 2-3 blks to IFOH (INOVA Fair Oaks Hospital), & so much more ---- I'd like it if someone that is in the position I used to be in would take over my lease - I think it'd make things so much easier on them....But anyway, let me know if you'd be interested in hearing more - job-wise I'm not so sure although if you have any dispatching/transportation experience I could probably hook you up with a job starting about $19-20/hr. plus benefits, but that's in Herndon....Now I'm just babbling on :typing

I'm graduating w/my AD in December & looking to send out my applications to RMH, AMC, & UVa round about November -- I have several questions: 1.) Any nurses (or other staff) want to offer their opinions on these hospitals? 2.) What do you think my chances are of being hired for Trauma, ER, or ICU w/an AD & being a new grad? My game plan is to get in w/a hosp. & have them pay for my BSN after working for them for about a year (if I can't start sooner). 3.) Also, I'll be moving back in w/a family member who is a below the knee amputee ---- can anyone recommend the best way to find a single family home w/preferrably an in law syle living arrangement OR a 3-4 bedroom home? ---- looking between the Staunton, Waynesboro, & Charlottesville areas, as the fam. member wants to commute to work in Staunton. Thanks for any & all help! :)

How soon are you looking to move? The reason I'm asking is because I graduate in December and I need some one to take over my lease. There are some locations in Alexandria offering bangup apt. rates from about $849-899 (FoxChase -- I believe). You can find cheap deals on apt's as well in Arlington (in the ghetto though). I wouldn't recommend Cantebury Square Apts across from Ft. Belvoir though - not unless it's very temporary. In any case, PM if you're interested in more information about my apt....A rather helpful website www.apartmentratings.com (although you may want to consider taking what some people say with a grain of salt) is pretty informative on the low-down of some area apt's....and if you're looking to buy -- I'd really suggest renting an apt. while you look around for a home to purchase -- unless of course you don't mind offering your soul as part of the down payment