Magriff3

Here in Mass, extremely difficult for RN's (especially new grads) to find a job. One graduating class at the local college, not one RN found a job. Large lay-offs, cut backs are going on at hospitals here in Mass. There is NOT a nursing shortage in Mass. There are too many nursing schools. You have to remember that colleges, universities are businesses also and they want students. But, unfortunately no jobs to accommadate the massive graduating RN's each year. Another thing is that doctor's offices, clinics, etc. are now hire RP's (Responsible Persons) to do a nurses job with far less cost and only a number of weeks training. I am disheartened as a professional RN who has worked, studied, trained very hard to find that the nursing profession has not protected the profession as other professions have. ( example PT, OT, Speech pathologist, dental hygienists) They have passed laws prohibiting people off the street with a few weeks of training to do their job. Another reason for this type of hiring outside of the profession is that Nursing procedures are not billed. Nurses do not generate money for their employers as PT,OT, SPEECH, and Dental Hygiene do. Consequently, employers look at nurses as COSTING money. All the things that nurses do throughout their shift and not one thing is billed. You can't even walk into a dental hygienist's room and not get charged a fee.... money for employer and the employer's LOVE them as they see that hygienists are valuable to them. Again, I am disheartened with the profession and the nursing associations that could of prevented this catastrophe. I apologize if I have offended some, but hopefully it is an eye opener. I do have a job, but see this type of replacement everywhere here in this state.

All the teaching jobs in nursing programs that I have seen want the candidate to have at least 5 years clinical experience.

I am thinking about changing BSN programs. I am currently in the online BSN program at Indiana Wesleyan and am finding it way too time intensive. I spoke with one of the instructors who also teaches at Chamberlain and she said that Indiana Wesleyan's program is considerably more time intensive than Chamberlain. (Alot mor papers) The course is just draining me....stress plus. I get up at 6am and do work until noon and then get ready for work....often I am back at midnite working. I am very dedicated and take pride in my work, but this is beyond......they say 6 hours a week...it is 6 plus hours a day! How is Walden University as far as being time intensive? How is Kaplan as far as being time intensive? Any other suggestions?

You need to look into your colleges library database system...it is awesome for research. Or get a library card to one of your state's college institutions and you will have access to their database.

There are some great books on INterventions and problems..look into it..I found awesome ones....at Barnes Nobles etc.

I used a palm pilot during my clinicals.....awesome.....you don't have to carry all your books.....downloads from skyscape. The only thing. mine died...and so haven't many others who purchased theirs through DELL.......just awful. $600.00 down the tubes. So, i would recommend getting one that has a decent record.

There is an RN-BSN online program offered at UMass Amherst also. Very similar however.

I am from MASS and the RN-BSN programs require alot more prereq and electives and at Umass Amherst.....3 tests before you are admitted. Hope this helps...I think there are easier schools to get into out there.

Try Indiana WEsleyan University....Chatham...

I passed my boards 2 years ago. Working at one job going on the 1.5 years now. I am just going back for BSN online. It depends on how stressful you job is. I literally spent one year still studying, still researching, all the paper work Careplans, quarterlies that they give you no time to do at work. All has been stress and actually had to do alot at home on my own time. Now, that I have been there 1 year, I feel better in terms of what my job requires. So.............. it depends on how stressful your job is whether or not you can handle more stress in your life.. I will soon find out.

I have looked into both Grand canyon and Indiana Wesleyan University online RN-BSN.....I am in the same boat trying to choose the best ......I think I am going with Wesleyan.....books delivered at door....20 mos to complete...I need some electives but can do those at a local community college or CLEP....I haven't paid the first payment yet...but due in next few days...Anyone out there doing any of these programs? would love some input.

I have looked into Indiana Wesleyan University online RN-BSN program. It is expensive, but appears to be hazzle free with books delivered to door. No Chem, Statistics. I have alos looked into Grand Canyon University online.....similar deal. The State programs that I have looked into require too many "other" electives and prereqs...I am form Mass and the Un. of Mass you have to take several tests before beginning....it just turned me off as it is a hazzle to go and do them. Anyone doing the Ind Wesleyan or Grand Canyon?????????? would love to hear your experience.

Reply to LunahRN...Grand Canyon Univ program is regionally accredited. I guess, I am looking to see which one is more or less hazzle free. 2+ yrs of studying again. But, I need it for a job I want, so I am going to take the plunge. I am already set up to start with Indiana Wesleyan, I have to take 55 credits...but received infor on Grand Canyon, and definitely will have to take 45 crdits..300/400 classes and possibly some electives( i have no history, humanities, thinkgs like that) I have 2 licenses, working 2 professions - I am a Dental Hygienist and an RN, but unfortunately all my courses have been in sciences......Always wondering in my mind if I have chosen the right school. any encouragement or direction I would appreciate.

Trying to decide on Indiana Wesleyan vs. Grand Canyon for RN-BSN online...Any Help out there? Opinions?

Grand Canyon University ONLINE. Is anyone doing the RN-BSN online program at GCU? If so, how is it going?