lofn13

I work for Children's, and we are seeing a large impact from the decrease in AZ funding. Hoping that a miracle goes through so I won't lose my job. Already tightening the belt to weather the impact in the budget changes. I don't have a lot of experience as a nurse, so if I lose my job, it will be pretty devastating. It took me forever to find this job...

Right now, the economy is terrible for new grad nurses. I am one of the lucky few who has gotten a new grad job at a hospital within 2 months of graduating. Because of this, taking on any student loans from a private school would be unwise at this time. I would rather wait a little longer and get into a less expensive school like the community colleges. You can work in the meantime and save up for the tuition. What you could spend on 1 semester at one of the private colleges, you could probably spend on all 4 blocks at MCCD. Ask any new grad nurse how hard it is to get a job. Or talk to the nurse recruiters at some of the biggest hospitals. They will tell you that they get hundreds of applications for a couple of spots. Things are starting to get better, but it will be awhile.

The number to human resources: (602) 344-5627 Their volunteers get to do a lot and see a lot. If you are interested in nursing, you should definitely check out volunteering there. It isn't the fanciest facility, but it provides one of the best learning experiences that I have had so far. If I hadn't gotten hired by PCH, I would have really wanted to start off there.

The nurse recruiters from county told us that they do a shadowing program if you are interested in nursing. You may want to contact them in the human resources office.