esty0916

I feel a bit like I have to be conservative about my job hunt as well. I worked really hard for hours (weeks too) online and through phone calls with 50 mile radius from me and I worked hard on my resume. I called medical hospitals, psych hospitals, state facilities, county facilities, rehab centers, children's center, etc, etc., and found out who is hiring and who isn't, when interviews are, hiring process, who the supervisors I should speak with are, etc, etc. That's a TON of hard work. If I want interviews and to land a job, I have to be the one who does that work for me. I can't wait around, I can't blame myself when I see others getting jobs/interviews, I won't just wait around to hear about some job or wait for the weekly newspaper to come out. So because that is SO much work, I don't give all that information out to everyone but I do share it with people who during school, and even after graduation, have helped me and given me pointers along the way. Right now I'm very close to getting a job as they are calling my references and have made it past 2 interviews and one 3-person panel interview. Again, I am only sharing the specifics with those same people who have helped me along the way and have given me tips. I have even told them were I applied with the possibility that they may apply as well and be considered better candidates than me. On the one hand I am competitive. On the other, it if wasn't for my peers I wouldn't have made it this far and I still want to go further. So I take those things into consideration and help when I can those who have helped me. I try not to brag but do like to share my nervousness, stress, and anticipation. I also always cheer them on when they succeed because I want to see them happy and reaping rewards of their hard work. Another thing is that I am not shy about asking someone where they applied, especially if they are talking about it openly (possibly even bragging about it). It's okay to network. It's how our world works. If I speak with someone who doesn't want to give me information then I know for sure they are someone I will not help in the future and that is okay. It's a choice on their part and mine. The best thing is not to focus on what other people are doing but to focus on yourself and figure out how you can exude the best possible you to potential employers. Start with your resume because this is how they will first meet you before they decide to really meet you. Practice speaking aloud in a confident way without all the "uhmms" so if they actually call you, you sound like someone they would want representing their facility. Learn how to be graceful with your body language (first impression come within 30 seconds and it's not about how you dress or if your makeup is okay-although you do want to look well kept- but what your body language says) so in the first moment they lay eyes on you, you can charm and soothe them and they feel a nice connection and want to welcome you as a new employee. All of these things can make you stand out above the other 20-100 applicants for the job you want and need. It's okay to get frustrated but don't lose sight of your goal. Find people who will support and cheer you on and those you can help in the same process as well.

Thank you NomadMomma. Wow only 9 spots. It's too bad the economy is bringing everything down, even people who want to continue or start school. And still there is shortage of nurses, people getting super burnt out or hurt.

Is this "free tuition" program still being offered? Also, do you have to have a BA in a specific major or can it be any major? I ask because I have a BA in Psychology and am not sure if I would qualify for this program.

Hi RosesRN. What school in MD did you get your BSN through? How long did it take for you to finish the program? Was it difficult to get accepted? Did you apply for the nonresident tuition reduction program at the school you went to, or were you already MD resident? I am from CA and although I still have 2 more prereqs to finish (I have a BA in Psych), I have been considering moving to MD for BSN or AccBSN because here in CA it seems to take forever to get into programs/prereq classes.

I know this thread is old but, thank you dcgrrl for this link!

Where did you take your micro class that was on Friday nights and Saturday mornings?

I found some staffing places. Maxim and Care Now Staffing. The require 2 years licensed experience (instead of 1 or new grad) because of the kind of clients (SVPs) at Coalinga. They said they would not start their new contract till September '11 though.

It's too bad you don't get a BA along the way like at Long Beach State. I had emailed CSUDH with some questions about the program and the guy didn't answer any of my questions, he told me to come to the info session (which is like $50). But I don't have all of my prereqs finished, so I don't see going to the info session where you have to turn in your portfolio a month after and pay for the info session worth it?? I just got a Mon-Fri 9-5 job and still need to finish Physio and Micro (I completed Anatomy at Cypress and Patho online at CSUDH when I was finishing my BA in Psych there). With this new schedule I have no idea how I will finish my prereqs. Plus the classes at CCs fill up SO fast even the short-term classes take forever to get into. I've been looking around in the forums here and seeing that many people have taken online science prereqs (which have lab included), and they are saying that some colleges take them and some don't. Anyone who applied and was accepted to the CSUDH MEPN program, or graduated from this program, take any of the Anatomy, Physiology or Micro online? If you did, what online school did you take these classes from? I can't just leave my job right now. I am taking care of myself and no family to support me. I'm working now full-time to save money so I can apply for loans and be able to leave work, or at least change to part-time at another facility when I actually get into a program. I also feel like I can't just put off nursing school longer so if I can take these two last classes online it would save me so much time and stress.

Thank you. I also found Maxim and Care Now Staffing but they require 2 years experience working as licensed nurse instead of just one year or new grad like before because of the type of population (SVPs) Coalinga the clients are.

Cal State Dominguez Hills has an online Patho course. I took it when I was finishing my BA in Psych and I really liked it. The proff who teach the classes online are excellent and even the students you are in class (all online) are great.

Mya2bRN, I have some questions about the online Anatomy and Physiology for CSUDH... How much did you pay for the classes at South East Community College? Were the class difficult (I saw that they are 6 units each!)? How does the online lab component work? Was CSUDH pretty welcoming to the online pre-reqs or did they give you a hard time about it before they accepted them? I have to take Physiology and Micro still (completed Anatomy and Pathophysiology, B.A. in Psychology and am a Licensed Psychiatric Technician) but since I have now a 9-5 Mon-Fri job it is almost impossible to fit. The CA Board of Registered nursing doesn't list any online schools for acceptable pre-reqs and non of the schools who offer entry level MSN programs say they accept online classes. About CSUDH, how do you like the program so far? What is the schedule like? Are you in class on campus 5 days a week and do clinicals on the weekends? How are the teachers? Thank you

Hello... does anyone know names of some registries that hire for Coalinga State Hospital? I'm having a hard time finding any online.

Hello... does anyone know names of some registries that hire for Coalinga State Hospital? I'm having a hard time finding any online.

Hello... does anyone know names of some registries that hire for Coalinga State Hospital? I'm having a hard time finding any online.

Hi everyone, I'm thinking of applying to this program as well. The cost is good, location is also good. I have read on other web sites that in their MEPN programs after the first year, you are awarded a BSN (as well as being able to apply for certificate for public health nurse), then you can take your NCLEX, and then the last 2 years of the program you finish off the MSN course work. I have tried to find out by looking online and even on the CSUDH catalog and SON page if CSUDH does in fact grant a BSN after the first year but I can't find that information any place. Can anyone who has already been to the info session or who has graduated from this program please tell me if you will get BSN along the way? Thank you!