CNowlin

I have recently completed my ADN this past Spring (May 2014), and am now looking to transfer into a college/university for completion of my ADN-BSN/MSN. I have recently graduation from an accredited community college which is aligned with various universities such as Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M, Texas State, Stephen F. Austin University, and the University of Houston. Considering the community college has aligned with these universities, more of my credit hours from prerequisite courses will transfer over - which is an obvious plus. However, the difference in their programs is cost and length. For instance, Texas A&M and Texas State are often considered more "prestigious" when compared to SHSU or SFA, and are also more expensive. While I understand a Bachelors/Master's is just that, a Bachelors/Master's, does it really matter - to an employer, if I went to a "prestigious" university. While I personally would love to attend Texas A&M, and have for the longest time, my pocketbook is telling me to stick to the less "well-known" schools. Granted, they are all considered excellent schooling, does it really matter in the long run? I am not trying to take the easy way out with a shorter, and cheaper, program. I am simply trying to set aside my own personal vendetta to weigh money vs education / opportunity.

First, I would like to thank each of you for your assistance in the matter. The fact that you have taken the time to simply drop in and read this post is more than I can ask. So with that, I say thank you. To make a long story short, my wife and I are moving out to a very rural community, about two hours outside of Houston in Southeast Texas (Eagle Lake), with a single 25-bed critical hospital with Trauma IV designation. I am currently in the process of interviewing for a GN position and would like to know what a fair pay or salary would be considering my experience. I currently work, and have spent the last five years, full-time as a Licensed Paramedic within the City of Houston. I also currently possess certifications for ACLS, PALS, and BLS Instructor, and teach these courses on a weekly basis, as well as PHTLS and ITLS certifications. Lastly, as previously stated, I will be going into a GN position with an ADN. Granted, I do not know if any of this will play into my pay, and if not then so be it. For what it's worth, and while I do not know for certain, it sounds like I will be placed in the Emergency Room on the night shift. So, with all this in mind I would like to know your opinions on what would be a reasonable pay rate. Preferably a base hourly pay, maybe a good estimate with shift differentials. The recruiter and I have not talked about pay, but I strongly suspect it will be brought up later this coming week. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Respectfully, CNowlin

libran1984, Thank you for your quick reply! Any, and all, assistance is greatly appreciated! As I have already mentioned, I have my Licensed Paramedic (Associates Degree in EMS) and will be graduating with my ADN this Spring. I am also a Lead Instructor for the AHA in ACLS, PALS, and BLS thus those certifications are always current. I am not sure how much value a hospital will place on these certifications - if any. Would it be told bold to seek around $28.50 per hour or $60,000 a year minimum? Granted I have loads of experience in the field but zero in a hospital. My second question would be how to properly go about asking for the amount of pay I seek. I have often heard that the first person to give an amount loses. I do not want to be weeded out just because I gave an amount too high or low. Lastly, I would not be apposed to returning back to school for my BSN but I would rather have a hospital offer to reimburse me. Do I bring this up in an interview? We all have that dream company we want to work for, as do I, and I really don't want to blow my shot but nor do I want to be underpaid for what I am worth.

Alright, First I would like to make it clear that I am not entering into nursing for the pay, nor am I suggesting anyone else is. I am simply trying to become informed so I may make a better decision when it comes time to job hunt. We all choose to enter nursing as a passion, however the pay does play a factor in our lives. I am currently certified as a Licensed Paramedic (Associates Degree in EMS) and will be graduating from a nursing program this spring with an ADN. Obviously, all my experience is strictly in the field as a Paramedic. As a brand spanking new ADN right out of school, and considering my experience as a Paramedic (if it counts), what would be a reasonable hourly pay / yearly pay to ask for? Also, while I do not mind working in a hospital at all - I prefer working in the field. What alternative areas are there? I have heard about the oil field, cruise ships, travel nurses, and flight nurses. Anything I may be missing? I have a family, so time away from home is a factor. I would like to thank each of you for your time! C.Nowlin

To provide a bit of background information on myself, I am currently in the process of completing a Licensed Paramedic (Associates In Emergency Medical Services) to an Associate's Degree in Nursing (RN) bridge program at Lone Star College in Houston, TX. I am very interested in finding a program - preferably completely online - where I can complete an ADN to either BSN or MSN bridge program at my own pace. Of course the problems a majority of us all share are time and money. After reading several posts across this site, I have begun to wonder a few things. Some of you insist ADN's are here to stay (jobs are all over) while others have suggested ADN's are on their way out the door (no one will hire them). None the less, how difficult is it going to be for me to find a job as an RN with an ADN and Associates in EMS (Licensed Paramedic)? What I would really like to do is find a job as an ADN and then possibly have the facility I am employed with put me through a BSN or MSN program. Perhaps a bigger question would be to ask: What would be a "fair" salary will my certifications and experience (or lack thereof)? I would like to have a decent salary but I dont want to ask for to much and then ask they put me in school on top of it all (appear greedy). Do you bring up the schooling in an interview or wait till your hired? Anyone have advice as far as companies, programs, or anything else that may help? Your time and assistance is greatly appreciated!

I pretty much have the same question as everyone else. I am taking my HESI A2 on February 20th of this year - over a month out - and I have already started to study. I will be taking Math, Grammar, Vocabulary, A&P, and General Knowledge. I have purchased and been using the HESI A2 Admission Assessment Exam Review book from Elsevier and nothing else. I feel really comfortable with Math, Grammar, and Vocabulary but the A&P has gotten me into a tizzy. People have said the A&P is very broad but others say it's just like high school. I have taken A&P 1 &2 but I am starting to doubt if I have retained anything. I know we cannot talk about specific test questions, but can anyone guide me on what to study? Should I focus on the very basics such as parts of the brain and heart or should I go into depth and study the types of cells and their functions, hormones, etc.? On the other hand, when we start talking about the specifics of cells and cellular division - We are getting into Biology, which is not listed as part of the exam. Can I still be asked these questions? Unfortunately due to timing, I get one shot at this and I really want to make it count. For our school, the grade to make is 75% or higher. How hard is this to actually do? I don't want to take the test lightly but I don't want to spend my time freaking out. Any assistance is greatly appreciated! Thanks For Your Time! C.Nowlin