CFrancine

Hi there. I wanted to know more info on the personal essay. Did you guys just talk about your experience and goal or was it a scholarly paper with references? Or a mix of both?

I heard it's 50 cent an hour

Oh yeah, look up Eastern New Mexico university. I think the education msn is about $315 /hr even for out of state students as long as you are part time or less. That could be perfect for you. I remember looking into it a while back when I was considering an education program. Other posters on here have gone to that school.

I don't know what your definition of an arm and a leg is. But I'm looking at attending Mid-America Nazarene University. It's about $21k for the program and I was told it had to be completed within 6 years. I think there are 13 classes for the MSN. Just keep in mind, the longer you take to graduate, the more likely tuition or graduation requirements may change (This is any school)

Thanks for the response! I actually just started with my company in the fall and plan to stay for several years, maybe the rest of my career. This company focuses on my specialty area, which is why I left the hospital. It was really the place to go if I wanted to grow in my specialty. There are facilities all over the country and they really do advance nurses up the ranks. So there's not much reason to leave unless I get headhunted, which is unlikely at my level. There is another company I could have looked into but former hospital coworkers that have worked for both said my choice was the best one. So in that regard, I'm good but this is why I felt 4 years would be too long. I might want a different position by then. Learning a new job and finishing school sounds like a nightmare. I suppose anyone using tuition reimbursement is at risk of the employer discontinuing the program. I find it extremely unlikely they would (they would probably discontinue things like the scholarships for our kids and grandkids first) but anything could happen. If that risk were my deciding factor, I would have never gone back to school for my RN or BSN. I can't predict the future so I feel that's something not worth worrying about. If down the road they discontinue, I can always stop classes if it's too out of my budget. But I guess you somewhat helped me figure it out. I can't take classes any faster than one at a time and even if I could, it would be more out of pocket money. It would be the same costs if they discontinue the reimbursement. If I left before my obligation was over (I think it's 6 months after last reimbursement, I don't think it's the full amount, just whatever they paid in the 6 months), I'd just pay the money back. So I guess I have nothing to lose financially by taking an extra 6 months to complete the degree at the chance of more reimbursement. The only other option would be not going back to school, which would be foolish. At the end of the day, $21k for a master's isn't outrageous IF I had to pay the full amount (but I know I won't as I'll at least get the money for this year.) I'm only 30 so it would be a good investment for my career and earning potential. If I were closer to retirement, it would be different. So thanks for bringing up new points that helped me think things through!

So I'm going back for my MSN in June 2018. My job covers $4400 a year in reimbursement, which is easy to max out. The entire program with fees (not counting books) is $21,213. (I only found this MSN track online at three schools and it was by far the cheapest so different school isn't an option.) If I go straight through taking one class at a time, I'd finish Dec 2020 with out of pocket costs at $7,634. If I take one break each year to max 2021 reimbursement, I graduate May 2021 with costs of $4,827. Technically I could drag it out another year to hardly pay anything but four years sounds insane to me. I think I'd want my degree sooner so I can move on in my career by then. Is three years too long to work on a MSN degree or is that normal? Is it worth delaying 6 months to save a $2800? Btw, I'm not taking any loans (almost done paying off that big undergrad mistake) so I'm just saving money every month for tuition.

Not a "computer" job but most places use electronic charting. You have to be able to navigate the system and chart appropriately.

I've seen no online course prep. Just places to get CEUs.

Yes they can.

Do what's best for you and your health. I couldn't do nights, I got into dialysis after two years for this reason (among others). Your first job is the toughest to come by. Take what you can get and live with

I was in your exact shoes and made the move this year. The PD is easy. Working in an office setting and realizing how much behind the scenes and the associated paperwork is the hard part. Also, you're not just doing a treatment and walking away. You manage that patient and get to know them very well. You look at their treatment info online and call the patient when things look off. I think it was a great move as I didn't want to be in the hospital long term. I don't get on here often but PM me if you'd like to know more.

So it's been a year, how do you feel about it now?

Just started but I honestly think it's going to be GREAT!

Thanks for the info. I recently applied for a position. Your experience sounds similar to what I was told. Only thing I would add, for future readers, is that acute experience works as well. I've never worked in a chronic center but that didn't have any issue on my candidacy.

Your background is excellent so I would not worry about qualifying for a job. I was a new grad nurse working in ICU. I personally believed I struggled but management was sad to see me go when I went to dialysis. If it is a place with a strong training program, which it should be if they're open to hiring nurses without ICU background, then that's a plus. You're right, it really does come down to who you know. I've only been a nurse for 4 years but I usually have multiple jobs at a time. That really has been the driving force behind my nursing career. I have switched jobs several times but all in the direction of growth. The main thing is to get your name to the hiring manager so they will actually call HR and request your application. HR can't always see how indirect experience can make you a strong candidate for a position. But any nurse manager would find you to be a gold mine. So talk to any of your friends that might work in ICU. They can not only ask the manager if they are any upcoming positions, but also just give a brief synopsis of your qualifications and ask the manager if they would ever consider hiring such a candidate. More than likely they are hiring because ICUs tend to have high turnover. I work at a really large company and many people do the ICU as a stepping stone to grad school. If you work in a lot of ICUs as an acute nurse and maybe have seen the manager a few times, you can approach them yourself. They may not know you're in the market but when they find out, they might encourage you to apply. Once, I had a side job as a hand hygiene monitor in a hospital. People assumed I was just a nursing student because that's who usually does that position. When the ICU manager found out I was in ICU nurse, even though still a new grad, she approached me and said if I ever needed a job to give her a call. She knew nothing of my nursing skills but I had a good relationship with the hospital liaison and I think she like the fact that I was just doing something to help improve patient care and stepping outside of the box. She made good on that months later when I heard a few of my coworkers where actually applying to that unit. I sent her an email one day and her response was literally asking how fast could I get there for an interview.