mompod

Thank you everyone for your great input! I am less panicked after reading these. Cheers!

I am very excited to start upper level classes in my BSN program this fall, but after seeing many comments on here I have become worried about my marketability after graduation. Most of my classmates are already coming from a medical background, and from what I am reading many say that having a CNA certification or prior experience is crucial to getting hired after graduation. Here's my dilemma: I have no medical background. I am already stretching it time-wise with classes/clinicals 5 days a week and having two younger children at home. Many people plan on working as a CNA or something related to have a "foot in the door" while in the program. I am 31, have a decent resume of managerial and leadership positions from my prior work industry (again, not medical related), but I just cannot work now because of childcare issues and being home for my kids. I should note that my youngest daughter was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at 15 months (she is now 4) so I have plenty of hospital exposure as well as having to do patient care with her through numerous scans, PICC lines, chemo rounds, hospital stays, and surgeries. However, that is not something you can put on a resume! So I guess my question is this... Do most nursing students work through their programs? Can I expect to be unable to find employment? I will have a BSN, but I live in Nashville where the market is good and saturated. What can I do to be marketable?

I was in the same boat for an ASN program. I appealed, the nursing director tried to access some emergency funds, but in the end it was to no avail. My only option was to go for my BSN. I was so devastated at the time (this was 2 years ago), but ultimately it has worked out because I start upper level classes for my BSN this fall! I truly hope that they can find a solution for you right now, but if they can't, don't despair and don't give up!

YES! Thank you! Positivity!!! I am 31, have a 4 year old, was a SAHM, and now starting upper level for my BSN next month. So glad to hear this perspective.

Hey! I'm in TN and I am completely overwhelmed about getting my books, scrubs, supplies, etc. for the fall. I don't know where the money is going to come from. I googled WIA funds but I am still confused on what they are and how it works. How is eligibility determined? Is it funding that may be available by the fall or is it a program with a lengthy wait? I have never heard about that program before!