Frotastic

Hang in there! Can you talk to a union rep ?

I'm will be on F3. I live in the Bay Area. I'm sure there are others relocating too that you might be able to room with.

Jeneralization-That seems to be a common issue I've heard witsh other new grad programs. Thanks for your tips :) Sunrisechaser- I was offered a position as well :)

That seems to be a common issue I've heard with other new grad programs. Thanks for your tips :)

Thank you!! What did you friends think of the new grad program?

I feel the same way. I graduated in December, but haven't been on a nursing floor since september. I work full-time right now and by the time I get home, the last thing I want to do is crack open a nursing book. lol Personally, I plan to take some classes (ACLS, PALS, EKG). A lot of the new grad programs I applied to have a orientation component which I've been told is like a crash course in nursing to get new grads ready to be back on the floor. I say don't sweat it too much. Once you get back on the floor a lot of it will come back to you!

Definitely ask your professor. Rose_queen is right, older versions require a little more work on your part, but half the time you end up buying or renting current versions and only use it a couple times. I notoriously used older versions to save $$$. Most of the time I used the textbook, it was only to supplement lecture slides. If you do go with the older books, you probably won't be able to resale them through your bookstore. Just something to keep in mind.

I think you should definitely pursue it! Besides leadership, you also get to meet sooooo many people, which will come in handy for letters of recommendation and networking.

I totally know what you mean, I also recently graduated and don't feel super confident. However, I think that gives us a lot of room to grow. Land a good new grad program and you'll be fine.

Of course having some CNA experience on your resume will look attractive to HR and Nurse Managers. However, other jobs, such as the ones you mentioned have transferable skills that relate back to nursing. For example, during undergrad I was also a orientation team leader. During some interviews I have had, I was able to demonstrated that I had leadership experience, which nursing managers love!! I personally did not have ANY CNA experience, but have tons of volunteer experience. I have been asked to interview at 2 very well-known hospitals for their new grad programs. So... to answer your question, no, not having CNA experience will not ruin your chances of getting a job :)

I agree with lunar11, the CNL role has the potential to grow substantially, especially on the West Coast! I have a professor who works as a CNL at a county hospital, so although most CNLs work at VA hospitals, you wouldn't be limited to just VA work. With that being said, I recently completed my MSN-CNL program and really think that it what has set me apart from other students when applying to jobs. In all my cover letters, I talked about the CNL role and have landed 2 interviews at really great teaching hospitals. Best of luck to you Rean87!

I recently completed an accelerated MSN program. I personally did not work, but I was super active with extracurricular activities, which at times felt like a full-time job. Out of 36 students, only one classmate worked full-time as a home health aid (night shift). Since she worked on the night shift, she basically studied while her client slept. I think because our program was so fast paced and our schedule changed so much, it was almost impossible to have a full-time daytime job. Hope this helps

Hi Ruble2007... I recently went through USF's MSN-CNL program and had Dr. Lemos for many classes (Patho/pharm II, MedSurg I & II). She is awesome. Her class is tough, but passable. She did not have a study guide book when I had her, but I would definitely know her slides from front to back. Also, after each exam, go to her office hours and review the test with her. She sometimes will be lenient in giving a few points back Hope this helps.

I got called for an interview right before the holidays. Interviews will be conducted late January. Just thought I would post an update. Good luck eveyone:)