mountainclimber

Hi all, I have only heard vaguely about how competitive the job market is for new grads in the Bay Area. I am graduating from nursing school on the East Coast and hoping to move back to CA after I graduate. I would like to gauge with more certainty what the job market is actually like in the Bay Area, Marin County, and the Central Coast. Additionally, if anyone has insight into the Tahoe area or NorCal (Chico, etc) I'd be interested to hear that as well. I hope to work in critical care but would be amenable to starting off in other areas. What are the chances of a new grad getting a job in the Bay Area? Are nurse residencies the way to go? I am feeling lost! Thanks for your help!

Were any of you hoping to take summer classes to get through faster? I was hoping to be able to take classes continuously, but it seems as though not as many clinicals are offered in the summers.

Hey all, I was also accepted to the Lewiston Auburn campus. I was also accepted to the ABSN at the University of Maine Fort Kent, so am now trying to figure out which school to attend between the two. USM gave me a substantial transfer scholarship, which I believe would make it cheaper than UMFK— in fact, it would make it very affordable. However, at UMFK I would be done with school in only a year or so, as opposed to two. I ultimately want to be an FNP, so I want to get my BSN with some haste to get some work experience before the FNP! Unfortunately it seems that USM does not offer many nursing courses in the summer, so I wouldn't be able to graduate sooner by taking clinicals in the summer. I was hoping to attend USM in Portland, rather than the LAC. I am wondering if we have the option of taking classes/clinicals there, or if we are limited to LAC. Additionally, I have not received an evaluation of my transfer credits, so am still waiting to make sure they accept my prereqs from my prior bachelor's degree. Congrats all!

Hi there, I applied as a transfer for USM nursing. I have a prior BS but missed the application deadline for the ABSN program. I just got word via mail that I was admitted to USM with a scholarship, but still need to wait to hear from the nursing admissions committee whether I was accepted to the nursing program. It's going to be tough waiting until April to hear back! I would love to move to Portland, Maine. I am also from out of state, currently West Coast based.

In addition to nurse corps, individual states have their own loan repayment programs. Working at Indian Health Service facilities on a res can also get you loan forgiveness. Worth checking out if you are willing to relocate to a rural area.

This is an interesting predicament. I think most major religions allow exceptions to certain practices in emergency cases, and for me that would be inclusive of serving the urgent healthcare needs of others. I think the idea of honoring time for rest and contemplation another day would be a lovely compromise. Best wishes in discerning this question!

What are some things you found help you cope with the stress of an accelerated program? What were the best study resources for your classes?

I second the peroxide comment— a life saver for blood stains!

Danskos are great, but I do occasionally still twist my ankle in them (they are very high!). Sanitas clogs are a little lower I believe and beloved by a lot of people— maybe check them out.

Thanks for asking this question— I've been wondering this too!

Inconsiderate, but probably best to let it go. Not worth your time and energy to worry about. It's likely they meant nothing by it.

Some RN -> BSN will require a license in that state in order to attend, others (especially online) only require an RN license.

I feel for you. Breakups can feel like a time of mourning. The best words I can say are that this will pass. It's hard to believe in the worst moments, but with time you will feel like your healthy self again. More great people will come along in your life who will celebrate your accomplishments— friends, family, and future romantic partners. Best wishes for your aching heart! :)

If you're not willing to wear long sleeves, you should probably hold off on the tattoo. It's only temporary; you can pursue the tattoo of your dreams after the program is over!

I highly recommend seeking counseling. There are a lot of helpful techniques for coping with stress in a healthier way. I think learning to cope with stress will help you discern whether this is the career for you without having your judgment clouded by the anxiety! That being said, please don't worry or beat yourself up if you decide nursing isn't for you. Better to figure it out early on than later.