Confused with questions

[swollavg]

Hello All! This website has been very informative, but I am still a little confused with some questions.

First, I am wanting to go into an accelerated BSN program. I have an unrelated bachelors and would need to take a majority of the science pre-req's. I can take these at my local CC because I get to take classes there for free (father works there). My confusion comes with which BSN program to go into.

I know this is very far away, but I would like to eventually go into the CRNA masters program. My problem has been not planning ahead in life, so I think I should have an idea of my plans. I know that you need to work in ICU/CC for a minimum of 1 year. I'm also aware that it is not ideal to work in ICU immediately after nursing school, but I know that it is possible and has been done by many people.

My question is: How can I increase my odds of getting an ICU/CC job after school? I read somewhere about BSN programs with large teaching hospitals as a good option. I am just unclear on this process. Also, when researching BSN programs, is there anything that I should look for about the school to help my chances of getting the ICU job after school?

Also, is this the approach that most people take when applying to nursing school?. Focus on 1or 2 schools and take their specific pre-reqs and if you don't get in, apply somewhere else (taking additional pre-reqs if needed)?

I am based in Kansas right now, but am willing/able to go to any state for the accelerated BSN program.

-thanks

[sauconyrunner]

If you can get a completely FREE education at the CC, I would just get your ADN, get hired as an RN, and then let the hospital help pay for the BSN education.

I went to the ICU right out of nursing school. Wasn't maybe the best decision, but I was never cut out for floor nursing. With the right mix in the unit, a new grad can be very successful. The only thing I did (other than graduate in a time of shortage) was to do my preceptorship in an ICU near my house and worked as a CNA in 2 hospitals. BY the time I graduated I had a job offer from both places I worked and also from where I did my preceptorship..

[Kelly2010]

This holds true no matter what kind of nursing job you want to get- network! From your professors, to your clinical instructors to your nurse preceptors, I cannot stress the importance of networking. I am a recent graduate from the Houston area and the majority of my classmates, including myself, got their jobs through networking. Always be professional, always be eager and always be on top of your game. You never know who you will come across that will be able to help you get a job.

As far as applying to different schools goes, I chose four different schools throughout the state of Texas that had similar prerequisite courses. For the most part, I did all of the similar courses before and during the application process. All of the schools were to let me know of my acceptance by April, which allowed me the summer to take any additional courses I needed for that school before starting in the Fall.