Starting acclerated BSN in Jan 08 - is it worth it?

karma482 · Nov 23, 2007

I also graduated from an accelerated BSN program in May. I passed the boards on my 1st attempt in July and have been searching for a job ever since. I think my issue is that i don't have CNA experience. I highly recommend working as a PCA or CNA even per diem, so it will look reputable on your resume. I think that's why i haven't found a job yet. But at the same time, I can't go back in time, and i shouldn't have to work as a CNA now, b/c I am a registered nurse. I had so much clinical experience in school to the point where i was basically taking care of my own patients. I don't know really why hospitals choose CNA experienced candidates over say someone who has something else to offer like me. I have alot of pharmacy experience and know every drug there is as well as side effects, routes of admin available, and everything else. I don't think alot of nurses know this, especially to start out. I don't necessarily think its a waste of your time doing this program. However, to start out, you are not going to make $32/hour. The most experienced nurses after like 40 yrs of work make like $49-50/hour. The student loan debt sux and it takes forever to pay back, but if you can stay away from private outside loans, you should be able to sustain low interest rates from the governmental loans, so it won't matter how long it takes 4 you to pay them back. Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Liz

gerry79 · Nov 23, 2007

However, to start out, you are not going to make $32/hour. The most experienced nurses after like 40 yrs of work make like $49-50/hour. The student loan debt sux and it takes forever to pay back, but if you can stay away from private outside loans, you should be able to sustain low interest rates from the governmental loans, so it won't matter how long it takes 4 you to pay them back. Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
Liz

I have been a nurse for 8 months and make over $32/hr. Several senior nurses at the hospital I am employed at, Beth Israel, make over $55/hr (over 15 years of experience). Starting Salary for new grads are as follow: Brigham and Womens $29.85/hr, Mass General $27.75/hr, Boston Medical Center $30/hr, Beth Israel $27.52 (as of one January 08), St Elizabeth's $26.85/hr, all starting salaries are without shift differential. With shift differentials (new grads usually work a lot of nights and weekends) you can add about $4.00/hr to the above totals.

It can be hard finding a job as a new grad due to the fact that many hospitals only hire new grads a couple of times a year. If you work at a hospital as a PCT your chances of landing a job immediately after graduation increase significantly.

Gerry

st4wb3rr33sh0rtc4k3 · Nov 24, 2007

You might consider relocating. There are plenty of hospitals in other states that need you.

That is the exact reason why I left Massachusetts to advance in my career. I got stuck in LTC and then know one wanted to hire me.

Don't worry about the aid stuff, I graduated with a couple of girls that worked in the hospital during school and they didn't end up getting a job there. So it might help and it might not.

Good luck and wish you the best.

Nursey Face · Nov 24, 2007

Hi all,
I'm due to start an accelerated BSN program in January 08 but after reading many of the threads here I'm concerned! :uhoh21: Is it reasonable to assume that after a year and a half of school and at least $40K in loans I may not have a job or at least one that will make financial sense?!? I already have a BS and work as a Medical Technologist making over $32/hr so the news that I could spend months looking for a job and then make far less than what I'm making now is daunting.
What have other people experienced? I've been told that I can get a CNA position at my hospital after my first clinical rotation. That should help with future opportunities there but everything I had heard up until this point was that jobs were plentiful and the pay was much better. Am I making a mistake? Help!

Hi there - I am graduating in about 3 weeks from the accelerated BSN program at Simmons College (18 month Dix Scholar Program). I have a job lined up at MGH on a general medical floor starting in February. I started working as a PCA this past May on the floor that I had Med Surg II on at MGH. Making a good impression on that floor helped me get my PCA job and I think being a PCA made ALL the difference in my getting a job at MGH as a nurse. Basically, I was already an employee at MGH and people knew me so I basically got first dibs for available jobs. Another plus is that the new graduate nurse application online for MGH is HUGE but all I had to do was submit a one-page nursing resume and supply references.

So, do a good job, get a PCA job and you'll get a job fairly easily . . . I also started looking earlier than my classmates for a job and that also helps I think. I am one of the only ones with a job lined up.

Oh and the differentials for MGH are as follows: $7/hr for weekday nights and $11/hour for weekend nights.

Hope that helps!!!

st4wb3rr33sh0rtc4k3 · Nov 24, 2007

Hi there - I am graduating in about 3 weeks from the accelerated BSN program at Simmons College (18 month Dix Scholar Program). I have a job lined up at MGH on a general medical floor starting in February. I started working as a PCA this past May on the floor that I had Med Surg II on at MGH. Making a good impression on that floor helped me get my PCA job and I think being a PCA made ALL the difference in my getting a job at MGH as a nurse. Basically, I was already an employee at MGH and people knew me so I basically got first dibs for available jobs. Another plus is that the new graduate nurse application online for MGH is HUGE but all I had to do was submit a one-page nursing resume and supply references.
So, do a good job, get a PCA job and you'll get a job fairly easily . . . I also started looking earlier than my classmates for a job and that also helps I think. I am one of the only ones with a job lined up.
Oh and the differentials for MGH are as follows: $7/hr for weekday nights and $11/hour for weekend nights.
Hope that helps!!!

cool, sounds like you have something waiting for you...

truffles111 · Feb 26, 2008

I am a bit concerned too...especially where i am not sure what branch of nusing i am looking for...and i really did not intend on working in a hospital. is the pay scale highest in hospitals or in other branches??