ALBANY -- Becoming a registered nurse was so important to Kathleen Everson that the single mother began taking evening courses three years ago. It was a big commitment: She was already working at night -- and caring for her toddler son during the day. Sleep was hit or miss. "When he napped, I napped," Everson said.[more...]But Saturday, her hard work and bleary years paid off when she became one of a dozen Albany Medical Center Hospital employees to graduate with a two-year RN degree from Hudson Valley Community College. They were the first to do so through an innovative program called "Growing Our Own."
In exchange for a pledge to work at Albany Med for four years after graduation, the students got free tuition and books -- and the hospital paid for 40 hours of work a week, even though they worked 32, with time during their work shifts for classes and study.
It's one of several steps that regional hospitals are taking to address a growing nursing shortage: A recent report by the University at Albany's Center for Health Workforce Studies estimates there will be 17,000 fewer nurses than needed in New York by 2010...
...Anyone who works at Albany Medical Center Hospital can apply to join the program. Most of the students are nurses' aides or lab technicians, with some medical education under their belts. But not all: At least one student who just started has been working in housekeeping
I went to Albany Medical Center today and applied for a job taking care of infants in the daycare. I pray that I get it...or that the Lord's will be done.
I'll remember your intentions in my daily rosaries.
Good luck!
Thank you!
Hi Pansy,
I read your blog and have returned to school myself. (A degree in Occupational Therapy) Do you have to do this immediately? If there is any way you can take your pre-requisites first (math, a&P, microbiology, etc.) I would suggest it. I took all my prerequisites with nursing majors and it was FAR easier for those who could do it that way. Good Luck and God Bless.
Beth