I am angry and need to rant.

[chickened]

I am not sure but I think that correspondence schools do not work that way. I think a nursing degree takes 2 years in a nursing school. You are living in atime when being poor is all you need to go to school on Uncle Sam's dime... I would find a way to capitalize on it is all I am saying.

 

[desertdarlene]

Here are some reasons that I've found why some people get promoted or given more hours than others. Not saying you lack any of these, but here's what I've noticed:

Age (too young or old) Even though age discrimination is illegal, it does happen.
Availability (Willing to work 2nd or 3rd shift or weekends a big plus in many companies)
Doesn't complain (even when things are blatantly unfair or even illegal like having to work overtime or through lunch without pay)
Maturity level
Confident/less anxious
Tactful without being rude
Doesn't gossip or spread rumors
Always professional, doesn't get emotional
Is not chatty during work time
Not easily distracted
Good with customers
Willing to do work that is "not their job"
Going above and beyond what the company asks
Initiative
Knows someone at the company, a friend or relative that knows the manager
Ambition
Experience running or owning a business
Having a useful skill (like accounting)
Promotes the company or business on their own time

Also, it's entirely possible that this new person might get their hours cut, too, because they haven't reached the threashold for making them full-time.

ETA: Also, if you have had any problems or are known for things (like being chatty) when you first start to work there, it will impede you later even if you've drastically improved. Mangers/co-workers will remember things that even happened years ago.