Hi everyone!

My name is Autumn and I am going to sign up for nursing pre requisites with a local CC for the Fall for the 2nd time.

First time I didn't do so good, I had a lot of health problems and was not in the right mindset. But now.....

I moved back to my hometown, got close with my family and a few friends, and am so excited to be starting a career in healthcare! I have always been interested in health care and medicine, so I would love to become a professional in this field.

My sister is a nurse and I have always looked up to her because she is such a good person. Since I have had health problems throughout my life, I have met a lot of nurses and have never met one bad one, even when the shots hurt a little bit more. Nurses are wonderful people and I really appreciate all of them to the highest degree, we love you and are glad you are doing a good job!

I only hope to become half the nurse that my sister is. Looking forward to your feedback and encouraging others in the much needed job role of nursing! If anyone knows of any entry level job leads or paid training in the Kalamzoo, MI or Holland, MI area I'd really appreciate it!

~Autumn :redbeathe

It sounds like you have a great support system in place and a great role model to look up to! This will definitely come in handy when you are studying and working hard in school. Lots of people retake their pre-requisites for a better grade, and people might look to you as a resource since you have done it before. I am in CA so I can't help you with the job hunt, but good luck! Keep your positive attitude!

Thanks for your encouragement, Sandyfeet. I really appreciate it! You are too sweet. =)

I completely understand how you are feeling. I am getting ready to start my last year of nursing school and can empathize with you. I graduated H.S. in 1994, and did not start working on my college degree until 2008. After being out of school for so long, I never thought I would be able to get back into the swing of things. I too have struggled with chronic illness, fighting relapses and hospitalizations, but after leaning on my friends and co-workers for psychological and emotional support, I managed to surprise myself with the results! The most important thing is to keep focused on your ultimate goal. Your determination to be the best nurse that you can and to be there for future patients as those nurses were for you can provide some of the best inspiration! Be diligent with your studying, use as many resources as you can and you should do just fine! I recommend any study guides that can accompany your books,...and you definitely need to invest in a good NCLEX review book! The more questions and rationales that you can find,the better!

In regards to the job front, unfortunately I'm not in your area, but most hospitals have Clinical Tech's or Aides positions that only require a H.S. diploma. It is GREAT practice for what you will be learning in nursing school. The hospitals may or may not help with tuition costs, but if you have to take out loans - do it. You can always find a hospital that will pay off your loans if you work at their facility for a certain amount of time (usually 2 years). Also, you can check with local American Legion posts for scholarships.

Keep your head up and remember,....there is nothing better than the feeling of helping another person, especially in what may be one of their weakest moments.