[Kathyz]

Hi, I'm KathyZ from Park Ridge, IL (just outside Chicago).


I am finishing up my pre-reqs in anticipation of attending nursing school in January.

I am a HUGE Bears and Cubs fan.

[suebird3]

Hi, Kathy! I agree with the team choices.

Suebird

[rukarma2]

Hey ya'll,

yuck have to kick that habbit, just got back from living in texas! I was down there for 5yrs. I have been working in LTC for most of 15yrs. The last yr I was working for Vitas Hospice. I was dx with lung ca in oct of 04 had surgery and lost my job for not being able to work, since i was an employee for less than a yr. Been kinda drifting ever since I came back to IL for a few months and worked in a NH and found it difficult. Having Lung ca myself made hospice stressful too. Went back to TX 4 months ago and tried to get into Assisted living with a friend who was opening a new facility well it didnt go well and ended up returning to IL so, I am here to stay. Wish I could find a nitch. Well nuff rambling not to good at my intro but would like to say HI to all.

[traumaRUs]

Hi and welcome. Would you consider commuting to Peoria or the QC? More opportunities in the bigger cities. Take care.

[rukarma2]

Thanks, I have considered it and did work at Bellwood (Peoria County NH) for over 5 yrs didn't care for the 45 mile one way drive, I lived in Houston for 5 yrs and it was a min of $5 cut in pay just returning to the my area so, I know that working near larger city's is a bigger market and better chances. I will continue to look and maybe somewhere down the road this would be feasible. I have considered Medical records but these are coveted jobs and usually given to long time employees (with partial disability's). Among the medical problems that come with Lung CA I had mid chemo developed a DVT and have a HX of stasis ulcers on the involved leg. I need to work where I am not on my feet all the time. I need a niche. I am up the proverbial creek and lost my paddle when yrs 5 ago I left my area (IL) with just the two employers for the 10 yrs I was here before. I am sure I will find something that fits it may mean trying on many jobs first. I did work for 6 mo as a floor nurse post chemo but in the first two weeks developed a stasis ulcer that didn't heal until I quit and was off my feet for a month. It took a long time to heal. I broke that leg yrs ago and have had problems ever since. 5 yrs ago it opened (1st X) up with a stasis ulcer and I had MRSA too fight. It took hospitalization to close it then, this last time (2nd X) was during the 6 mo post chemo. I did not take proper preventative measures and wear the TED's until it opened. I now have a whole lot less vanity. LOL I wear the TED's! I do appreciate your time traumaRUs.
Male LPN

[aacurtis72]

Hello everyone,
I live here in Illinois and I am currently a nursing student (ADN program). I graduate in May and I am scared to death starting on the floor and feeling like I still don't know anything. My school is doing a great job of educating us clinically, but I still feel very anxious. Are there any other students out there who feel the same way? Are there any new grads who feel or felt the same way? BTW i'm new to the forum so HELLO EVERYONE!!!!

[SillyLilly]

I go on this section alot, but have never introduced my self.

I am born and raised in Chicago- Jeff park area to be exact- and I noticed some posters wayyy back mentioned this lovely area.

I am a new graduate, passed boards in July, and am just now about to start work in October (due to a broken foot). I just may start on a tele floor--but final decisions still have to be made.

aacurtis72-yes I was a nervous wreck my first year in school (also did ADN at a city college) I gotta job as a nurse extern, and in the second year of school I was feeling mucch more confident. I was still nervous but no where near what i was the first year (that also had to do with a condescending intimidating unprofessional professor).

So now that I am about to start as a RN I am extremely nervous. I know the first 6 months at least are going to be nerve racking---and I believe that it will take atleast a year and a half for the nerves to die down.

I want a postition that offers 3 12 hr shifts so I can really *leave* work behind, and clear my mind a few days a week. Read alot of the other posts in the First year of nursing section. There are alott of helpful suggestions to get you through the first year. Graduate and get over the NCLEX first before you start worrying too much about it though... good luck

[Brown_1057]

I have lived in chicago all my life, now living in park forest illinois
:studyowl:

[lmm1019]

Hi there!! My name is Lori and I live in the Northeast suburbs. I go to College of Lake County right now working towards my Associates in Nursing.

I started back at school in the Summer of 2004 (after a 10 year break after highschool which was only supposed to be 1 year). I have taken 2 night classes each semester while working a full-time job through the day. Life changed for me a bit last year. My daughter, Amelia, was born September of 2005. She just turned 1 last week. So, I took some time off this past Spring/Summer, but I'm back full swing now.

I currently have 2 pre-req's left and then hopefully I will make it into the Nursing program for Fall 2007. If not, I don't know what I'll do since I'll be done!!

So, currently I am taking Intercultural Communication online and next semester I'll be taking Microbiology and then I'll just have my Nursing courses to complete!!

Glad I found an Illinois link!! Anyone here going or gone to CLC? Looking forward to chatting with everyone!!

Also edited to say I have lived in Illinois all my life!

[flowerchick]

Hi! I've been around here a while, but never introduced myself. My name is Collin (Yes, I'm a girl, LOL). I'm a new grad (May 2006). I live in Northern IL, pretty close to the WI border.