First appt. at college - in tears!

Nurses General Nursing

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Well, I have applied for some night school classes with hopes of applying to the Practical Nursing program next fall.

I am 32 years old, and while my current career (payroll for transportation company) and past career (admin assistant for a record label) do not point to a career in health care, I have really always wanted to do this and now I have decided I have the funds and the time to do it part-time.

I went to a "free, one-on-one career counselling session" at my school tonight with someone from the career centre.

I left in tears.

I have severe apprehensions about my math abilities, as well, my high school was limited (got my diploma, but was heavy on "artsy" subjects like English and drama - a few sciences but no math at a senior level) and I have to upgrade my high school (with a college prep course I am taking this next January). She listened to the whole long story, then blurted out

"Why on EARTH would you want to NOT pursue something you are good at (English, the arts) and pursue something you find really really HARD?!?"

She then spent the next 45 minutes pointing out why I can't do it -

I don't have the prereqs from High School - well hello! That was 15 years ago!

I am very worried about my math skills "and you need to be very quick on your feet with those, you know"

I will be competing with about a million graduating High School students for a place in the program because in Ontario this year Grade 13 is being abolished, so there are double the number of grads from grade 13 and 12.

She ended it by telling me to "find a nurse and ask them about their job" hello, I've been grilling every nurse I've met for years. I read this board. For what it's worth, I watch ER religiously!

Well, geez, why don't I just kill myself.:o Kidding, but man, my morale has never been lower. I felt like asking for a tuition refund before I even start my one little class next week.

I have been looking forward to this appt. for weeks. I was hoping to get some encouragement. Instead, I got depressed.

:( :o :( :o :D

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Dear Worthy,

For many years, my mother told me that I shouldn't go into nursing. She was concerned for my physical well-being. Also, as a professional artist, she was extremely disappointed that I did not pursue a professional "art" career as well.

I let a full scholarship to nursing school go because I seriously was afraid that I couldn't pass that chemistry course.

Well, guess what?

I went to nursing school at the ripe old age of 44, math skills be danged, and just did some extra tutoring on my own to get through that.

My mom was only convinced when, after listening to her for the umpteenth time, I finally blurted, "But Mom, healing is an ART!! It's more than just popping a few pills; and it's beautiful to see when someone gets better."

She never denigrated my decision after that; in fact, she's now quite proud of me.

So if this is your dream, go fer it. You'll succeed.

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Specializes in Nurse Anesthetist.

What a B*TCH! She is a complete idiot! You can do this is you really want it! You can be one of the PROUD in our profession. When you graduate and are beaming that bright smile of yours into the audience, remember her! SHE CAN NOT STOP YOU! and if you want this nothing else can either!

Math is not easy for a lot of us. But we work hard at it, and eventually it comes. I sucked at math and didn't have more that FRESHMAN math before becoming a RN, BSN. Last Monday I started my masters degree in Nurse Anesthetist. If I can do it, so can you. DONT let her stop you!

If you have to take a few extra classes, go for it! Alot helps when you have some maturity under your belt and a good teacher. Community colleges, at least here in California, teacher really want you to learn and will help you.

If you think that it wouldn't harm you, write a letter describing objectively her actions to the dean.

GOOD LUCK future nurse!

email me if you have questions.

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU,.

"i have been looking forward to this appt. for weeks. i was hoping to get some encouragement. instead, i got depressed. "

who is to say the negative comments isn't encouragement for you to succeed? all the best to you!

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Specializes in CV-ICU.

Guess what? When I was in high school, the aptitude tests I was given said I'd be a lousy nurse and was more qualified to be an auto mechanic! And that was in the 1960's; when women didn't go into those types of fields!

I decided not to listen to that; and have been a damm good nurse for 34 years! I listened to my heart, and have thoroughly enjoyed being a nurse all of these years.

I also have a stubborn streak so that if someone tells me I can't do something- that its' too hard for me to do; I go ahead and DO whatever it is THEY said I couldn't do! Use this person as your personal motivater; acheive your dreams in spite of what she said!

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WOW! Was SHE ever in the wrong job (although, that's school for ya)! I did my first degree because it was hard and I've never regretted it. Why WOULDN'T you want a challenging degree and a challenging job to match?!! I went back to school for my RN at 40 after a degree in LANGUAGES, talk about "artsy!"

PS Math skills are important, but guess what?! You can use a CALCULATOR!!

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PS Math skills are important, but guess what?! You can use a CALCULATOR!! [/b]

REALLY?????? Get OUT of here!!!!! For everything??????

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We did in Kansas! Which is a good thing because I can't multiply worth a darn.

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Oh Worthy, I know how you feel.

I have so mnay thing to say, and now I'm trying to figure out how to condense it for you....

First thing I would suggest is is to visit the student nurses forum on this site.I visit there everyday and there are a lot of students there who will know what you are going through and who can help you boost your confidence!

What a horrible advisor! Do me a favor and disregaurd every word she said! What a sadistic, mean spirited person! I hope she gets fired! :angryfire (lol @ smiley, which is creating an appropriate visual pun!)

Anyhow, you are still young, and if you feel in your heart that this is what you want to do with your life, GO FOR IT!!!! I am starting out with a "Math Basics" class, which is a prereq to Algebra, if you can believe that. I am swallowing up my pride and taking that class because I know it will get me one step closer to my nursing degree. I have always hated Chemistry (it makes me nervous) and I will need to take 3 semesters of it if I want to earn my BSN, so I'm going to suck it up and get good grades in that, too. All this maight mean an extra year of school, though I'm not sure yet. I have to take Biology 101 just so I can take the Anatomy classes that are required. I have prepreqs for my prereqs, my dear, but I will be okay.

A lot of people are in your boat with you. Hang in there, and consider choosing a more supportive college! :kiss

-Swiftee

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Worthy...only you can decide what you are capable of! I'm coming to nursing with a BA in English and I see that as an asset. Having a strong humanities background is a great foundation for nursing. Nursing in my opinion is one of the few carreers where you get the best of both worlds...science & humanities! Look at your program...It necessitates sociology, psychology, "social sciences" etc... I believe that often times the "artsy" folks are better able to understand people...they are better able to think "outside the box" these are all good qualities to have!

Bottom line...what do YOU believe? I believe that if you want to become a nurse, you will. I believe in ME and I believe in YOU!

Take Care! :kiss

~Bean

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worthy, sorry you had to endure that "so called" counselor.. this is what i would do..

1. talk to another counselor about your ambitions of becoming a nurse, i would even go to another college to talk to someone.

2. this person cannot decide what is right for you, only you can do that.

3. it's not unusual for non-traditional students to take a basic math course when returning to college.

4. maybe she was trying to "scare" you to see if you were serious about nursing, not a very good approach if you ask me.

good luck and don't let this one person get you down !! :)

marie;)

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Thanks so much, everyone. I feel better.

I have signed up for a math/biology/chem/physics "upgrade" course at the college, that will hopefully substitute for my missing high school courses.

If I don't get in next year, oh well, I'll be disappointed but there are four of the classes in the curriculum I can take free standing away from it, and the credits will count, so I "WHEN" I get in the next year, I will be eons ahead. I am.....not...going...to....quit.

It may take me the next six years, but I am NOT going to quit. There. I said it. And that woman needs a new career herself. I would love to find a more supportive environment...but alas...this is the only one in my area that let's you do it part-time, and I cannot afford to quit my day job. That's one (BIG!) reason I have put school off for so long.

I (sniff!) love you guys. And I've only been here four days!

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