Introductions

GNik · Aug 18, 2003

Just thought I'd add my hello here. I look forward to interacting with other Maryland nurses. I am the clinical director with HFAM (that and $5 gets me a cup of starbucks coffee). My expertise is geriiatrics, the federal/state survey process and quality improvement related to long term care facilities.

Let's make this a productive forum.

PennyLane, RN · Aug 18, 2003

I'm a Marylander too! I'm starting school next Monday to get my BSN. I'd be interested in hearing about working conditions at Maryland hospitals, specifically in the Baltimore area.

Thanks Brian!

erikanursenurse · Aug 19, 2003

I begin a 2year BSN program on Wednesday, August 20. I am interested in hearing about where people are attending school. There are so many types of progams out there now. I am attending Villa Julie College nights/weekends accelerated BSN program. I chose this program because I already have a BA degree in Biology and it will allow me to continue to work during the day. The program is 2 years long. I can't wait!!!

PennyLane, RN · Aug 22, 2003

Originally posted by erikanursenurse
I begin a 2year BSN program on Wednesday, August 20. I am interested in hearing about where people are attending school. There are so many types of progams out there now. I am attending Villa Julie College nights/weekends accelerated BSN program. I chose this program because I already have a BA degree in Biology and it will allow me to continue to work during the day. The program is 2 years long. I can't wait!!!

I had no idea Villa Julie had an accelerated program. I'm starting at Univ. of Maryland Baltimore next week. I'll be done December 2004.

Traveler · Aug 22, 2003

I now live in Tenn. but just wanted to check this board since I used to live in and went to nsg. school in MD. I attended Union Mem. Hosp. School of Nsg. I thing they no longer have that program and are working with Villa Julie or Notre Dame. Too bad because it was a really good school. I was working with small children also at the time. Did prereq's at college and then had classes two nights a week for 4 hours each and then clinicals every other weekend for three years. Got TONS of clinical time and it really helped when I went out into the "real world." Anyway, best of luck to all of you.

Ann

imenid37 · Aug 22, 2003

Hi Marylanders,

I now live in PA, but close to the state line. Best of luck to you two as you start school. I am U of MD grad RN TO BSN 1990. Originally grad of Catonsville Community College 1987 ADN (now called the Community College of Baltimore County). Worked at St. Joe's in Towson and saw lots of VJC students. Donna Swope was a professor at VJC, not sure if she's still there. Great OB knowledge. I really admired her. She was once at St. Joe's way back when.

PennyLane, RN · Aug 23, 2003

I took my pre-reqs at Catonsville, imenid37. It was a good experience, except for two bad teachers.

Traveler--I know a nurse who graduated from the Union Mem. diploma program. She liked it, as well. I used to live directly across the street from that hospital!

Pucci · Aug 29, 2003

Hi Marylanders!! I am a new BSN student at Coppin State. I am very excited and will be starting Sept 2nd. I was attending BCCC for computers, but once I got into the course, I found out that it wasn't for me. I was going to stay there b/c they have a nursing program, but I want to become a CRNA so I decided to get my bachelor's out of the way. I am married w/4 children. Needless to say that I will be out of work for the next few years. I am still trying to figure out money management skills until I graduate. Anyone interested in CRNA?? My friend is an RN and has been for the last 5 years and she says that it is high malpractice, but it's what I really want to do. I visited the NA discussion board and heard some pretty interesting things about the program and preparation. Just wanted to say Hi!! Sorry for babbling.:roll

debbyed · Aug 29, 2003

I too am from Maryland. Went "out west" to go to school long ago. Went to Allegany (Community) College. I understand the college grew up and dropped community from it's name.

Moved back to the Balti/Wash area about 10 years ago. Now working in an over active ER. :eek:

NursePru · Aug 30, 2003

I definately feel fortunate that in Maryland, we have so many options to choose from for Nursing programs and hospitals.

Welcome everyone!

EE2NP · Sep 2, 2003

Hello,

I'm also a Marylander. Currently I work for a large aerospace company. My background is Electrical Engineering/Physics and I specialize in the design of radars. I've been an engineering for nearly 30 years. I plan to retire in the next 5 or 6 years and I have a desire to go into nursing, hopefully as a Nurse Practitioner. I have 5 kids and 4 grandkids and I'm happily married.

All of my previous classes were taken many years ago and I feel the need to get up to speed. Therefore, I have started back to school this semester (Fall '03) at Howard CC. I'm only taking one class, since I work full time. It is a prereq called Life Span Development.

When I signed up at HCC, I declared my major as the PLN certificate program, but I expect that as soon as I can get that done, I'll swith over to the PLN to RN program. Eventually, I'd like to get into an RN to BSN program, and follow that with an NP program. UM Baltimore or Hopkins would be my choices.

I'm very fortunate because the company I work for will pay for all the classes I want to take, whether they are job related or not.

I'm not sure how easy or difficult it is to get into HCC's nursing program, but I don't have to worry about that until I get the prereqs out of the way. Do any of you Marylanders have any input about HCC's admissions criteria? (i.e. is it really difficult?)

Looking into the future, I view nursing as a great way to give something back as well as help supplement my retirement income in a profession with extremely high demand. I'm 50% Native American and I'd like to possibly serve in a rural area or maybe in a missionary capacity. Good luck to all. I'm glad there's a Maryland forum.

Walt