Welcome nurses from Massachusetts!

U.S.A. Massachusetts

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Although I live in New York, I commute just 30 miles to work in one of the smallest hospitals in Massachusetts as an ICU/CCU nurse. It's small. . . it's really, really, really small! Why just the other day there were four patients in the entire hospital!

And there was one day when there was only one patient! :eek:

I love working here. Don't know how long the hospital will be able to keep its doors opens. But will stay there until I get the "pink slip".

I also love Massachusetts! (Well, and New York, too!) I lived in Boston for 5 wonderful years where I attended Berklee College of Music. . . . oh so long ago. . . . over 20 years ago . . . . :eek: But it was a wonderful time for me. I love your mountains and your ocean seashores, and, of course, your people! :)

Just want to say a warm hello to you all from one nurse who works in Massachusetts to another. :)

Ted

Specializes in community health, LTC, SNF, Tele-Health.

Just saying hello to my fellow MA nurses! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Wishing everyone health and happiness in the New Year!

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To current nursing professionals willing to provide advice and share your thoughts...

I have been accepted to a few MA nursing programs and would be grateful for any info (and I mean any) to help me to decide where to commit my time and energy. Nursing will be a second career and expansion of my first in the health and exercise sciences.

Please consider questions and info below...

If you hire or work with new nurses are there schools and programs -RN, BSN, second bachelors accelarated BSN, accelerated RN/MS that you feel prepares higher quality nurses than another from those that I have mentioned below? Its such a hard choice and I am grateful to have it to make. The schools I need to choose between are numbered below.....

ANY FEEDBACK, THOUGHTS, INSIGHTS, 2nd HAND INFO,

+,_ EXPERIENCES ARE APPRECIATED

1. Regis College's second bachelors BSN to MSN program starting Fall 08. I can sit for the NCLEX in 16 months and complete the second BSN in the following months. I can leave with a BSN or continue on to the MSN program fulltime or part-time without re-applying or taking GRE's since I have a masters degree. I can work part-time while in BSN program at Regis- and their courses are 100$ less a credit than MGH or Simmons. The commute is a 30 minute drive with free parking.

2. I also got into Simmons 18 month second bach BSN nursing program which starts summer 08. The College, faculty and resources are great- Though they do not approve of working while in their 18 month BSN program. I would need to reapply to be accepted to their MSN program and re-study and retake GREs even though I have a masters already.

Commuting is more of a challenge. Driving is too costly (10-20$ a dayto park). The train commute is 250-300$ a month with station parking and it can take an hour or more to commute each way to sit thru a MWF 50 minute class.

3. I also got accepted at Quincy college for an AD RN to begin fall 08- It is the least money, but is still two years to complete- I'm not sure if an AD RN plus my first BS, M.Ed.and all the new completed science prereqs (24 sci credits including org chem and stats) are seen in as favorable a light as an RN with a BSN awarded by a nursing school.

4. I'm on a waiting list at MGH for fall 08 for their new second bach 14 month BSN

- but think its unlikely to get a seat.

5. Still waiting to hear from UMass Boston BSN / UMass Worcester RN/MSN program (no BSN)

Forgive me if this sounds picky or confusing- This is an important decision personally and financially and I need any advice you've got. Please help if you can!!!!!!!

Warm Regards,

Late Bloomer 51

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Specializes in pedi, pedi psych,dd, school ,home health.

I really cant compare the jobs that you would be offered when you finish school, but from what you posted i would think that the Regis option would give you the most flexibility. good luck!!

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Hi Late Bloomer:

While I'm not someone who hires nurses, I am a career changer, a bit older than you, who's spent the better part of the last year mulling over the questions you raised. I too have a Bachelor's, and an M.Ed.

I've been told numerous times by numerous people in the field that I need a BSN to have the kind of career flexibility and leverage I'm going to want and need. I'm guessing you'll want to maximize your options upon graduation as well. I don't imagine going back to school again after this go around..thus my first choice is the BSN program at UMass, although I am applying to one AD program as well.

You don't mention cost of tuition as a major obstacle, but those MSN programs (and even the BSN at MGH) are extremely pricey. I'm reluctant to take out extensive student loans in my 50's, as that would mitigate whatever economic advantage I'd realize in this new field.

Good luck!

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We live very close to PI and go frequently.

I actually work in Middleton, this setting gives an LPN lots of autonomy. I have learned tons there. Much different than the geri and geri-psych I had been doing for the previous 8 years, Corrections is not for the faint of heart. You must have a strong backbone to avoid being taken advantage of.

SSC's LPN to BSN is working well for me. I started in 99, taking 1 class per semester and started going full time last semester because the program requires it when you get to the clinical portions. I also had a few credits from my first time at college in the late eighties. I can PM you more thoughts on the program if you liike.

Let's just say my GPA will get me into the nursing honor society next semester, but wasn't good enough for junior year admission!

hi I live in middleton also, How do you like your job? I am searching for a new rn position, ive done vna and OR.

New nurse as of 2006, Trying to find the right fit for me, any suggestions.

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Hi Late Bloomer:

While I'm not someone who hires nurses, I am a career changer, a bit older than you, who's spent the better part of the last year mulling over the questions you raised. I too have a Bachelor's, and an M.Ed.

I've been told numerous times by numerous people in the field that I need a BSN to have the kind of career flexibility and leverage I'm going to want and need. I'm guessing you'll want to maximize your options upon graduation as well. I don't imagine going back to school again after this go around..thus my first choice is the BSN program at UMass, although I am applying to one AD program as well.

You don't mention cost of tuition as a major obstacle, but those MSN programs (and even the BSN at MGH) are extremely pricey. I'm reluctant to take out extensive student loans in my 50's, as that would mitigate whatever economic advantage I'd realize in this new field.

Good luck!

Thanks for the comments! I got a call to interview Thursday at UMass Boston for their new accelerated BSN. I'd love to get in, but they are only taking 25 students for their first summer launch. If I do not get in to UMass, -then Regis is the one I'll Choose- They told me I'd be able to still work part-time (the other BSN programs told me they were much too rigorous to work while in their programs). I gotta eat:)

regards,

Latebloomer51

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Hi Late Bloomer!

How did your UMASS interview go? When will you find out if you're accepted?

I'm actually going the "regular" BSN route..at UMASS if I'm accepted...there are 960 apps for 160 places this fall !! I'm supposed to hear soon.

Because I already have a BA and M.Ed., I'll "only" have to do 2.5 or possibly 3 years..but for me, the "slower" pacing/the fact that I can work while in school are essential.

Let me know what happens and Good Luck.

Erica

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Specializes in long term care Alzheimers Patients.

Hi

Im am a LPN graduated last August from Holden Health in Nashua,Passed my boards in Sept. I work at a LTC full time 11-7 and a CAB rehab part time. I've lived in the Newburyport area my entire life. I was older when I went back to school, but have been in the medical field for 30yrs.

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Hi all,

Still cracking away at NCLEX...... :)

Glad to see fellow nurses from the area.

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hi how are you? Good luck with the nclex, its really not that bad. I felt the questions on our tests in school were harder then the nclex. Just remember when not sure what to do first, when a question asks, always apply the nursing process to it, or mavlows heircachy. Any job prospects? The first job if very hard to get. But you really do need the year of med surg they u can go anywhere. Im working at an acute rehab, all my patients are on vents and have gtubes etc. My name is pam by the way i live in middleton. If i can answer any questions for ya let me know.

Pam:nurse:

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