Need some advice please...

Nursing Students Online Learning

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Hi everyone!

I got accepted into the EC nursing program. I was really excited until I spoke with a person out of admissions. I was a Hospital Corpsman in the Navy for 4 years and I worked in PACU, APD, Neurosurgery Clinic, and OB/GYN. I have been out of the Navy since February 2005. The lady I spoke with was very nice but she said that I should reconsider this program since I have been out of patient care for 2 years. When I was in the Navy I was offered to challenge the test for LPN but I didn't. I wish I would have.

Anyways...do you think that I should do this program or apply for a traditional program? She really scared me with the CPNE. I was really hoping this program would work for me since my hubby is gone 2 weeks out of every month and I have a 10 month old baby, so I was really looking forward to being able to study and stay home with my son. I haven't drawn blood (which I worked the lab in APD so I don't think I would have problems remembering how to do that), put in a Foley Catheter, or done IV's in over 2 years. Any advice would be much appreciated! I don't want to spend all of that money and fail. Thanks.

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Specializes in LTC, MDS Cordnator, Mental Health.

REsearch... check out "Distance Education" to see if there is a program near you... I live in a town with a community college. but it took every class i could threw distance education for my LPN and MY RN... Explore your options.

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I am actually going to take all of my generals through the community college. They have a nursing program as well and there is another nursing program in my area to. The problem with that is both programs only accept approx. 35 students and receive over 300 applications. We are due to leave here in 2010, so if I do not get accepted into the class that starts in 2008 then I will have to wait until we leave here and get to our next destination...so then I would have to wait another 3 years. Plus, I would like to study at home and be with my son if possible so that is why I was really looking into the EC program. I am just really worried because like I said I have been out of patient care for 2 years. Is there a place that I could freshen up my skills that is associated with EC? Any info and advice would be appreciated so much! Thanks!

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Specializes in LTC, MDS Cordnator, Mental Health.

I think you should check with some board of Nusings Sites... Different states have different requirements... maybe you can challenge the test. I have heard that some states will let you do that. Does any one on this board know???

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I could have challenged the LPN test when I was in the Navy but I can no longer do that since I am not active duty. I think I am just going to go with a traditional nursing school since I have been out of practice for 2 years. Thanks for replying back to me.

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If you got accepted into the program, I think you should go for it. You sound like you have great experience, and it was 2 years and ONE month ago, so that month knocked all that knowledge right out of your head? If you want to do it, I say, full speed ahead! Good luck, although you won't need it, Donna

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I was in a traditional RN program and dropped out due to various reasons. That was 1 1/2 years ago. By the time I take the CPNE I will be out of school 2 years. You will be able to pick your skills right back up after practice, practice, practice. There is a skills bag you can purchase through EC and there are many good fundamental skill nursing books you can purchase with step by step guidance. I am presently a CNA and I am only able to do very limited basic skills, which I will continue to use as an RN. My skills as far as trach suctioning, NG tubes, IV pushes, syringes, IVs, NG tube meds, wound dressings, etc. will always stay with me. A good example is after I left nursing school I was working at a hospital as a PtCA in the ER and was required to do many foleys. My first one, I took a deep breath and remembered everything I was taught in school and the hospital's PtCA class. After each time I inserted a foley, I became a lot more confident in doing this skill. This goes with any skill. Just keep practicing at home and review your texts. When you graduate you will be following an RN for a good while. You will not be put right out there and expected to start an IV. Again, if you want it you can do it. It takes determination, desire, and a lot of discipline. It is doable.

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