I'm a single dad with two kids, and run a small remodeling business. I co-parent so relocating to a different city wouldn't really be an option for me. I'm just extremely burnt out on running a business, and construction in general. I have always had an interest in nursing (Particularly ER and pediatrics) and science. I'm also wondering how difficult it is for a 36 year old with no medical background to get into one of the programs. I've heard it runs on a point system here, but I've also heard they want more men in the field.

Really appreciate any help. Just trying to see what the reality is on the ground before I go spending a bunch of money on a degree. If this is a terrible idea, I'd also be curious about other careers in the medical field that can support a family without a decade of schooling.

I'd like to say I'm pretty friendly but I am definitely more on quieter side. I also tend to stay pretty focused on my work. I also think I am pretty hard on myself as I feel like I have a lot to prove coming as a new hire. It also doesn't help that every time I'm in the break room, the other staff nurses seem to talk crap about the new nurses and new grads.

Has anyone felt like this before? What was your experience dealing with a similar situation?

Looking for honest pros/cons regarding:

• Stress level

• Work-life balance

• Pay/growth potential

• Remote opportunities

• Overall job satisfaction

Once you pass RN boards do I have to attend another school if my school loses accreditation? I passed New York RN test. My school was accredited now they are under investigation.

Failed out of RN program twice, what should be my next path?

I am an LPN of almost 3 years, and I got into RN school almost immediately after started working in my nursing home. I failed second semester of RN school, then passed it, and then failed the final semester. I had such a tough time with some topics, even though I went to tutoring every week, and studied in groups.

I am trying to accept this, and possibly work for awhile in outpatient doctor's office before going back for the RN again.

I just have this preconceived notion that I can't "stop" at my LPN. I know it's not true, but a lot of people look down upon LPNs and that I need to get my RN as fast as possible.

Do you think more experience in outpatient and the nursing home would help me? I would appreciate some words of wisdom. Can I even apply for another job? Any job?

I'm nervous to bring this up because I left once before, and I don't want my manager to see this as a pattern or think I'm unreliable. Transfers usually require a year, but exceptions might be possible.

How can I approach this conversation so I'm honest about burnout, express interest in shadowing, and leave the door open for a transfer — without hurting my relationship with my manager?

I finished my nursing program and clinical from accredited school but couldn't pass their exit exam. I transferred all credit to Carleen. They have a 80% completed nursing program. The school only requires us to take NCLEX course since we already finished our nursing program from previous school.

I thought the school was approved by the state that's why I see everyone who attend the program approved to sit for board exam. Now, the school is under review. I don't know what will happened since I didn't take any classes or clinical from the school beside the NCLEX review they required. I passed my state board got license in 2021. I don't want to be called a fraud because I am not. In fact I am a victim. I am scared and don't know what to do. please advise

The nurses are not responsible for any decision making regarding authorizations. They receive the auth requests and gather documentation to provide to the physician for review and decision. The nurse communicates the decision with hospital staff via email or phone call and sends determination letters to the provider and member. 

The members support and education is provided by non clinical staff that report to a nurse with the work ultimately being under the direction of the physicians on staff. The nurses may need to answer a call if non-clinical staff is out or call members to answer process questions. 

Some of the nurses have a compact license and others are only licensed in the state in which they reside. 

Can the nurses perform these duties for membership across the country if they are not licensed in the state in which the members resides? Is it correct that this is dependent on each state's nurse practice act and how they define nursing practice? 

The employer is stating this is not an issue because everything falls under the physicians license. 

In need of resources to prove if this is something putting the nurses license at risk. 

I've been researching different nursing pathways — especially CNA → LPN → ADN — but it's really difficult to figure out what's realistic financially and logistically in my situation.

Here's my dilemma:

I need to support myself fully (pay rent, food, etc.), so I can't study full-time unless I have a stable way to cover my living expenses.

I could take a break for 1–2 years to work, save money, and then go straight into ADN with prerequisites.

Or I could try to start with CNA or LPN while working part-time, then bridge to ADN later.

But I'm unsure what's more realistic.
I don't want to spend 5+ years just figuring it all out or constantly restarting.

So I'm reaching out to anyone here who has been in a similar situation or knows the real details of LPN and ADN programs in Illinois:

How much do LPN programs actually cost (realistically, including books, uniforms, fees)?

Can I realistically work and do LPN at the same time?

Are there any schools that offer flexible or night programs?

Is it really faster to do CNA → LPN → ADN than just waiting and doing ADN directly?

Any tips or resources for asylum seekers or undocumented students pursuing nursing?

I'd deeply appreciate any advice. I feel a bit lost, and I want to make a wise, sustainable choice.

Thank you so much ?

I have worked in the same nursing home for eight years. I used to be full time, and was even the unit manager for a little while. 

When I had my son, I went per diem because my husband and I decided I would only work on his days off. That way, we wouldn't have to put him in daycare so young. 

The nursing home is falling apart. There are several shifts a week where I come in to the narcotic keys sitting on the desk somewhere because there was no nurse at all the shift before me. I can't even count on my hand how many times there hasn't been a nurse for entire shifts these last few months. 

There have always been roaches, mice, and rats in this building. As well as mold and it is extremely dirty. State does know about these things. I have reported it myself. 

I have tried to leave the last couple of years but I can't seem to find any place that accommodates this schedule, however, the staffing issue is really bothering me. I have a bad feeling and I want to listen to my gut. 

My son starts preschool in three months and I can leave then. Should I wait that long or should I keep trying to find another job now? I have a feeling that something bad is going to happen when I'm in the building and another unit doesn't have a nurse. I cannot take responsibility for 120 patients. There have been times where I was bullied into "holding" the keys for another unit. When I would refuse, management would tell me I'm just holding the keys and it doesn't mean those patients are my responsibility. I still don't know the truth in this, but I don't want to take my chances.

Thank you.

Despite being the one assaulted, I feel a sense of wrongdoing. The CNA had displayed unhealthy behaviors, including ignoring requests, sleeping, not answering call lights, and refusing to acknowledge me. I consistently tried to respond positively, but the CNA's behavior worsened. I was on the verge of approaching the DON about the situation when the assault occurred.

Lately, my relationship with the DON hasn't been ideal, particularly due to a denied vacation request. I had been told during hiring that I could have those specific weeks off. I'm struggling to understand why I feel guilty, as if I did something wrong.

I will be on vacation for another weekend and won't be able to track the progress of this situation. I'm looking for opinions on this matter.

Anyway, one of the two-part questions is:  Have you practiced nursing by using your nursing knowledge, skills and abilities within the past four (4) years?  Indicate the month and year that you last practiced as a Registered Nurse.  The first part I feel I could probably answer yes and technically be truthful.  I access my own port for monthly for IV infusions.  I do weekly biologic injections.  I set up my dad's medications (plus mine & my husband's).  I take my dad to his appointments and advocate for his care.  I also advocate for my own care.  And many other examples using my nursing knowledge, skills and abilities.  

However, I am not compensated for any of it and I am not signing RN behind my name for it so it seems almost disingenuous to claim I've "practiced" nursing in the last 4 years and to answer yes.  Texas does not have a minimum number of hours you must practice to keep you license current, just a requirement of CEUs.  I don't recall this question being asked the last time I renewed my license 2 years ago.  Any advice?