Co-workers think I'm crazy for doing this

Sheri257 · Jan 7, 2004

Originally posted by ImaEMT
Even if I graduate from this program, will I get any respect as a nurse? I don't want to work my tail off for this degree and than have trouble being recognized as a "real" RN, or trouble getting a job. Has anyone run into this?

Lisa:confused:

If your hospital doesn't like the program, that is something you should be concerned about. We had a similar problem with Excelsior in Califorina and they no longer operate in the state.

Call your Board of Nursing and call other hospitals and see what they say about it. If they have the same problems, then I wouldn't do it.

kimlpn · Jan 7, 2004

It won't hurt to call your local hospital and see if they will allow you to do those clinicals. Have you talked to deaconess about your concerns? They may be able to give you some input as to how their grads are doing after boards. Gather all your facts so you can make a well balanced informed decision.

Kim

Sheri257 · Jan 7, 2004

I would be a little careful and not rely too much on the school though. They may have a bias since they are, obviously, selling tuition and wouldn't want to lose that money.

I still think the BON and the hospitals are the best references for any program. Just my opinion.

kimlpn · Jan 7, 2004

I do agree with checking with the BON, etc...but I never said to soley rely on one or two sources--hence you would not be making a well rounded decision...use all resources, including the school (their pass rate, job employment rate, etc.)

Kim

Coldfoot · Jan 7, 2004

Yah, what everybody else said but........

Forget about you co-workers opinions! You want to be a nurse, go for. You didn't say where you're working but if I may make a few gross generalizations about people that tell others not to persue a dream or push for higher education. I'm assuming you are working in a position at the bottom of the medical food chain (i.e. EMT, CNA, Unit Secritary) Oh, and don't get me wrong, these are very important jobs, and I've done most of them. I just think people that have a lot of motivation don't make them into career's

1. If they are people doing the same meanial job you are but have been at it for YEEEEEEEARS, they usually don't understand why you would put forth the efforth and "Why can't you just be happy with your station in life?"

2. If they are nurses, as has been said many times on these boards, their are SOME:rolleyes: nurses out there that are threatened by more people entering the field and if you don't get an education the way they did (walking barefoot in the snow uphill both ways ...) then you can't know what you are doing.

3. If you are very good at you job, sometimes people just don't want you to move on for any reason.

Pursue you dream. Of course do the research but drive on and don't let the nay-sayers discourage you!!!!:)

The $0.02 of someone whose co-workes can't understand why it takes 2-4 years to "wipe butts". :rolleyes: Boy I work with some cromagnin types!

(Sorry about my speli..sppelling...sp..the way my letters is.)

kimlpn · Jan 7, 2004

Great post coldfoot!!! Great advice:)

Kim

mona b RN, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2004

(walking barefoot in the snow uphill both ways ...)

Love that saying, and it sure does seem to ring true.

First, you need to relax, if your all wound up and nervous over your decision to pursue your nursing degree, then that is what they are picking up on.

Don't ever forget that some people cannot think outside the box.

Call the local hospitals if you want, but I don't know that you will find much acceptance. It's almost like you have to force people into it by just going for it.

I think I would call your BON and also call DCN and ask about how their graduates are making out. Also, ask DCN if they could provide you with either a phone number or email of former students.

I know there are some DCN students on this board, hopefully they will jump in and lend some support.Why is this program bothering people? There are plenty of clinical hours in the program so it must not be an issue of clinicals.It is a fully accredited program and I don't understand why you are getting the reaction you are getting from your coworkers.

Why on earth wouldn't you get respect as a nurse? You gotta earn respect before you can get it don't you? I don't think the school you graduate from is any indication of the amount of respect you are going to get. No, I think that will come as you go along.

Check out all resources and make your decision on how you feel about it. Don't let anybody keep you from getting what you want.

Good Luck:)

mona

ImaEMT · Jan 7, 2004

I did have a chance to speak with the DON here at the hospital and she said they have sponsored DCN students here before! Clinicals shouldn't be a problem, she thought, unless requirements have changed since the last DCN student was here. That made me feel alot better!

I think that some of the negativity is coming because people don't understand how you can get a "real" degree via distance. I obtained my childbirth educator certification via distance, so I know how it works and I liked the pace of it.

I also know that a lot of the girls here would like to do the RN as well, but either can't, or won't right now. As a group of CMA's that have worked so hard for practice rights and recognition as a profession, I think maybe some of them feel like I'm leaving or trying to "be better" than them. I don't know. And, some of the feel like DCN is a generic version of the local nursing schools.

I'm going to pursue it. Now that I know I can do clinicals here, and that I can be licensed in WI, there is no reason NOT to do it.

We'll give it a try! Thanks for the support. Hope to hear from DCN in the next few weeks with a final approval.

Lisa

kimlpn · Jan 7, 2004

Good for you!!! I am glad that your local hospital will assist in your training! Good luck!

Kim

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Jan 11, 2004

Congrats on your pursuits! It's a great way to get your education, no matter what others who aren't supportive say. They might change their minds and follow in your footsteps after they see how well you're doing, and how much you're learning- that's what happened with me. Once they see you applying your newfound knowlege at work, maybe they'll leave you alone.

Also, it's a good idea to have a couple (supportive) resource RNs on the floor that you can ask questions of if you feel stumped on applying certain nursing processes to real patients. That might help to transition your clinical thinking process from one of an EMT to one of an RN. I'm an LPN right now (with 2 courses left to go), so I know all about that transition process, and it would have been more difficult for me if I didn't have a couple of really great RNs backing me up. :)

poe me · Jan 18, 2004

This is not to discourage you from pursuing your goal to become a nurse, but if you are thinking about going to Deaconess I strongly suggest that you don't. Nursing is not something that you can learn on the computer. Please read my posts regarding Deaconess I used to be a student in the web-based program for one semester. This is not a good way to go to be a competant nurse. My advice to you is to keep trying and eventually you will get into a good nursing program.

Good luck!