Concerns and fears

[misslo]

Hello all, this is my first time posting here, though I have been reading through the archives and such for about a week. Love what you do!

With that said, I have some concerns and fears. I am 37 years old and will be going through the nursing program at my local community college. I am scheduled to take the NET one month from tomorrow (Oct. 4th). How difficult is it? Is it something I should really sweat over? (yea, I am that new!)

Also, another fear is that with me NOT being a spring chicken, when all is said and done, is it going to be extremely competetive with the younger nursing program grads? Do most hospitals prefer the younger generation? I am terrified to hear "sorry, you are just too old".

When I first started going to college (last year) I was really hoping to become a medical examiner. I am not a morbid person, however, I am fascinated with the sciences of the human body. I spoke with our local ME and he just sort of blew me off when I was questioning him and he said that I would be lucky to find a medical school to accept me at my age. OUCH...big blow! So after much thought and consideration (and nudging from my hubby) I decided to go with nursing. I love babies, though I do NOT want anymore of my own! NICU really seems to be my primary interest in nursing, as I am a very nurturing person.

Sorry, I know, I am all over the place here! lol! What are your thoughts? Will I be put to the back of the line because I am an energenic 37+ yo rather than an energenic 20 year old?

Thanks,

Miss Lo

[Jerico, BSN, RN]

Thank you for that information. I am wondering, if I start out in the peds ward, is it going to be more difficult to get into the NICU? I thought I had read somewhere that it is much easier to get into the NICU if you start there versus transfer.

I am so excited and ready for a nursing career. I haven't even went through the program yet, but really truley do believe that this is my calling.

I read through the posts hoping to gain knowledge that will help me when I do start my program! I have ALWAYS tried to find a way to stay ahead of the game! LOL

Miss Lo

If your goal is NICU, I'd find a good NICU internship.

These days a few NICUs are offering 3-5 month internships which ONLY GNs can get. You are paid RN I / GN pay (usually $20/hr); you MAY incur 5K to 10K obligation (which declines as you increase your work time); and when you "graduate" from their NICU program you become an RNII.

There are so many PICU positions I would be a bit wary that I'd get STUCK in Peds. There are ALSO PICU, CCU, ICU internship.

I personally don't want anything that weighs more than five pounds;)

[hikernurse]

ldh, I'm so sorry you have had such a bad experience. I don't understand why some units are so tough on new-comers.

Our unit is quite big and my experience as a GN is that I have been welcomed and assisted whenever I have asked--and many times I haven't. The philosophy is that they would rather have nurses asking for help than doing something that might not be safe. We have both GN and experienced nurses and the GN are given a more extensive orientation and preceptorship. The unit has a pretty well spelled-out education program and we are given babies that are within our ability to care for. That might be harder in a smaller unit, though.

Misslo, why don't you do a bit of research into NICUs in your area; I know some hospitals are not as welcoming as others. Maybe ask how GN are treated and share your concerns. If NICU is really where you want to be, it seems kind of silly to start somewhere else--just make sure there is enough orientation where you want to end up. That makes all the difference.