dreams2bnurseco

Thanks, everyone, for the positive vibes! I still have about 2-4 weeks until I know if I got into either school, but I did get an interview with one of the programs (the other program doesn't do interviews) - so that was awesome news! Interview is one week from today, so keep those fingers crossed!!

Hi - I am a 25 year old GI patient (and pre-nursing student!) w/ Hirschsprung's Disease, pull-through correction in 1988. I've had little to no issues since the correction, but over the past 3 months my docs (PCP, GI, even cardiologist - I have Tetralogy of Fallot, too) have been trying to figure out why I've been very anemic. I was admitted in May for a transfusion, and this seems to have helped a lot, but my Hgb is still low. I'm on OTC iron, B complex, carafate. An upper scope revealed nothing, and a small bowel capsule endoscopy didn't work - the camera's battery wore out before it reached the end of my SI. Now I'm scheduled for an enteroscopy and ileoscopy in early August. Despite not being able to speak with the GI doc face to face (very frustrating), I did meet with his NP to go over my concerns...but I'm not sure she was much help. They won't be doing the procedure, I'll be going to a larger hospital, so I'll be speaking with those docs that morning for sure. Here's my concerns/questions: 1) I don't have a colon, so is there a risk as a Hirschsprung's patient with the ilesocopy? I mean, simply put, my plumbing is different, and the correction - I'm assuming - is near where the scope would go....am I at a higher risk of injury during the procedure because of these factors? 2) My small intestine - what they did see of it - showed areas of erosion, as did my stomach. They did not see any bleeding, though, so nothing was conclusive as far as being the culprit of my bleeding. Lab tests have ruled out Chron's and thyroid issues (to explain B12 deficiency), so what other hypothesis are there? A broken blood vessel? Could it be an issue with the surgical site made during my pull through? 3) Even though i'm on carafate for the stomach erosions, what should I be doing for the erosions in the small intestine? I know that it's hard or impossible to make a diagnosis without seeing my records, and I know any response to this isn't official medical advice, just looking for some direction.... Thanks!

Anything peds, probably pediatric oncology, and then eventually Forensic/SANE/Legal Consultant Nursing.

I also got the interview email! I think Rmed has some great tips. I am curious - when did you apply to CU? Only asking because I applied at the same time as Regis but haven't heard anything yet - I assumed 6-8 weeks for an answer? Good luck to you both!

After years of mental back-and-forth, two unrelated (and frustratingly useless) degrees, and a semester of pre-reqs, I have FINALLY applied to nursing school! Two different programs in Colorado, both accelerated BSN's....one program is much cheaper than the other, but it's also farther from home & 6 months longer, so if I get accepted to both I'll have a lot of pro/con weighing to do!! Keeping my fingers crossed for myself, and for all of you out there who are in a similar boat!! Good luck!!

Also - check out publications by Virginia Lynch...she's pretty much the pioneer of this field. This is a great book: http://www.amazon.com/Forensic-Nursing-Virginia-Lynch-FAAFS/dp/0323028268

I have a Masters in Forensic Science, and after having a terrible time trying to break into the industry (despite several years of unpaid internship experience), I'm now going on for my BSN. I'm considering becoming a Legal Nurse Consultant, which is also a certification, but requires 5+ years of standard nursing experience. While nursing is a great way to break into the forensic field, medico-legal nursing paths require several years of nursing experience to even qualify for those extra initials/titles. Unless you want to go on for a degree in forensic science, the SANE cert is a great path & could open many doors, just be aware that it takes time as a previous poster alluded to (requires certain # of rape kit completions, etc.). It's not just so easy to become an RN, get another cert, and be good to go.

The above response is exactly the pro/con list I sorted through when making my decision -- I, too, have a masters degree, and being a newlywed, I really thought the "saving money" route was the way to go. But after realizing that I didn't have 2 years to waste sitting on a waiting list (especially because I was recently laid off), I decided the best choice was to apply to an accelerated BSN program -- many of the bigger hospitals are only hiring BSNs, at least that is the case here in Denver, and I figure the sooner I can get into school = the sooner I can get done with school = the faster I can get a job = the faster I can pay off that slightly more expensive tuition.

Jen - I truly hope a school wouldn't hold your valuable experience against you, or anyone for that matter. I'll be applying to two accelerated BSN programs this summer, and I have a bachelors + a masters. I am currently unemployed (laid off September 2009), but I've been told by many (non-nurses) that I'm "over educated" -- however, given that many hospitals are hiring only students with at the very least a BSN, you have a leg up already and I think you'll do great - that experience will translate into a more experienced student, and ultimately, a more experienced nurse. Any school or hospital that doesn't want that is just crazy!!!

Thanks, everyone! And good luck, mzchas!

Just a side note - check to make sure the nursing programs you'll be applying to don't require a lab component...many schools won't accept online A&P classes. Something to keep in mind. Good luck!

I've been a member on this site for years, and have posted the same message again and again, "I think I'm going to apply to nursing school..."...but never actually did it. Life got in the way I suppose - moved several times, got married, and other educational and career opportunities were put in front of me and I got sidetracked. But after being laid of in September, I finally made the decision to suck it up and go back to school to FINALLY get my pre-reqs done, and I've *officially* started my application for an accelerated BSN program!!! The deadline isn't until June 2010, with classes starting January 2011, but I'm SO excited! Looking forward to actually sticking with this website and interacting with you all as I begin this long and crazy journey...

Hi There - I recommend Westminster or Broomfield - I have lived in both. Those are safe areas pretty close to Regis. (I'm considering attending Regis within the next year or two for nursing and the commute was certainly a nice bonus!) I think Thornton is a bit too far north east....but don't quote me on that. (You'd think since I'm a colorado native and have lived North of Denver for over a year now I'd know city boundaries, but no....) Living north is much cheaper than living directly in Denver, too. I used to live right on 120th close to I-25, and that area is pretty nice, they've redone most of it in the past few years. If you want you can give me a few names of apartments you're looking at and I can hopefully give you a better more accurate view of the neighborhood.

Hi Peeker19 - Thanks for the reply. I'm glad you're enjoying the program, I must say that I'm pretty jealous! ;-) It's a bummer for me that it's a full time program, looks like I might end up having to shell out $40,000 for Regis if it means being able to keep my job. I'm also not in a position to wait 5 years. Bummer for me, but again, I'm really glad it's working out for you! Best of luck!

Is anyone familiar with the Front Range Community College ADN program at the Westminster campus? I am going to be starting my nursing pre-reqs in January and am debating between going for my BSN or my ADN. I already have a BA and an MS, so I'm leaning toward the thought that rushing for another BS is not a priority. And quite frankly, FRCC doesn't hurt the bank account as much. Anyway, if you're familiar with FRCC's program, can you help me with the following?: 1) Are classes set up to cater to students who work full time? That is, can I complete the program at night and on weekends? 2) Does FRCC Westminster have a waitlist based on first come first serve, or is it competitive? 3) What are your thoughts on getting an ADN vs a BSN right away, especially in light of the fact that I already have two degrees? My back up plan is Regis' BSN program that allows you to work full time & complete the program. Ideal, of course, but way more expensive. Thank you in advance!