can't wait!

1. Hey guys! This is my first time coming to all nurses. I read some of the posts and decided to join the "ban wagon".....Can ya tell I'm from the South? Anyways, since I am posting my first one, I want ya'll to help me out a little. I will be starting nursing school in August '03, and, as the thread title states, I can't wait!!! My questions to ya'll are:
   1.) What can I expect? I know its not all going to be easy, and of course, I am not saying that. I have no idea what to expect, but I am soooo antsy about it.....I am SO excited.
   2.) Can some of you tell me what kind (what field) of nursing you are in to? I am pretty sure that I want to go in to L&D or NeoNatal Nursing. Anywho, ya'll shout back to me on that one.
   3.) One last thing, I know that there is a HUGE Nursing shortage. If this is not too personal, what kind of money do ya'll make, and where (what state) do you live in?
   Anyways, I hope I haven't scared ya'll already Just kinda "breaking the ice" so to speak. Ya'll get back to me, ya hear?
   
   Pookie
2. 

   About FutureRN~Pookie

   Joined: Dec '02; Posts: 1,778; Likes: 20
   Student

   10 Comments

   Comment
3. 
   Dec 29, '02

   Occupation: CCU RN Specialty: 2 year(s) of experience in Float Pool, ICU/CCU, Med/Surg, Onc, Tele ; Joined: Nov '02; Posts: 516; Likes: 15

   Welcome, Pookie. Most of those questions can be answered by just surfing the different forums on this site. Try not to get too addicted.
   
   I can't give specifics yet as I CAN'T WAIT either, but I only have to wait 15 more days. Have you done your pre-reqs already, or are you starting at ground zero? What kind of program are you in? Will you be getting your ADN or BSN or what? Do you have prior medical experience?
   
   You'll soon find out the nursing shortage may not be as big as the general public thinks. It's more of an "acceptable employment" shortage. There are lots of nurses out there, but frequently they choose NOT to work at places based on the way the facility treats its nurses with regard to hours, wages, benefits, and attitudes.
   
   I'm not declaring formal intentions of where I want to end up, until I get some experience in different fields. I'm just so excited at the sheer variety of options available. Good luck to you.
4. 
   Dec 29, '02

   Occupation: Student Joined: Dec '02; Posts: 1,778; Likes: 20

   Hey Weasel! How are you? Thanks for getting back to me so soon. I think I may have confused my last post. I am a senior in H.S. I will graduate in May and then be at Nursing School in August. I am really excited. Thanks again for getting back to me so quickly.
   
   Pookie
5. 
   Dec 29, '02

   Occupation: new Med-Surg RN Joined: Sep '02; Posts: 957; Likes: 5

   Welcome! What type of nursing school are you going to? University, community college, hospital based? I think you will find nursing school to be a whole different world than what you are used to.
6. 
   Dec 29, '02

   Occupation: ED RN Joined: Sep '02; Posts: 2,475; Likes: 25

   Hi Pookie! I haven't started school yet either, but I will in either June or August of next year (2003). I want to either to ED, ICU, Peds, or Oncology. Haha, after clinicals I'll probably find out I want to do something totally different, but I can't wait to find out!
   
   There are a number of old threads about salaries and where people live. You may want to do a search on this site.
   
   
7. 
   Dec 29, '02

   Occupation: RN Joined: Jan '02; Posts: 1,732; Likes: 1

   I am interested in many different areas of nursing,so I haven't really decided yet. I just take it day by day. I am sure the answer to your many question are on this bb somewhere. The money can range from very little to a great deal depending on where you work. I think your best bet is to ask around your area. What you can expect is better left to the nurses who are seasoned professionals. Good Luck to you!
8. 
   Dec 30, '02

   Occupation: Student Joined: Dec '02; Posts: 1,778; Likes: 20

   Hey guys! Thanks for responding so quickly! Memphis Panda, I am giong to the University for Women in Columbus, MS. I'm sure that anyone who is around/ from this area knows about this school, as it is one of the best around. Anyways, I just can't wait!! (I know, I know, I keep saying that ) If anyone is interested, here are the classes I have to take at the "W":
   FRESHMAN YR: Fresh. Seminar and Comp; Gen. Chem. w/ lab; His. of Civilization (ugh); Gen. Psychology; College. Alg; Microbiology w/ lab; and 2 electives.
   SOPHOMORE: Anatomyw/ lab; Oral Comm.; Literature; Physiology w/ lab; Nutrition; Fine Arts; and 3 electives.
   JUNIOR: NU 300, 301, 320, 325, 328, 329, 330, 350, 359.
   SENIOR: NU 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 449, 451.
   
   OK, so, do any of these classes sound familiar? (LOL) I am really excited, but extremely nervous. My thoughts lately have revolved around, "Am I smart enough to do this?" "Will I make it through it all?", etc. etc.
   
   Also, another question I have is how many of you have your R.N. license from a 2 year school? As you can tell from the above things I've typed, this is a 4 year school. Is there a difference between the 2? Or is one a better choice than the other?
   
   I am sure you all think I am crazy. But I have always been the type to take things head on, and I am ready. ANYTHING that you all can think of to help me is GREATLY appreciated!!! I am going to stay in touch with this BB as I make the journey from H.S. to Nursing School.
   
   I already appreciate all of you who have bothered to help a "weakling" like me. Thanks again!!
   
   Pookie
9. 
   Dec 30, '02

   Occupation: CCU RN Specialty: 2 year(s) of experience in Float Pool, ICU/CCU, Med/Surg, Onc, Tele ; Joined: Nov '02; Posts: 516; Likes: 15

   I can see that you shouldn't have any problem. You're charged up and rarin' to go. *GRIN*
   
   Sounds to me like you're in a good program, so quit frettin' about all the other options available or you'll drive yourself crazy. Don't be nervous, sweetie. You'll do fine. You'll love it, and everyone there will love YOU, I can already tell.
10. 
    Dec 30, '02

    Occupation: Student Joined: Dec '02; Posts: 1,778; Likes: 20

    Thanks Weasel! You are such a sweetheart!! I want to thank everyone for their support. Ya'll can really make someone feel welcome around here!
    
    Pookie
11. 
    Dec 30, '02

    Joined: May '02; Posts: 910

    welcome aboard, pookie!
    ms is a great place, i have family in pascagoula.
    i am halfway through my prereqs and will start the actual nursing program in sept '03 and i can't wait either.
    i am among the "mature" (a.ka. older) students and loving each class so far (minus a pain in the rump english prof).
    i want to eventually work in pediatric oncology.
    
    best of luck to you.
    you'll gain a lot of insight from this board, a lot of wise nurses here with great advice.
12. 
    Dec 31, '02

    Joined: Dec '02; Posts: 57

    I graduated one year ago from a BSN (four year) program. I started working in a Surgical ICU right out of school and got hired on at $15.60 or so per hour plus differential- which is something like 15% nights and 25% for weekends. I know this is not at the higher end of the pay scale but I chose this job also for the experience I would get that would prepare me for future schooling. Pay is also higher in bigger cities and at larger hospitals.
    Also, there usually isn't as much demand in labor and delivery and neonatal because those are popular areas for nurses. I would suggest halfway through your clinicals to try getting a part time job as a "nurse tech" or student nurse in the area you want to work after graduation. Then, you will already have more experience than any other new grads applying for the same job. I did this in my unit and it has worked out great.
    I hope this told you a little about what you wanted to know...

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