Quick question......How hard?...

msdobson · May 12, 2007

BTW, my divorce was final on Monday.

Um...congratulations?

BigB · May 12, 2007

I'll be starting on July 5th. Got orientation on June 4th. I have never been so excited about anything (other than the birth of my children), but I am sooo nervous about the unknown :uhoh21:
For those of you who've been in the program, was it harder than expected? What kind of advice can you give me in regards to staying organized, motivated and handling family along with clincals? :trout:
I'm looking forward to the challenges, but I am one of those "forty something" students, so I keep questionning myself on whether I can handle all this or not. :lol2:

I didn't sleep at all the night before my first theory class and the night before the first clinical class. Clinical was far more stressful of course. The first day of class the dean came in and said "I want you to look around this class." We looked around at the other 30 students. She then said, " About five of you won't be graduating....good luck." The average drop out rate was five people every year and sure enough 4 people failed out of the program that year.

Quick note about divorce... 3 women ended up divorcing their husbands by the time the program finished. It is very stressful and the competition is great.

BigB · May 14, 2007

msdodson... are you set on going to WCC?

msdobson · May 14, 2007

msdodson... are you set on going to WCC?

No, I think I will go with Unitek. They seem to have the more attractive package. Shorter overall time, more inexpensive program, etc.

Mike

nursemelani · May 15, 2007

For some reason, nursing attracts a lot of us "older" students, so I am sure you will have company. For me the clinicals were harder than the classroom part, but that is different for everyone.

msdobson · May 15, 2007

For some reason, nursing attracts a lot of us "older" students, so I am sure you will have company. For me the clinicals were harder than the classroom part, but that is different for everyone.

I hve a sinking feeling that it will be the exact opposite for me, Melani! I haven't seen the inside of a classroom in 20-some-odd years, whereas I have been a practicing EMT for some time. I also have extensive experience as both an Nurse's Assistant (old school) and a Certified Nurse's Assistant (I was one of the first through the new program.)

I still remember the excruciating feeling of sitting in a school desk for several hours at a stretch. :madface:

Mike

nursemelani · May 15, 2007

I hve a sinking feeling that it will be the exact opposite for me, Melani! I haven't seen the inside of a classroom in 20-some-odd years, whereas I have been a practicing EMT for some time. I also have extensive experience as both an Nurse's Assistant (old school) and a Certified Nurse's Assistant (I was one of the first through the new program.)
I still remember the excruciating feeling of sitting in a school desk for several hours at a stretch.
Mike

You are probably right Mike. You have already gotten over your fear of causing someone discomfort, seeing naked people of all ages, etc. You have nothing to fear but books and tests. By the way, I think EMTs are some of the most under-paid people on the planet. I took an EMT course at San Jose City about 15 years ago, but never worked as an EMT because of the pay, and because of the sexism at the time. I only had one interview, and the guy discouraged me from taking the job since it was such dirty work. Oh well, I made more money waiting tables until I got my LVN. Now I'm trying to find an LVN to RN program that will let me go at my own pace while working and being a Mom.

msdobson · May 15, 2007

You are probably right Mike. You have already gotten over your fear of causing someone discomfort, seeing naked people of all ages, etc. You have nothing to fear but books and tests. By the way, I think EMTs are some of the most under-paid people on the planet. I took an EMT course at San Jose City about 15 years ago, but never worked as an EMT because of the pay, and because of the sexism at the time. I only had one interview, and the guy discouraged me from taking the job since it was such dirty work. Oh well, I made more money waiting tables until I got my LVN. Now I'm trying to find an LVN to RN program that will let me go at my own pace while working and being a Mom.

Good for you! :lol2: Yes, years ago it WAS a man's field, just as years ago nursing was a WOMAN's field. Thank God those lines are falling (and falling fast!)

Unfortunately in California, EMT's are being driven from the field re: the fact that nearly all Fire Departments have on staff full-time EMT/Paramedic teams. The local Amb. companies are suddenly being relagated to being nothing more than transport. So sad!

Mike