Lutheran School of Nursing

[MissDS]

After attending college on and off for years I have finally decided that I would like to go into nursing.The problem is my grades were not excellent so my options are limited I think I will have

take to my sciences over but thats fine with me. I am now finishing up my Bachelors in Health Sciences and would like to attend Lutheran School of Nursing. Can anyone tell me about this program? Is it possible to complete if you have children? I will have three little ones and don't want to set myself up for failure. I hate that I had to go through the motions to finally come to this decision, but God makes no mistakes. I think getting married and starting my family helped me to come to this realization, and for the first time I am attending school for me and not because its whats expected of me. Sorry for the long post I just really need some insight because nursing is seeming so far out of my reach. I even considered Chamberlain but they wanted me to take all my classes over because they over five years old and I didnt want to do that and the community colleges have really long waiting list.

[MissDS]

Thats good to know? Are there sim labs it doesnt seem like Lutheran would have any? How long are clinical days?

[Levitas, BSN, RN]

Not sure what you mean by sim-labs, simulation? Like with a machine? We've mannequins, and materials to practice procedures, but nothing overly fancy. When you get to level two classes, we've practice arms for starting IV's, lol. No worries, you'll get your practice. It won't be with a computer, but with a patient

Clinical days are supposed to last for 8 hours. But... some teachers allow you to go a little earlier, some earlier than they need to be. Others will keep you until the last minute. My advice: Use every moment you can on that floor. Ask questions, no time to be shy now. This is your education, you're paying for it, get your money's worth! Always ask if there is anything else you can do on the floor. Ask your teacher, if they don't have anything, as your nurse, if they don't, ask every nurse you see! They'll see that you're motivated, and appreciate the extra help. In return, when all of the super cool procedures become available, they seem to remember that one student that's always looking for something to do... voila.

Of course, you'll be doing procedures that aren't everyone's favorite. I remember giving, literally, 14 soap suds enemas one week But my teacher, and the nurses appreciated my resolve, and drive, and I was always asked for when there was something to be done.

[MissDS]

I think thats always been my problem, being too embarrassed to ask questions because it might be a stupid question but cant afford not to now. I appreciate our conversation its making me feel alot better im still nervous just have to figure out my family situation but im also excited. Im blessed to have a very suppoortive husband .

[Levitas, BSN, RN]

I'm glad to of helped dispel some of your nervousness. It's perfectly normal to have some anxiety about starting nursing school. It's a big life decision, and it's a hard school (any of 'em). It's hard on purpose, to ensure that those under your care in the future will be cared for by competent hands.

Nursing school isn't going to be like traditional college. In traditional college (pre-nursing), I was a 4.0 student. In nursing school, I'm a 3.23 student :) Prepare yourself for test questions that will aggravate you. There will be times where there are two correct answers, and you'll have to choose between the two to find the most correct answer. You will have questions that will require more than one answer (select all that apply). There will be dosage calculation questions (math). And at times, it may seem overwhelming. Rest assured, you can do this.

It may seem like a lot, but the more you learn, the easier it will come. I'll be here to help if you ever need it. And you'll likely establish numerous relationships with your classmates who also can help.

[MissDS]

Thank you so much!!! and remember what you said because I know im going to need help especially with the math:shy: its never been my strong point. I was looking at barnes and slu's program they are soooooooo expensive.

[Levitas, BSN, RN]

You're so very welcome.

I know what it's like going into the program without knowing what to expect. I'll help in any way possible.

On a side note: I do believe I passed my NCLEX today!

[MissDS]

That was my next question? That's awesome do you have any job offers yet?

[Levitas, BSN, RN]

I am still waiting on one job that I interviewed at. I was offered a position at a nursing home, but I want to work in a hospital, if possible. After I get my license #, I'm going balls to the wall on applying

[MissDS]

what is the pay now for new grad nurses. What is the difference in pay between nursing homes and hospitals. I really want to work in OB and become a lactation specialist

[Levitas, BSN, RN]

It varies from facility to facility. Most graduate nurses, working on a hospital floor, can expect in and around $20/hr. However, this can be higher depending on what floor, as well as differentials (like getting paid more for working nights, or weekends).

I know at least 4 of my classmates that got hired at a Critical care facility, and they're started off at $25/hr. The nursing home that wants to hire me also starts at $25/hr. So, it definitely varies.

[MissDS]

That's not bad well I think ,20 is a little low in my opinion but 25 is definitely a good start being a nurse is no joke

[Levitas, BSN, RN]

20's not so bad. This is for someone with no prior experience. If you can land a nurses tech/aid position before you graduate, definitely do so. That will help with a better start rate, and!, possible job opportunities.