New here, Want to be an RN

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi Everyone!

recently at the age of 26 I received my BA in Psychology while going to school on and off. I was faced with the option of Graduate school or joining the full time workforce in the psychology field. Then one day I read an article in the paper that my local community college has an accelerated program which lasts 3 semesters and mentioned that here in South Florida RN's salaries usually start at 42,000 a year. I love helping people and even had a job for almost 2 years as an activities assistant at a nursing home. I dealt with all kinds of people and saw so many things that I have a good sense of what an RN does. I really grew to love many of the residents. I left the job because I was getting paid $5.50 an hour and there was no pay raise in sight. I figured that I could make almost twice working at an office doing clerical duties.

So, I went to the college and they told me I have to take A & P 1 and 2 then I can start the accelarated program in January 2003, which means I'll have my ADN right before I turn 29. I think it will be a great profession for me since I do like to help people and the pay seems good. I want a job with self satisfaction where I can provide for myself and not have to depend on anyone. I just got out of a dead end relationship after 2 years where he at 35, says he is too young to get married. I want to be prepared just in case I never get married.

Thanks for reading this and I hope to someday join your discussions as a fellow RN.

Anni

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Pretty much sounds like my story. It also sounds like you have pretty well thought it out. I was 2 weeks short of being 30 when I finished nursing school. Go for it, and welcome to the family.

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Go for it, Anni! I was a good deal older when I started nursing school. It was very difficult on my family. So I think your thinking is very sound.

Love

Dennie

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Good plan Anni! I've worked w/some of the students in an excellerated program in my area. They seem very happy. FL is very much in need of RN's, I think they're short something like 5000 nurses or something ridiculous, so I have no doubt you could easily get a job that paid decent.

Welcome!

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Welcome Anni,

You don't have to wait to enter any discussion. The whole point here is to communicate across the levels of skill so we can all get a little taste of everything.........at least that's how I see it. It's just some giant nursing smorgasborg to me!:p

I think you will like the psychosocial stuff of which the schools of nursing seem to be so fond.

Don't be shy about visiting all the forums and at least lurking. Take note that there is a student forum.

See ya around on the board.

Brad

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Anni,

I think it sounds like a good change for you....You already know how hard school is, and you've seen nurses at work.. I'm 31, and graduated w/a B.S. in Sociology/Human Services and couldn't find a decent paying job to save my life..(they all want a masters degree)....So, I decided to find a job in a field where I was actually NEEDED and could afford to live!!! I'm doing a 1 year LPN program and will graduate in August....LPN's start anywhere from $14-$24/hr here near Seattle. My husband's military so once we make the next move, I'll go back for my RN..

Good luck to you and you will LOVE this site !! I'm addicted and have to check it several times a day.(when I'm able)

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Anni we need you so please follow your plan. How old will you be inthree years if you do not go to nursing school. Stay with this board if you like some very good advice is offered and some good laughs. good Luck

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Hi Anni,

I'm from Miami too and would like to know which school you are attending? Is it Miami Dade Community College?If it is... Do they have an accelerated program? I'll be attending Barry University and will start in the fall but I'm just doing the normal route... Since I have a child I don't want to kill myself... Good luck I really hope it works out for you.

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Thanks to all of you for your encouragement...I'm sure I'll need some more when I actually go to nursing school. I'll definitely keep posting.

Nursing101- I will be attending Miami Dade community college, medical campus. It's right next to Jackson memorial hospital. The advisor told me they are in need of people to enter the program. It's a grueling and intensive 3 semesters. You are probably doing the best thing by going the normal route since you have a full load at home. I also wish you a lot of luck in school and staying sane : )

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