nursing a fading reality...

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2005

I don't have any advice, except to get some good sleep and do your very best. That's all you can do, is know that you gave it your all and did your best. Hang in there, best of luck to you. (If worse comes to worse can you start over in an LPN program and then do LPN to RN?)

chelli73 · Mar 30, 2005

I don't have any advice, except to get some good sleep and do your very best. That's all you can do, is know that you gave it your all and did your best. Hang in there, best of luck to you. (If worse comes to worse can you start over in an LPN program and then do LPN to RN?)

thank you so much, i am getting tired! and i will definitely consider an LPN prgm, but right now i am working as a unit secretary on a med surg floor at a small hospital (heard of Advocate healthcare?). i make pretty decent money (over 14) so i will probably just stick with that 'cause there is not a demand for LPNs over here in the south side of chicago, unless i want to work in a NH, been there done that (back when i worked as a CNA) not likely to do it again....but thanks anyway

bethanne miller · Mar 30, 2005

Check into Excelsior college. They will accept your college credits and you may only have to do clinicals. its worth a call .

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Mar 30, 2005

dear allnurses,
the time is 3:44am and i am supposed to take my final in about 6 hrs. i don't feel confident about my status as my quiz scores are less than desirable and this is the hardest class i have ever taken 3--that's right 3 times. OB/GYN is truly the thorn in my side. let me elaborate pls, and hope that if anyone ever had to face a similiar experience w/wo a happy ending pls feel free to enlighten me.
i first entered OB in jan 04, whereupon i failed the class by three points due to some extreme personal problems (my husband of 14yrs left me with 3 sad kids, no car, or money) well i rebuilt all that he destroyed (got a job, bought the neighbor's car, paid the rent at a new apt, and consoled my babes), and re-enrolled for the class. well, at that point i felt that i mastered the concept of maternal and infant health care, but nonetheless failed again--this time by one point!!!! i actually got an 84% on the final, passed the clinical portion w/a breeze (as always) but my quiz scores brought me down. however, being the fighter that i am (as always)i filed an appeal to reenter the adn program (you are out if you fail the same class 2 times) to which i so badly wanted to succeed in. i was granted re-entry after writing a 5 pager outlining my extenuating circumstances. well, at that point, i began to feel numb (dumb) about the entire process, completely doubting all of my knowledge (it had let me down twice already!) so here i am again for the 3rd time, in almost the same position!!! my quiz scores will be the death of this dream, as i am at a 79.1% IF my instructor drops the lowest score. NOW i have found out that a teaching care plan that was due will count as a test grade!!! I gave her mine early, she made notes req further explanation and handed it back to me (it worked the first time) and the day it was due AGAIN, i was out sick (really sick, even called in at work), so will she give me a fat zero??? will she not accept the corrections that i made? will i fail this class and be done with the whole thing? i am at my wits end...and by the way my kids are beyond consolation--my 16 yr old ran away in jan, she is residing with her 21 yr old boyfriend (f!@#ing creep) and only calls my grandmother to check in for money. i am feeling so helpless here, my 14 and 13 yr old sons are my only strength but i will feel like such a disappointment if i fail...what to do, what to do.......

All I can tell you is to have FAITH! Faith is the last thing you should lose, I know you have been through difficult times and have failed twice before at your best attempts. But, you need to feel confident and never lose faith. When you beging doubting yourself your are actually playing with your mind. Don't do it. Nothing is impossible in life and if you really want something and work hard at it, you will achieve it. There is solution to everything, except for death! Always believe in yourself and what you want. I belive you will make it, so you need to believe you will make it too.

Now, just relax, try to take it easy, and eat and sleep well. You will see that things will turn out for the better. Always, Always, ......ALWAYS think and be positive.....for it will be rewarding.

The best of luck to you my friend and God Bless!

Jessica

Trauma Columnist · Mar 30, 2005

I just wanted to add my positive thoughts too. I know that many Chicago hospitals pay for tuition (Rush and Northwestern come to mind). Would this be an option? Is is possible to work less than 40 hours/week? I know that is so hard. Another thought would be to sit it out a year, get your family situation to where there is less stress for you and then re-apply? So sorry for the heartache. Good luck.

~Kitty~ · Mar 30, 2005

((( Hugs ))) :icon_hug:

Whatever happens, evaluate what is best for your family now. Your kids need you.

I know what it is to have your confidence battered. BTDT.

I await news of your test results!

Good Luck!!!

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Mar 30, 2005

Best wishes from this corner, chelli. Not many students would keep trying.

If I was sick, I'd want a nurse like you to keep me in there kickin'!

sunnyjohn · Mar 30, 2005

Chelli73,

Wow you are a fighter.... Not many folks would keep going like you have.... and a full-time mom know doubt!

A few years ago, I lost my home, all my money, my job and was in-and out of the hospital. I was living in my car. I was a the end of a CST progrm and because I was dead broke (only ate apples, oranges, peanut butter an occasional slice of turkey and Ramen for 4 weeks) when all my classes were dropped 10 days before the end of the semester due to lack of payment. I was given 5 days to find 600 bucks.

I had to take the loss and start the entire program from the beginning. The instructor refused to give me any credit for my 4.0 GPA or all the classes I had taken...

Keep your head up. I will pray for you and your kids. You sure are one tough lady!

P.S. What about the Excelsior route or getting Rush, Northwestern or your present employer to do the tuition reminbursment like some of the other posters mentioned? Are you a member of Phi theta Kappa? They offer money so you don't have to wok so hard...and if there is a Chicago hospital council or some group were all the hospitals in the area colaborate, they will often provide scholarships, living expenses and tutors for nursing students.

Agape.

SmilingBluEyes · Mar 30, 2005

You received stellar advice. I wish you the best, whatever you do decide.

sunnyjohn · Mar 30, 2005

Hi chellie73,

The Metropolitan Chicago Hospital Council has a list of scholarships offered by hospitals in Chicago.

Here is the link: http://www.mchc.org/hcg/ch9.asp

Here is some other info

Hospital Scholarships and Loans

Alexian Brothers Medical Center

The Alexian Brothers Medical Center Auxiliary awards several scholarships to deserving individuals to further their learning in the health care fields. The number and size of the grant is determined by the Auxiliary Scholarship Committee. The award may only be used to defray tuition costs at the school of the applicant's choice and will be sent directly to the school. For information and an application form, contact the Alexian Brothers Medical Center Auxiliary, 800 West Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, (847) 437-5500.

Condell Medical Center

This hospital offers an educational program to high school students who are interested in learning about health careers. The program called "Penwasciz" enables students to observe, learn and work with hospital staff professionals. Scholarships are awarded to outstanding Penwasciz graduates who have chosen to pursue a health career. For information on eligibility requirements and application, write to Penwasciz, Condell Medical Center, 900 Garfield Avenue, Libertyville, IL 60048, (847) 362-2900.

Copley Memorial Hospital

This hospital provides nursing scholarships to junior/senior-level undergraduate students. Scholarships are awarded based upon academic achievement, commitment to the nursing profession and intent to be employed at Copley Memorial Hospital for one full year following graduation. For more information, contact the Employment Coordinator at Copley Memorial Hospital, Lincoln and Weston Avenues, Aurora, IL 60505, (630) 844-1030, x4004.

Elmhurst Memorial Hospital

This hospital has a student nurse tuition stipend and employment program. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a baccalaureate school of nursing program. If accepted into the program, students agree to work at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital for one year as a fulltime RN in return for each year of tuition received. The hospital will reimburse up to $3,000 per year for the student's junior and senior years. For information, call the manager of Nurse Recruitment and Retention at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, 200 Berteau Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126, (630) 833-1400.

Good Shepherd Hospital

The Auxiliary of Good Shepherd Hospital awards scholarships of $500 and $1,000 to students residing in the hospital area who will be attending school within the state of Illinois and pursuing an education in a health-related field. The number of scholarships awarded will depend upon the number of qualified applicants. Applications are evaluated on the basis of attitude and desire of the student toward education, leadership, citizenship, personality and financial need. For further information, contact the Scholarship Committee Chairman, Auxiliary of Good Shepherd Hospital, 450 West Highway 22, Barrington, IL 60010, (847)381-9600.

Gottlieb Memorial Hospital

The Auxiliary of Gottlieb Memorial Hospital has a nursing scholarship program which is awarded to qualified students during their last quarter or semester of their nursing education. Applicants must agree to work full-time at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital for one year following graduation from college. For further requirements and information, contact the Gottlieb Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, 701 West North Avenue, Melrose Park, IL 60160, (708) 681-3200.

Hinsdale Hospital

Hinsdale Hospital provides financial assistance to students in academic programs preparing for hospital-related positions. The amounts will be available in $500 increments with maximums of $1,000 for an associate degree; $4,000 for a baccalaureate degree; $4,000 for a master's degree. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.5 and commitment of one year of employment at the hospital for every $1,000 of grant money received. The hospital also has a loan program. For further information, contact: Hinsdale Hospital, Human Resource Department, 120 North Oak Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521, (630) 856-9000.

Holy Family Hospital

Holy Family Hospital offers scholarships for nurses and medical technologists. To qualify, students must be in their last semester of college and willing to commit one year of work at Holy Family after graduation. Students must also have a3.0 grade point average or above and be in good standing at their college or university. For more information, contact: Holy Family Hospital, 100 North River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016, (847) 297-1800.

Loyola University of Chicago Niehoff School of Nursing

For application and admission into the school, high school students must have a minimum score of 24 for the ACT or a composite score of 1000 for the SAT and be in the upper quarter of the class. Post-secondary students require a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA and 20 college credits. For information and a scholarship application form, contact: Loyola University of Chicago, Niehoff School of Nursing, 6525 North Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60626, (773) 508-3249.

MacNeal Hospital

MacNeal Hospital will pay up to $2,500 for tuition in return for one year of work at the hospital following graduation. Students must be in their final year of nursing, taking a minimum of 12 credit hours and must have a "C" or better grade point average. For further information, contact: MacNeal Hospital, 3249 South Oak Park Avenue, Berwyn, IL 60402, (708) 795-9100.

Northwestern University Parent/Student Loan Program

This program was established to allow students to pay Northwestern University school costs over an extended period of time. The parent(s) or guardian(s) and student are the borrower at the undergraduate level. Loans range from $2,000 up to a maximum of full-time tuition per academic year. The amount approved is based on other financial aid received and the availability of loan funds. The interest rates are adjusted annually and may be set below market rates. Repayment period is from 5 to 10 years.

Norwegian-American Hospital

This hospital offers scholarship funds to deserving students in the communities of Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Wicker Park, Little Village, Pilsen and Westtown. For specific eligibility requirements, contact: Norwegian-American Hospital, 1044 North Francisco Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622, (773) 292-8200.

Rush University of Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center

This university has university grants, endowment funds and university gifts for full-time graduate and undergraduate students who show demonstrated need. Students must submit all forms and data requested by the university. The financial aid office determines the amount of the scholarship based on available funds and needs of the applicant. Rush University also has several loan programs such as Rush Tuition Loan, Medical Staff Loan, Alumni Loan Fund and Women's Board Loan. For information on loans and scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Office of Rush University, 1743 West Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60612, (312) 9426256.

Saint Joseph Hospital (Elgin)

The Auxiliary of Saint Joseph Hospital offers scholarships to high school seniors from designated area school districts and who are pursuing a career in health care. For specific eligibility requirements and application form, contact: The Auxiliary of Saint Joseph Hospital, 77 North Airlite Street, Elgin, IL 60123-4912, (847) 695-3200.

Sherman Hospital

This hospital provides scholarships to students entering the medical field (nurses, technicians, physical therapists, etc.). For scholarship amount and eligibility requirements, contact: Sherman Hospital Auxiliary, Sherman Hospital, 934 Center Street, Elgin, IL 60120, (847) 742-9800.

University of Illinois at Chicago

Undergraduates applying for admission to this hospital's school, who meet financial need and specific educational requirements, are eligible for University grants. Grants are funded by the University and the amount varies. The University also provides tuition waivers for Illinois residents who are ineligible for money award from the Illinois State Scholarship Commission. For specific information, contact the University of Illinois at Chicago, Office of Student Financial Aid, Box4348, Chicago, IL 60680,(312)9963900.

Westlake Community Hospital

This hospital provides a nursing scholarship to high school seniors from selected high schools. The scholarship is in the amount of $1,000. Scholarship winners are required to work at Westlake for one year upon graduation from nursing school. For specific eligibility requirements, contact: Westlake Community Hospital, Personnel Department, 12

Maybe they will help so you don't have to work so hard. I'm routing for you.

LPNer · Mar 30, 2005

Good luck, wish I could say more or offer you an answer. BTDT, yes, I have been through a similar situation (wasn't grades, simply no money to continue) but the heartache is the same.

You have a dream that can not be fullfilled. I wish you all the luck in the world, it isn't lost yet and with plenty of prayers from all of us, maybe, just maybe.