Where do I start???

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by Gina
Aug 21, '99   Views: 1,819   Comments: 6

  1. Hello,

    I am new to this board. I am a 24 yr. old stay at home mom of two. I am very interested in being a labor and delivery nurse. I have the wonderful experience of giving birth to thank for that.

    My question is what is my first step? What classes do I need to start w/. I am not ready for full time school right now. I want to wait until both of my children have started school. I am looking for some classes I can take in the evenings or on the weekends. I have no college credits at all. I am definitly a beginner.

    Any advice would be appreciated!

    ------------------
    Gina

    [This message has been edited by Gina (edited August 21, 1999).]
  2. Visit Gina profile page

    About Gina

    Joined: Aug '99; Posts: 3
    SAHM

    6 Comments

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  3. by LAARN
    Aug 22, '99
    Joined: Aug '99; Posts: 11
    Gina,
    You can get started by choosing a college in your area. Get a copy of the required classes. If you choose a BSN- 4 yr program, then you will have 2 years of mostly general subjects, such as English, history, psychology, biology etc. The last 2 years are clinical and nursing specific lectures. You have to take these together. But you can take the first 2 years of classes when convenient for you. You may even find a small community college that offers evening classes. Take 1 or 2 classes a semester if you can. You can work at your own pace. The most important thing is to get the information and get started. Good Luck!!!

    Sincerely, Lisa R.N. ( OB nurse)
  4. by Gina
    Aug 22, '99
    Occupation: SAHM Joined: Aug '99; Posts: 3
    Lisa~ Thanks a bunch. That really helps!

    I do have another question. You mentioned a BSN program, what are the different program's? And whitch is my best bet? Is BSN the one you would suggest?

    Thanks!
  5. by LAARN
    Aug 23, '99
    Joined: Aug '99; Posts: 11
    Gina,
    I'm glad that the info helped. There are different types of nursing programs, diploma- 3 years, ADN- which is 2+ and BSN- which is 4 years. For an in-depth discussion on which is better go into the general nursing discussion part of this message board, choose the topic diploma. I have a BSN and most people that I know either have one or are getting their BSN or MSN now. Best of luck!!!
  6. by Tired
    Aug 23, '99
    Occupation: RN L&D Joined: Aug '99; Posts: 6
    Gina,
    You sound just like me. I have 2 kids also, although they are 18 & 19 right now. I went to school as soon as they were in all day. I threw myself into school full time because I couldn't afford individual classes, and I couldn't get loans or grants unless I was fulltime. You may want to check on that. It was hard, but it was well worth the effort. I had a lot of family support and had someone there when the kids came home. I was able to take classes days, nights, and summers, so I got done 4 years and my class load was manageable. A BSN program is worth the extra time involved because it is what will ultimatly be required someday. Although I don't get paid anymore than a diploma or associate degree, I have more employment options. Follow Lisa's advise and check out a nursing program in your area. Make sure they are accredited. Also, check and see if any of your high school classes, such as algebra, will count towards your college. Sometimes you get lucky. Then, as a new grad, you may or may not get hired right in to OB. It depends on the hospital. A good med/surg background will help, though, and will also be time well spent. Good luck!
  7. by Gina
    Aug 24, '99
    Occupation: SAHM Joined: Aug '99; Posts: 3
    Thanks, you both have really helped! I also checked the diploma thread. LOL very interesting. I think I will go for the BSN. I have plenty of time. My youngest is only 3 months old. I am really looking forward to geting started though.

    Thanks again for the helpful info.
  8. by obnurseinNW
    Feb 22, '00
    Joined: Feb '00; Posts: 10
    The others gave you great advise. I have an ADN in nursing the main difference is if you want to get into management or not. Also some areas look more to BSN's geographic areas. I took most classes at night until I got into the nursing program. I worked 6 years med-surg and then moved to L&D where I went though a residency program from the hospital. Good Luck.

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