Ok guys, I'm taking the plunge!

mummer43, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2005

Thanks! I'm nervous, but excited to start!

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · Jul 20, 2005

Well guys, I thought I'd update this thread and let you know that I was accepted to the program that I applied to. I will be going to DeSales University's accelerated BSN program starting in May.

Good for you! Congratulations, and good luck!

Works2xs · Jul 20, 2005

Congrats Mummer43! Since you've already got that CJ degree, you've got the "college" thing down. I'm sure school won't be easy by any stretch, but having some experience under your belt should free you from some of the distractions young'uns get freaked about. Way to go and GOOD LUCK.

mummer43, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2005

Congrats Mummer43! Since you've already got that CJ degree, you've got the "college" thing down. I'm sure school won't be easy by any stretch, but having some experience under your belt should free you from some of the distractions young'uns get freaked about. Way to go and GOOD LUCK.

I am finding that to be the case in my pre-req's. When I got my first degree, I was obviously much younger and not as motivated. This time around, I'm hitting the books hard.

max6well · Jul 21, 2005

Thanks! I'm nervous, but excited to start!

Great news mummer! I;m starting soon too and between freaking out and stressing over giving up my income, Im excited too. hope that A&P is going well!

ncrn2005 · Jul 21, 2005

Just want to say good luck to you all. I just finished my RN last year. I like being a male nurse. Matter of fact im the only one in the whole nursing home but I love it. Anyway good luck again

mummer43, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2005

Great news mummer! I;m starting soon too and between freaking out and stressing over giving up my income, Im excited too. hope that A&P is going well!

A&P is going great! I got an A on the first portion and I currently have an A in the second part. I am finding it really interesting and not all that hard. (knock on wood.)

julezzz26 · Jul 21, 2005

Hey guys,
I am a 30 year old guy - I guess you figured that out - and I am going to be starting my pre-req's for an accelerated BSN program in a couple weeks. I struggled with the thought of being a male nurse and I've come to the decision that I can handle it and that I would be stupid not to do it.
I have a bachelors degree in criminal justice and I am currently working as a parole officer. Yes, I carry a gun and get to kick in doors and throw people in jail and all that fun stuff, but I just do net get any satisfaction from my job. I really don't want to be a cop and there is no room for advancement where I currently work and the bottom line is that I'm just not happy.
So, after doing a lot of research and soul searching, I decided to get my BSN. My ultimate goal is to become a CRNA and I know it's going to be hard, but I'm willing to do what it takes.
Can any of you guys offer and words of wisodm or advice?

Congratulations on your decision! It sounds like you did alot of research. It is much more important to be happy in job than miserable. There were only a couple of guys is my nursing class and they both had full scholarships due to the demand for male nurses. I would look on fastweb.com for scholarships. One thing I would definetly know is to really learn and understand the anatomy and physiology of the body. If you know your A&P, both medical-surgical nursing and pharmacology will be alot easier and more interesting. Good luck, you will do great!

mummer43, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2005

Congratulations on your decision! It sounds like you did alot of research. It is much more important to be happy in job than miserable. There were only a couple of guys is my nursing class and they both had full scholarships due to the demand for male nurses. I would look on fastweb.com for scholarships. One thing I would definetly know is to really learn and understand the anatomy and physiology of the body. If you know your A&P, both medical-surgical nursing and pharmacology will be alot easier and more interesting. Good luck, you will do great!

Thanks for the advice! I'll check out fastweb.

julezzz26 · Jul 21, 2005

Thanks for the advice! I'll check out fastweb.

Hi, I thought of something else. Get the pocket size LPN or RN notes and carry them with you at clinicals. You can get them at Barnes and Noble and I'm sure pretty much any bookstore. It really helps to have a quick reference when you are performing a skill, especially for the 1st time. The first time I had to insert a Foley on a patient I was so nervous......When I went to the supply room to gather my supplies for the procedure, I reviewed the procedure in my pocket guide for a minute and felt much less nervous. I was able to get it on the 1st try which was a HUGE relief (not only for me but for the patient!). I would also try to study a little bit everyday for each class if possible. It really helped me to avoid cramming and was less stressful. I would also get a practice RN NCLEX book when you start the program not near the end. It is a great study tool. The one by Mosby is good, I looked around in the bookstore and looked at each book before I made a choice. Alot of my teachers used questions from the practice NCLEX book for test questions. I thought school was alot of work, but it was great, I learned so much and met alot of great people. I was in a small class and we all helped each other for the most part. I was good in the classroom but I was really bad at first at clinicals. (not bad like I was dropping patients or anything but just nervous and unsure....the first couple of weeks I felt totally incompetent and got to the point of tears more than once by the end of the day) One of my teachers told me that you learn more than you realize just by trying to do the skill and learning from your mistakes Of course at the time I did not believe her but it turns out she was right. :) One of my best friends from school was great at clinicals, but not doing so good in the classroom. We used to help each other with our weak spots and it was a win-win situation if I ever saw one. :) Good luck, you can do it !

mummer43, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2005

Hi, I thought of something else. Get the pocket size LPN or RN notes and carry them with you at clinicals. You can get them at Barnes and Noble and I'm sure pretty much any bookstore. It really helps to have a quick reference when you are performing a skill, especially for the 1st time. The first time I had to insert a Foley on a patient I was so nervous......When I went to the supply room to gather my supplies for the procedure, I reviewed the procedure in my pocket guide for a minute and felt much less nervous. I was able to get it on the 1st try which was a HUGE relief (not only for me but for the patient!). I would also try to study a little bit everyday for each class if possible. It really helped me to avoid cramming and was less stressful. I would also get a practice RN NCLEX book when you start the program not near the end. It is a great study tool. The one by Mosby is good, I looked around in the bookstore and looked at each book before I made a choice. Alot of my teachers used questions from the practice NCLEX book for test questions. I thought school was alot of work, but it was great, I learned so much and met alot of great people. I was in a small class and we all helped each other for the most part. I was good in the classroom but I was really bad at first at clinicals. (not bad like I was dropping patients or anything but just nervous and unsure....the first couple of weeks I felt totally incompetent and got to the point of tears more than once by the end of the day) One of my teachers told me that you learn more than you realize just by trying to do the skill and learning from your mistakes Of course at the time I did not believe her but it turns out she was right. :) One of my best friends from school was great at clinicals, but not doing so good in the classroom. We used to help each other with our weak spots and it was a win-win situation if I ever saw one. :) Good luck, you can do it !

Thanks for the advice!!

mummer43, BSN, RN · Sep 2, 2007

Just a little update. I graduated with my BSN in August and I got at job on the Open Heart Unit at a large regional hospital in PA. It wasn't easy, but it is was worth it and I can't wait to start my new career.