The wait list for the AD programs in my area are 2-3 years. I am still waiting to hear from 2 schools but am just getting really anxious. First a little background info on me.
I have a degree in Psychology and decided to return to school and do nuring something I've always wanted to do. The Human Service field really burnt me out and my heart wasnt into wanting to be a counselor anymore.
I got back into school and have been doing all the science pre-reqs. This may (2006) I will have completed all the A&Ps, chem, micro. I have applied to get into various AD programs and some Accelerated BSN to MSN nursing programs. My gpa is good i think (overall 3.5) but it is very tough to get into a program. Especially because most of my classes need to be transferred and some schools just dont like that. My take on the whole situation is I do not want to take classes that I've already taken and did great in. I do not have the money or the time to retake english classes etc. I do not mind waiting to get into a program but i am thinking of doing a phlebotomy certification while i wait. It is only 1 semester and at least i would be working in a hospital while i am waiting for the nursing programs to open up.
Does anyone have any advice? I am losing with all this and just am trying to sort out my future plans.
I live and work in NH and got my phlebotomy cert in Mass. As far as I know, once you've completed the class you can be hired. I did do a 120 hour externship after my program just to become more comfortable but was offered a position straight out of my class. No special liscense is required in NH, just your certificate of completion for the course (my course was one night a week for 16 weeks).
I taking my pre-reqs at Mass Bay Community College right now. I havent spoken to anyone at the school about Phlebotomy program but have looked at the website. Its only a one semester certification. I hope I can complete it and start right away. I will definately look into the LPN program. I just get mixed advice from people. Before now ive been told to stay away from LPN programs. I am just so confused. Thanks for the offer about advice!!!!
I know that you said you were burnt out from what you were doing with Psych, but have you looked into being a MHP (Mental Health Professional) in acute care? They work along-side the nurses on the psych wards doing things like vital signs, group meetings, psychosocial assessments etc. I know a couple friends who did this while waiting for/ while in nursing school and they enjoyed it because it put their background degree to use and paid more than nurse's aide/ phlebotomy wages. (MHPs make around 14ish where I work- our PCTs make 8ish.)
Can i ask where you are located? I have applied to hospitals before via online applications but never ever heard back. All i could ever find with my psych degree is being a residential counselor. I pretty much was doing the Mental health professional thing but really couldn't deal with the whole restraining thing. I am very petite and have gotten seriously injured and became afraid of going to work. I just hate restraining period. Now i just have a desk job and am not really using my psych background at all. I let the fear really get to me but at the same time I'm only 5foot 2 inches and cannot possibly restrain a grown man (which i was expected to do before).
Kat0430
7 Posts
I live and work in NH and got my phlebotomy cert in Mass. As far as I know, once you've completed the class you can be hired. I did do a 120 hour externship after my program just to become more comfortable but was offered a position straight out of my class. No special liscense is required in NH, just your certificate of completion for the course (my course was one night a week for 16 weeks).