EliApril

What community college are you referring to? Could you please share? Tia!

May I ask which city it was?

What do you guys pay for RN-BSN program and how long does it take (online / on campus)? Tia!

A question to all nurses with experience! Right now I am applying to nursing schools, but I am seriously wondering if I am the right fit for the profession. I am a 30 y.o. career changer with background in humanities. Science so far comes very easy to me, but... - I can be overly emotional - I can be inattentive or forgetful when rushed /stressed / distracted - I am very anxious about the risk of making a mistake These are my worst weak points I am afraid may be a problem. My pros: - I work great with people, patient, compassionate, empathetic - I can think critically and am good at making connections, analyzing etc - I love working hard! I am sorry for asking for such a personal "evaluation", but I feel like I really need some unbiased opinion from someone who knows the job inside out... I spoke to a nurse, and she was still supportive of my decision, but I would be grateful for a few more honest opinions! Does it sound like I still could be a good nurse? TIA

How did your relationship with your own children change while / once you started working as a pediatric nurse? Or how did your job attitude change once you became a mom? Do you worry a lot about crazy things that may happen? Do you become overprotective? Do you get burn out from working with kids all day/night long and feel there is not enough "you" left for your own children? Please share your story.

I am 30 yo, with a MA degree in literature and culture and professional background in cultural management. I am considering a career change to healthcare and NP is one of my options. My fear, however, is whether or not I am the right fit for the profession since for many years I have been doing a completely different thing - humanities! - and my brain has been "pruned" perhaps)) Are there any NPs here with background in English/liberal arts who enjoyed it, but changed careers and are now thriving as NPs? Was it a difficult transition?

I just typed a response and am not sure where it disappeared... I wanted to say Thank you very much for talking about this, this is interesting and I surely need to do some shadowing etc. I have arraned an OT observation, but it has been a challenge to find an opportunity to shadow nurses. Another question I had, seeing that you specialize in pediatrics, is it true that pediatrics is saturated and soon it will be impossible for a fresh grad with no experience to find a job in this specialty? I am in New England too, and Google says there will be oversupply of nurses in MA pretty soon... Of course this is not going to be a factor in my decision, but it is always good to understand your prospects...

Also.. do you mind elaborating just a little about the main differences between RNs and NPs?

Sorry, I may not have put it clearly... By flexibility I meant is that, as far as I understand, nurses just strictly implement a physician's instructions, IVs, meds, etc as opposed to OTs having to create a treatment plan, nurses practice medicine where every challenge has one correct answer, as opposed to therapy which can use so many activities and approaches to resolve problems... I have a feeling that nurses need a really good memory just to remember a huge body of knowledge, and then it is just using this same knowledge daily.... Am I wrong?

I am completing my prerequisites for the nursing school. I have always thought about going to oediatrics and if all goes well, getting a ANP degree eventually. However, recently I came across the pediatric occupational therapist profession. It seems to provide more flexibility, independence and opportunities for creative expression. Am I right? How is the life of a pediatric nurse in these respects? Also I get the impression that this specialty gets paid less that an average RN abd that it is extremely competitive. Is this correct?

Not Australian))) Russian!☺

Thank you very much! Honestly, I am just starting to research and did not realize this option exists! I assume in terms of "where in the US" one should look at states with current/projected shortages... I really love New England and MA in particular, but it looks like there is a surplus of nurses there.... Alas... Thank you so much again!

I have just started exploring potential specialties, and I am trying to figure out my focus and how to best manage my interests and goals... I am basically considering getting an advanced degree (MSN) to work eventually as either a LDRP, Neonatal or Pediatric nurse. I am now looking at ANP option and trying to understand how it is different from CNS. Anyways, I enjoy working with kids, but I have also considered getting a Counseling Psychology degree to work with new moms suffering from PPD/PPA and adjustment issues etc. I am also interested in parenting education. Finally, my other "click" is with cognitive development in childhood. Which path do you believe would provide more flexibility/opportunities to somehow include my interests at some point? Am I correct in assuming that CNM or Pediatric ANP are my best ultimate bets? I'd be grateful if you could unveil a little the realities of either of occupations...

Hello everyone! I am about to start a nursing school (ABSN), and I am currently an international student in the US. As far as I know, after graduating and passing NCLEX exam one is given 1 year of OPT. Apparently, BSN is not going to give any chance of finding an employer willing to sponsor H1B. Thus, once this OPT year ends I must enroll in a MSN program to maintain F1 status, and then hope for another year of OPT (right?) and MAYBE if I am really lucky landing a job with an employer who could file fir H1B... How realistic is this plan? Am I missing something? What are the chances of being accepted to a MSN program (ANP?) with literally a couple of months experience? I will endlessly appreciate any comments/advice...

Hello! So I am considering applying to one of these ABSN programs and am taking my prerequisites right now. I am wondering what job options are available for nursing students. I looked up clinical medical assistants, which would be perfect for me, but apparently one must have a separate independent certification. In theory it is not required, but in reality I could not find a single listing which did not mention certification. Do you think it makes sense doing a CNM program to get license to start working asap and then move on to ABSN? Or can you get a job in a medical setting while still being a nursing student but no certifications? Could you please share some thoughts/experience?