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I agree with the previous replies. I worked for a HHA as an aid and was hired after graduation. I was told by the director that they don't hire new grad RNs, but because I did a good job at work and in school, I was offered a position. I love working in home health, but it can be challenging especially for a new grad. It's an autonomous position which requires collaboration and extensive documentation. I would suggest working as an aid while going to school. You can "test" out the agency and see if you like it there too! If you do, let them know you are interested in working there as a RN. Good luck to you!! :)

Thanks UVA Grad and traumaRUs. It sounds like I have a 50/50 shot then. I have already sent the course syllabus over to one of the Universities since my admission counseolr was trying to get an "unofficial" answer --so hopefully, I will her back soon on that one.

I have a question about the transferability of a MSN course. I am taking advanced patho as a non degree seeking student and am looking into several NP programs. Even though all the programs state 9 credits can be transferred in if approved, how likely is it the course will be accepted? Has anyone been denied transfer of a course? Anyone have a similar experience? I am just wondering what others have been through since I know there is no real answer until the schools I have applied to review it. Thanks!

Thanks for your guidance. I will definately look into my state BON. So far, the only programs I've found are massage and energy work. If I find out additional info, I will post.

Hi all, I have a question on osteopathic manipulation therapy (OMT). According to the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA), one can be certified as a holistic nurse and practice OMT. Where can I acquire this training? I plan on starting a FNP program in the spring and would like to learn manipulation therapy. Any info is appreciated! I live in Illinois and have contacted several colleges in the Chicago area but haven't had much luck. Thanks in advance!

Hi Allycat4, you may want to contact enrollment management regarding your question. I have never picked specific hospitals. I'm not sure if that is really an option.

I agree, read through the powerpoint and skim through the chapters focusing on clarifying things you "don't get" on the powerpoints. Also, look over the key points in the book. If you need additional help, see the ACE center in the library. I'm sure someone there can help. : )

Like xc31 said, the Saunders 4th NCLEX review is very good. I also (usually) purchase the recommended study guides. Some have helped and some haven't. I guess it just depends on (1) What your instructor is focusing on and (2) how in depth they want you to know the material. Some instructors, I've had in the past, have even pulled test questions from the study guides.

I agree with IlliniGuy! :nuke:

Let's see.... Out of all those, I've had Regina Mahmood for CDH I and thought she was excellent! Nancy Reese lectured in that class a few times and I thought she was very nice. Dorothy Osowski taught in one of my clinicals and I liked her a lot. Veronica Cronk is a wonderful clinical instructor --you'll like her for sure. I haven't had the others. As for your schedule, take classes when you're most alert/awake. I, myself, am NOT a morning person so evening classes work well. You also have to take into consideration your commute. I don't know how far you have to travel but you might want to take that into consideration in regards to rush hour traffic. Oh, you might want to check out the below website for more info on what others think about various instructors: http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/

I agree! The first semester is the hardest since you don't really know what to expect. Each class has its own pace. However, it seems like those first 2-3 weeks of a new class drag by and then it's time for midterm and finals. Also, when it comes to testing, everyone has there own style of tests/quizzes. Some take them from the book (quiz banks) and others write them. You have to be able to adapt. It does get somewhat easier though. Speaking of studying... I should probably be doing that right now. :wink2:

I agree with xc31! Time management is very important!! It's good to set up a schedule and stick to it. You'll need to learn how to study effectively since those 7 week blocks go by quick and then it's on to another set of classes. But, if nursing is what you want to do then go for it! :wink2:

sy33, We meet again! I was accepted into SXU until I found out I wouldn't start clinicals until the fall of the following year. I had all the pre-reqs done but had to do like 2 or 3 of "their" electives. West Sub said they could get me in the following semester so that's why I decided to go there. If you do decide to go to SXU make sure you meet with an academic advisor and find out exactly what classes you'll need to take as soon as possible and when you'll start clinicals. Unless you mind waiting a year. I was happy when I got accepted and then disappointed by the thought of waiting a year. It's up to you. I wanted in quicker since I'm getting older (30... something). :wink2:

i'm sorry i don't know all the specifics about how the day classes are set up. i'm sure there are other west sub students on here that may be able to better answer your questions. otherwise, you can try emailing jon harrington. he is an admission counselor at west sub: [email protected] he should be able to better answer your questions. if i run into any of the day students tomorrow, i'll ask them and let you know. :wink2:

Hi again sy33, Looks like our posts are crossing! :wink2: The generic is 4 semesters. The fast track is 4 semesters but I believe they go through the summer. The evening/weekend program is 5 semesters but we do the summer semester. Generic can be done part-time according to the brochure. I'll include the links for the programs since they give you a sample of what your schedule may look like. Here are the links: Generic: http://www.wscn.edu/files/BSNGenericOption.pdf Fast Track: http://www.wscn.edu/files/17201BachSciFastTrackOpt.pdf Evening/Weekend: http://www.wscn.edu/files/WSCN_EveningWeekendBrochure%20final.pdf Let me know if you need any additional info. I'm always happy to help! :nuke: PS I'm glad to hear I eased your mind. I understand what you mean about mixed reviews. I read the previous reviews before enrolling so I can relate. I went in expecting the worse but realized it wasn't that bad. My advice is to do your best in the begining of each course since the material gets harder as the course moves along and you'll have more leeway in the end. Also, be prepared to take the ATI for your clinical courses. You'll need to pass the ATI around 70% or remediate. Remediate means to pass the second time (I believe a 95% or better, but I "think" it's open book. I can check.). Most instructors will not teach "to the ATI" so it's pretty much self study. Most instructors will list ATI chapters that correspond with your regular text so keep up with the reading (ATI) and take the practice exam that is offered. One of my fellow students and I have passed ATI everytime with out remediating so it CAN be done.

Hi Sy33, Check out my previous post here: https://allnurses.com/forums/f145/west-suburban-college-nursing-again-342762.html#post3221913 I have some info listed.

Yes, I do see how you got that answer. I originally circled HCO3- as my answer but then your previous answer made me think stress. In my notes, stress, pain, fear is seen in respiratory alkalosis and I know alkalosis means shift to the left. I spent about 5 or 6 hours researching this one question last night! Ughhh... But yea, I see how you came up with the answer. I also found a nice chart on wikipedia on the OHDC. I was just really confused since it seemed that both stress and HCO3- would play a role. Thanks for the clarification! Well, time to get some sleep... I have peds clinicals in a few hours. :zzzzz

Thanks, Daytonite. I guess my answer would be that stress could cause a shift to the left. The question was based on a worksheet we were given to look over this weekend. We were not given any values (DPG, acidity/alkalinity and body temperature). We were just asked when will a shift to the left occur? During times of stress or elevated bicarb. Since you stated bicarb has nothing to do with it then the answer must be stress. Thanks!

hi all, i have a question about ohdc. the curve is shifted to the left when there's an increase in o2 and ph and a decrease in temp and co2. but will there be a shift to the left during times of stress or when hco3- levels increase? i have in my notes that a shift to the left occurs during alkalosis. well, uncompensated metabolic alkalosis is an increase in ph and increase in hco3-. where as uncompensated respiratory alkalosis is an increase in ph and a decrease in co2. respiratory alkalosis can occur from pain, fear, anxiety, stress, fever, etc. metabolic alkalosis occurs from vomiting, ng suctioning, hypokalemia, diuretic use. respiratory can be caused by stress and metabolic has the increased hco3-. are both answers correct to my question? thanks in advance!!!

bansplt2, Hi, I am currently finishing up my BSN at West Suburban in their Evening/Weekend program. I will be completing the program in August, 2009. My opinion is nursing school is what you make of it. School can be tough and it's up to you to make the best of your education. Your instructors will teach you, but you are the one that needs to do the actual learning. :nuke: Sometimes students complain about instructors and schools because they don't apply themselves and blame the instructors or the school for not doing well. I don't believe in making excuses. Since there is a shortage of nurse educators, sometimes getting instructors for classes can be a challenge which leads to some disorganization. But this is everywhere. The new Dean, and Assistant Dean for that matter, are EXCELLENT! They are really making a difference within the school. Since I am in the first cohort of evening/weekend students, I came in knowing problems could be expected. This can occur with any new program. Currently, the program is evolving into a much more manageable one. When I started, we had lecture 4 days per week, and clinicals 2 dyas per week, for a total of 6 days per week. However, this is now down to 4 days per week. Currently, clinicals are one day per week, either sat or sun, and lecture is 3 days per week. Each semester is broken down into 2 blocks (A and B) which are each 7 weeks long in length with the exception of summer which is 6. There are 2 lecture classes every 6 weeks and then the clinical component. I'm not sure which program you are interetsed in, either the accelerated or evening/weekend, but we have many students with previous Bachelor's degrees in our evening/weekend class. All in all, I can only really speak for the evening/weekend session since that is the program I'm taking. My class is very small, less than 20 students, which has been great since you get more individualized attention. All the instructors I've had have been great, very knowledgeable in the area of expertise, and always helpful. Like Jolie said, you should really visit the school and see things for your self. Try attending one of the "Open Houses." This is more than a couple of sentences, lol. Feel free to message me if you have any additional questions. :wink2:

I'm not sure about NPU but I believe WSCN has come a long way in their program. They've added a night/weekend option for their BSN which I will be starting in January. They seem to be very focused on their students and very encouraging. Don't believe some of those old posts you have read. This school is and has made a lot of recent changes with more to come. Their adding more programs and even talking about new facilities for students. The night/weekend program is great for someone like me because I work part-time at a local hospital and I am expecting my 5th child. I am very excited about the program and everyone I've spoken to at WSCN has gone out of their way to assist me from the start --from advising to financial aid and everything in-between. I have applied at several other area universities but none have treated me the way that the WSCN faculty has. It is a small school with small class sizes which is always a plus. Even though I have not started the program, I am very confident in not only the school's program but my own abilities as well. Good Luck on your decision! I'm sure you'll make the right one for you.

thanks! :)

Thanks purplemania, $1 an hour more is better than nothing!

Thanks Suzanne, As a BSN, am I available for any leadership roles/management positions or just as a staff RN? Donna

I am currently a BSN student and have a couple of general questions. I have worked as a CNA/MA for 12 years in various settings -home care, hospitals, and clinics. Once I graduate, will this expierence and the fact that I have a BSN help me in obtaining a job? Will the pay scale be different or will it be the same as an ADN? I would also like to become an NP and plan on doing this right after I graduate. I'll probably just work part time or a few 12's since I'm also raising 4 children under 5. Can anyone point me to some good schools on where I can obtain an NP? I live in Naperville and don't want to commute too far to say Rush or Loyola -because of the kids. ALso, what are the duties of various MSN positions as opposed to an NP. I know what an NP does and I would like to work in a urgent/convienent care setting as one but I'm a little unsure of the other different MSN positions? Thanks so much!:)