SpycyRN

I can't speak to the hospital/birth center side but, as a mom, I paid out-of-pocket for a lactation consultant then submitted a receipt for reimbursement with my insurance. The hospital recommended a couple of consultants in the community and I also learned of consultants through word-of-mouth recommendations. If you're a school nurse then you already know LOTS of moms! If you're good at what you do, word-of-mouth will be your best advertisement. The lactation consultant I chose came to my home -- that was key for me. She brought a hospital-grade pump and the paperwork to have the pump covered by insurance, which made that easy. And she was kind, encouraging, and non-judgemental ? If you have a passion for this, I say go for it! You could have a really positive impact on moms and families (in addition to what you do now!) and sounds like you'll enjoy the work.

Oldmanhubbard, I'm a newbie but am looking toward np in the future so I am trying to learn all I can. I fully admit my ignorance on this! What if the extra time was in a "shadowing" capacity, where an np student is not making decisions but is there as "fly on the wall" to observe & learn...would that have legal implications? Just wondering if there is a good way for a prospective np to gain extra experience in a safe/legal way?

Congrats!

Congratulations!!

If I'm remembering correctly, there was a spot in the NursingCAS application for these. Maybe the program-specific portion?

I just submitted my application later in January (was told to wait until my prereq grades posted from last semester). Like others, I received an email to my personal email that directed me to the system.

It's nerve-wracking, isn't it?!

I received my acceptance as well for PP fall. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

I'm waiting to hear too! Congrats hehang96!! How were you notified?

Wow..thanks for the inspiration...CONGRATULATIONS!

Did anyone apply to Marquette DEMSN for Fall 2019? Looking to connect with other applicants!

I agree with others, it depends on why you are re-taking it. If it's just that you took it awhile ago and you are refreshing, summer should be fine. If you are retaking it because you struggled with it before, I would recommend taking it during a full semester. You mentioned the drive to class in the summer. That takes time out of your week as well. I took 5-hour chemistry and A&P 1 last semester together and got A's in both. I have a job & kids so it was hectic and time-consuming, but doable. Since you already have materials from taking A&P previously, I would recommend spending time every week between now & when you re-take it (schedule time on your calendar for it) studying the terms and concepts so that you're set to go when class starts. Most teachers have office hours and love to help you if you need extra help...and definitely go to open lab times -- you will have access to all the models and a teacher there to help if you have questions. If you can, go to the open lab time that your specific teacher hosts so that he/she can see that you're putting in the effort. Best of luck to you!!

Congratulations...way to work hard and attain your goal. That's hard to do with a family and big lag in time. Sounds like with your experience and determination, you will be an excellent provider!

Congratulations!!

Check your local public library for resources too. Ours has a lot of resources for NCLEX and other standardized tests.

Thank you!

I may post this on my wall! Thanks for a great quote!

I worked my way through undergrad and graduate school and came out with no loans. I also applied for a ton of scholarships and was awarded a few (a couple substantial scholarships and a few small ones...but I appreciated every single one of them!) Someone mentioned looking at the cost of state schools. You should also look at private schools that have scholarships, you may be surprised at what you find. If you are associated with a religious group or another national group, they may have scholarships or people who can connect you with options. I agree with you, you don't want to be strapped with student loans. But, as another poster mentioned, every year you are in school is a year you are missing out on a professional wage so maybe go to a 4-year school while working in order to avoid loans and graduate in a reasonable amount of time. It is hard work but could really be worth it. Those "more expensive but faster" schools do not require loans, they require you to get creative if you want to attend without loans...and you can do it :) Try not to get trapped into thinking you only have one or two options. You are 19 and, if you don't have a spouse or children, then you have a TON of alternatives! And even if you do have a family, you have choices. Could you go back to your high school counseling office or the community college career center to explore options? Public libraries also have programs and/or knowledgeable staff. Set a deadline for yourself to make a decision and dive into checking out options. Try not to get discouraged. You have possibilities, you just need to take a fresh look at things!

Thank you for the information!!

Hi 203bravo, I'm just wondering... would a direct-entry MSN program not provide similar exposure to all areas as an ABSN would? I'm new to here also, so I'm trying to figure out everything as well. TIA!

Ugh...it's so hard to balance career and family. Is there something closer than 2 hours from home but maybe a bit further than this hospital? Or, are you open to positions outside the NICU? Just trying to help think of options...

I love having experienced nurses in the NICU!! Puts us mamas at ease...thank you for your years of service :)

Thanks, SopranoKris. I plan to take A&P2 along with micro next semester. I appreciate your scheduling ideas!

Speaking as a "seasoned" person, relax and take a hard look on what YOU want to pursue in life. Many of my friends were the first in their families to earn college degrees, that is fantastic that you are even attending college...good for you!!! In the end, though, make sure you pursue something that has meaning for YOU. It sounds like your mom wants you to be both happy and successful, what a kind woman. It sounds like she will support you in your endeavors. Like a previous person said, you are young and have time. If nursing is what you see for your future, then find out which programs might be best for you, find out specifically what they require, and do what you need to do to apply for and complete a program. Changing your major may or may not be helpful, it depends on what type of career you truly see yourself pursuing. Hang in there, you've got this!

I am just starting the process of looking at direct-entry MSN programs. I can't find the estimated cost for the program at Elmhurst. Does anyone know what the total program is expected to cost? TIA!