LaurynRN

I too am worried but reading this thread is like latin to me. I don't know a thing about deferment, COA's, subsidized or not, certified or not.I am really lost and not even sure when to start to apply for loans (I start in 2010). Does anyone have any idea where I can define all these terms or how to begin? Thanks!!

I did not have the flash cards but did make my own while watching Laura's DVDs. I also bought the Core Review book that the previous poster talked about. I got the Pass CCRN book as well, the book was worthless, the companion cd rom was priceless with multiple random test questions that you can also take by system if there is one thing you want to focus on.

:chuckle No offense taken. Clean up is an understatement! Most ICU's don't have aides to help either. Just yesterday I cleaned up poop every 45 minutes for one of my GI bleeders! In ICU there is alot more bodily fluid going around from NGT/OGTs, drains, ETT's, and wounds (i.e. traumas). So yes, we do ALOT of dirty work.

Like others said, I wouldn't get discouraged with age, it's only a number. The way I look at it, I don't want to be 50 at the bedside still helping people onto bedpans....I know my back won't last that long! I had a 3.8 GPA, only a 960 on my GRE's, um, I recommend preparing for at least 6 months before taking GRE's. I studied for about a week and it was a lost cause..... I needed way more study time. I am certified in Med/Surg (did that while working on an organ transplant floor) and got my CCRN before applying. I also work part time at a local University teaching clinicals. I work in an ICU that has diverse patients including neuro, trauma, medical, and surgical. I applied when I was there about 18 months and with the wait time I will have another 18 months experience. Almost all the schools in my area have waiting times for 18 months to 36 months once you get accepted. I was just accepted for starting class of 2010, soooo, I would start applying as soon as possible after getting into ICU if the long wait time is also the case with the schools your interested in. Look into nurse extern positions in the ICU, it'll give you a head start! Keep trudging and good luck!!!

congrats!!!! :up::nuke::balloons::cheers:*wine:anpom: i just found out today i'm in at nazareth in philly for 2010!

a surgeon. Having a baby at 16 really put a wrench in those plans, but fortunately I was able to find another way to help people.

I was a Med/Surg nurse for three years before going to ICU. If I had to do it all over again I would have started in Stepdown first, then went to ICU. Personally, on Med/Surg is where I developed my gut instincts. I always used to say "Med/Surg nurses don't need monitors to know when somethings wrong", lol. Everyone is different though and only you know what would fit best! Good Luck!!!

I would also ask about the admission process into schools. Recruiters have notoriously enhanced the truth but if you dig deeper you will find answers. I would bet money that it is very competetive to obtain "permission" to apply and go to school. Please, please, please, research everything that recruiter tell syuo before making any decisions.

We use tape and have found that most stablizers don't allow for aggressive mouth care. I would love to see some that do.

Not sure about the length of the program, I don't think there is a sifference in rank or pay. I graduated from an online program...and have an interview next week!

I am interviewing with Naz on the 25th, class starting in 2011.

jfk6668, I have been in ICU since 10/06, have a cert in Med/Surg, just got my CCRN, GRE's ...only a 960 (I told Karen the coordinator to squint when she looked at my score because it might look higher, haha), GPA 3.8. I also am adjunct faculty for a local University so I'm hoping that helped. I originally applied in November, that was before they needed GREs for the interview. Before December of this year they were interviewing without them and accepting with the assumption that you would take them before you started. Also, you need a personal statement which isn't listed on their application. So, since November I drug my feet with getting my CCRN and taking the GRE's. I do know that they are doing additional interviews in October.

I wear scrubs and a white lab coat that usually comes off about 2.5 seconds after being in a room! I try to keep my jacket on for the first few weeks in a new facility so that the staff nurses can differentiate me from the students but it is so cumbersome!

Interview at Nazareth in Philly Sept. 25th!!!!! I'm pooping my pants on a daily basis, :chuckle

I didn't like the Pass CCRN book but loved the cd rom it came with. I recently took my CCRN and GREs. I did awful on GREs, didn't study for that at all but was trying to just get it over with (not so smart). Now for the CCRN, I have been in ICU about a year and a half when I took it this summer. I studied for a day and a half, seriously. Now, I did that because I am an idiot who procrastinated. I did pass but do not recommend cramming. In those two days I watched the Laura DVDs twice and did tons of questions....I think my brain did smoke at one point. Good luck and I'm sure you'll do great with one month to prepare.