brightmoon

It's still pretty tough for me to go to clinical and the worst part, I only have six more precepting shifts to complete in order to graduate from the ADN program. I can't believe I'm so close and I still feel unhappy about going to clinical. It bothers me that although I'm very compassionate with the patients and try my very best in taking care of them, I look forward to the day when I don't have to do bedside nursing in a hospital. It leaves me wondering why and the heck did I sacrifice so much to be a nurse when I'm not crazy about bedside care. I hope my perspective changes because I'm just not feeling it at the moment but one thing for sure, I may feel like quitting, but I won't! Thanks for this opportunity to let me vent.

Hi Mehow and other hopefuls, I'd like to share my thoughts on this matter: Yes, for the most part, there is a correlation between your success in the science courses and your anticipated success in the nursing program. After waiting 2 years, I got accepted at Golden West and Cerritos College. Initially, I was so scared because my science grades were nothing to brag about let alone post here, but I thinks its important for those who barely passed going into the program to know. I got a C+ in physio and micro, B in anat, A in eng. And... so far, I've completed my first semester with 2A's and 2B's. My class has already lost over a dozen people and some of them had really good grades but did not fare well in clinical. My point is, only you know your strength and weaknesses. Take extra time to study up on areas that you didn't do well on. Make the most of open lab time. Seek out support from your peers and teachers. And when you're in clinical, develope a "curious" mind and seek out opportunities to learn. I was shocked when my teacher told me that I was one of her strongest student because I felt that I entered the program with a weak foundation. So, if you really want it as badly as I wanted to get into the program and do well, you will find a way. All the best guys, because its so heartfelt when I see another one of my nursing sister or nursing brother for that matter, experience a set back.

This thread is a good reminder and inspiration to all who may have previously lost some direction in life and are now on the path of reaching his/her potential. I too can be lumped in that category and have actually found out two days ago that I will be starting the RN program in January. YAY!!! I try to keep in mind that its not so much reaching the final destination that is so important, but more so, the journey along the way that inevitably shapes our character. Congrats to those who will be starting with me and for those whose time will eventually come, keep plugging away!

Thanks for the reply Veronica. I called the office today and my name wasn't on the list. In regards to getting in after the 4th application, she said there is no guaranteed for anything even if we've applied 5 times. How discouraging! I started off as an acct major and was 3 classes away from trasnferring to csulb when I decided to pursue nursing. At this rate, I could of gotten my acct degree by now. But then again how happy would I be with my career. So I'll hang in there for another semester. Maybe you should consider taking classes towards your bachelors as I am. And of course, congrats to those who made it in.

Thanks for the reply maireez. I will definately call them tomorrow. If I don't get in this time then for sure the next time being that it will be my fourth time applying. No luck from the other colleges either. Oh well...I suppose I'll take statistic in the fall so I'll be ready to transfer to a university when the time comes.

Hi everyone still waiting to hear from Goldenwest. The wait is driving me nuts! The letters were supposed to be sent out a week ago. Please give a hollar if you already heard something. Thanks and best wishes.

Thank you dreamer for the info and krazykev for the link. Although I will be in the nursing program in the very near future...hopefully by August, I am still making preparations and I'm sure the drug list will be so helpful. I now have it saved in my nursing folder. Thanks again...

Thanks for the goldenwest info. I too have been checking the mail like crazy. This is my third attempt and unlike the first two times, I only received a letter confirming eligbility; however, this time I also got a second letter giving me a to do list such as preparing for child care, applying for financial aid and cutting back work hours to smoothen the transition in the event that I get in. Hmn...can't help but to wonder if they've already made their selections back some time ago and is simply going through the formalities. Well anyways, at least its not "if" we get in the program, but "when" which leaves us with some time to get other things accomplished. Good luck everyone.

I totally agree with the comments that it is a very unique experience. Given the foundation that you now have to better understand the human body, it really makes you appreciate the exhibits all the more. Also, to Dutchgirl, thanks so much for the response about my lazy husband. I appreciate the thought.:icon_hug:

Hi there studentnurse, I was fortunate to where I only took all of the science courses once to pass. I've recently applied and am waiting for hopefully great news. To answer your question, I think that a course like A&P should be taken in a traditional class because you will get so much more from the teacher-student interaction and not to mention hands on experience with the labs. The labs are to apply and reinforce what you learn in lecture. Many of my classmates have had to retake the A&P class so its not uncommon. The important thing is how comfortable do you feel with what you've learned before moving onto the next step. I can't say for sure how applicable these sciences courses will be in for us when we're in the program, but it is a good foundation to build upon. If you have to retake then so be it. An extra semester of waiting won't hurt you. you've been patient this long already. Just try to pass it with a good grade next time around. There are those who have to take it more than twice to pass it. Not sure if they are not taking the courses seriously or maybe should consider getting into another field, but it sounds like you're giving it a good effort. So good luck and hang in there. Second time, if need be for you will only be better.

:yelclap: Hope you don't get too busy to put in your two cents.

Hello babynurse06, Can't input as to the working enviroment and pay as a nurse because I'm still in school. However, when my youngest child was admitted a few years back for a week at Millers Long Beach, I had a very positive experience with the doctors and nurses. They seemed to work as a team and the nurses were very helpful and comforting. As to your question about the living expenses, a nurses salary should suffice providing you don't have a lot of additional obligations like caring for a lot of children or paying off a lot of debt. Of course, two incomes are definitely an advantage out here because of the high cost of living, especially if you're even intending on someday buying a home which currently is averaging over 500,000 dollars in the LA and Orange county areas. But I don't think its impossible if you are careful with your finances and come up with a financial game plan to save for any future investments. Not sure where you're moving from but I love it out here! Beautiful weather, diverse cultures, and many opportunities to experience new avenues. I guess that could be good or bad depending on what you're looking for. Anyways, good luck with your choice.

Hi guys, As embarassing as it was to tell the world of nurses about my husband's habit, I only mentioned it to remind you all that just when you think the worst of your husbands, there is always someone eles that can bring a little appreciation to your situation. Of course my husband now clearly understands how disgusted I was with his laziness, stupidity, and other words that I can't use here, but he knows to not do that again because the next time, he will have some extra flavoring with his coffee. And yes, mercyteapot, he does have some issues with his parents that he has begun to work on with a therapist. He's a geat guy and a very involved father and at this point, I won't hold the terrible deed agains't him for too long. It's been awhile, and I do check the beds and so far, its ok. And for you male nurses, sorry if I offend you guys by correlating husbands and laziness. There are certainly some very lazy wives out there. My girlfriend is a total slob but one heck of nurse who is very meticulous and organized at work. Lucky for her, she has a husband who removes her used bubble gum from her side of the night stand. Yes DutchgirlRN, this is a great site for learning, humor, and therapy. Thanks for responding guys!:loveya:

You guys are too funny!!!:chuckle It's been awhile since I've read this thread. Its so refreshing to read all of the extras. Like I mentioned in my previous comments, my house is a beaken for a man made tornado. My mother in law came by last week with some donated goodies, I had her put the stuff on the swing next to front door even though she has a key. My in laws are so anal about everything. We had a family dinner to attend at sister in law's house yesterday and was told to be there at 5:30pm. Of course with my schedule and at times, three bratty kids, we arrived at 5:35 and got a lecturing. It drives me crazy that they are so anally anal and it drives them crazy that my house looks like a germ factory. Anyways, I did get to throughly clean my boy's room. I had to start outside their door because their was too much crap to even get in. As for hubby, I think the previous comments pretty much sums it up but I think I can do one better. My loving but lazy husband is sooooo lazy that at times instead of getting up to take a you know what, he would relieve himself in an empty water bottle. and to make it worse, I won't find it until I clean underneath the bed and as you guys are already aware of, that doesn't happen too often, especially since I'm still in school. So imagine my suprise and disgust when my little ones comes across his portable toilets. We have gotten into many heated discussions via flying objects from me about this issue among others. He has promised to do better. Do you think this is his way of reacting to years of rigid, inflexible, anally anal mother and sisters? P.S. I think I'm becoming addicted to this site.

Hi Alison, Thank you so much for the suggestions. I will look into them. Hopefully soon I'll be able to get back into moving and grooving.

Hi everyone, Thanks so much for sharing the state of your house. Now I don't feel so tormented. Between school, work, 3 kids, and a very spoiled husband, I feel so overwhelmed! They are lucky if they get their lunches packed and a decent dinner out of me. I look at my house at disgust because it always looks like an F-5 tornado has blowned right through it, even though I live in California. I look at my relatives' and neighbors' homes and feel so ashamed at my terrible existence. It used to be so different when I was single. I was so proud to have a beautiful and clean place to call home. I suppose I should be grateful to even having the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse and afterall, admist all the mess is a very happy home with great kids and lazy but loving husband. Did I mention LAZY husband? Thanks again for your honesty. I know that I am not alone.

Hi guys, Yes, Kathy and Pooh, you're both right about the very small, fine, microscopic print about the terms of the credit card. I always try to be careful with the finances but I guess when you're attending school full time and have to pay for everything that goes with it, you tend to not want to know the whole truth behind the sugar coated offer. Lesson learned. Also, thanks prmenrs for the list.

Hi everyone, Great advice on keeping busy productively. How about picking up part time work or working more to pay off some debt escpecially if they're credit card debt. I just got hit by my bank with an increase from 5.99 APR to 26% APR even though I've never been late or over the balance. :angryfire Their justifications were that I carried a high balance and was late in the past twelve months on a car payment. I think credit card companies are evil!!! So anyways, sorry to vent about my money problem, but while I'm waiting for the news from the colleges, I'm keeping up with my reading, organizing my house and am determined to pay off my bills before entering the nursing program. I'm sure it will be enough pressure without the extras. Good luck to you guys and I think its so neat to read all the stuff and bits and pieces of your personalities are coming through your many compassionate, insightful, and sometimes downright hilarious comments. :yelclap:

Thank you jim for the advice. I do my stretching throughout the day but haven't tried the ice trick. I will try it tonight. After I thought about my question about the nursing job with the least amount of standing, I felt kinda silly. I'm sure the only time I won't be standing as a nurse is when I'm giving in to a screaming bladder.

Hello everyone, I should be in the nursing field in a few years. Just waiting on responses from the local colleges. I've been dealing with heel pain for a over a year. It is not excrutiating but I can only tolerate standing a few hours at the most. I've been to the doctor and have been following his advice as to how to alleviate the symptoms. I know this is a silly question to ask, but what particular field of clinical nursing requires the least amount of standing? I really don't mind being on my feet especially in a fast paced enviroment and like the physical aspect of what the nursing field would offer. However, I am now concerned as to my ability to endure standing on a long shift. I hope to somehow work around this or that the syptoms of plantar faciitis will eventually subside or just go away entirely. As to considering a different career that would entail sitting as a desk, I rule that option out because nursing is my second career and something that I've wanted to pursue 12 years ago but allowed my mother to talk me out of it. She wanted to me to lean towards business (family tradition), and I've regretted not taking a stand back then. But now that I live by my convictions, I don't want to deviate from pursuing my passion, even if means having to limp around to get there. Thank you for reading this and any advice would be appreciated.

Hello multi, I understand your frustration about the whole selection process. Yes, the program is very competitive and sometimes things in life may seem unfair. I hope you feel a little better by venting and although I am a minority and was one time a single mother, I let my accomplishments and personable skills stand on their own. It's not a matter of if you will get into the program but, when. Who's to say what will become of the other student, whether or not she will succeed or continue, but you can continue to strive to be your personal best and reach beyond your potential. When you're a nurse, continue forward and I'm sure you will be rewarded in the end for the many sacrifices and hard work. Good luck to you and it really is ok to vent, just remember to move ahead. brightmoon

Hello Jennl15, I too decided to start a family at an early age and later decided to commit to school. I would like to share with you what I've learned thus far about the whole process. Like what the others have mentioned, it is a good idea to see a counselor to create an academic plan. Before you take the prereqs for the nursing program, take a few general courses that could be applied to your degree like English or math. I say that because college will be a new experience for you. Once you get the feel of having to prioritize your familly time and study time, then you can move on to the science courses. I have to emphasize that if you already have a hectic schedule because of your domestic or employment duties, be careful not to overload your schooling. I would not take more than one science class at a time. You can take one science and one or two other less demanding classes. It is very important that you do very well in the prereqs. Also, try not to withdraw from too many courses, especially from the core science courses because some schools will take into consideration how many attempts you make before passing the science courses. I wish someone would have given me this advice prior to my starting my classes. I took too many science courses at the same time and although I completed them all on the first attempt, I compromised my grades in the end. It would of been different for me had I only had myself to tend to, but with 3 young childeren and a very spoiled husband and working 30 hrs a week, it was very stressful. So please consider your available time for a lot of studying. Remember, its not the quantity of courses that you are able to complete in a semester, but the quality of what you get out of it and that should be good grades and a strong understanding of what you've learned. As for myself, I've applied to a few colleges in my area and while I am waiting, I am keeping up with my reading, especially physiology, and of course, having some fun with my kids before getting into the program. Oh, one more thing, you can get so much info from the net about the different areas of nursing and check out the different scholarship programs at your school. Good luck and drop a post to let the rest of us know how you're doing. Sincerely, brightmoon :)

Hello everyone, Very interesting to read the many comments. I will be applying to Goldenwest this week and a few other colleges nearby. How difficult is it to get into the program at Goldenwest and what is the wait like? As far as the horror stories, I'll be so happy just to get in a program regardless of where it's at. I think with anything challenging to obtain, it's what we make of the situation that will determine whether or not it will be a positive experience. Thanks for any feedback. Sincerely, Brightmoon