reese19

I re-type my notes and outline the main things in the book that my professor talked about ... I use different fonts, bolding, different colors for different terms or emphasis ... Then I study what I've typed over and over again. I also complete the questions at the end of each chapter. Then I create a sample practice test. The practice test is the most helpful thing I do ... I try to phrase the questions the way I think my professor would, and I ask about every question I think he could ... Then I take the test a few times! Also, what has proven extremely helpful particulary for labeling bones, etc., is to make a copy of the bone (or whatever) and then liquid paper the answers, make copies of it without the answers, and then re-label it until you know it by heart .... I believe this is what really helped me get an A on my last Anatomy test. Anyway, there are lots of good tips on this thread. I'm not really a flash-card person, but it seems to really benefit a lot of other people. One reason I prefer to study my typed notes is because I've found that, when it comes test time, I can actually "picture" my notes in my head and it helps me to sort of "see" the material. With flash-cards, everything sort of "runs together" in my mind. Alli

I am a SAHM with two small boys (ages 18 mos. and 3 1/2 yrs). I just started my pre-req's this fall, and since doing so, I have had to make some changes, especially in my outlook on things ... For instance, if the house isn't perfect, oh well. The laundry and dishes will get done, just maybe not exactly when I would've preferred. Also, time management is a big issue in our family. My DH works about an hour away, so he is always trying to get home in time for me to get to class on time ... And when I have a study group, either he goes in early and comes home early, or my mom tries to help me. As far as quality time with the kids goes, I have actually noticed that it's not really "harder" now ... I seem to take about every chance I get to love on them, play with them, etc., because I know that I have limited time now. Also, my DH is great about taking the boys to the park and to their grammy's house to play. It helps me to see that my boys seem very, very happy ... and hey, maybe even enjoying the time with just Daddy and Grammy! :) I just try to keep in mind that my going back to school is going to ultimately benefit my boys, too. Our whole family will be impacted. I try to keep my eye on the end results ... just doing this really helps with the day-to-day stuff! You can certainly do it!!! :) Alli

I also have a previous BA. Here's what I've been told regarding a previous degree: You do have to obtain a BSN to get your Master's in Nursing; a previous baccalaureate degree in another field won't suffice. I do not think an employer would necessarily care if a potential employee had a previous degree besides nursing ... although it certainly doesn't HURT! :) I don't think it's "better" to go for the BSN ... UNLESS you want to further your career and education in Nursing (for example, move into a higher administrative position or pursue something like a CRNA). However, I've been told by other nurses that there have been people that they worked with who had a previous degree and an ASN, and that they moved into administrative positions within the hospital ... so I definitely DO think a previous degree is an asset to some degree, no doubt. It's good to keep in mind that someone with an ASN will make the same salary as someone with a BSN ... It's just that, if you want to further your education or career in certain areas of administration, you need the BSN. Also, you CAN be a Charge Nurse with an ASN. My brother-in-law has an ASN and has been a charge nurse for year ... in fact, he gets calls from competing hospitals offering him bonuses to come work for them ... again, he has an ASN, not BSN. One other thing about having a previous degree -- I don't know about your college, but one of the factors that my school looks at when considering someone for acception into clinicals is whether or not they have a previous baccalaureate degree and how well they did in that degree ... I think it is just a testiment that a person can start something and finish it successfully ... which is good when they are considering someone for clinicals! Anyway, hope this helps! Alli

Hi and welcome! I also have two sons, ages 3 and 18 months, and I just started my pre-req's this fall in the ASN program. I have a previous BA, and a year's worth of credits from that degree did transfer over! Yay! I will apply for clinicals at the end of the spring semester with hopes of getting in for Fall '07. Anyway, best wishes to you, and again - welcome! :) Alli

I know others have probably asked this question on this board, but what is the difference between the TEAS and the NET? A while back, I bought the study guide for the NET, but then later realized that I have to take the TEAS, not the NET. So I was just wondering what the difference is? Could I still just use that NET guide that I bought to study for the TEAS? Thanks!

I am currently taking Anatomy and Chemistry, and I don't think it's that bad. The best advice I have, especially regarding Anatomy, is to study your material every night because it really is a ton of info and you don't want to get behind. Anyway, you can do it. I also have two toddlers and a husband, and so far taking Chem and Anatomy together has not bothered me. Reese

I know how you feel. I have two young sons (ages 1 and 3), and I just started pre-req's this fall. I attend school at night, so my DH watches them while I'm at school. But I study a lot, which takes time away from my kids. BUT, I'm realizing how much fun my boys are having with my DH when I'm away, and that makes me feel better. I can see that my kids are not "suffering" from my being away at class and studying (I often study at a coffee shop a mile away from our house) --- needless to say, it's hard to study with two toddlers in the house! :) Anyway, as another poster mentioned, I just try to keep in mind that I am doing this FOR my kids ... so that THEY will have a better future ... so that DH and I can afford for them to attend a Christian school, be in activities, go on vacations, and even move into a bigger house (ours is a 2br townhouse that we are totally growing out of, but can't afford to move!). Anyway, just thinking of the things that I can provide for my boys because of nursing -- that's what keeps me motivated! But just know that all moms feel the way you do, to some degree. Try to keep your eye on the end goal, and it will make everything a lot easier in the "guilt department"! :)

I understand your feelings, too. I have a two sons, ages 3 1/2 and 17 months. For now, I'm taking two night classes a week. Even though I'm only gone two nights a week, I still have to spend a lot of time studying at home. This has greatly limited the amount of time I used to spend with my boys and my husband. Thankfully, my DH is supportive and my 3 1/2-yr-old seems supportive, too. I do miss tucking my 17-mo-old in bed on the nights that I'm at school, but I know my DH does a good job at that, too. I just remind myself over and over again that my nursing degree will allow us to put our boys in a private Christian school, move into a bigger home (we're in a 2-br townhome), go to DisneyWorld, etc. ... without my degree, those things would be virtually impossible. So, those thoughts keep me going! Also, as a previous poster said, kids really are great about these things. We parents beat ourselves up, but kids don't take things half as hard as we imagine. Oh, my cousin is almost finished with clinicals, and she told me that one thing that helped her regarding missing her daughter was to plan one special day for the two of them every week. On Mondays, for example, she and her daughter always do something special together -- like the park, a kids' museum, the movies, or even just Chic-fil-A. But she always reserves that day for them. She says that has made a huge difference in how much "mommy guilt" she has felt! :) By the way -- you're a great mom and you're making a great decision to be a nurse!!!

I am taking Anatomy this fall. I am back in school after being a stay-at-home mom for the last two years. I have a previous degree, but it's been 8 1/2 years since I was in college! So, this is a strange, but good, feeling to be back in school. My Anatomy class is Monday nights from 5:00-7:50. Last Monday was my first class. It is a great deal of info, that's for sure! We have four tests, but none are comprehensive. However, the tests cover a TON of information; the first test is over 9 chapters. Anyway, it's good to see there's a club for this class! :)

Hi, I can relate to what you're saying. But first, I want to commend you for choosing a career such as nursing at a young age. You'll have the stability and security you mentioned. I, on the other hand, graduated from college at 21 years old with a degree in communications; I could not find a good job. I found "interesting" jobs ... TV promo producer ... public relations coordinator ... BUT, these jobs did not pay anything (believe it or not), and they were not fulfilling. I never felt as though I was making a difference. Now, 8 years, one marriage, and 2 kids later ... here I am, going to nursing school! :) My sisters became nurses in the past few years, as well as my brother- and sister-in-law. They all love their profession and are paid very well. And they are fulfilled in the sense that they leave work every day feeling like they touched lives and made a true difference. But, getting back to the "sensitive" issue ... When I said that I was going to nursing school (this past May), my mother-in-law said that I was too sensitive to handle it. She said that I should just go be a teacher! Well, I HAVE taught school (high school seniors), and I would have to say that it's not for softies either! ha ha! ANYWAY! I talked to my sister, who has worked in several areas of nursing. I asked her about the "sensitive" issue, because she knows good and well that I am truly sensitive. She said that she, too, had these fears when she first started nursing school; she was scared that she could not handle the issues such as pain, death and even blood. But she said that you learn step-by-step how to deal with issues that arise, and that she really surprised herself with how well she dealt with everything. As a matter of fact, many people who I've told that I'm going to nursing school have said that I would be a good nurse because I'm "kind" and "caring". A friend of our family has been a nurse for years (and by the way, she is also a very soft-spoken, sensitive woman ... and ALSO a successful nurse). She really encouraged me to pursue nursing. Anyway, do not be discouraged. You may be sensitive, but that will probably make you a better nurse in so many ways. In school, you will learn how do deal better with certain issues. And take it from me, no career out there is free of harsh issues. Hey, I've worked in a TV newsroom! -- those people are SHARKS! :) Best wishes!!! Alli

You have all been so very helpful in giving me a better perspective. Thank you! This is a very supportive site, and I feel blessed to have found it. I feel much less guilt now and much more content about this choice I've made. I am looking forward to going on this journey with all of you. And I am all-ears to any other advice you guys have at any point! Thanks! Alli

I am starting my pre-reqs this fall toward my ADN. I have a previous BA, so I will only have to take six pre-req classes before applying to clinicals. The thing is, while I am very excited about going back to school, I am also having emotional issues about leaving my kids. I have two little boys, ages 3 and 1. For a year and a half, I've been a stay-at-home mom; but we really need an additional income, and I want a career that is stable, secure, rewarding and pays well. That's where nursing comes in! I keep telling myself that I am going back to school not only for myself, but also for my family. I know it will benefit my little boys, too. Right now, we live paycheck to paycheck, and we are really outgrowing our 2-bedroom townhome. If we don't add an income to our family, I don't see things changing. Is anyone else also going into nursing not only for themselves, but also to improve life for their children/family members? This is going to be a driving force for me while I'm in school -- my little boys. I don't want to leave them to focus on school, and yet it is imperitive that I DO, for their sakes. I think I am also feeling guilty that I desire to go back to school for my own sake, you know? My other degree and jobs thereafter were not fulfilling, nor did they pay worth anything. I feel excited about getting into a field that allows me to help people and be paid decently at the same time. I also just feel like I need to do this for myself. But for some reason, as a mom, that desire makes me feel guilty. I just hope my little boys don't think they are not enough for me or that I've "left" them to be at school, you know? That's not true, but nursing is also FOR them because I can make their lives better in the long run.... oh, I guess I'm rambling! It's just the "mom" in me trying to talk things out. Any input? Thanks! Alli

I'm taking Anatomy and Chemistry. I haven't been in school in over 8 years, so I'm a little nervous ... but also excited. I have 6 pre-req classes to take, so this fall will be the first two ... Then 2 in the spring (plus the 1-hr Nursing Trends course that is required) ... Then 2 more in the summer. I hope I will get into clinicals next fall ... that would be awesome. But I've got to get through the above-mentioned classes first and foremost! Best wishes to everyone! :)

Hi, I'm also finally starting my pre-req's this August to become an RN. I am the mom of two boys, ages 1 and 3. I have a degree in journalism, but have never been truly satisfied with the work nor the pay. I've been considering nursing school for two years, but only now have I found the courage or the right time in life to go for it. Thankfully my husband and family members are all very supportive. Also, six of my family members (sisters and in-laws) are nurses, and they have been very encouraging regarding this career choice. Anyway, hopefully we can all help each other on this site. It's also good for me to read posts from other moms who are in nursing school because one of my main concerns is balancing school and motherhood successfully. Alli

I am also changing careers ... I graduated with a journalism degree in 1998 and have worked in several areas of the field since then. My latest stint has been freelancing. It's been good to spend more time with my two young sons, but nothing I've done in journalism has been very rewarding NOR paid worth much. After two years of contemplating nursing school, I am finally starting classes this fall! As you said, I am also nervous but excited. I am ready to start this new chapter in my life. And I'll be 30 years old this fall ... so I'm starting another new chapter, too! ha ha. Anyway, you will do great! I think, by choosing nursing, you've made a very wise career move. There are six nurses in my immediate family, and they all love it AND make great money. So go for it! :) Alli

I have a BA in journalism/English, and I'm going back for my ADN this fall. I was happy to find out that 19 credits from my first degree transferred, and I don't have to take any math classes to get my ADN! I actually opted for the associate's degree just because I wanted to finish earlier and start making a salary. And, in my case, I figured that I already had a bachelor's degree, so it didn't mean quite as much to me to get another bachelor's. However, at the school I'm attending, it would have taken quite a bit longer to finish with a BSN! So, I opted for the ADN. It's good to read about others with degrees in the arts and advertising, etc., because sometimes I feel like I'm the only one with a bachelor's of ARTS who is going into nursing! Best wishes to you!!

I feel like I could have written your whole post! I decided to go to nursing school this fall, and my mother-in-law is the ONLY person who thought that it wasn't for me. She also said that I'm too much of a "softie" and that I would not enjoy it. The thing is, I can see myself enjoying it, even though I am a soft-hearted person. My husband said, well, don't you think you would want a compassionate nurse if you were sick? That made me feel better! However, I wish my MIL would have been more supportive. It is weird when a family member isn't very supportive of a big decision like changing careers/going to school, etc. She is trying to be "supportive" now that she realizes I'm serious and determined. But I already know how she really feels. I think there are many "personalities" in nursing, but I know that if I were sick, I would rather have a soft-hearted nurse taking care of me!!! You'll do fine!!!

Just thought I'd ask everyone what classes they are enrolled in for the fall (and a couple of other questions)! I'll go first... you can copy and paste the following, if you'd like, and fill in your own answers :) CLASSES for FALL 2006: A&P 1 and Intro Chemistry CLASSES for SPRING 2006 (if you know): hopefully A&P 2 and Psych PROGRAM: ADN WHEN STARTED PRE-REQs: this is my first semester WHEN YOU PLAN TO APPLY for CLINICALS: hopefully in the spring (applying for Fall 2007) PROJECTED GRADUATION: hopefully Fall '08 ... if not, then Spring '09. MOST NERVOUS ABOUT: balancing family and school (I have a husband and two young sons - ages 1 and 3); chemistry (haven't had that course in sooo long!) WANT TO BE A NURSE BECAUSE: It's a rewarding, life-long, respectable, well-paying degree with lots of variety. YOUR INSPIRATION: God, my family, and the nurses in my family (5 nurses and a CRNA ... all love their jobs). PREVIOUS JOBS/CAREER: TV promo producer; public relations coordinator; high school English teacher; stay-at-home mom/freelance writer

I agree with the previous poster -- that the NET results are supposed to reveal a basic aptitude, not pass or fail. A friend of mine took the NET last year and made an 89, but a classmate of hers made a 67 --- the classmate got into clinicals, but my friend did not get in clinicals until a semester later. Apparently the classmate had a higher GPA (not a lot higher, though) ... From what I understand, the NET is important, but not nearly as important as the GPA when it comes to getting into clinicals. The university that I am attending states that GPA is 50% of what they look at when considering a student for entrance into the nursing program, followed by whether or not you had to repeat a pre-req, NET score, whether you met the required number of credit hours at that particular university, and whether or not you already have a baccalaureate or higher degree. So, although I think a good score on the NET is important, it is certainly not the main deciding factor. From what many have told me, GPA is what should stand out. Best wishes! :)

Did you *know* you were going to be a nurse all your life? Or did you come upon nursing in a way that surprised you and your family? I have always loved writing, so I majored in journalism in college 12 years ago. Everyone always told me that I was a great writer, so I chose journalism as my major. No one ever really mentioned nursing as a career to me. Fast forward 8 years after college graduation ... I have gone through a few journalism-related jobs and one boring secretarial job when I become interested in nursing ... I am attracted to the fulfilling aspect of the job, the decent pay, the security, and the variety it offers. There are six nurses and a CRNA in my immediate family ... and all of them love their jobs. I realized that I have been longing for a career that is rewarding and pays well. I want to feel like I've made a true difference at the end of the day, and I do not want to sit at a cubicle all day. So ... after pondering it for about two years, I decide to pursue my ADN. Now that I've made this decision, my family tells me that I would be a good nurse and that I would enjoy nursing as a career much more than journalism. But I can tell you that I *never* thought I would pursue nursing! It is strange for me to hear people say that they "always knew" they wanted to be a nurse. I mean, here I am ... a writer-turned-nursing student ... it's so crazy! And yet I'm even *more* excited than I was when I started journalism school. I think having "RN" beside my name one day will fascinate me for the rest of my life, simply because I never thought I'd go down this path. Anyway, I'd love to hear any other stories about how and why you chose nursing! There's got to be some really interesting stories out there! Alli

What do you think of taking Chemistry and Anatomy in the same semester? Those are the only two classes that I am registered for this fall, except a one-credit Nursing History course that is required the first semester. People suggest NOT taking two sciences together, so I am concerned. But you see, most of the "easier" classes transferred over due to my bachelor's degree that I got 8 years ago. So now, it seems all I have are science classes, plus one psychology and one fine arts. (I am combining the psych class with my Physiology and Finite Math class for the Spring '07 semester. And I am combining the fine arts with my Microbiology for next summer. Then, all I have left are Nursing classes). So, I really basically have no choice but to combine Chem and Anatomy this fall ... I am concerned, though, because I am the mother of two young sons (ages 3 and 1). I have a very supportive husband and mother, so that is encouraging. But I just hope Chem & Anatomy together won't run me over like a mack truck! :) Any advice? Thanks!

Hi Sharon, I am also starting pre-nursing this fall. I have a BA in journalism, but I want to do something more rewarding, something where I can touch lives daily. So that's how I came to the decision to go to nursing school. Both of my sisters are nurses, and they love their jobs, get paid well and have a secure career. Anyway, I am also excited but scared. I also do not have an extensive science background. As a journalism major in the past, my classes were English-focused, not as much science and math. However, I think my math and English classes are going to transfer, getting me out of re-taking at least 12 credits! :) Anyway, congratulations on starting nursing school. It also must be encouraging to you that someone suggested that you should be a nurse because of your compassion ... that is a great compliment! :) Best wishes! You'll do great!

You should have some courses that will transfer. The first step is to make an appointment with an advisor at your nursing school. He/she should be able to tell you which classes transfer. I doubt you will have to start all over. Best wishes!

I am a SAHM to two young boys (ages 1 and 3), and I am starting nursing school this fall. I am starting with 2 courses and a 1-credit nursing history course that is required in the first semester. I have a feeling my other two courses will be Chemistry and Anatomy. I think I'll be pretty busy, but I at least have to take 6 credits for financial aid ... I am taking 7 credits. Thankfully, I have a very supportive husband who is helpful in so many ways. My main worry is the time away from my kids. All of my classes are on-campus and at night. At least I'll be with the kids during the day, but I am concerned that I will be searching for time to study throughout the day, and may be frustrated when I don't get a chance to study. But I know of many moms who have taken MORE classes than I'm taking, and they have MORE kids AND work full-time, and they made it work and are now nurses. So that is encouraging. I guess, where there's a will there's a way. I graduated from college 8 1/2 years ago with a BA in journalism, so it has been a while since I've done the whole college thing! I am nervous, but I know that God is my strength, and if He wants me to do this, He will give me what is needed to go on. :)

I wanted to get some advice from Moms who are also nurses... I am 29, married, and the mom of two boys (ages 1 and 3). I have been a SAHM for a year and a half, but I'm starting nursing school this fall. I have a journalism degree, but I want something more fulfilling that actually pays decently! My question to you moms is this: How did you cope with missing your children during nursing school, and also how do you cope with missing your kids now that you are actually a nurse? My husband says to think of nursing school in terms of "I am actually doing this FOR my boys -- it will provide a better future for THEM, too." I know this is true ... I am doing this for myself AND for my family. I love being home with my sons, but I am also preparing myself for the future when they'll be older. I want to have marketable skills and a rewarding career for myself, you know? I also want to provide more for my sons. My husband's salary gets us by ... but that's just it ... "gets us by" ... no extra for savings, etc. And we will never move out of this 2-br townhouse without a decent second income. I realize all of this, but I am still having difficulty with the thought that I will be spending less time with my sons when I begin nursing school. How did you cope with this? What was your mindset? And, now that you are a nurse, what schedule works best for you to balance working and parenthood? Any advice is appreciated! Thanks, Alli