Gr8ful C

Funny this thread should come to my attention - dh and I were talking about this the other day! I do want to help people and the profession really does interest me, but if the pay sucked, I probably wouldn't become a nurse at this point in my life. I am 36 with 3 kids. Dh makes good money, but I am just not willing to get into debt and work my a$$ off doing crazy shifts without a good earning potential! I was much more idealistic when I was younger, but now I want a comfortable life for my family. Lucky for me nursing combines my passion with a good paycheque :) C

:cheers: CONGRATULATIONS!!!:yelclap: That is so awesome - it must be such a relief! Can't wait for my turn!!!

I'm in BC where the only track available is the degree. I'm wondering if anyone knows if there is a difference between the college degrees and the University? I remember hearing years ago that diploma nurses got more practical experience, so is the college degree now the same as the university? Also, how do employers see different schools? I get the impression that UCFV (where I have appliied) has a good name. Am I right? Any input is appreciated on this as my application deadline is January and I'm wondering if I should apply to more than one school. Distance is a factor too - I'm in Abbotsford. Gr8ful C

I agree with the others that you need to go directly to the board of nursing for info on this. I had a doctor tell me that I cannot be a nurse because I have Hep C. I was so upset! This is my dream!!! I called the college of registered nurses (that is the licensing board here) and they said there is no reason I can't be an RN. The woman I spoke to wondered if some employers might want to keep me from certain "higher risk" areas (which I think is bull - ever hear of universal precautions?) but overall it's not something to exclude me. I am also on meds for depression and anxiety and it never crossed my mind that it would be a problem - would they exclude a diabetic for needing insulin? To me it's the same. Best of luck to you! C

I am taking my prereqs self-paced, online, one at a time! So far so good. I am almost done my Biology requitement and then I'll do Chemistry, then I'm done enough to complete my application. I hope to get in for Sept/07, so I'll just chip away online at the non nursing courses I'll need for my program. This approach is working well for me while I work full time and still have to deal with kids, pets, etc! Good luck to everyone!

just a little cheter trick I want to share: if anyone is a non sewing person but needs to hem pants on a budget, you can get iron on hem tape - just cut the pant off at right length plus about an inch, then fold under and press with the hem tape inside and voila! it looks neater than cuffing and costs very little.

I started reading about it last night because I couldn't believe that I was about to start a 4 year program to "maybe" become a nurse. The web site says 3 times in the first 24 months, then you can appeal to write again. I can't find any info on pass rates for the province or individual schools. This is starting to get to me - as I said, it doesn't sit right with me. The op said that 2 A students in her program failed. What the...??? I'm calling the CRNBC and the college I've applied to to try and get some stats.

Why do nursing schools not prepare nurses to pass this test? Is that not the purpose? It just doesn't make any sense to me. If I go to 4 years of nursing school and work hard I want to know that I'll get to be a nurse after I grad!!! Am I the only one who doesn't get this???

I just wonder why people worry so much about passing this exam. I mean, I realize how important it is, but it seems to me that if you graduate from nursing school - especially if you've done well - why wouldn't you pass? Am I being naive?

Actually, I'm going to school in Canada, but I want to work in the US for a couple of years at some point after graduation. This is why I'm wondering if any hospitals or agencies might be desperate enough for nurses to make a tuition/work deal with me. That way I'd get some tuition help and have a guaranteed job for 2 years after grad! That sort of thing doesn't exist in Canada.[MOUSE]always scheming![/MOUSE]

Hmmm...I wonder if they would let a Canadian in on that deal? When I was in California recently I met someone who works for a big hospital and she gave me her card and said call me when you're done school! LOL SHe says they're so desparate for nurses they offer huge signing bonuses and good wages for a 2 year contract. That got dh and I scheming to spend a couple of years down there after I grad (in 2010!) Has anyone heard of this kind of deal offered to someone studying out of state or out of country? Can I just look up any old hospital and email their HR department and ask? Any suggestions? C

I would go with Queensborough over Surrey for sure.

mls.ca is good

Is Burnaby out of the question? Or East side Vancouver? There are some nice areas, but more expensive, I know.

South Surrey would be a lot nicer, or North Delta. I think Queensborough is nicer than it used to be, but it's a neighborhood at the intersection of major highways. Nice community centre though. Do you already have a job in Vancouver? If not, the Fraser Valley is a lot less expensive and very nice. I grew up here and have lived all over. Feel free to pm me if you want :) C

I just want to add that I am a softie at heart, but life has helped me grow a thicker skin. Sometimes it is a painful process, so just remember that if you encounter people and situations that are hurtful, it's all part of life's process! I don't mean that you should take any garbage, just that us softies often learn how to toughen up by being hurt. Even though you may need to learn to toughen up in some ways, treasure your loving and caring heart! C

I pick at the skin around my nails and the cuticles - sometimes until they bleed. I'm not in nursing school yet, but I have been working on this and what works for me is hand lotion - I constantly moisturize and it seems to help. Don't know if that helps you. C

CLASSES for FALL 2006: Just started self paced Biology and Chemistry. My last 2 prereqs! Yay! CLASSES for SPRING 2007: Sociology and Math PROGRAM: Applying for BSN program to start in September 2007. WHEN STARTED PRE-REQs: I did them 11 years ago, but need to repeat the sciences because they have to be done within 5 years! WHEN YOU PLAN TO APPLY for CLINICALS: I don't believe we have to do that here. PROJECTED GRADUATION: Spring 2011 - wow, sounds so far away! MOST NERVOUS about: Academic ability. I know I have the capacity to do it, but it's been a long time since school and I never really applied myself before :) I'm also a little worried about juggling school and family. WANT TO BE A NURSE BECAUSE: I like to learn new things and I love variety in life! I also need to do something "hands on" where I can see that I'm helping people and I also want a decent wage and job security. YOUR INSPIRATION: Desire to help and be an example for my children. PREVIOUS JOBS/CAREER: Baker/pastry chef, daycare provider, mom. Great thread! very interesting to read

I know how you feel! In my mind I've already moved on, but I have to keep my daycare open for another year yet! It's all I can do to make sure the kids stil have a happy and enthusiastic teacher, I don't want to rip them off but I'm so done with this business. I try not to "put my life on hold" and just enjoy what today brings, but man it's difficult!!! Carolyn

One of my favorites: When freedom is outlawed, only outlaws will be free. (from Still Life With Woodpecker by Tom Robbins)

Thanks, that is so good to hear! I am hoping to get into UCFV for Sept/07 and since I live in Abby I won't apply anywhere else. Does the program have set class hours? I looked in the timetable online but it doesn't tell what the hours are :) Here's one more question: do students practice injections on each other at UCFV? I've heard that they do at some schools, just want to be mentally prepared! LOL I appreciate your input! Carolyn

I think it's key to live well during school also, not put life and family "on hold". If we can enjoy the process then there's no "wasted time". I fall into the trap of thinking "when this is over I can have a life" but I want a life while I'm doing it! Carolyn

Perhaps we should start a support group on this forum, then we have a really good excuse for checking it all the time??!!! C