hanaball

thanks Amanda for the advice:) I actually just got back from my very first day of my senior practicum in the OR and I loved it. I helped circulate for a case that was crazy. We took out a spleen, kidney, adrenal gland,and a pancreas all in one mass. then we took out lymph nodes. Surgery really interests me. I think thats how I got my nick name from some of my friends. I really appreciate your advice and I pretty much already have a lot of pros right now so the scale is tipping.

In Cali, we are eligible to take boards after critical care. We can also receive an A.S. at this time, but many continue a couple more quarters to receive a B.S.N. The transcripts sent to the board of nursing contain all courses that are taken up to date. So if I had selected B.S.N., they would have required me to provide a transcript that includes all the B.S.N. courses I have yet to take. So you see, even though I'm receiving my B.S.N., they only have transcripts for an AS; that's why you have to select A.D.N. You can choose B.S.N., but you would have to wait till you are completely done with your courses to take the test as a BSN-prepared nurse (but it's the same test).

After you have sent in your application and it's been six weeks (the amount of time most BON takes to process an application), go to the Pearson Vue website and register. I don't know about other states, but in Cali, it's free. After registering with them, they will ask whether you want to be contacted via email or mail. Choose email because it's fast; if you choose to mail, you will receive your att in two weeks instead of two days via email. I registered in the afternoon and received my att in the evening. After receiving your ATT code, visit their website and schedule an appointment. If they don't have your transcript, you can still receive your att, but you will not receive your results for the NCLEX until they are processed. Good luck.

Im starting my senior practicum in the OR but like you I'm having the hardest time deciding between the OR of ICU. I was wondering how you came about your decision. Any advice is welcomed.