ERvik

Wow, such negativity! While a lot of what has been said is true, I passed my NCLEX at 45 and got a job right away in my chosen dept in Northern Calif, and most of my classmates did the same. It is tough out there and nursing school is awful at times, but if you really want it, don't let others discourage you. I love my job and am so glad I put in the time and effort to get here. I work with amazing nurses who are so supportive and nurturing to those of us who are inexperienced. I've been an RN with an ADN for over a year now and would do it all again. Just wanted you to know we're not all unhappy with our jobs. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Glad you're getting good experiences but just a heads up, at my school this would be considered a violation of HIPPA and could bring serious consequences so be careful :)

I'm graduating in December too and I know exactly how you feel. I would really love to work in the ER and even contemplated starting out there, but this semester I feel so inadequate that even starting on a regular med-surg floor scares me to death. I know everyone says it all comes together once you start working, and I'm counting on that, but it sure is scary knowing we're gonna be on our own. Best of luck to you and congrats on graduating, we deserve to celebrate! :anpom:

Thanks for the info. I graduate in December and am nervous about NCLEX already. Best of luck to all!

Starting first semester ADN Wednesday in California and I'm still trying to complete all the pre-class assignments. They really want us to hit the ground running, but they've got a great success rate so I guess it will be worth it. Happy studying everyone!

I'm glad I saw your post. I start the program on the 20th and feel totally overwhelmed too! I actually had a nightmare the other night that I showed up for the first day of class totally unprepared, and I had forgotten to do a quiz that everyone else was handing in! I've waited so long and am sooo excited but really nervous too. Best of luck to you - hopefully the nerves will just make us that much more prepared.

Part of it is based on grades, prior experience, foreign language, financial need, learning disabilities, etc. It's a point system like the ones found at a lot of other colleges like Chico State. It's really a much better system of determining the wait list. The way they used to do it just lumped everyone together so the ones with really marginal grades who may not stick with the program have just as good a shot as a 4.0 student who is totally committed. Not to say that grades are everything, but some people just take it more seriously and know this is what they want to do. Hope this helps, I'm sure your counselor can break it down better if you ask.

I am currently on Shasta College's wait list and am looking at about two years. You know, the governor recently changed the rules though don't you. Shasta College used to be first come first serve basis only, now there is certain criteria that puts you higher or lower on the wait list. I was in the last group to use the old way. I know several people who have gone through the program, and even though they all say it is really tough, they're ecstatic to be nurses working in this area. By the way I just turned 40 this year, you're never too old to follow your dreams! Good Luck! :nuke:

I can really sympathize with you. Last year I was really worried about the lab tests in anatomy class because I'm a much better book learner. I did find one trick that worked for me though, I took pictures of all the models, charts, and even the cadaver and studied them at home. I know not all schools will allow this, but mine did and it helped A LOT! I ended up getting A's on all my lab exams. Talk to your teacher and check the policy. Good luck! Vicki

The courses are separate at my school as well, and I took physiology first. It wasn't a real problem for me or the other people in my class, and it made anatomy seem a lot easier. One thing that I wasn't prepared for was the amount of chemistry in physio. I was taking chem at the same time so it worked out ok, but sometimes physio got ahead of chem and it was confusing! Good luck.

I'm an independent MT and find it works really well with going to school. I went through PCDI too and even though it wasn't the best schooling I could have gotten, I think experience is the best teacher. I started out working under another MT who could proof my work and answer questions. I got really lucky, when the MT I was working with moved away, I picked up her clients who are private practice doctors. The toughest part about getting started is that word of mouth is everything, at least in my area. Someone else mentioned that transcription is being phased out and I definately agree, that's why I'm going into nursing. But it is a great flexible job while you're in school, and if you can be independent the money is great. Good luck.