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Hi all, I wanted to inform you all that I won't be going to nursing school after all. I got fed up with trying to get into the program. I also registered for classes for the Speech Language Pathology program while waiting to hear about the nursing program. After taking my 5 classes so far this semester, I have really grown to like this program so I will be sticking with it. I had also heard from the nursing program that since my husband is in the Navy and his home of record is still Washington and we live in California, I am not eligible to enter the program at the university. Like I said, I am very happy with what I am studying though and look forward to being an SLP. The biggest difference is I need a masters degree before I can start working which isn't a big deal because I would have gone on to a MSN anyways. I will also probably be earning more money than if I were to be an RN and will have more time off for holidays and vacations. Thanks for all of your support in the past and good luck to all of you in the future.

Actually, today I went with my husband to his doctor appointment. The doctor was saying that my husband has an ear infection that needs drops. He was telling my husband what to do and my husband just looked at me and said that I would be the one to do it. I said that if I could deal with changing dressings after his surgery to remove a pilonidal cyst, then I am sure that I could handle ear drops. Then the doctor turned to me and said "Oh, are you medical?" Of course, then I had to explain that I have my AS in health sciences, but am still applying to nursing school and may start surgical tech school in the fall if I don't get accepted. Of course, if that happens then I will just start applying for the BSN program for next spring. I just thought it was kind of funny how he phrased the question.

I also tend to like online classes. There have been times when certain things aren't presented as clearly as they would be in class, but the teachers have been open to answering questions through e-mail. I especially like the fact that there isn't a specific time to be at class so I can work the assignments around other responsibilities and errands that come up.

I have a similar situation. I am applying to two nursing programs and a surgical tech program. The nursing programs are so competitive that one of the schools didn't take anyone with lower than a 3.9 gpa last semester. My gpa is good, but not that good. I decided to take Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology from the harder teacher rather than the easier one to develop better study habits. I ended up getting close to A's, but just missed. The surgical tech program is much easier to get into and I have been leaning towards surgery anyways. The programs are the same length and the entry salaries are about the same. I would even be able to be further trained to be a 1st assistant (they stand across from the surgeon and take more of an active role in surgery like cutting, suctioning, suturing, etc.) I suppose I might take the place in the nursing school if I am accepted, but I am equally tempted to take the surgical tech spot. I am not sure yet which I will pick if I am given the opportunity to choose. Good luck with your decision.

I am trying to get accepted to a couple of RN programs near where I live, but they are very competitive. I have a 3.6 gpa and an associate in health sciences, but the lowest they accepted last semester was 3.9. I want to start working and am interested in surgery. I also receive financial aid and loans so I can't put keep applying forever. I even volunteered in the OR at the hospital here on base where they then sent me to be trained as a phlebotomist so that I could do draws on surgery patients to prevent them from having to go downstairs to the lab before surgery. Anyways, there is a surgical tech program also starting this fall. I was thinking that I could complete the surgical tech program and then maybe even go to a surgical tech to RN program. Do any of you if that is even possible? I know that they have LPN to RN programs. Also, what is your opinion of what surgical techs do in the OR? Did any of you take this route to becoming an RN? Thanks for any thoughts.

Hi, I am hoping to enter nursing school in the fall. I have been reading a book called "BABY ER : The Heroic Doctors and Nurses Who Perform Medicine's Tiniest Miracles" by Edward Humes (Author). It is fascinating and makes me want to work in the NICU. I realize that I may feel differently once given the opportunity during school, but it is one area that I am eagerly anticipating. I was wondering if any of you who actually work in the NICU have had a chance to read this book and if so, what your thoughts are on it. Do you think it portrays an accurate picture? Thanks in advance for your opinions.

I am hoping to get into nursing school this Fall so I don't really know what is required for writing up the drug cards. Are they dependent on the particular patients you are caring for or do you just have to write them up for a certain amount of specified drugs? What information do you need to write on each card? Do you just use index cards? I was just wondering and thinking if they weren't specific to patients, then I could start working on them now. Just a thought since it sounds like they take so much time.

I was just wondering if any of you have come across any books written by experienced nurses about what it is like to be a nurse anesthetist. I think it would be a very interesting field to pursue. Thanks for any suggestions,

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Hi, I was just wondering if you all could recommend any websites that compare and contrast information specific to various nursing specialties. I would like to learn more about working in NICU, working as a CRNA or NP, as well as other areas and areas of focus. I want to be able to find out what the responsibilities, typical income, and any other relevant information. Thanks,

Hi, I was just wondering if you all could recommend any websites that compare and contrast information specific to various nursing specialties. I would like to learn more about working in NICU, working as a CRNA or NP, as well as other areas and areas of focus. I want to be able to find out what the responsibilities, typical income, and any other relevant information. Thanks,

I was in high school. I had been applying over and over for a job at The Limited (the clothing store). I finally accepted a job at Taco Bell. The day I was to start, I stopped by The Limited one more time and they told me that I could start working there. I went into the Taco Bell, returned my uniform, and walked right back out. I couldn't very well turn down a job that I tried to get for so long that also gave 30% discount to employees, could I? It was also my favorite store. Of course, most of my pay went to buying clothes but like I said I was in high school so it wasn't like I had any bills.

I have been reading Echo Heron's books again as I face what is hopefully my last semester of pre-reqs before nursing school. It seems that the three things that most upset her about nursing other than the attitudes of administration and doctors with the delusion that they are God, were the rules regarding floating, required shifts per month on a different shift, and poor nurse to patient ratios. I know that here in California, they have now passed a law concerning the ratios, but I was wondering if any of you could tell me if there has been any change in the case of floating to other units or working different shifts where you work?What are your thoughts and experiences on these subjects? I am not getting afraid as I can't imagine any other job that has as many things as being a nurse does that I want to do with my life. I have also worked as a CNA, a phlebotomist, and a volunteer in several departments including ICU, CCU, Intermediate Care, Surgery, Med/ Surg, and Physical Therapy. I appreciate any input as I was just wondering how much has really changed.

Trauma Queen, do you have the regular drug guide on your memory card or the Palm itself? I tried to download it to my memory card as it has so much more space and it told me I had a fatal error and had to reset. I haven't yet tried to download it again to the Palm itself.

I appreciate you all answering my post. I will, however, also wait to make sure that I don't have to buy extra books due to newer editions or not being the exact title. I did find a program for my Palm called RN Fast Facts by Taber's though that I will probably buy as it looks like a very good and thorough program. Are there any other books that aren't required that you would recommend that aren't required that you read to prepare for nursing school? Thanks in advance for suggestions.

I also have subscribed to the "Nursing Made Incredibly Easy" magazine and my Mom got me "How to Survive and Maybe Even Love Nursing School" by Kelli S. Dunham. I am reading it right now. I was also wondering, do schools require the exact title and author or is it ok to get any medical dictionary, drug guide, etc? Also, thanks for your replies.

I actually do have a laptop. That is what I am using right now. I just wasn't sure if I was going to be using it in school. I also do have a stethoscope too. I forgot to include that my Dad bought me a Littman Cardiology III after my first semester of nursing pre-reqs. It was a very stressful semester for many reasons including my husband being at sea.

I am applying for entrance to nursing school for this fall semester. I know I will have to buy lots of books, but was wondering exactly what kind of books are required for the first semester. I already have an english dictionary, chemistry dictionary, Taber's medical dictionary, chemical periodical table, word-to-go program, and multiple medical calculator including bmi, dose calculator, iv drip rate, units conversion, etc. for my Palm. I was thinking I could get some more of the required books for my Palm also so I could not have to carry so much stuff but have as much information with me as possible to study during those in-between times of waiting in line, etc. I also plan to get a good voice recorder to record lectures and then transfer them to cd as my commute will be an hour each day and I would like to take advantage of that time too. Don't worry, I won't be studying every available minute, but want to make sure that I have some time with the family when we are all at home. Thanks in advance for sharing what you all had to get during your first semesters. I hope you have a Happy and safe New Year's eve and year to come.

I didn't have a problem with Jack's character being gay at all. I was a bit upset at first at the ease of his entrance to nursing school though. I also realize that those feelings came from the fact that I am wrapping up my pre-reqs and am waiting for news on if I am starting nursing school this January. They are supposed to be sending out letters next week. Nothing like a bit of stress. Not to mention that my final for Chemistry is 30% of the semester grade. Well, back to studying.

Hi, I am taking a Chemistry class as a pre-requisite for nursing school. I hope to start in January. Our teacher offered a chance for 50 bonus points by writing a paper relating to Chemistry. Since we are studying nuclear chemistry right now, I figured focusing on this topic would help to prepare for our next test too. Anyways, I am having a bit of difficulty finding scientific information regarding radiation therapy. I found that it started around 1897 and some of the first pioneers were Wilhelm Alexander Freund, Henri Becquerel, Marie Curie, and her daughter Irene Joliot-Curie. I also have my text book and an article from Time magazine regarding radiation therapy for breast cancer. The problem is that most of the web sites I have found are for patients so they tend to simplify things quite a bit. I am sure this is to ease their anxiety, but I am not finding a lot that I can use for this paper. Any suggestions on where to go to learn more would be appreciated. Keep in mind also that I don't want it to be too scientific that I would have to have a doctorate degree just to understand it. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

As I said initially, I am not yet a nurse. After graduation, we will probably be relocating to Washington state though. If we do, I will probably try to work at University of Washington medical center. Thanks for your input.

Hi all, I am still working on getting into nursing school. I am hoping to get good news about next semester. Anyways, I was reading an article about the nursing shortage in the October 7, 2003 issue of Woman's Day magazine. It was talking about working in magnet hospitals. The article states that these hospitals have "higher nurse and patient satisfaction". It goes on to say that they "must meet very high standards for practices that attract and retain nurses". I was just wondering if any of you actually work in a hospital like this and if so, what is your opinion of the working conditions?

There really is so much prejudice against going into nursing. I always get asked why I am "going to settle for being a nurse when I am smart enough to be a doctor". I just explain the differences in the jobs and what I am looking for and don't worry about it. Hopefully, people will eventually learn what a significant contribution nurses make towards patients' health care and recovery.

No, I have been very careful to not pack too much. The first time, I actually didn't pack enough as I found out when I took it out and realized how little was in there. His is right over his tailbone too. He is sleeping right now. He has not been sleeping well at night and has to have pillows on both sides of him while he is laying on his side to make sure that he doesn't roll over to his back.