RNjayhawk55

I am sorry to hear about your results - I know that must be very tough to find out. What kind of HIV test did you get? I know that the ELISA tests aren't as accurate as the Western Blots - it might be a false positive. While that is somewhat unlikely, it is a definate possiblity. That is probably why the physician wants to test you again in six months. I do know of a case where a person had (I think) three positive ELISA HIV tests, but when they did the Western Blot test, it turns out it was just a false positive. The preliminary tests generally aren't too accurate. But, there is really nothing you can do until your next test except for live a healthy lifestyle (lots of fruits, veggies, water, and SLEEP) and to practice safe sex from now on. Wishing the best!

duplicate post

"I don't think you can finish in a year. If you do an accelerated program it is about 18 months and that is after you have all your pre-reqs done." If you go to an accelerated BSN program you will definitely finish faster than 18 mos. I am going to a 12 month accelerated BSN program, which isn't that uncommon. I have seen a couple of programs that run up to 16 months, but I wouldn't do one of those - there is no point in waiting the extra four months. It is an intense program, but I can not possibly imagine it is harder than getting a masters degree. I go to school from 8-4 Monday through Thursday, with two days being clinical and two being class. Most accelerated BSN programs require that you do have to do all of your pre-reqs first, and depending on how hard you want to work and how much time you want to invest, you could do that pretty quick. As far as the cost - you are going to have to plunk down the money anyway to get a BSN. Why get an LPN or ADN now and put off the higher earning potential until later? It is going to be cheaper in the long run to get out of school sooner. If you did go the ADN route you would have to pay for the cost of that program and then pay again for the cost of an RN to BSN program. That would take longer, and lets face it - school is NEVER going to be any cheaper than it is right now. Tuition is constantly going up. My advice is plunk down the money now, put in your twelve months, and get on with your life.

I got my first degree in microbiology when I decided that I wanted to go to nursing school. As a person who already had a bachelors degree, there is absolutely NO reason whatsoever to go the LPN route - NONE. You can do what I am doing and going to a one year accelerated BSN program. Just google accelerated BSN or second-degree BSN and there are a lot of programs you can attend. You said you wanted to be an LPN so you could start working in a year - go to an accelerated BSN so you can start working in one year and make a LOT more money.

NOOOO! One of my nursing instructors went to a non-accredited nursing school, and had the HARDEST time finding a job. Of course, she eventually did, but when she decided she wanted to go back to school to get an advanced degree it was another hassle. She literally had to beg a graduate school to let her in, and she also had to take some hours at an accredited nursing school. There are reasons why nursing schools are accredited, and part of that reason is to let potential employers (as well as the general public) know that you were educated in a safe and comprehensive way. Without going to an accredited nursing school, there is no way to know if that is the case. Please, don't risk it - there are lots of accredited schools out there.

I completely agree with the others when they say that you need a non-clinical job. It sounds like the stress that you are going through with your current clinical job is not worth it. Life is too short to hate your job so much. There are plenty of other opportunities for you in nursing. You should consider a desk job, or a clinical job that has MUCH less stress. I used to work at medical research company called Quintiles and all that the nurses did was perform ECG's, vital signs, and take some blood. We only worked on all healthy, young, (mostly) male volunteers. That company paid the RN's VERY, VERY good money, and gave them great benefits. Very easy because you knew that nobody was going to die on you, and these guys were able to take care of themselves (i.e. make their own beds, entertain themselves, and do what you asked when you asked it). A lot of nurses started this job after LOOOOOONG years in a clinical setting, and wanted something much more low stress. You could also consider being a school nurse and just hand out Tylenol and Alderall nine months of the year. Imagine not having to work holidays and summers!!! Just some thoughts. I truly feel for you, and hope that you find a good fit for yourself. Don't give up yet, there is a lot of stuff that you can do.