jthewood

2 years of training + fellowship after vs. 4 semesters of nursing school. Also, I can do more as a nurse, including specialized training in many different disciplines. I like variety so it was a better fit for me. I graduated and passed NCLEX a month ago and I start in the busiest Level 1 trauma center in my area on Monday....cant wait! Good luck to you whatever you decision turns out to be. Jason

No problem. In response to your questions... 1. Clinicals vary depending on where you go. Mine were great, but I seem to have lucked out. I did rootations at Reston Hospital, and Fairfax Hosp. 2. My experience was fine, but you'll learn in nursing school that clinical experience is only a little like nursing experience. You have a lot of extra stuff to do as a student that gets in the way of actual nursing, but don't be discouraged, it's all part of the learning experience. 3. You'll never feel "prepared" during nursing school, get used to it. 4. You'll never feel "prepared" for the NCLEX exam, see above. Feel free to ask more questions as they come up, and ask more folks than just me, nursing school is the same and different for all of us. Jason

I just graduated from Marymount's 2nd degree program and can say it was comprehensive and demanding, but I think thats the same for all 2nd degree programs. I've spoken to some Mason students and they say the same for the Mason program, but it's also packed into 1 year. I wasn't willing to go that route with a family at home. Just be prepared to have a whirlwind educational experience and put your life on hold if you decide to try a 2nd degree program. It's super-demanding and will take all your time but is totally worth it in the end. Best luck, Jason

What are SATA type questions? I test in a few weeks and haven't heard that term yet. Thanks, and good luck! Jason

I wish I could move back in with my parents... or at least send my kids there! HA! Seriously, no-one WANTS to move back in withtheir parents, but it's the smart move. Nursing school is hard. Why make it harder. If your relationship is strong, it will last a year and a half and when you're done with school, you'll be able to get a nice place of your own. Think of it as a short-term setback for a long term payoff. BTW, you're lucky to have parents willing to offer help these days. J

Amen brother... I started a second degree program with a wife and two little ones at home....now I have THREE little ones at home! You will learn the definition of working hard and sacrificing time while in nursing school, but it's a temporary social setback that yields limitless career potential. Best of luck to you!

To give an idea of the impact of the Nurse Ratchet role...we were required to watch the movie during our Psych nursing rotation and discuss her character. I'd seen it prior to nursing school, but I had a different perspective seeing it while taking psych nursing!

I start there this fall as well. I'm a little nervous, but a lot excited. See you on the 25th for orientation! Jason

I CAN RELATE!!! My only difference is that I got a BS in Emergency Medical Services and I've only spent 5 years in corporate, also unsatisfying. I decided against the prehospital environment once we started having kids; I think for a safety concern as well as a financial consideration. Besides, I'm still involved in EMS as a volunteer which brings an associated but different view to nursing.

Hi maryvu. I start at Marymount this fall and I live in NoVA. The school has a fairly high reputation and was my first choice. The area is nice, but on the expensive side. You have to be careful in the DC metro area, but no more so than common sense careful. As for the program, I've heard nothing but good reviews from most people I've asked. I'm excited to start there this fall! Good luck!

Hey westeast... I start Marymounts accelerated BSN porgram this fall. I can't wait to start. I'm really excited get back into healthcare full-time. Have you made the decision on where you're going to attend?

Hey Susan9608, I couldn't help but notice the the underlying desperation in your post. You sound as if you're trapped in this job. Maybe you should take some time off and then look for a position that doesn't include working with kids. According to your post, you've been working with children for 5 years and your stress has done nothing but increase. There may be a recurring theme there... If you've only been in the field for 5 years, you can probably look back and remember why you started in the first place. It may be time to re-start your career as a nurse; take a new certification, try a new direction, whatever....just shake things up a little. That's the great thing about nursing as a profession. I don't mean to be judgemental, but it also sounds like your workplace has your number (if you know what I mean). You should never have to stand for being called in every weekend and not getting breaks to eat, etc. YOU need to take control of that situation using HR resources, managers, etc. Even your charge nurse answers to somebody. One final thing, if the job changes help, you might also think about trying some stress reduction techniques before medication. Sleep and exercise can give miraculous results when applied to a stressful situation. You might also find that if the job situation improves, it may lead to more regular eating habits and that can help a lot with stress. I, for one, hope you don't leave nursing. It sounds like you attempted to take on a lot by diving right into pediatric nursing at the beginning of your career, a task I wouldn't have tried. You have my respect for that and I hope you hang in there and turn the things you can control around.

I'm just curious of two things.... 1) if you don't think the program is worth the cost, why are you in it? 2) what, in your opinion, is a good/worthwhile BSN program in the NOVA area? Thanks, Jason

Me too! I had a back injury that ended my military creer (paratrooper) and I'm returning to school for my BSN with Uncle Sam's blessing! I too know how it feels to have to protect an injured back but there are plenty of areas in nursing that won't kill my back. Best of luck to you, I was just accepted to Marymount for the fall of 2007! Jason