Lizzy6

I just started with IWU, RN-BSN program. You are correct about the online format and bulletin board. So far I am enjoying it, currently in Nursing Informatics. Lizzie

Try Indiana Wesleyan (IWU) for their RN-BSN program, I believe they don't require chemistry or stats. Best of luck to you!

Agree, have called them myself...and maybe I got the same clerk that helped you. :-( The only way that I could get my question answered ACCURATELY was go on the boards website & I emailed 2 different names that deemed appropriate for my question. I heard from both of them in a few days.

Hi. Why don't you work agency for a month or so and that way you can get an idea if you like school nursing or not. Not sure what area you live in , but PM me and I will give you the name of the agency I worked for & still do prn now/then. They are an agency that staffs school nursing in various counties, as well as staffs therapists. Nice bunch to work with. Depending where you live, you can work as much as you want (1 day to 5 days per week). My hours were 6 hrs per day. Pay was okay, but then again stress level is different from working the floor. I worked ES, MS & HS, depending where the needs were. I enjoyed it. Some of the inner city ES's were quite busy, and I found the HS's not as busy. I think you will enjoy it. Best of luck to you.

I was referring to something else. Not sure what the above remark is about, that was mentioned by someone else.

Thanks! I did the demo on the website, and it practically sold me, but just wanted to hear from someone who might have used it. Lizzie

Hi. Has anyone purchased APA software to assist with writing papers? I am currently looking at one site and thinking of downloading this software. It is called reference point software for APA format. Has anyone tried it? Thanks! http://www.charm.net/~rps/index.htm

Hello. Taking the exam in April and already have the book, " A Case Manager's Study Guide - Preparing for Certification", by Denise Fattorusso, 2nd edition; also comes with a CD study questions. However, I think I need more...worried I won't pass. I have reviewed 2 sites that both state their CD's (study questions), really help you pass the exam. The Certistep has a money back guarantee if you don't pass the exam, which is a good thing, since it costs $249. The other CD I found costs $299. http://www.datachemsoftware.com/ccmstep.htm $249, with the money back guarantee. Over 850 study questions. http://www.books4casemanagers.com/proddetail.asp?prod=DCH%2DCCM%2DIndiv $299. Over 900 study questions. States, "The professional certification exam in Case Management, offered by the CCMC, is very challenging. Fortunately, this software gives you the extra help you need to attain your certification. This exam preparation program (sent to you on a CD-ROM) has helped thousands pass their difficult exams and achieve certification. This CD provides interactive training that quickly and easily helps you study and prepare for your certification exam." There was someone on this board who purchased the Certistep study CD and passed, correct? So, I am just comtemplating...which one do I think will help me the most. Any thoughts. Thanks!! Lizzie

Also, found this CD on this website for CCM exam prep. CD is called CCM Exam Prep Intensive-Individual License, Price is $299. They state it has helped thousands pass the CCM exam. It also gives you samples of the CD test questions to look at prior to purchasing. Hmmmm, wonder if I have enough $$$ left on my credit card to purchase this one. Also, which one is better the Certistep with the money back guarantee or this one?? http://www.books4casemanagers.com/products.asp?id=37

You mentioned you have the book by Denise Fattoruss, 2nd edition. I have the same book & it came with a CD of study questions. Did you also use that CD to prepare for the exam?

Which CD was it, name of the company or website? I take the next exam in April. Using the same book the poster spoke of. It also came with a CD too, essentially study questions from the book. Thanks!

Ahhhh, so we agree.

So true! I case manage the medicaid population.

I believe most states are either annually or bi-annually. The application is a simple and anyone can obtain help from the DSS dept or local health dept to complete it. Maybe there are states that require caregivers to re-cert 3x per year, to check if income has increased.

Sounds like you work in public health too. I work with SCHIP and the Medicaid population. You are right, often people go without health insurance because THEY DO NOT re-cert annually. They only have to re-cert once a year, and sadly the caregiver does not fill out the required application in order for them to have coverage. As with my Medicaid clients, their coverage is free (meds, hosps, sx, er visits, PCP visits, specialist(s) visits, x-rays, diagnosis tests, durable medical equipment, dental, 2 eye exam a year & glasses. The health dept offers a personal care aide for a couple hrs per day/5 days per week if needed, or if medically justified home health aide or private duty nursing. But as you stated, "my Medicaid clients do have better health coverage than I do". Same here, I only have medical insurance with high co-pays and deductibles, also not much of a discount with my prescriptions. The company I work work does not offer dental or eye exams, so I have neither..I have to use my credit card or take out a loan since I do not have the extra money.

Exactly!! I work in Public Health too and you are CORRECT, every state has SCHIP as well as MA, and yes the eligibility requirements are generous. As you stated, either they know or don't know, don't care....but anyone can go to the DSS or Health Dept and certainly apply.

I agree too, sounds like a great plan.

Personally, I think for anyone that has worked a good majority of their life, paid taxes and when they fall on hard times (i.e. job layoff, injury, etc..). There should be a type of fund set up for the working class who all of a sudden find theirselves without health insurance. Not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid, which I feel...is not fair. Some people ride the gravy train way too long and there is nothing for the working class.

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Not to mention people WITH health insurance who are barely scraping by..and these people do not have a cadillac, an escalade or a lexus either. Nor are they allowed TCA (temporary cash assistance), no WIC, they do have free and/or discounted prescription medications and have to pay a high deductible and a co-pay whenever they do see their physician(s).

Hi there. You will have to take your boards in the states. If you end up leaving without any experience and you want to join your husband, then do it. Just remember to bring your nursing license with you, and your stethoscope. I lived abroad, and also could not obtain a nursing position. However, I signed up with the local Red Cross and became a volunteer. Didn't get paid, but I learned a lot. I had disaster training and performed community work. If you are fortunate you can practice/learn new skills. I would also contact the 2 hospitals you mentioned, sometimes with proper credentials, they will let you volunteer as well, and who knows, they might even have an opening in the future. I lived abroad for 1.5 yrs, and I did not have a problem when I returned to the states in finding a nursing position. Of course, the area I live in is lacking nurses, and still is...but, the recruiters were interested in my resume. I am sure you could obtain a position in med-surg when you return. I would definitely go for it. Best of luck to you!

yeah, schools seem to be about $$$$....and majority of us have to rely on stafford loans, how else can we pay our mortgage, bills etc..if we don't have tuition reimbursement/assistance at work?! plus, some of the extra electives, i am not interested in, why can't they list credit electives which will do me good in an older home: general plumbing 101, winterizing your home 101, how to wire a lamp 101 etc... these are things i would like to know more about, without taking a non credit course on these subjects...grrrrr! why can't they be credit electives?

Dreamnurse 2b - have you spoke with anyone from this school yet? I have looked at their website, and it appears a bit vague/evasive...I guess I have to call one of their reps for MORE info, since I cannot locate what is needed and what the courses will be for the RN-BSN program. I have looked all over the site & can't find this info. Just noticed your screen name...have your graduated?