nycguy

Thanks for sharing your impression of the NCLEX RN. Congrats on passing.

Black male BSN student here. From my experience, there are not that many Black men in nursing.

I'm 30 years old and will graduate from my BSN program in August. Most of the other guys in the program are in their 20s and 30s. Two guys are over 40.

I not sure about the current job market for NPs versus PA's, however, I do now about SUNY Downstate. I am currently a student in their accelerated program. On one hand, I understand your reluctance to enter the program given that you will have to give up your current career and live off of loans in the midst of this recession. On the other hand, I think that even though the job market for new nurses is very tough now, nursing is still a good career field b/c of its flexibility and keeping in mind that this recession will pass and when it does, employment opportunities for nurses will improve. The magic questions is when - not if b/c things will perk up in time. Whatever decision you make, I wish you luck. Just keep in mind that it is really a blessing to be accepted into SUNY Downstate's accelerated program b/c it is the only public (i.e., affordable) BSN program in New York City. Also, it is possible to work after you complete the initial two summer sessions - I worked and was able to manage school, work and having time for myself, friends and family just fine.

My experience in L&D was rough at first but it became increasingly better over time. In my case, I think what made things so hard for me was that L&D and post partum were actually my first clinicals in nursing school. I think these two areas are a tough place to start, however, if you have previous clinical experience in Med Surg, I think L&D will be much easier. Honestly, I'm glad it's over though and now I'm getting ready to begin Med Surg I. Good luck though. I'm sure you'll do great.

I have a Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope. I think it's perfect for nursing school b/c you can hear really well with it and its has the diaphragm and bell side. I originally had a Littmann Master Classic II which is an even better stethoscope, however, I do not recommend it for nursing school b/c my instructors told me I could not use it in peds and ob/gyn clinicals b/c it lacks a bell side.

I too am unsure of the room or building for the NET test this Friday. I'm going to call the school tomorrow. If I find out the location of the test, I'll post it here. Otherwise, I'll find out from security on Friday morning. (if anyone else finds out, please post it here). nycguy

Future fellow classmates, I have not heard anything about the nursing entrance exam. I see it mentioned on the yellow must do list but the only info I recieved thus far is about orientation, which is June 4th. Please let me know if you find out any details about the exam. I too am nervous yet excited about starting the program. (feel free to PM me). nycguy

Deborah, I am licensed clinical social worker and a BSN student. I too wrestled with counseling v. nursing for years and I previously choose counseling via an MSW degree. In comparing counseling v. nursing, I believe nursing is a much better career field. The job market for counselors is not that great b/c it's very saturated. You have MSWs, M.EDs in counseling psych, Psych-Ds and PHD's all competing for the same limited counseling/psychotherapy positions. If you're not bilingual in English and Spanish than you will have a hard time even finding a job if you live in an area with a sizable Hispanic population (such as New York City). The pay is poor given the amount of education and training you need to acquire - in NYC mid 30s to 40s to start (many new clinicians believe that they will form a lucrative private practice as soon as they get their license but most learn the hard way that it takes YEARS of employment experience at a mental health clinic before you're really even qualified to open your own practice). Furthermore, with increasing managed care restricitions, you job is even more challenging in that you're really under pressure to document clinical gains in a very short time frame. In my opinion, nursing is a far better career field. The job market is excellent (high demand), the pay is decent (a new RN in NYC earns at least $60,000), nursing is flexible (RN licensure is very similiar from state to state unlike counseling fields). Lastly, RN's are legally able to provide psychotherapy and supportive counseling (I know this is true for New York State; I'm not sure about other states). I hope this information is helpful. Good luck in your decision.

I took my science prerequisite courses at Hudson Co Community College (Jersey City - very close to downtown Manhattan) and Borough of Manhattan Co College (in lower Manhattan). From my experience, the sciences courses at HCCC are much easier than those at BMCC. If you want an easier option, I recommend HCCC. If you really want to learn and feel prepared for nursing school, I highly recommend BMCC. Good luck.

Congrats Mex, It must feel nice knowing that your hard work paid off - you got in! I'm starting an accelerated BSN program this June so we'll be in the same boat soon. Enjoy your free time now and the Summer. nycguy

Kristen, I completed BLS certification last month. I took the course at an institute in lower Manhattan called Training for Life. The instructor was very good (and there was lots of practice). FYI, there's a multiple choice quiz at the end of the course but it's easy.

Congrats Sal (and everyone else who was accepted into SUNY Downstate). I too was recently accepted and will start the acclerated program in June. I work at a local hospital, and from what I hear, SUNY Downstate's School of Nursing is excellent. Plus, you can't go wrong with their reasonable tuition.