NESS2bNURSE

Thank you so much for your responses. I do eventually want to go the NNP direction, but it is way off. I want to get a lot of experience before I go that way. I am leaning toward the second BSN only because I have two very young kids and we have no outside support (no family around to help) and I can do the classes 3 days/nights a week for 15 months. As for the clerical support job, I think I'll send in my resume and see what happens. I am looking for a night job (i'm home with the kids during the day), so hopefully it will work out. Thank you again for your time...I really admire what you do and hope one day to call myself a NICU nurse too. :) Vanessa

Hi Everyone: This is my first post in the NICU section. I have always wanted to be a NICU nurse and I am having trouble deciding the best way to get there. Sorry to post in this forum, but I figure that you have all made it here so you would be the best to ask. I am 33 and already have a BA in Psychology(graduated in 1996) and an MBA (graduated in 2000). I had my second baby in January and it just lit the fire under me again to be a nurse. I'm driving my husband crazy about this, so I need other people to discuss it with. I have two decisions to make: 1) Second BSN or MSN direct entry? I can get into the ABSN without much problem, but the school is not as well respected (71% NCLEX pass rate) as the school that has the MSN degree (96% pass rate). I do eventually want to get my MSN, but it is very hard to get into and I have no idea what my chances are. There is another BSN option through the University of Oklahoma which is online (theory) and onsite clinical with a local hospital that is recognized by my bon. Now that I have 2 kids under 5, I'm just not sure how I will do in school and I don't want to ruin my chances of getting into an MSN program later (I have a 3.82 now). Just not sure what to do....any advice would be appreciated. 2) I have the ability to volunteer at a local hospital in the NICU or get an entry level part time clerical job in the NICU at our local children's hospital (I would eventually like to work in either one of the hospitals). Which one should I do? The money won't be great at the part time job, but it might get me into the unit I want to work. The volunteering on the other hand would make me feel like I am doing something to make a difference while being exposed to the unit and staff. What would you do? I have volunteered in the NICU before (long time ago) and loved it. I know this is what I want to do, just want to make the best decisions to get there. Thank you in advance for any input that you have. Ness 29 weeker in 1974 and made it!

Hi Jennifer: Are you scheduled to start in the July evening class? I'm not sure of the answer to your question (sorry), but I have been looking for other NU students on this forum to chat with (hope you don't mind). I am still waiting for my acceptance letter (applied in April...decision should be here in the next few weeks). I applied for the accelerated post-bac BSN. Which program are you doing? Did you take any of your pre-req's at NU? I hope someone can answer your question...it may be a wise idea to post this on the student nursing forum. Maybe someone had a similar experience and can provide some advise. Ness

SA2BDOCTOR and Daytonite: You might like this link......makes flashcard making very easy. Have fun my anal retentive posters!!! LOL. http://www.flashcardexchange.com/

np_wannabe Good luck with whatever path you choose. I decided not to go through an Entry To Practice (ETP) program that offers me the MSN and Nurse Practitioner education because it was 5 days a week all day long. You have to do what is best for you and your family. Although I do agree with CRNASOMEDAY25 that your kids will adjust (kids like routine and when its different they get upset until the "different" becomes routine). My son went to daycare when he was 16 months because I had to go back to work and I was a total mess...he had a blast! Other kids to interact with, new toys to explore, etc. I'm not advocating daycare for everyone, but because we have no family around us that can watch our kid(s), it was our only option and he did well (not all kids may respond the same way). My son is now 4 1/2 and loves school. It is hard without a good support system. Keep us posted...good luck!

I started a similar thread a few days ago...I will have a 15month old and a 5 year old when I start my ABSN. Little scary! My fear is that I won't have enough time to study between doing the laundry, cleaning the house, cooking meals, food shopping, etc. All of the posts I received were very positive. I think it is just learning how to manage every minute of your day. I am going to try to involve my son in my studying and make him a part of my team...holding the flashcards, pointing to things in my book and asking me what they are (5 year olds ask lots of questions anyway), etc. Good luck next week!!! Let me know how your first week goes.