TWUSN10

For some schools (mine being a BSN program) they school requires that you pass HESI to receive your diploma. We are given 2 chances to pass the HESI exam and if not you have to enroll in nursing school all over again. That is why some of us are making a big deal about the exam and study hardcore. Our school requires us to take practice HESI exams at the completion of each semester, but not for a grade. I do really well on those without studying. But when it comes to my nursing career on the line I think I will be a little more uptight and tend to second guess myself. Thank you for the tips and I just wanted to clarify why some nursing students are making a huge deal about this HESI exit exam...because it is basically our last 4 years of our college career at stake. OUCH!

I am a senior in my BSN program and trying to figure out my path in advance nursing. I know I definitely want to pursue APN in pediatrics/neonatal. My love is NICU, but I know there is a possibility that as I age I will want to do something different and working in a Pediatric practice (or opening up my own pediatric practice) really entices me. I already have a job at a large children's hospital in my area and they have agreed to pay for my continuing education. So.... In my area Baylor is the only NNP program and they require 2 years of NICU experience. I was planning on attending my alma matar (TWU) for their PNP program (which I can enter right after graduation) and obtain my PNP, work in the PICU/NICU for a while to get my experience with all pediatrics and then go back and get my post-masters at Baylor for their NNP program. Is this reasonable? Baylor's website states "The Post-master’s Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Study option allows nurses who have completed an advanced nursing degree (master’s or doctorate) to prepare for the nurse practitioner role. Students must have a graduate nursing degree. The curriculum averages 34-hours in length with the option of receiving a second master’s degree." Is anyone dual certified in two different specialties? Are there any PNP's that work in NICUs? TIA for any advice, experience, or other comments. sorry so long....

That's awesome, I hear El Centro is a fab. nursing school! Good luck with your last semester and I hope you get into TWU! I will update on Children's, but i don't start my extern until next summer. Can't wait! Thanks again.

Thank you so much! Where are you going to nursing school! Good luck this semester and thanks for the support.

deeDawntee, very well said! I absolutley agree with you and I don't think nursing could be summed up any better than your description! Thanks for that, gives me a little ambition, thanks!

Well, I don't have that option because I was lucky enough to be chosen for a scholar program they provide and they pay for my school and then I work for them for 2 years. So I am stuck, but thankfully so! I can't wait!

Anybody have any good/bad things to say about this hospital? I got an externship there for next summer and then an internship after I graduate! I am enthralled and can't wait, because this is like a dream job for me! I hopefully want to end up in the NICU. Anyone who has worked there or is working there (in any department) have any advice or comments? Anything would be helpful. Thanks so much TWUSN10