hevnbnd4

Thanks for responding so quickly, I have seen and read your advice to others and feel you really know what you are talking about....so it's great to hear from you. I have heard new grads, if they get hired right away, usually work long shifts, 10 - 12 hours. I could barely make the 8 hrs on my feet as a CNA =( Also, I only have about 2 yrs worth of income left before I'm broke, so I need to complete my schooling and get back to work by then. Can the BSN informatics degree be accomplished in that amount of time ? I already have an AS degree, and my Management experince behind me, will that help speed up the process? Is the informatics the same as Health Information Management ? Sorry about all the ???'s, but I'm on a tight timeline for decision making. Thanks again

I have applied several times for the ADN/RN program and still waiting for acceptance here in CA....at this rate I'll be 60 before I get in, therefore I'm giving FL a try, because my sister will let me stay with her and the selection process is based on GPA, not lottery. Here's my dilemna......I'm 52 yrs old, single, unemployed and running out of money (I sold my house so I would have the funds to live on while I pursued my medical career dream) and now I'm not sure anymore if I can meet the physical demands of Nursing. Being a CNA during the summer just about killed me physically. The economy news for new grads is not encouraging either. I have always loved the medical field and have Management experience from my past Mortgage job. As much as I want to be a Nurse, I'm second guessing whether it would be a good fit for me at this stage in my life. For obvious reasons (my age and financial need), I'm wondering what other medical career options I could pursue and complete in a few years, so I can get on with my medical career and survive financially......I've been looking at Health Information Management, but not sure........I would so appreciate any helpful input and/or encouraging words Thanks in advance:bugeyes:

Thanks to everyone's responses and encouragement. I'm moving to Florida April 2009 to start school...I'm so excited.......

Thanks for your input.....do you know much about the two colleges in FL that I mentioned or any pros/cons related to FL ? I'm sure I'll return to CA, as my kids and grandbaby are here...how easy would it be to get my CA license here at that point ?

Hi...I live in Sacramento CA and have already applied twice for the AS RN program...lottery selection...no luck yet and I'm running out of time, money and options. My sister lives in Florida, 30 min from Orlando and has offered for me to move there and get my RN schooling there...no lottery. I would be in by Fall 2009 working towards my RN degree at either Valencia or Seminole College. Possibly returning to CA later after I get my FL license. Can anybody offer some advice, input, suggestions or just pros/cons to this idea ? Thanks

Hi...I live in Sacramento CA and have already applied twice for the AS RN program...lottery selection...no luck yet and I'm running out of time, money and options. My sister lives in Florida, 30 min from Orlando and has offered for me to move there and get my RN schooling there...no lottery. I would be in by Fall 2009 working towards my RN degree at either Valencia or Seminole College. Possibly returning to CA later after I get my FL license. Can anybody offer some advice, input, suggestions or just pros/cons to this idea ? Thanks

Thanks sooo much !!! Have a great rest of the week

Thanks for the great info, do you know what the pay is like ? If I wanted to work for a hospital, are they looking for any additional skills/training/certs ?

Thanks again and good luck on your job hunting. I too heard employers are looking for certification through CPC or AHIMA.

Saved by Grace....thanks for your response. I don't mind detective work =) How is the pay ? You said you got a degree.....I'm asumming you took a 2 yr program for Medical Coding/Billing Specialist ? Can you, would you mind telling me more about this field and what you encountered (pros and cons).....is a course in coding/billing sufficient with a follow up state cert exam ? I'm just trying to weigh out my options, just in case. I live in Sacramento CA Thanks so much

Thanks for the info and encouragement pointers........ I have one question, critical to my completing the nursing school.....if I'm on my feet too long (4 or more hours), my low back becomes very painful, thus causing the rest of my back to eventually spasm. I found this out when I was doing CNA work and my Doctor confirmed low back and neck limitations. If I can get through nursing school, then move into administration nursing....it could work....what do you think

I am now applying for the second time to the RN program; however over the Summer I acquired a job as a CNA and realized after 1 week that my back could not handle the physical demands of the job!! =( Due to mild deterioration in my lower back (L5-S1)and limited range of motion in my neck (C3-C4 fusion), my doctor said I probably shouldn't be on my feet for long periods (6+ hours). I love the medical field and want to pursue a career in it, but I'm wondering if I will be able to handle the physical demands of Nursing school, let alone being a Nurse. I'm frsutrated to say the least, so I'm looking into Medical Coding/Billing as a back up. I need to pursue something that will allow me to live financially comfortable without trashing my 50 year old body......any suggestions ???

Can someone answer my prior question....I'm new to this messaging so I may have not done it right the first time Thanks

Maybe someone can give me some insight....I just completed my CNA course and earned my AS degree....now I'm looking for work until I get accepted into a RN program here in Sacramento CA. My prior job was in Management and I'm 50 yrs old working on a new career in the medical field. It seems, I'm either too old, made too much $$ as a Manager or need at least 6 months experience before someone will consider me for an entry level medical position in a hospital, etc... I'm really frustrated and wonder if I made the wrong move to go after a career in Nursing at my age. I don't consider myself old and I don't care about starting at an entry level, but how do I convince hiring managers in a on-line job market ?