BChach

I am an RN but I work with a PCT who is going to nursing school and he was in the Marines during the first Gulf war.

I took an online A&P 1 and 2 class with lab from Phoenix College in Phoenix, AZ (NOT be to confused with University of Phoenix) about 3 years ago because I was unable to commute to/from a lab. (Apparently it was good enough for Hopkins to accept as credit, since that is where I went.) I actually thought the course was pretty decent, they used a virtual human cadavar that allowed you to "peel" tissue layers away to expose lungs, etc. underneath. It's becoming more popular to teach human dissection this way, I understand. At any rate, the professor who developed the course for Phoenix actually developed the original course for Rio Salada several years or so ago--I had a conversation with him regarding the class before I signed up because I had reservations on the quality. In the end, I was very pleased. I also took an online Microbiology course with lab from Cayuga Community College. I had to purchase all the materials and did full experiments on my own and wrote a detailed lab journal. I borrowed a microscope from local university lab (via a friend connection) but you can buy your own one used. I think I would have preferred an in-person lab for this, but it worked out well for my needs and have no reservations recommending it if commuting is an issue for you. Before you invest a semester in either of these courses, check with your prospective schools to see if they are ok. Both schools I mentioned are legitimate, accredited insitutions and these are considered legitimate lab classes, so chances are good you will be ok. As I said, every school I applied to did not blink an eye at my credits--and I got into every school I applied to. Have fun!

(Sorry, I spelled disclosure wrong in the title and cannot edit it!) Does anyone here--either already in the Army Nurse Corp Reserves or looking into it--know how to handle disclosing your reserve status during a job interview or when completing a job app? Do you just "leave it blank" when an application asks your affiliation? Are nurse managers or recruiters less likely to hire a reservist for fear of the person being deployed or not wanting to handle the hassle of juggling the weekend time commitments? When you applied for a job, did you disclose you are a reservist to the employer at the interview or on the job app? I already know it is illegal to discriminate when it comes to asking for time off for training, etc. This question deals more with what to disclose/not to disclose or how to best handle disclosing that you are in the reserves when looking for a new job. I am not sure I want give the perception of being "handicapped" by military commitments during any interviews.

My school requires blue or white shoes without open toes or laces. They specifically recommended Dankso and Klogs as two brands. The Klogs were comfortable but didn't breathe so well, I noticed, as they are polyurethane. They did feel good though. The Dankos did not come in blue in a 43, plus the high arch killed my feet. That said, I found two pairs of men's nursing shoes online: Rockers "Michael" and the Moc from Merrill. Unfortunately both only come in white (which will look great with the dark blue pants i am to wear!). I have both here at home now, I am not sure which I like better. The Rockers have an interesting cleat-like undersole that sorta feels like they give you a massage as you are walking. They are light and sort of spring you forward. The Merrills are nice too, feel like a traditional walking shoe. Both are leather and have breathable lining materials. Neither have laces, they are slip-ons. Hope this helps anyone who is still looking at options.

I was thinking about doing something similar, but to the Army Nurse Corp, so any information would be appreciated.

Schools tend to know if you have not submitted a transcript. In fact, when I applied to nursing school, the admissions office told ME which transcripts they were waiting for even before I had a chance to tell them they were en route! I don't know how they knew what schools I attended (I have been to many...one semester here, one semester there, etc). There obviously is some database they connect to.

I am the older one of the bunch. I started my prereqs at 41. I just turned 42. I pretty much did them all in one year, working my butt off to get them out of the way for May entry to an accelerated program. I am going to JHU.

Great news Asherah! Now you have to join the Johns Hopkins Nursing Students Facebook group!

a title change is an interesting idea. I never considered it. We all say flight attendant vs. steward or stewardess, for example.

Here is a slightly humorous story about stereotypes--and how they don't always hold true based on your experience of knowing no gay nurses in labor/delivery. My elderly grandfather has a home aide come to visit him once in a while. One day, about a year ago, they sent a substitute vs. his usual female aide. After the guy left, he called up my mother and complained that he did not want any gay people to come...the guy they sent over was gay!! My mother asked how he knew that, and he replied that he knew he was gay because he was a nurse. Now that I am going to nursing school, I am curious as to what he thinks about me! At any rate, my mother stood firm and said she did not care what color, gender, body type, or sexuality the people were, they were there to do their job!

Do they really get stolen by other nurses or students, as someone above suggested?!

Don't be so hard on yourself because there were hundreds of others who did not get in. Hundreds if not 1000 (I don't know the applicant pool but I guess it was about 1000?). I am certain things will go forward for you in a positive manner. You'll make it into your other two schools, right?!

I wouldn't feel like a loser! I debated whether to post that I got accepted but I figured people may be interested in "end results" in the long run.

Hi, I wanted to post that I just got accepted into the Hopkins program, for those who are following this thread. I am relieved the process is over and excited about the next steps (well, maybe not so excited about payment options). Hopefully everyone else who is waiting to hear from the schools they applied to will soon get answers...I know the waiting period is stressful. (I, for one, am waiting on one outstanding application...but, yes, I will be attending Hopkins--I live in Baltimore, own a home and all that good middle-age stuff (lol), so it is the logical choice for many reasons!) Good luck to everyone!

Yes, I applied for Early Decision. Denelle told me I would hear on or about the 17th. Talk about waiting till the very end...