JumpNurse

Yes, it is possible to do it without loans. But the delay in admission required to save the money would be less equitable than just paying the interest on the loans. The only way I could feasibly see doing this is to have a spouse whose income can support your family while all of your nursing salary is placed in savings. But when you can triple your salary in around three years, the math says earlier enlarged income is more beneficial. If you could maintain a Spartan student lifestyle for two years after graduation, most of that debt could be erased. This does not even consider the possibility of employer tuition reimbursement. But if you are hell bent on paying cash, more power to you.

The Chemistry will serve you well. I would look more towards biochem over organic chem if your school separates them. But the more chemistry the better. Trust me you will have all the science you want. The whole 'trying to drink from a firehose' is very applicable here. Good luck

It is night and day between nursing school and CRNA school. You will have more science that you could ever hope for on day one. The research etc... depends on your program. There are extremes in both directions. If you go to a school that awards an MSN you will likely have nursing theory classes that seem to have obligatory research on irrelevant topics. Other schools expect you to actually conduct your own scientific research. All depends on the school, but the short story is no you won't have to perform nearly as much busy work.

You will be fine. Just don't blow your nursing classes. They aren't very difficult, but they can be tedious. Do well on your GRE and get solid clinical experience.

I don't know that I would worry too much about taking grad level classes if your other numbers (i.e. GRE are okay). My early GPA was weak but my later classes were markedly improved. I only interviewed at one of the Houston schools, but they asked me about it and were satisfied with the answer. They understand that the early college years are often full of distractions. If I were you I would make sure everything else looks good (CCRN, GRE, other activities, etc...). Go back and take some undergrad science courses (especially if they are weak spots on your transcripts). Not only will this help show you are committed and capable of doing the work, it will also be a benefit when you actually start school. If I knew then what I know now, I would have retaken some chemistry prior to starting CRNA school. But that's just my two cents...

Some schools put that on as a generic disclaimer and an easy way to tell people no. It really depends on the numbers posted by your competitors which can vary widely from year to year. If you can lose the application fees without putting yourself in financial hardship then go for it. If you can't, you probably aren't financially positioned for CRNA school anyways. All you have to lose is money and the potential to gain another year as a CRNA. Good luck!

The iPhone's PDA functionality is limited at this point. Apple has taken steps to allow other enterprises software writing capability for the iPhone. However, the actual programs available are very limited right now. If you are looking for a phone/PDA combo, there are much better options. But, I still love my phone. For other uses it is very capable and beneficial, the programs are just limited at this time.

That's not true either. The Council on Accreditation is a stand alone agency. While it is housed within the AANA headquarters, it is legally its own entity to prevent a glaring conflict of interest. Giving state associations a say in accreditation would undermine the authority of the COA in regulating new programs.

Schools don't accredite other schools. This is the domain of the Council on Accreditation. See here: http://www.aana.com/Credentialing.aspx?ucNavMenu_TSMenuTargetID=105&ucNavMenu_TSMenuTargetType=4&ucNavMenu_TSMenuID=6&id=118

Cant give much guidance about modern PDAs, but I do have an iPhone. While I do love my phone, it is almost useless in the reference category. There are some homebrews out there that are working, but as far as loading a mainstream drug reference, etc... you are just out of luck. You can google and find answers but it is somewhat slow and depends on good signal or wifi. Love it as a phone, hate it as a PDA.

Donation after cardiac death (DCD) is becoming more and more common. There is a huge nation wide push for expansion of this program. Joint Commission is maneuvering to require all accredited hospitals to have a policy regarding DCD. They don't go so far as to require participation, but do state you must have a contingency plan. With the demand for organs ever increasing, popularity will also rise once the social 'taboo' wears off.

My BSN was not from a community college, but my AS and most of my prereqs were from community colleges and I was never questioned about it. I've heard of people getting in with BSNs from places like UOP, Excelsior, etc... so I guess it depends on the school but I wouldn't worry too much.

You sound like you are likely still a nursing student. Nurses are in an interesting position in their level of autonomy. The more inquisitive/science based thinkers hate our practice restraints. Those among us who are in it for the 'nobility' typically are very satisfied with our profession. Nursing dances a delicate line between a science-based profession and an art-based profession. While I enjoy nursing, it is incredibly frustrating at times. The original poster asked "So the real question is, since i have this creeping feeling that once in the nursing program I am going to want to eventually do medical school, would it behoove me to skip nursing school?" My statement was merely to say that his time would be better spent on other subjects if he truly wants to practice medicine. The paths between nursing and medicine are not as close as you seem to think they are. While even in the most liberal nurse/physician arrangement you are still dependent on the MD to make most of the major decisions. Do you still get to provide input and make suggestions? Yes. Is it to the degree that satisfies my need to think and act on my findings; not even remotely close. PS My experience is based on working in a Level 1 Trauma center associated with a medical and nursing school. I have spent a tremendous amount of time working with an excellent medical and nursing faculty. I ask why you would recommend staying in a career simply because 'you are already here, so why not stay?' Nursing is not for everyone, no matter how idealistic your views are. JN

If you truly want to go to med school, then go to med school. While nursing school isn't terribly difficult it is a pain in the rear and time consuming. You will regret not attempting med school if that is truly your desire. The older you get, the greater the odds that you will be unwilling or unable to make the sacrifices needed to attend. Having said that, yes I do regret not going to med school but I have thoroughly enjoyed my nursing career and look forward to starting CRNA school next month.

That is making me very nervous. Looks like I picked a scary time to go to a very expensive school.