klrmom

Most schools do not require non-trads to take the SAT. That's what the compass is for... it's generally for people who did not take the SAT or who have been out of school for a while. Of course, I would pick the school that DOES require the SAT lol. I think it's ridiculous. I could understand the NET or the PAX, but I think requiring the SAT is a bit silly. But, what can you do? I'm only 27, but I'm still terrified of the SAT lol. I took the ACT right out of high school, but unfortunately, they only accept it if it was in the last 7 years. Go figure. The good news is, I don't have to have the SAT to get into school, just to apply to the nursing program. I'm just getting started on pre-reqs, so I have a good year or so to prepare. I'm planning to get an SAT study guide, and I have the SAT question of the day emailed to me. (Go to www.collegeboard.com.... they have a lot of help on preparing for the test.) All you can do is your best. I'm not sure how your school does it, but the school I will be attending has a score sheet... part of your overall score is the SAT, but there are many other factors also. Just make sure to make the best grades you can and take as many classes as you can before applying (not just the few that are required), etc. It stinks, but it's just part of the journey!

A friend of mine works night-shift in a jail. They work 7 days on, then 7 days off, so her situation is probably a little easier than only having a day or 2 off in between. On her last work night, she stays up all day... she doesn't even give herself a nap because then she won't wake up for hours lol. She cleans house, pays bills, catches up on phone calls, whatever she can do to stay busy, then goes to bed at night and keeps to a normal night time sleeping schedule on her off week. The night before her first work night, she sits up all night. She DVR's all of her favorite shows through the week and ONLY watches them on that night. It helps her stay awake all night and then she's ready for her working week. Again, this would be a lot easier on a work one week/off one week schedule. Good luck! Maybe you should just get some red bull? lol... anything helps, right?

I work in a call-center... obviously not the same type of job. (I'm just getting started on my nursing pre-reqs). However, I think your situation occurs in a lot of different places. Is it the actual job that you don't like, or is it the management, cuts, etc going on around you that you have the problem with? We are having the same issues where I work... people dread coming in, suffer through the day, then go home dreading the next day. That's no way to live. I discovered a long time ago that if I wake up saying today will be a good day... if I walk away from negative conversation and don't let it pull me under... if I focus on my job and my customers (patients) and try to look on the positive of every situation (sometimes just remembering that I have a job and I'm not one of the people standing in line for unemployment and remember that there are thousands of people who would kill to have my job) I start to feel happy and enjoy myself more. There's nothing wrong with looking for something better... and as a previous poster stated, we don't know your exact situation, but just be careful not to let negative energy suck you in or else in a few months, you may feel the same way about your new job. Good luck in your new position! I know it must be exciting to be learning something new and adding to your training!

Narnian, I was the same way... couldn't even handle the thought of blood lol. I wanted to be a nurse... puke, poop, broken bones, etc didn't bother me, but show me some blood and I'd pass out. So, I took a phlebotomy course. I figured if it turns out I can't get past this fear of blood, then I'm not out as much time/money. I'm SO GLAD I did that because now I can handle needles and blood with ease lol. I think it all boils down to what you want. If you really really want something, you can do it... mind over matter!

I think it all depends on the individual. Nursing school requires a big time commitment and it's hard to get a job that will work around your school schedule. I'm still taking prereqs, in fact really just getting started on prereqs. Right now, I work full time in a call center. It will be next to impossible to work around my current job while in nursing school, but I'm planning to cross that bridge when I come to it. A lot of hospitals will hire nurse externs (paid) after the first (sometimes second) semester of nursing school. Some will also hire you as a CNA even if you haven't taken a CNA course after 1-2 semesters of the nursing program. So, I'm thinking I'll try to save up enough money to get me through my first semester of nursing courses, then try to get on at a hospital part time if possible. You're still doing prereqs... I think right now if staying home with your daughter is what feels right to you, then do it! You can always get a job down the road. There will plenty of time to do that in the future!

One of my family members is in jail... he's bipolar and is denied his medication... then he gets in trouble for being violent. Hello?!?! I just don't get it sometimes... so sad.

bump... I would like to hear of experiences as well!

Sorry, I can't help to identify these, but what a cool idea for a collection!

I went to Chatt Tech a few years ago (was thinking of getting my LPN, but we moved away). I only went for 2 semesters, but I can't say a single bad thing about the school. All of my teachers were very helpful... in fact, all of the staff was very helpful, from financial aid to the library. I don't recall ever coming across a rude person (that wasn't a student anyway, lol). Good luck! You'll really enjoy it there.

Hello all! I think I have FINALLY found the school for me! I currently live in the Dalton, GA area, but for personal reasons, I don't want to go to Dalton State. I was looking into Chatt State and Cleveland State, but that would put me out of state. Northwestern is just too far of a drive for me. How on earth have I never heard of GHC??? I just surfed across it today and I'm soooo excited! I work for a call center which also has a location in Calhoun. People transfer to that office all the time, so I'm hoping I can transfer to Calhoun and we will just move to Rome. (I will have to work up until I start the actual nursing program... after that, we'll play it by ear lol) We were considering moving to Calhoun, anyway, so this just gives us more reason to move to the area. I do have a question about prereqs, though. BIOL 2122K (A&P II) and BIOL 2160K (Microbiology) are listed as "corequisite" under the course descriptions. I'm not really sure what this means. I'm assuming you have to take them both at the same time? That seems a little scary because I think they would both be pretty challenging. I wasn't sure if that means you have to take 2122K at the same time as 2160K or if it just means that they CAN BE (not necessarily have to be) taken together. Any help??? Thanks!!!

I'm assuming you'll find out if you're into the RN program before the LPN starts? If your ultimate goal is RN and you ARE accepted this fall, then I would go that route... if you're NOT accepted, I would go the LPN route. I have 2 kids (and a 3rd one on the way) and I'm starting bottom of the totem pole with CNA lol. My end goal is to be a Nurse Midwife, but I need money now, not in 3-4 years minimum as an RN, so I'm planning to take a 4 week CNA program and get my foot in the door that way... then get my LPN, then RN... then eventually I would like to go to Emory and do their ADN-MSN in midwifery program. It's a very long term goal, but it's best for me. Just do what's best for you and your family and you'll be fine!

BUMP Did you ever find out? I am a good 5 hours away, but if I only have to drive down once a week (even if I have to stay overnight), it is so worth it for me. I work full time, and have 2 little ones, so flexibility is a wonderful thing. Let me know if you have any new details...

I have always thought about doing pediatric oncology. I'm a HUGE supporter of hospitals like St. Jude's because I lost a friend at a young age to cancer. What gets me is when people (like my dad) say "Ugh... I just couldn't be around those sick kids all day... it would be so depressing." Well DUH of course it's not always smiles and fluffy bunnies, but it's a good thing some people can look past themselves, you know? Like the kids are just supposed to lay there alone because you "just couldn't do that all day."

I know this is an old post, but just in case you're still on here... Emory in Atlanta, GA also has an ADN-MSN program. You have to take a semester of "bridge" courses before starting the program. It's geared towards students who are already working full time... I'm thinking you go on campus 1 day a week and the rest of the work is online or something like that... in fact, I'm pretty sure that 1 day a week can be on the weekend. Then clincals are over the weekend as well so that you don't have to quit your normal job and you aren't commuting to the school on a daily basis. I'm just getting started on my prereqs for my ADN, but I'm already exploring my options to go further... I want to get my master's just not sure what area yet. Hope this helps!

I have to take the Compass as well. My school gave 2 websites to help "prepare" for the exam. Honestly, I haven't looked at them yet.... just got my letter yesterday lol. Hope they help! http://www.act.org/asset/pdf/guide.pdf http://www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html Just looking at the links, the 1st one looks like it's geared towards the asset & 2nd for compass. So, obviously the tests are similar because as I said these are the links my school gave me to practice for my compass test. Good luck!