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At my facility there much talk of healthy eating, yet fried foods are in abundance. Fresh fruit/salad bar is unbelievably expensive. I bring my own most of the time.

Excellent choice. You will not regret seeking the BSN at this point in time. Student loans are generally easier to pay off ( I could be wrong....). You would be surprised at how many non management jobs prefer a BSN over the ADN. Education is NEVER a mistake!!

I remember my first day of nursing school.....so many years ago. I cried because I needed to read about 250 pages and it was only the first day! I felt so behind!! Then I sat down and started to read.....and eventually I got through. Good luck, and concentrate on the immediate concerns.

Hey, Coffe-breath.....

"I asked for a tall, not a venti"

I'm thinking there is no ulterior motive, based on what I've read. I've looked up plenty of licenses. The information I get is how long (when) they were licensed and if they hold an advanced license (ARNP). Nothing sinister.

I, too, am looking to obtain my certification. Does anyone have any specific suggestions on how to study? What did you do to prepare or what would you do differently to study? Thanks!!

I, too, am new to clinical teaching. What I have done in preparation for teaching is make up index cards with different questions related to the topic. Each student gets a card and is encouraged to answer, but if they are unable, the question then goes to the group. We have had some great discussions! The students look forward to our question/answer time. I usually use it as an ice breaker (at least, for me!)

I believe you are well on your way to "growing a spine!" Actually, I think what you were lacking is confidence, but I see you are overcoming that and are well on your way to a great nursing career. I'm very happy for you! Congratulations!!!

When I was new, I too, was a bit intimidated. Then I kept thinking that my job was to be the patient advocate. Every time I had to talk to the doctor, or question him/her, I kept saying to myself, "I am the patient advocate." Keep saying that and it may help you like it helped me. After a while I realized they were just people trying to do their best for the patient.

I completed my ACLS last year online, no problem. I hadn't had the training in over 15 years (i let it lapse as I didn't need it). I completed the check-off and then decided to get my instructor certification (done!). I found online to be less stressful.

My bias is towards ICU, HOWEVER.....med/surg is good for building your foundation. I think you will utilize much of that knowledge base in L&D, and should you go into more advanced areas of maternity, it will serve you well. You will also learn time management and prioritization skills. You could then bump things up after obtaining a med/surg background by going into critical care. This too will serve you well in your advanced practice. Some will state you don't have many patients that "go bad" in L&D, there is still the potential for things to go wrong, and if you have a strong background in med/surg it will prepare you to deal with it. If you are wanting to be a midwife, I would suggest having a strong med/surg and critical care background.

I would go, in person if possible, and talk to your old boss. The worse they could say is, "no" or that no position is available. If you left on good terms and there is a need, then I would think they would want to hire you. You will never know until you try. It is harder for someone to say "no" in person - that's one reason you should go in person. In addition, by going to meet in person it means you are very willing to work with them. Good luck!!

It's all in how you look at it. If all you can see is X, then that is all you will do. I've worked critical, QA, and Risk Management. I've gone back to school for a masters (got it!) and now I am teaching. I've known other nurses that have started as an LPN, got the RN and done rounding with doctors and then worked with lawyers. Nurses have specialized training, but we are NOT locked into a strict definition of "nursing." There are so many different things you can do with the degree (well, better if you have at least a BSN). The difficult part may be finding where your unique qualities can be used. That is the limiting factor!

FIrst define who your audience will be. That should help to direct where you should go. New nurses have different learning needs than a more experienced nurse.