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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.

I would suggest getting tested for a learning disability. (Don't be embarrassed, there are many well-known people with a learning disability). I would also suggest going to your local community college (less intimidating) and work with a counselor to map out your educational goals. Discuss what classes might be a good first experience for you. Congratulations on attaining your GED and having the gumption to improve yourself!

How about asking the patient, "What is your lawyers name; I don't want to miss his call."

Patients can threaten you with a lawsuit, but the real trick is if any lawyer will take it. They (lawyers) have to be able to recoup their investment (into a lawsuit). As long as you are following the laws in your area, I doubt anything will come of it. They are just blowing off hot air!

Check your facilities policy and procedure manual. Most likely it is in the HR manual.

I will only address this first concern, as I'm sure many others will weigh in on this. If schools were conspiring to get money from students (I'll assume you mean an absurd amount of money for tuition), then this should hold true for other college majors. In my experience, tuition is a standard cost based on the number of credit hours and the level you are taking regardless of your discipline. A fine arts major will pay the same amount of money for 15 credit hours as would a math major or nursing student (equipment of course, is extra). As for the hospitals, they are running a business and as such they must cover their costs. Nurses are expensive, and graduate nurses are probably the most expensive when you figure in the cost to educate them during their first year of employment. Graduate nurses have a learning curve of about 6 months to a year. That is a huge investment for the hospital, and a bit of a gamble. If the hospital employs the nurse for 1 year and the nurse leaves, the hospital has lost a huge investment. The training received will transfer to the new place of employment, but the hospital is out big bucks for investing and losing the employee. Imaginary shortage? Actually, if you look at the number of active RN licenses there probably is NOT a shortage. There is a shortage in the number of nurses that choose to work in the hospital. It's all how you look at the numbers.

I would not be so concerned about the "brick and mortar" vs. online. What you DO need to be concerned about is the credentialing of the institution. More and more the traditional "brick and mortar" schools are offering online education. I obtained my MSN via online, but it was through one of the state schools that is predominately "brick and mortar." I have my own personal bias of utilizing the public state school for my education as it is lower in cost for citizens of that state. After you are assured of the national credentialing (ANCC or NLNAC), look at the school's reputation. Good luck!! I absolutely LOVED the online format!

Go for the BSN!! I was accepted into both an ADN and BSN program (years ago). Because I already had a bachelors degree, I decided I would go for the second bachelors. At that point I had no intention of working towards any other advanced degrees. Fast forward 20+ years and I decided to get a masters. The best decision I made was getting the BSN when I had the opportunity. Bottom line, go for the BSN. You never know when/if you will need a more advanced degree (plus the BSN should put you ahead of the ADN nurses when competing for the same job)

I agree with the previous posters to concentrate on getting a job first. Once you have the job it will be easier to put the pieces to gether when it comes to ACLS. Focus on getting a solid background (med/surg) and then critical care. You will become VERY familiar with EKGs when you get into critical care. When I first went for my ACLS (after working critical care) I found the EKG section to be very easy, and I just had to focus on drug administration. Do yourself a favor and get the background education. You will be happy you did!

Regardless of your nursing aspirations, only go to schools that are accredited by either the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Both are nationally recognized and will allow you to sit for the NCLEX. In addition, classes from these programs should transfer to other schools should you decide to further your education.

In the hospital, it would depend on the policy of that facility.