RocketNurse

Elizabeth- I'm so sorry to hear about your great-grandmother. It's especially hard when illness is sudden. I was in a similar position a few years ago and looking back I am thankful that I was given the chance to say goodbye before my grandmother passed. My thoughts are with you and your family. All my best- Jes

I was the same as you with terrible freshman year and then better after that. My GPA upon graduation was 2.9. When I went back to school I worked really hard and did well, but I never had a stellar cumulative GPA. That being said, I did do volunteer work and worked on various commitees in my neighborhood. I applied to BSN programs and managed to get into a Master's program at a top school without even applying. So there is hope! Get involved, volunteer and do your best at school. If you have heart you will get in. *By the way I had to apply more than once before getting in.

Hi! I've been a long time lurker too! When I was in nursing school my mom had a cough and since she had been a smoker many years before, I was convinced she had COPD. It really was just a cold. I over reacted to everything. Now since I hear about every ache and pain from my family members I don't react to anything at all..

Hi there- I worked the night shift in tele through my entire pregnancy. It wasn't too bad since nights at my hospital are way less stressful than days. I would snooze in the staff room during my 30 minute break and usually did okay for the rest of the shift. I worked until two weeks before my due date. I was also a new grad and had only been at my hospital for about six months. Unfortunately, since I hadn't been there a year, I wasn't eligible for the FMLA, and I only was able to take six weeks disablility (which the state pays in California). I would definitely recommend checking with your employer on their policies before you become pregnant. All that being said, I am finding that it is harder to work nights now with a baby because I never get enough rest between shifts, even though someone else is here to watch her. Congratulations on starting a family! It is by far the most rewarding thing I've ever done!