Buffkat00

I think a couple responses really got out of hand here. The original poster was not downplaying nurses or their tough jobs; in fact she wants to be a nurse. Compassion for the caregiver is necessary, but let's face it: in this profession, the patient comes first. If the patient is uncomfortable or being treated with disrespect, this is something that needs to be addressed. I have had numerous wonderful nurses care for me in medical situations, but I have also had 2 in particular that were not very compassionate, did not listen to my needs and, frankly, made me feel more like a burden than someone in pain (or labor, or post-surgery). Under no circumstance is it okay to reply with "I don't care," whether you are a nurse, CNA, phlebotomist or doctor. I totally agree that if at any point I begin to experience "compassion fatigue" or any other such phenemona, I will at least take a vacation and at most look for a different profession. Though I do not yet have a license, I had a similar situation happen. I left (with 2 weeks notice, on good terms) a group home I worked at for over 2 years after giving birth to my very colicky, high-needs son. I simply did not have anything left to give to my consumers at work and decided it would be best for all of us if I left. I made the hard, mature decision to find a new job, even though I loved that job and those people. Sometimes, that's what is needed. :twocents::twocents: (I think that is about 8 cents worth lol).

Hi there. If you really want to do this, you will become a nurse. Many of us have obstacles to overcome as well (I work full time and I have 3 young children); determination is what gets us all through. Know that even if it takes you a little longer, the goal is a worthy one. Sometimes obtaining the goal really is all about the journey- nursing is challenging so maybe the hard road to get there prepares us for that career? Either way, if you keep your head up and study hard, you can do it. Congratulations on the little one and good luck in your classes! :yeah:

Count me in! I go four nights a week starting the end of August. EEP!

I'm sorry to hear some of you have had negative experiences. As a mom, I can tell you I accepted every student nurse, doctor (even a student neonatalogist performing an amnio ) whether they were male or female. I've had positive experiences with both and welcomed them to any experience gained by working with me. Just take heart in the fact that there ARE women like me: completely non-biased and willing to help you learn everything you can to become the best nurse possible! P.s. I also had a male ultrasound technician and he was the most gentle I've ever met. I won't forget him!

Well, I'm not a nurse yet but I can see why it could be thought "unethical" to receive tips. I think it sets a dangerous precedent for money-based care when, in reality, nursing care should be equal among all patients, regardless of their financial status. Frankly, many patients simply cannot afford even an extra two dollars for a tip and their care could suffer based on even the perceived notion that they won't pay a tip. Nursing care needs to remain completely unbiased. Please don't take offense to this post, as I believe 99.9% of you (and me someday!) do it for the care and satisfaction of providing that care, not for the money. We all well know, however, how money can corrupt. Adding such complications as tipping (how do we track it? would tips be shared as in many restaurants? nurses need to be paid MORE, not less as they would be if tips were involved, etc.) adds dimensions of difficulty that are entirely unnecessary in an already demanding occupation.

Do not worry! The time really does fly! I started last fall with many many courses to take. I'm now down to 4 pre-req's! The bottom line is keep your goal in mind, take it one step at a time, and remember that it's all for a good cause! I am taking Microbiology this summer, A&P1 and Soc in the fall, then A&P 2 in the spring, applying at the end of Jan for Fall 2010 entrance (Hopefully). Good luck everyone.

Welcome to college! I am the mother to three babies: 7 (first grader), 5 (starting Kindergarten) and 3 (not in school, but high medical needs), I work full time and I have 10 credits at school. The bottom line, though you'll hear it again and again, really is time management. You need to plan more in advance than other people without children. Take advantage of every free minute; for instance, I get up earlier than my kids on the weekends when possible and study/write papers, etc. I find the quiet relaxing and can often get more done than if I try throughout the day while they are awake. I also take advantage of my lunch hour (when I'm not totally burned out). Most importantly, though, I remember to take some time for just ME! Even if it is simply a trip to pick up new sandals by myself, or to grab a coffee and read for 20 minutes, or taking a longer shower than normal to relax. Most importantly, love and appreciate your family and friends as they will be your most important allies while you're in school. Good luck!

Congratulations! You've worked hard and earnedt that spot!

Thanks for the responses! I am taking Micro this summer, A&P1 and Soc in the fall and A&P2 in the spring; since those are the last of my pre reqs I'll be applying at the end of January for Fall 2010 Nursing. Woohoo!

Oh, how I feel your pain! I have 3 babies under the age of 6, work almost full time and go to school full time in the evenings/online. I think I'm crazy, but man am I determined! I struggle to keep my goal in sight. We are slow now, laying people off, down to 32 hour work weeks, but that doesn't make me any less distracted lol! Good luck!

Hi all you dedicated students out there! I will also be taking Anatomy and Physiology 1 this fall (after a summer of Mirco! Eek!)! A study group sounds absolutely fabulous, as I'm sure I'll need it. Keep up the hard work- we're almost able to apply! Katie:up:

Congratulations! I am attending NHCC right now and only have my science pre req's left. I'm nervous as heck about getting in for next year though! Any advice?

Hi there! My program accepts 140 students once a year- fall semester only! Good luck to all!

I'm sorry, I don't know the correct answer. I would think that starting out in the doctor's office for your family sounds like a better choice. It is an OB/GYN office and you want L&D eventually, so it sounds like a good start in that regard. Remember, you are your own cheering squad, so if you decide to leave that place in a few years, stand behind your choices and be proud of the great job you do!

Biology Microbiology A&P I A&P II Psych Soc Speech English 1 cr health elective 3 cr humanities elective Whew, add to that list that I need to take a few remedial math courses (:imbar), 3 kids and a full time job and I'm a busy busy woman! :jester::zzzzz