mhmo9804

I currently work for SSM as well. I went through their Futures program in October and really enjoy the environment. I did all of my clinicals at BJH and am very happy not to have to be there anymore. I was also offered a position at St Anthony's and was very impressed with everyone I met during my interview process but don't know what it's like to work there.

I'm getting very nervous. I'm supposed to start an accelerated program next month. I worked hard to do well completing my prereqs. but I don't want to go into massive debt and not be able to find a job upon graduation. Are a lot of recent grads. in the STL area having a hard time getting a job upon graduation? It sure sounds that way. Yikes!

Glad to read these posts. I start an accelerated program in September and don't want to give up every aspect of my life to complete it.

lovescoffee, Thanks for the response. It sounds like it's doable but will require a lot of motivation (like you said) to get out the door. Congratulations on graduating from the program. Have you been able to find a job? I've read that a lot of new grads are experiencing difficulties finding work.

Hi, Is there enough free time (about 2 hours) every day to get out and do something active (ie jog, cycle) while completing the accelerated program or is it a requirement to give that up for a year? Thanks

"I KNOW! All the while working 20+ hours a week!" I suppose that's a good way to prepare yourself for the rigors of nursing school . Good luck!

Yes, I think I see that now. Thanks

I have a 3.7 right now, and at the end of this 18 credit hour semester, I expect it to stay about the same. Its really not hard. Be prepared to study a good 10-12 hours a day or 2 before a test. If you have no intentions going on to graduate school, you could skate by and earn an occasional A, Bs and Cs with little effort in my opinion. Dang, I hope you meant 10 -12 hours a week!

I'm 40 and supposed to start an accelerated program this Fall. I find it comforting to know that there are others going through the same thing. Hang in there!

Tracy, I have almost the same list of prereqs. to complete which I am currently doing at SLCC. Of the courses you listed, I would think that the psych. classes and nutrition would lend themselves most to being completed online as they are the least challenging (IMHO). I think you could also do some of the other science classes online if you really wanted to. Good luck with your plan!

saymo82, I'll probably sign up for one of those classes as well. Thanks for letting me know about it. WDWpixieRN, Yes, I'd rather not spend the time and money on a basic algebra class.

No kidding, I've taken about every collegiate level math course there is, but that was a long time ago. Maybe I'll have to take a basic algebra class to refresh my memory.

Darn, I thought I was done having to worry about math.

CRNA2BKY, Thank you for the excellent post and the encouraging words concerning the "age factor". I think I'm getting down about having to spend so much time at my desk to do well in my prerequisite courses and realizing that what I'm doing now is easy compared to nursing school. The school I've been admitted to only lasts twelve months and I've heard more than a few negative things about it. I enjoyed the comparison between the airline industry and what you've dealt with as a nurse from your peers. I agree with your assesment about the common courtesy, respect and camaraderie that are present in the airline industry. I applaud and admire your determination in pursuing a position as a nurse anesthetist.

I'm taking A&P 1 at STLCC with a different teacher than you and am trying to study for the first lab exam this week. I don't know how it's possible to remember all this stuff. Good luck with your test.

I am 40 and what I'm worried about is if I have what it takes to succesfully complete an ABSN (Microbiology and anatomy and physiology already seems very difficult to me) and finding out that I do not enjoy nursing after working so hard and spending so much money to do it. I really like the idea of helping and interacting with the patients. Like you, I am also worried about dealing with the poop and puke but figure I will get used to it. I understand what you mean about working at the regionals. I spent a couple of years flying freight before spending over three years at a regional. It was a horrible QOL and the pay was absolutely ridiculous. Like you, I also got out of shape and was tired and depressed a lot of the time.

I'm on furlough from one of the majors and am currently completing prerequesites for an ABSN program. I used to think memorizing limitations was hard until I started trying to memorize the skeletal system. In response to an earlier post, I don't know too many FOs making 115,000/yr. anymore unless they are flying for FedEx or UPS. I am having my doubts about this whole nursing thing as well. I'm not doing it for the money or security, but rather for some form of internal satisfaction from helping others. What worries me, is that I'm looking at it from the outside and am not familiar with the realities of the job. I don't really want to go back to flying because of the lifestyle involved (ie living on the road, crappy sleeping and eating habits, etc.) but do miss having a decent steady paycheck and working towards retirement.

Thank you very much!

A&P I and microbiology

I think you've worked awfully hard the last 4 years going to school while working full time. It would appear that this is something you really want to do. I think you should go for it!

I started week 3 of Intro. Bio. today and I think the course is VERY challenging. I'm really enjoying it but feel that I really need to make an effort to try and stay on top of it because I think it would be very easy to get behind. Good luck to everyone!

I'm taking Intro. Biology, Nutrition and Human Growth and Development beginning next week. It's been about 15 years since I finished my Bachelors. It seems like it's been a while for at least several of us:wink2: