PLM311

I'm interested in more information about becoming an LPN. Do I HAVE to go to one of those pricey private institutions? What community colleges in southern california offer LPN programs? HELP!!

Lately I have been drawn to pediatric nursing and feel that it is an area in which I would really enjoy working. I am hopefully starting NS when I finish up my pre-reqs. What concerns me is that while I am pretty sure peds is where I want to be, I'm not too sure that I would enjoy adult care at all. Is this wrong/strange? Is this a sign that I am not cut out for nursing? Anyone else feel similar? Any advice/words of wisdom would be very appreciated...

I'd like to know too as I am considering going into pediactric nursing as well...

Wow you hit the nail on the head! I do find myself cringing and "fighting" the pain! But at the same time I love watching the story of how the two people ended up together and are now starting a family. I think there is something I might be running from, I just don't know what. I will try out your suggestions for sure. Thanks so much for teh encouragement. OMG, I'm so glad I found this website!

WOW! Thank you so much. That was really helpful. I will def. try watching my discovery programs w/out sound. I guess what happens as I am watching programs like Life in the ER or Maternity Ward is that I imagine that I am experiencing whatever the patient is going through. How can I separate myself? Not become emotionally detached but stop imagining that I am experiencing the pain...Does that make sense? Am I crazy?

I'm worried I will not be able to handle witnessing child birth. I know I would not HAVE to work in L&D but I think as a nurse you should at least be able to stomach watching it. I really believe that that is the most painful thing one can endure and I can't help but think of all the pain the mother is going through ...It just really eeks me out. I always watch the discovery channel (Materity Ward, I think) and I can never keep my eyes open! The whole program I'm sitting there like :uhoh21:...Am I doomed?

well, BIG thank you's to everyone who took the time out to respond. these all sound like great ideas. thanks for giving a young and confused soul some direction lol. and to the last post, i do not see anything wrong with government assistance if you are trying to better yourself and eventually help people stay/get healthy! like another poster said, buying property in this area is NOT possible for me right now, real estate here is CRAZY EXPENSIVE. my parents live in Ohio and i am trying to avoid moving there if at all possible. the loans and grants sound like my only options and i don't think my job will mind if i ask for my hours to be cut, that way i will have some sort of income while in NS. does anyone have any links to websites that offer grants/loans for nursing students? *off to google* thanks again!

Thanks everyone I will certainly look into some of the programs you guys mentioned. Thanks for responding, I really appreciate it!

Well, I do not believe that SMC has a part time nursing program so that's really my problem. I'm sure I could take my pre-reqs part time though. I could get a roomate but that would only relieve some of the pressure. I'm not really sure what to do...

(I also posted this in the Pre-Nursing Forum) Hello all! I am 20 years old (will be 21 next Feb) and I live in Los Angeles. I am considering going to Santa Monica College for my ADN. I work full time now and live by myself. As some of you may know, the rent in LA is NOT cheap. I know that NS is very intense and requires my full attention and a full time job while in NS is most likely a bad idea...My question is, if I want to go to NS how will I pay my bills? I know for Santa Monica College the waiting list is 18-24 months so that gives me enough time to complete the pre-reqs and I can certainly work @ the same time I am getting those out of the way but what do I do when I finally get accepted into the nursing program?...Has anyone else lived on loans and/or grants to pay bills while in NS? HELP! Thanks for taking the time to read!

Hello all! I am 20 years old (will be 21 next Feb) and I live in Los Angeles. I am considering going to Santa Monica College for my ADN. I work full time now and live by myself. As some of you may know, the rent in LA is NOT cheap. I know that NS is very intense and requires my full attention and a full time job while in NS is most likely a bad idea...My question is, if I want to go to NS how will I pay my bills? I know for Santa Monica College the waiting list is 18-24 months so that gives me enough time to complete the pre-reqs and I can certainly work @ the same time I am getting those out of the way but what do I do when I finally get accepted into the nursing program?...Has anyone else lived on loans and/or grants to pay bills while in NS? HELP! Thanks for taking the time to read!

Well, I appreciate you guys taking the time to respond. This is all very helpful.

Thanks for responding! Would you mind elaborating on why it would be a shock going into adult care from peds? Also, how long/what's required to get your PALS and NBR certification? Again, I appreciate your response. Have a great evening!

Hello all! I am very new to the site (first post) and I am so happy that I have found it. I am 20 years old and trying to decide what I should do with my life. My first choice was to work with animals as a Veterinarian as my whole family work's with animals and it is a passion of mine. Lately I have been strongly considering nursing, pediatric nursing in particular. I REALLY want to work with children. My question (first on many!) to all of you...Is it difficult to work in PICU or NICU? Do I need special certification after I graduate from NS and take the boards? Thanks for reading! P (I also posted this in the Pediatrics forum but there seems to be more traffic over here)

Hello all! I am very new to the site (first post) and I am so happy that I have found it. I am 20 years old and trying to decide what I should do with my life. My first choice was to work with animals as a Veterinarian as my whole family work's with animals and it is a passion of mine. Lately I have been strongly considering nursing, pediatric nursing in particular. I REALLY want to work with children. My question (first on many!) to all of you...Is it difficult to work in PICU or NICU? Do I need special certification after I graduate from NS and take the boards? Thanks for reading! P