back2thebooks

I think you are talking about the focal length? If so, the focal length is the distance b/w the slide and the objective lens. For example, when viewing at 40X (using an objective lens of 4x and an ocular magnification of 10x) your focal length is 46mm. But when you increase the magnification to 1000x (using an objective lens of 100x and an ocular magnification of 10x) it is only 1.8mm. Note that the 100x objective is much longer than the scanning objective of 4x.

The valence layer is the outermost layer/shell of electrons. The first layer can hold only two electrons; in order for there to be another layer, this first layer must be filled. The second and third layers can each hold eight electrons. Again, in order for there to be a third layer, the second must be filled. However "full" the valence layer is helps to determine the reactivity of an atoms (stable vs. unstable). For example, Lithium has a only one electron in its second energy level, meaning that it is unfilled (remember that it's capable of holding eight), so it is very stable. In contrast, Neon has a full valence layer or shell---it has all eight electron spots filled, so it's not very reactive. I hope this helps somewhat.

Money is not everything. Like others have said, cost of living, quality of life, etc. all come into play when choosing a career. I don't understand all the negative talk about 'never expecting any respect, blah, blah, blah..." If these people are in nursing school, I don't understand why. It certainly doesn't sound like they want to become nurses.

I guess it's all relative. I personally do not think that the average RN salary is great money. I made much more in my prior career, but I didn't have a passion for what I did. That's what's brought me to this field. Thankfully, I am not motivated by money. As long as I have enough to live somewhat comfortably, that is all I need. I just want to like my job most days of the week!

Oh, you cracked me up! I'm literally laughing out loud about to wake my children while reading!!!

I don't think what was said was rude, but she may have indeed been a bit rude in her delivery. I've always expected that I would have to send my own transcripts from my high school and former college to anyone who was requesting them. I've requested that they be sent to me and then I gather and send them in their little sealed envelopes myself. I guess I never thought about what would happen if I would pick them up in person (not an option for me--just saying).

Wow, that is funny! It's very motivating for me to see stories similar to mine--we should definitely keep in touch throughout our journeys! :)

I see where you got that figure. I was looking at the cost of tuition/fees only--also in-state. It would be worth if for you to live somewhere a year and gain in-state status. Also, if I were you, I'd keep in mind that those 'room and board' rates that colleges list are a bit subjective. So many factors to consider when figuring those costs. If you hate humidity you may not want to look at Texas. I know it's not THE most humid place, but it's pretty bad to me. I LOVED the Arizona summers. I'll gladly take 117 in Phoenix over 97 in Texas. That's just me. Oh, and most years we do get a bit of snow here in North Texas, but it doesn't usually stick. As far as good schools in Texas, there are many, many good schools in Texas from which to get your ADN or BSN degree and our cost of living here is MUCH less expensive than most areas---that will come into play if you figure the room and board into your educational costs. You have to decide what is most important to you. Ultimately, you could live in an environment with high humidity, snow, etc. if only for a short while in order to get your degree. That's the stinky part sometimes---the sacrifices you have to make, know what I mean? Good luck to you!!!!

ADN here. I earned my previous Bachelor's degree back in '97. It did fulfill quite a bit of the pre-req requirements for the ADN program at my school. Here's my reasons why I chose the ADN over the BSN/Accelerated BSN: 1: I'll be out in the workplace much sooner--earning $. In my area at least, pay does not differ between ADN and BSN graduate nurses. 2: Most hospitals will help you pay/pay completely for the ADN to BSN bridge (at least in my area). Why not let someone else pay/help pay for part of my education? Sounds good to me. 3: Financially, it made more sense to me. I do not qualify for any financial aid, so I'm cash pay. $9K for the ADN is a bargain. 4: The school which I have chosen has the best NCLEX pass rates and retention rates out of any school in my area, even including the BSN programs. I also like that the ADN programs are usually a bit smaller than BSN programs so more one-on-one. 5. I'm a Mommy first, student/nurse second. It's important that I am around as much as possible for my little ones while they are still little (2 and a 4 year old). Long term, I want to become a Nurse Anesthetist. I will have to see if they will accept my Bachelor's as is (some schools don't require a BSN per se, but an applicable Bachelor of Science--which I have--may suffice). I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. I also want to wait until my kiddos are a bit older, since that is one tough degree to earn. One day at a time....

Just curious if you heard that or if you looked into it? Their website says $168/hr for undergrad in state and that wouldn't be $20k a year--maybe it's an option for you? I grew up 13 years of my life in that little city. It's not toooo bad. Oh, and about AZ, I do know what you are talking about. I lived in Phoenix for 2 years not too long ago and I do know that graduate nurses are having tougher times there. Come on over to Texas!

I think a lot of times people use this term because they somehow feel inferior to the person whom they believe they are insulting (although I perceive that term to not be an insult...). If someone called me an overachiever (and my friends have 'joked' a time or two that I am) I would---I have--laughed it off. I actually take it as a compliment. I'd rather be an 'overachiever' (which in my mind I equate to being tenacious) than lazy. Now that is one personality trait that I CANNOT stand.

To answer your original question, there are lots of universities where you can get a BSN for under $50k. One of the keys is in-state and looking at public institutions. At one time, I had read that THE least expensive program in the nation was Fort Hays State University in Kansas. Don't know if that is still the case? I don't know who you have been speaking with, but new grads of both ADN/ASN and BSN programs in my area are equal in pay and neither the Assoc. nor the Bach. grads seem to be having a problem finding jobs. But, location is everything. Not all parts of the country are so fortunate. I would encourage you to post on the Regional boards here on allnurses to ask some people these questions in your area. Good luck to you!!

I think it really depends on where you are. New graduates of both ADN and BSN programs here seem to have absolutely no problems getting jobs. Every ADN grad I have spoken to said that they secured their position right out of school without issues. In fact, I was hospitalized myself 1.5 weeks ago after a major surgery and two of my nurses had been hired within the same month on the same unit in a highly specialized hospital (heart and vascular hospital)---one was an ADN and one was a BSN. But, I know that all areas of the country aren't as fortunate as us in that respect. Whatever you choose...good luck!

I, too have a prior Bachelor's degree (but a Bachelor of Science). I decided to go the ADN route. I made this decision for a few reasons... 1: I'll be out in the workplace much sooner 2: Most hospitals will help you pay/pay completely for the ADN to BSN bridge (at least in my area) 3: Financial reasons---MUCH less expensive to do the ADN route 4: The school which I have chosen has the best NCLEX pass rates and retention rates out of any school in my area---BSN programs included--and the programs are usually a bit smaller than BSN programs so more one-on-one 5: Pay in most areas does not differ between BSN grads and ADN grads As far as working, there are several routes you can go. You could be a Patient Care Tech in a hospital, but most of those positions are for those who have completed CNA training (which, by the way, can usuallybe done in about a month and for not a whole lot of $). If you wait until you complete your first semester of clinicals, many hospitals will accept that in lieu of CNA training. Or, you could try to find a unit secretary type position in the hospital. Of course there are always other types of positions in which you wouldn't necessarily need prior medical training (think front office of a surgery center or Dr. office). HTH. Ultimately, I want to go to CRNA school. I will have to see if they will accept my Bachelor's as is (some schools don't require a BSN per se, but an applicable Bachelor's may suffice). I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. HTH!!!

Huh? I'm sorry, but I have been pregnant with 2 babies, one weighing over 10 lbs and one at 11 lbs at birth and each 22 inches in length. Even at that size, when I was 'kicked', it didn't jar me so much as to make me forget things or lose my train of thought mid-sentence. I think this is far-fetched. I do agree with the honey vs. vinegar theory and I do believe in killing them with kindness, but to say that being pregnant warrants special treatment (aside from what is physically too demanding) is too much. Relating to the original post---I have found that a direct approach to immature behavior (such as gossip, bullying, etc.) has worked best. Any time I feel like I have been spoken to in an inappropriate manner, for example, I keep eye contact and say something like "I'm sorry, what?" If they repeat what they said, I continue to say "Please do not speak to me in that way." Simple, direct and polite.

I'm applying for Spring '10, too. I don't apply until September, though.

At the risk of being attacked, it IS a swimming pool and your book was on the edge of the pool. I don't think it's an issue of respect, but more of an issue of finding a more appropriate place to study. I am not saying this in a mean way! I promise. How old was the little girl? I'm asking because I wouldn't consider this unruly behavior at a swimming pool by a child---especially under the age of about 8-10 (I think prior to about that age, children don't really understand the respect to objects thing that well). Even after age 10, I don't consider it unruly---just that if she was being disobedient, then that is a different story. I just know that I had an attitude similar to yours about 'unruly' kids before I became a Mother. Quickest route to humility--for sure!

It does suck. Four years ago, I would have been posting that my husband was *the* most supportive and caring. Not today. People change, unfortunately, and I, too have a husband who is unsupportive. While it makes it extra hard (especially with small children)---I just look at it as that much more of a motivating factor. Next time, if you ask for a few minutes to study/do a quiz and he is rude about it---plainly state that you will not tolerate treatment like that and then go about your studying/quiz. He may be *trying* to get a rise out of you. Remove yourself from the fight. I also know that there are two sides to every story and I have also contributed, even in subtle ways, to the unhappiness of my marriage and probably the unsupportive attitude of my husband. So, as hard as it is, take a look at yourself, too and try to be the type of spouse that you want HIM to be! Sorry and keep your chin up.

I have to agree with NurseEducate a bit. My previous career was a male dominated profession, I can say that after the whole 'proving that you are capable as a woman in a male dominated profession' thing....I found it generally easy to work with men. I don't think it's men per se that are easier to work with, but the fact that I am a woman who was in a male dominated profession---does that make ANY sense? What I am trying to say is that my friends who were male in my prior industry said the same things you are saying--just about their male counterparts. I think it's a same sex battle in a way--maybe not even a conscious one. I also agree wholeheartedly with Daytonite. Try to distance yourself from the gossip, ignore it and really, really try hard not to let the catty behaviors bother you. Unfortunately, some people get a real power trip from seeing others put down or flustered. Hang in there.

I forgot to tell you one of the best things you can do for yourself is find out the type of learner you are. Previously, I have always been a visual learner, so I just assumed I still was. I went online to take the learner profile test anyway, and boy, was I surprised. I am a read/write style of learner. I really embraced that---I used the read/write techniques and it made a HUGE difference. Here's the test: http://www.vark-learn.com/english/index.asp Also, don't memorize information. Strive to learn it/read it in a way that you truly understand it. It will make a big difference in your success, since our education is cumulative and each concept builds upon the previous!!!!

Ellean, you know, you are right. Kids DO slow your life down. That is beauty of children. I had a 'high powered' career all throughout my twenties after graduating with my first degree (a Bachelor of Science). I traveled, I shopped whenever and wherever I wanted, I drove very nice cars, I built three homes before I was ever 30. When I got married and we planned to get pregnant with our first child, I knew I would give up my six-figure income to stay at home with my child. It's where my priorities lie. When we planned our second child, we knew I'd still be at home. And...I'm still at home. I traded in my $50,000 SUV for a minivan and I love it. Why? Because I'm providing a safe mode of transportation for my children. I haven't taken a 'major' vacation alone with my spouse in 4 years and I love it. Why? Because I'd rather spend the time with my whole family. In fact, now that our littlest is two years old, we're headed to Grand Cayman---as a family--in just 4 days. These boys are my priority now. I made the decision to go back to school for nursing because it is probably THE most flexible career out there. How many other careers allow for as many shift options, specialty focuses, etc. than nursing? Not many. I could go back into my prior field of work and make six-figures again. But, I'd have to work so much that I wouldn't be able to see my children. No thanks. I plan to work nights after graduation so that I can still take them to school and pick them up from school. That said, I'd drop out of school/quit working in a second if I saw that my children were suffering in any way. I used to think I knew it all. Then I had children. Now I really make an effort NOT to make judgements about Moms who don't stay home, women who choose not to have children, Moms who choose not to breastfeed, etc. Humility is a a wonderful thing :)

I can't say how it's affected my career, per se, but my nursing education---it's been tough. With my first degree (I earned a Bachelor's Degree 12 years ago--went to college right out of high school)--I didn't have children and it was certainly less stressful. Now I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old. The toughest part for me is that I have a husband who travels and do not have family nearby who are able to help. I know there has been some heated discussion on the boards about members being tired of hearing about how hard it is for those with children, etc..... or those who have kids saying that students without children have it so easy, etc..... I really try not to get into that because I think we all have our own circumstances which provide challenges and it's all relative. I'm really more concerned with what I can do to achieve my goals--rather than compare my situation with others'--know what I mean?

If I were in your shoes, I'd do the BSN off the bat. You're young, unmarried, no children and no former career, so to me it makes sense to go for the BSN right away if that is your goal in the long run anyway. I chose the ADN route only because I have a prior Bachelor's degree and I really want to get back into the workforce ASAP. I have two small children and a traveling husband and I need flexibility. I will do a bridge if necessary for me to continue on to my ultimate goal of CRNA (some schools will accept a Bachelor of Science--doesn't necessarily have to be BSN). I hope this helps! Oh, and I agree with Elkpark....the BSN would probably not be four years PLUS pre-reqs. The four years would include the pre-reqs. :)

I 'studied' about 1-2 hours every day, and for the 3-4 days prior to an exam or practical, I studied anywhere from 6-12 hours each day. I put 'studied' in quotes because much of this time was not formal study time---I just used every opportunity to think about the material/review notes and flashcards,etc.---sitting in traffic, in the shower, etc. It was a tough semester personally--I had one child in and out of the hospital for a week as well as my Mom in the hospital for 6 days. And......I have two small children and a traveling husband, so many times my formal studying/reviewing took place in the dark of night or the weeeeeee hours of the morning before the sun was up. It paid off, though, because I received the highest grade of any A&P I student in any section during the Spring '09 section at my college! I ended up with 101%. Believe me, I am not bragging--I'm just saying that it can be done if you are determined!

Good thing I thrive during intensity! I feel confident and driven, so that will go a long way in my success during those 4 weeks, I think! Oh, and that IS my only class during summer session.