kimmathis14

Let's face it and ADN program is just a BSN with out all the general education classes. All things created equal it is a technical-skill based career. It doesn't matter BSN or another general bachelor's you are just taking another 2 years of "fuff" classes to show you are well rounded and can do the work. I already have a bachelor's and do not feel I need to earn a BSN to be an RN. I am thankful for the different avenues that I can take to be an nurse. It would be sad if they implemented the BSN requirement because it would turn away a lot of people who do not have the time and resources to pay for a BSN or another bachelor's degree.

I am in the same boat as you, I have a 2.95 GPA etc. from my bachelor's. I was told most Direct Entry Master's have an average of 300 apps for only 30-40 slots, with most applicants having a 3.4 average GPA. It is kinda discouraging, but I think the accelerated route may be the way to go, since you will be free to apply to any 2 year master's program when most DEM programs are 3+ years total.

I want to thank everyone for all their advice on nursing programs, you all have been so helpful etc......Now my concern is, I went on to step 2, I spoke to various friends of friends who are RN's. They have told me nothing but negative things about the vocation. I have heard it is demeaning (I heard RN's do all the work, the doctors are demanding and rude etc.), it is completely stressful, long shifts, too many patients, you are soo overloaded with work that making a mistake is soo easy and the liability risk is incredible. Then at the dentist's office, I came across an article talking about the burnout rate of RNs, and how many leave and stop practicing after a few years, and then a 20/20 special advertisement came on the next day stating: The Nursing Crisis, only to worsen with the Baby Boomers becoming older." I defintely do not expect nursing to be a walk in the park, but is is that awful??? I expect stress, life is stressful, I really want to go into this as a long term career. In your honest opinion to those practicing, is it as bad of a situation as the media is reporting??? I am not turned off, I just want to know what I am getting into. Thanks.

Lonna, I would try Truman College (One of the city colleges) in Uptown. The only other colleges in the city that might have the CNA classes are Malcolm X (1900 W. Van Buren) or Daley College near midway airport. I am planning on taking my prereqs @ Harold Washington in the Loop, but they don't have any nursing classes that would host a CNA course. Hope this helps!. Kim

Ok who is this joker Larry????? I have seen nothing but positivity on this baord!!! Rude, rude, rude, nice manners buddy. I agree, I love that quote "Never too late, unless you are pushing up petunias!." Remember tomorrow is another chance to turn it all around :) I had lots of respect when getting my undergrad for people in my classes who were older and making career changes, they always had so much more to contribute and add in class and it helped us! Good luck!

Hi there, I too am a fellow 30 year old Chicagoan looking to get into nursing. I have been overwhelmed with advice/opinions about nursing schools and the job itself. I am a little overwhelmed and confused about things but my advice to you is start small, or focus on short term planning. Figure out what prereq.'s you need, and the application deadlines of the schools you want to attend. Don't worry about the math part of it! I had such a hard time in high school with math, I barely skated by with D's in general algebra. I have learned that the trick is to overcoming a hard subject like math is to A) Find a good professor,(90% of the battle, amkes such a diff) B) Make a buddy study system and C) Don't get so overwhelemed if you aren't getting A's etc. I don't like to follow the saying C's get Degrees, but seriously, nonbody will care if you had a C in math, it's passing right? and it gets you that diploma!!!! In business school I followed this plan and made it through Calculus II, me the girl who couldn't pass high school alegebra. If you want something badly nothing can get in your way. I think your decisions to volunteer @ a hospital is great, when I was younger I worked in a medical clinic in records, I had exposure to the nurses, patients & doctors. So even if you take a administrative support position, or got your CNA license, and worked in a hospital that would be great exposure. Oh and don't give up on Chicago! I was, I lived in Lakeview and moved to a new neighborhood and I am loving it again. Just needed some new scenery :) I have compiled a spreadsheet of over 14 nursing programs in the Chicagoland area, and have a pro con list, there are a ton of great programs here etc., especially if you live in the city itself. A few of these programs are accelerated and some will even pay your tuition if you work for them after graduation. If you need any help, send me shout out. Good luck! Kim

Also does anyone else on this board have any knowledge of Rush University/Hospital in Chicago? I heard a little rumor that they pay fyour tuition if you work there after completing their program. I am wondering if that is true?? Thanks. I am full of questions today.: rolleyes:

Hello all, sorry about all the posts today from me, but I do have a question for this forum. I am pretty confident about my ability to get through school etc. (Hoping I get in, I don't want to jinx that, the count the chicken before the egg thing). I guess my hangup is I am just wondering if it is natural to feel a little nervous about handling blood, bodily fluids & functions. I in no way think that they are vile etc. but it has to be hard to handle them in the beginning, especially for someone who is in pain, from an accident or serious illness. I keep hearing people say that in nursing school they got over the intial queasiness etc. I really really want to be a nurse. I always wanted to but I ended up pursuing business (I am miserable and not feeding my soul handling numbers) and I now want to revisit my first career choice. I think I need to return to something that is a serving and caring career. I grew up with parents that are police officers etc. and maybe it is in my blood. I am just nervous that I may not build a tolerance for that very graphic part of nursing. I want to be good at it, so that I can help others to my fullest etc. Is this apprehension normal? I have felt woozy when I saw my mom bleed once after her IV was taken out, I am hoping something like this will not happen in school as I go on. Thanks for any input! Kim