bgood1967

I gained around 10 lbs last semester, but I am a stress eater and Algebra nearly did me in. I stick with my weightwatchers.com points now and can see and feel the difference.

I just saw all my grades posted online. 3 A's and an F. Yes, it looks like I flunked Intermediate Algebra. Do I retake it or acknowledge that I can't do the math nursing requires and move on to something else? I am already 42 and can't take too much more time to complete college. I am just sick to my stomach over this. Any help would be appreciated.

Most schools require A&PI and II, Micro, Human Growth, etc. before applying to the nursing program. I was very frustrated to hear that I could get my ASN after nearly 3 years of college. My first associates was a straight 2 years. I'm now in a BSN program and am burning out just getting all the prerequisites done in a timely manner. If you can afford the time to spread things out, go for it.

I had a BA when I started nursing school. I basically had to start from square one. I didn't have the right sciences or maths. Very few things transferred. A BSN requires labs. These can't be done online. The practicums can't be done online. Unless you have a nursing degree of some sort, you have to go to a campus. It is very frustrating to go into nursing for this reason, but it has to be done.

How about a BSN? All of your current classes would go towards that and you'd have enough additional pre-nursing classes to take to keep you enrolled. I switched from pre-nursing at National American University to a BSN at a private college. What a huge difference in quality! The college accepted everything from NAU and there's no waiting lists.

I could work on cadavers a lot sooner than I could ever work on cats. I love cats. I tolerate people.

I took A&P II and Micro (both with labs) at the same time. I got A's in both. It is very doable. Sometimes the subject content overlaps so that is helpful because what you learn in one class directly applies to the next. My micro lab partner had 5 kids under 11 and worked full time. It was not easy for her but she kept her eye on the long term goal and I really admire you moms that can do that. Good luck!

Can we assume that most of the CNA's are older than you? They may be giving you attitude because you are so young and inexperienced, but you are educated and need to assert that you've earned the title and position.

I love this site, but I would add an "ask the expert" section for us BSN (or any other) students. That way we could inquire about specialties, classes, the job market, etc. and know it was someone well-versed in that area answering us. I'm always second-guessing this as a career choice so late in life and would love feedback from others than got their degree in their 40s.

Thanks for the input. I have worked as a CNA and been a Red Cross volunteer at 2 different hospitals so I have patient experience. There are many different kinds of nurses. I'm checking out my options at this point. I know so many others that are in the same position I'm in and I hope they glean something from this thread also.

I'm going into nursing as a second career. I didn't really choose to, I just ran out of viable options. I live in a small town and could not find a job that actually paid a livable wage once we relocated here. I noticed that all the ads were for nurses so I signed up classes. I'm getting A's in all my prerequisites and am supposed to start the actual nursing portion next Fall. This is in a traditional 4 year college so I'll have a BSN in 2 1/2 years because a lot of stuff from my first Bachelor's degree transferred in. I would like to know how all of you chose your profession? Does anyone else feel like they just ran out of other options? Shouldn't nurses have a strong desire to help people and not just be good academically? I'm 42 and tired of school. Any input??

Pregnancy counseling services, usually staffed by volunteers, may be able to help. They are usually fairly close to Planned Parenthood locations because they want expecting girls to realize that they have more options. I'd give a few of them a call before giving up on this thesis idea. Oh, larger high schools now offer daycare so moms can continue attending classes. Some of those moms may have gotten pregnant quite young. It wouldn't hurt to ask. Some girls may be very willing to talk about their situations.

I'm glad you're employed and loving it. Many long-term care homes have high turnover for CNAs so when they get a good one, like you, they will take advantage of it. Don't let them burn you out. Remember, you can't give your patients what you don't have so take time to have "me" time once in a while.

As someone who did check out of a hospital AMA, I have to let you know that some insurances do pay. Mine paid 100%. Perhaps it was because my surgeon suggested I leave because of the attending doc and sent me directly to a specialist. The nurses there were awesome despite having to deal with me. They are one of the reasons I'm in nursing school now. Sometimes being snarky online is all we have so we can turn around and smile at the patients in real life. I was a CNA long enough to realize that during that shift I am "on stage" playing a wonderful, funny, friendly aide, but I need to vent somewhere to someone afterward. Some of you guys are too funny (love the laundry shoot).

I have a BA in Literature and History. I am now working on my BSN. Many of my credits transferred, shortening my trip to a BSN. Is another degree worth it? Oh yes! I am much more well-rounded, can relate better with many of my patients, and have more options if the physical aspects of being a nurse become too much (I have MS). No education is wasted.