caryt123

Wow. Thanks for all of the great advice and input! I went for my second interview today with the local PH department and am really hoping they offer me the job! I got a great feeling from the team and think it could be a good fit. If eventually I decide I want to work in a more acute care setting, I think I will be able to make it happen. It's scary when you first start out as a new grad, because you don't want to pigeon hole yourself in to a specialty without being able to make a change. I think nursing is so flexible that no matter where I start, I will be able to find a position that makes me happy and is fulfilling. At least, that's what I'm going to keep telling myself :)

Thanks for your advice. New grad jobs are hard to come by where I live so I am crossing my fingers. What are your thoughts on doing a year or two in PH (either here or abroad) and then going to bedside nursing?

Hello! I just graduated with a BSN and am in the process of looking for a job. My last rotation in school was with a public health department and I absolutely loved it. I think I might be headed in the PH route as a career and would love to gain experience and eventually work internationally as well. My question is should I have clinical, med/surg experience before I work in PH? I feel like having hands-on experience will make me a better PH nurse in the end. Is this true? I would really appreciate any feedback! Thank you!

Nate and mef06011 (and anyone else :)) - I would LOVE to hear more about your decision to pursue a direct-entry MSN program. I have a BS in an unrelated field - journalism. I have spent the last year taking A&P, Micro, Chem, Stats, etc. as prerequisites to most BSN programs. How did you decide between a bachelor's and a master's? I know I want to be an RN. But there is much appeal in knocking out all the schooling at once, instead of school, working as an RN, then back to school. I am single now, with no children, and I think it would be easier to get my schooling done before I have a family. I'm 28, should I get out there and start working as an RN as soon as possible then decide on an advanced practice field? Does anyone who completes the MSN program ever work as an RN then in a year or few years begin working in the advanced practice field they studied? I happened upon Vanderbilt's program, which inspired ideas of skipping the BSN and going straight for an MSN. I am interested in the CNM route, possibly adding FNP. Any advice on how you made your decisions would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks! Cary

I plan to take the TEAS next month...any good online study sources??

I just went last week and registered for the online classes starting in January. I'm taking the CNA at TCC in Jan too. I'm nervous! I've got to ace these online classes and the TEAS to get in-sounds like it might be more competitive this year?! Plus, I'm nervous about online classes in general - I need face-to-face! Crossing my fingers I'll get in to the Aug 2011 program...I dont have a back-up plan!!

You obviously don't have as much of a problem with your short term memory as you may believe - a 3.9 gpa is pretty impressive!!If you know this is what you want to do, then you should do it! My only advice is that if you make the decision, then failure is not an option. You will succeed if you make the decision to do so. I left a job I hated with a degree in something completely not medical related (journalism). It was a scary, big leap for me. I'm not even in nursing school yet, just finishing up my prereqs, but I am happy. It is a huge challenge. Also, maybe you could consider a clinical psychology setting, such as working in a hospital or some other clinical application for psychology. Maybe this is an alternative?? Good luck to you!!

I have a BS in journalism and last year decided I wanted a change. I worked in public relations for 2 years and was not happy at all!!! After much deliberation over whether to quit my job or go to school while continuing to work, I decided to quit and start my prereqs for nursing school full time. It was the best decision I could've made!! I am SO much happier now! Although I don't think you should throw out your financial concerns, as they are legit, but be sure to put your happiness first! For me, I was at a breaking point and needed to get out of my old job quickly. I am happily broke and in debt. Good luck with your decision!!

I just finished this semester of Micro and A/P at the same time. If I had to pick one ahead of the other, I guess I would say take a/p first. some of the basics covered here are expected for micro. but, I took them at the same time and did well. I'm taking a/p 2 during the summer - I'm a little freaked out!! whatever you decide, good luck!!!

I hold a BS in Journalism and will be starting school in Jan. to complete prereqs (A&P, Micro, etc) to apply to one of many BSN programs in my area. Each program has a unique set of prereqs. I am trying to meet the requirements of multiple programs to increase my chances of acceptance. Some programs are accelerated and some are not. It is the same amount of credits, clinical hours, etc. as the traditional BSN tracks. And although I already hold a degree with MANY liberal arts credits, some do not meet the requirements of the program, so I am having to take additional courses. For example, one program requires public speaking. Even though I'm a communications/journalism major, I still have to take this course. I spent 5 years completing my undergraduate studies and am about to spend another 3 to 3.5 years on prereqs and nursing school. Does I think this make me smarter? No. If I am accepted in to an accelerated program and pass my courses, does this mean I have not earned the right to take the NCLEx? No. There are many means to an end, I think its wrong to judge someone because they may have found a more direct route than the path you took. This doesn't make them less qualified. The programs wouldn't be accredited if they weren't up to par.

Thanks for all of the great info! This definitely helps! And congrats on graduating and getting hired even before graduation - way to go!! :)

cuteazz1 - check out this post: MCI 's cost is ridiculas it talks about the program costs. I don't know where you plan to live, but I think Sentara's BSN is $19,000 and the other colleges in the area seem to be somewhere in that general area. Is it really almost double for MCI??

Thanks for offering up your experiences and advice! Does Sentara still offer the diploma program? I thought that they were finishing their last diploma classes now and will go to only BSN next Aug... I hear the Sentara program offers lots of clinical time - was this really helpful to you? Do you feel you received more clinical time than students in other programs? Also, how is your job search going? Did Sentara help you with placement right away?

I was in the Sentara BSN open house with a woman who was taking classes at Bryant and Stratton. The people in the open house were discussing how expensive these classes were versus a community college...I know she was going for a medical assistant, but I would assume the rates are the same.

wow - thanks llg! I will definately check out those programs as well. Maybe more of my credits from college will fit one of these BSN programs. Thanks again to everyone!