Jade8626

Hi - Thanks for the reply! I did some further research and found this listed in the grading policy for the college I am attending: Academic Renewal by Course Repetition Each course in which an unsatisfactory grade ("D," "F," or "NP") has been earned may be repeated once without a petition. The course being repeated must be the same as the original course, not its equivalent. Only the newly-earned units and grades will be used in computing the grade point average. But from what you are saying - depending on which nursing schools I apply to in the future once my pre-reqs are done, they may just average both grades together for my final score? I am studying right now for the 4th exam, I have regrets about not dropping this class when I had the chance but I'll study as much as possible until the exam and see how it goes. Again, thank you for the feedback!

I am in the middle of taking a course in Human Physiology at my local community college. At this point, I have passed the time to drop the class with a W and I've been thinking that I'm not sure if I want to take a C in this class. Our professor is hard, his exams are very difficult but I know it's good in the long run since it encourages a LOT of critical thinking. However, I didn't get as strong of a grasp on the initial stuff and I know I'll be lucky I get a C in this class. I know that if you get an F in a course, you can retake it to replace the grade completely. At this point, my thoughts are geared towards accepting an F in this course, knowing that I will retake it next semester. For those of you who are taking pre-reqs right now and those of you in nursing programs, does retaking physiology make your chances of getting in harder or hinder your chances? Any feedback is appreciated!

I wanted to comment on how you stated that you want to go into nursing because you do not want the stress of your current office job, with deadlines etc. Well, I am sorry to say that nursing is 10 times more stressful and deadline driven than the worst office job, so if working under stress is something you cannot handle, you may want to re-think about becoming a nurse. Remember that the big difference between a busy office and a busy hospital is that if you forget to do something in a office, no one will die because of it. I hope that doesn't come across mean or discouraging in any way - it is just reality. As far as comfortable income is concerned - the going pay for a new RN is $25-$30/hr. Sorry just wanted to clarify that what I meant by stress of current job is that while I am capable and handle the stress, it's frustrating to know that I'm not being well-compensated for it. The going pay rate for a new RN would be a welcome change =) I guess also with your other comment about people depending on you, in my current job while people do depend on me. I don't have the same sense of satisfaction of knowing that I am making a difference as knowing that I am affecting someones life and can make a real positive change. It sounds like the economy is affecting everyone these days including new RNs. That was my reasoning as well, with going into this different career path in a few months that during this time of economic turmoil by the time I am finished, it should be better or at least slightly better. When you went to school for nursing, were there any instances where you wished that you had some things differently while pursuing the degree? Thank you for all your help and the comments are really helping me with my decision =) I am quite eager!

I have come to a decision after a few months of mulling over my options in regards to pursuing a nursing career. I have worked for the past two years in an office job, it's high stress environment at times since we have deadlines. Due to the economy, we've had no pay raises and I don't get paid overtime for extra hours (salary). I came to a realization that with all the hours I work and stress induced moments that I know it will get better but I want to have a steady career that will ensure once I turn 50, I won't be scrambling to find work. My mom has been a nurse for over 20 years and has always encouraged me to pursue it but I guess I wanted to pursue another field during college (sociology major) and after a few years of working now, I realize that now especially in this economy would be an ideal time to go back to school. My fiance and I both plan to work part time while we finish our respective studies in the medical field (he's pursuing physical therapy). I've always enjoyed helping people, and I used to volunteer at my mom's past nursing employer, along with a brief internship stint at a hospital where I observed medical staff and helped during their daily activities. I guess I wanted to see if other people have gone through the same ordeal, I'm 26 now and I feel like while it's a little late at least better late then never =) Another appealing aspect aside from helping people is the ability to be able to work 3-5 days and still have a comfortable income. I have about a year of finishing up pre-reqs and I'm considering 3-4 nursing programs in the San Diego area. I plan to give notice at my office job about a month before I plan to leave (Feb-March 2010) to give my employer plenty of time to find a replacement for me. So while I am stressed in my current job, about 6 months from now I won't be working full time and I will have a part time job while finishing up pre-req classes. Does anyone have any words of wisdom for a 26 year old leaving her job in a few months to pursue nursing? I'm anxious but I look forward to starting a new chapter in a few months for a new career. If anyone has any advice about nursing programs or places to check out in San Diego regarding an RN career. I'm looking at accelerated programs, 3 year BSN programs and elsewhere.