blondielocks

Hi there, I live in WA and I know the DOH (we don't have a board of nursing, ours is thru the Dept of Health) takes the position that they cannot truly give you an answer until you actually go to apply for your license. That said I would probably still call and talk to someone. :) good luck and keep us posted. :)

I do not have an opinion to share but wanted to say I'm glad to see someone considering Seattle vs. Boston because I'm working on pre-reqs now & planning things out (financially speaking), and have pretty much determined I want to go to school here in WA or want to move to New England for school, and am looking at both Boston College & MGHIP. I'm excited to see what others have to say. Good luck either way on what your decision is, and please keep us posted!

Hello, I'm trying to gather what my best options are for taking pre-reqs online. I need the following: Chemistry (general) w/ lab A&P I and II w/ lab Microbiology w/lab Pathophysiology I have found them for $215/credit hour @ Rio Salado Online. Anyone else found these courses online? I am paying OOP for all of my pre-reqs and trying to get my consumer debt (including car loan) paid off before I begin applying to NS, so I am really hoping to keep the bill for these down as low as possible. And I know taking them online might not be the most ideal situation however it is an absolute must for me because I'm unable to have a set schedule w/ my employer, so cannot take in-person courses.

Hi everyone, Wow, I can't believe it has been six and a half years since I first joined this site. I ended up completing my BS in Sociology from Arizona State. But, I *still* want to become a nurse!! A lot of things happened over the last 6.5 years for me but I just can't shake this feeling of really feeling I am meant to become a nurse. I have considered APN - CRNA, PMHNP, etc. But I have realized that more than anything I want to be a NURSE first and foremost. I decided I would look at ABSN & EL-MSN programs. My God!! They are SOOOO EXPENSIVE. I cannot believe how much money these things cost. I am already in debt for my first bachelors degree. I do not want to go into much more debt for another one. I am 27 now (turn 28 in May). I have made some major changes in my life that I think will allow me to do what is necessary to become a nurse. I've downsized my living expenses (gotten rid of smart phone plan, moved to 500 sq ft apt) and am working aggressively at paying off some CC debt I racked up in college (a few thousand) + paying off my car loan (had my past car for 11 years and it took a dump on me a year ago). I think if I save up enough to pay rent for 2 years then I could work p/t in NS to pay other bills. But, I still need to do my pre-reqs. I have calculated it out and can finish the science pre-reqs in 1-2 years depending on my current work schedule and when the classes are offered at the local community college. Then I would apply for the ADN program *at* the community college. My local CC does things via a lottery so I would possibly be accepted to start in the Fall of 2018, but maybe not? The pre-reqs will cost me $2k out of pocket and then NS would be about $7-8k and I would graduate in 2 years w/ my ADN. My state now offers a direct-transfer program w/ state universities so I could get a job as an RN and hopefully my employer would pay for me to do a bridge RN-BSN thru Washington State University (its mostly online). And then I could work for 3-4 years as an RN and decide after that if I want to go into advanced practice nursing or not. The thing is, that is looking at possibly 4 years until I would be an RN, plus another year for my BSN which I understand is very much highly-regarded. I feel I'm not getting any younger but I can't imagine spending 50-100K (going in debt bc I would have to take loans out) just to become a nurse any faster. I have become very much averse to taking on more debt. My 1st undergrad degree was very expensive b/c I went out of state. So, I guess my question is - it this silly? Am I stupid to waste additional time (years)? I really want to be a nurse. I want to help people. I feel 4 years is a long time but then I think, I've been wanting to do this for 6 years. Where will I be in 4 years if I dont pursue this now? I just can't see going into so much debt to get it done any quicker.

Don't MDs have 4 yrs of undergrad + 4 yrs of med school? To be an NP, especially if you are doctorally-prepared, you have 4 yrs undergrad (more, if your degree is ABSN) and 4 years of graduate preparation? I don't advocate for equal pay for NPs and psychiatrists, because NPs are designed to be midlevel providers, but I do think that in terms of length of education, it works out to be within 1 year of each other.

I am looking at psychiatry. There are a few programs that offer a dual FNP/PMHNP track which I am interested in, because I feel that the FNP portion can help me be a better provider when it comes to the psychiatric side of things, but if a school did not have the option to go dual w/ FNP, I would be ok with that. I am especially concerned because it seems most programs offer the psych portion at a distance. I know Vandy does...which is a shame because I think I would really like Vandy. Another school I'm considering is OHSU in Portland (I want to be able to get a DNP). Even though you are going into a different specialty than what I'm interested in, bbcc, what has been the "feel" you got from Vandy? Does it seem like the nursing school functions in a more traditional manner?

Hi all, Hopefully this is the right forum for this question. I'm finishing up pre-reqs in preparation to apply to direct-entry programs for summer 2014. I will be completing a BS in Sociology this summer from Arizona State University. I have been considered an "on-campus" student for tuition purposes but have taken all but 2 of my classes online. I have not really enjoyed the online "learning" environment. I see that many of the direct-entry schools teach the RN portion in-person but leave the graduate portion to be taught online, available "at a distance." I do not want that in a graduate program. I really want to attend a school that is somewhat tight-knit, where the professors/teachers are approachable and care about students. I want to attend lectures and take notes and study in the library. I guess I want to do all the things that I didn't get to do in my undergrad because I honestly feel that my undergrad education is lacking because I have taken online courses. Can anyone recommend how to get a "feel" for different grad programs so I can attempt to narrow down my applications?

I know this thread is a little dead but I wanted to add a coment re: the South, cost of living, and low salaries. AZ and NM are both indy practice states with equally low, if not lower (esp. AZ) cost of living than the SE. Also high salaries. Sad, because I love the south and would love to live there but as a future PMHNP hopeful, I've just completely crossed it off my radar.

Hi all, I am beginning to narrow down my school applications. I am looking for direct-entry PMHNP programs. Is there a comprehensive list anywhere? I have tried searching google, but to no avail. Maybe we could start one, and include details on if it's adult/family and if it offers DNP? Here are the ones I know of: Seattle University - MSN; adult (addictions focus) OHSU (Portland, OR) - MSN or DNP; family

Sandrabeth - thank you for the feedback. It is much appreciated. I have just accepted a position in DuPont where I will be working until I get into nursing school - hopefully Summer 2014. I've been thinking A LOT about this because I'm a planner/type-A, and despite the money saved, I think everyone's advice is right when they say to just suck up the cost and find a way to have a studio/crashpad in Seattle. Good luck to everyone who is applying for the 2013 cohort! :)

Hi everyone- I am looking at Seattle U for a 2014 start. I currently live in Olympia, and am finishing pre-reqs at SPSCC. I also am finishing my last semester of my Bachelors degree at Arizona State. I'm interested in the Psych NP program. I know it's obviously early for my time but I wanted to reach out and wish everyone luck. Also, I have a question - will anyone be commuting? My SO and I do not have to pay rent or utilities because he gets housing through his work. It just seems like such a far commute from Oly to Seattle, but the whole "free rent" really makes me wnat to stay down here. I've considered renting a small studio in Seattle but even that appears it will put me back about 800 a month. What is everyone else's living/commuting situation like?

I am not a nurse yet (still taking my pre-reqs) but I just wanted to say kudos to you for being responsible and logical about everything, and I wish you the best of luck.

You will more thank likely have to take out loans. There are federal loans for grad school (Grad Plus, I think?) as well as private loans to help with the cost of living expenses if necessary. Will your husband be able to support the household on solely his income while you are in CRNA school? That will be a determining factor in whether or not you take out minimal loans or a maximum amount. Some will say you need not worry until you are at that point however from a purely financial aspect - worry now. Better to worry now and plan, than wait until two days before you start the program. Try saving if possible, although for most people, it is difficult to save enough to cover all costs. I've been interested in CRNA school for about 3 years now, just been trucking along and keeping updated on it for myself, knowing that one day it will happen. In that time, I have not come across any grants or scholarships available. You could contact the prospective schools and ask them. The FA offices there should be a big help. Also, keep in mind state v. instate, private v. public when looking. You have other options to - military and USPHS (they are not military, but they are a uniformed service who will repay loans up to a certain amount, under some circumstances). What area of the country are you in? What is you and your husbands financial life like now? Not to pry or be rude but just trying to help you out as much as possible. Unfortunately some people are not polite about CRNA inquiries on here :)

I can't help but laugh.

Thanks so much :)

Hi all - Just wondering if anyone knows of any CCs in WA that offer online sciences (the ones that are nursing pre-reqs) so CHM121, CHM131, BIO 141, BIO 142? Any help greatly appreciated. Also, if anyone knows which colleges offer an actual AA in pre-nursing?

Thank you for your well spoken and civil response. Makes more sense when I look at it from that perspective. :)

I just read your post on May 26 about NCLEX, OP. I see now where your negativity comes from. Perhaps your drive and passion are gone, but do you really feel that trying to destroy other's drive and passion, are going to bring yours back and make you feel better?

Not all jobs that will accept or use a BSN require nursing experience. Pharmaceutical sales, you can get an MBA or a JD with a BSN - I have seen postings for RNs to work in wellness areas that say "new grads with an interest in health/fitness/wellness are welcome to apply). Why did you post that, in such a negative light? Did you get turned down for job after job? Are you unhappy you went to NS? Do you feel you wasted precious time and money? Made pointless sacrifices? Because something tells me that if you just got picked up for an ICU new-grad program making $32/hr, you wouldn't have posted that. And if ICU isn't your thing, or $32 an hour isn't the going rate for where you live, sub in some specialty and some amount of money that fits. New grads are being hired. My state's BON (Arizona) just did a survey - and it said new grads are being hired. In their "ideal" job? NO. But like a lot of professions, sometimes you gotta work your way up.

ARGH!!! Doesn't it just wanna make you say "GO TO HELL, YOU *****!!" when someone says something like that to you. Let me give you a piece of advice: be your own favorite. As in, know that YOU can do it. Know that it will be hard but you are such a badass, that you are going to work hard, you're going to kick butt, you're gonna be a proud mama and wife in a couple of years when you hold that ADN or BSN in your hand!! :yeah:Sometimes, people are jealous and will put you down for whatever reason, in whatever way they can...and it sucks, and it hurts, but (HONESTLY!) screw them and their negative attitude. Of course you can do it. Look at all the other women and men who have gone thru NS with children, pregnant, divorce, death in families, etc...you CAN get through this. :up:

Nursing degrees open up lots of doors. There are nurses getting a BSN just because they want to go straight into a MSN-JD or MSN-MBA program, or maybe there is a nurse who wants to go into Pharm sales. You never know and I just don't think it was very nice what you said.

If you're a new grad, and I'm guessing you are, I hope you have luck in finding a job. I think that being a new grad RN now is no longer just about passing NCLEX and holding an ADN or BSN in hand. It's about who you know, EXACTLY WHAT YOU KNOW, how you present yourself, being able to look like a better applicant, speak like a better applicant, and interview like a better applicant, than the next person. It's about researching the job market for current Nursing students, realizing what you're up against, and planning accordingly. As an example, I will be graduating in 2013 with my BSN from ASU. New grad jobs are hard to find in Phoenix. My husband and I are holding off on doing any house buying or starting up his own business yet, because I have stressed the importance of just how likely it is that we may need to move out of this city or even state. The ship has not sailed, but the economy is in the tank, which affects all jobs. In 10 years, some of the RNs that have held off on retirement will finally need to retire. New grads will have jobs. They will find jobs. It may not be the perfect job, but there will be jobs out there, and there are right now. Perseverance is weeding people out though, and I believe there is kind of a "survival of the fittest" going on right now in terms of new grads being hired.

I'm not yet a nurse, still doing pre-reqs. Very, very interesting post wit some very good points. I'm sure many will disagree strongly with you. Nothing like a good debate though and I don't see where you have insulted anyone! :) Good job, I feel this is going to be quite the thread.

Ignore everyone who is telling you that you are making a mistake, taking too big of a risk, etc. I lost my job of $50k+ a year, and have had two offers at similar companies since then, but chose not to take them. My husband is a disabled vet, and in college. We are living very basically with his money and some money from student loans. It would be nice to take another job and have that kind of money coming in, but school is my focus right now, 100%, and since we have enough to pay the bills and put food on the table and a roof over our heads, I'm not taking another position. I have a graduation date that is probably 3.5 - 4 years out, depending, and I am sure the nursing shortage will either be one of three things: worse, better, or the same. I want to be a nurse. I'll deal with moving if need be. I understand that you might not be able to do that, but if you're husband is supportive (and there is no reason he shouldn't be) you should be fine! Good luck to you! I think you will find, like me, that leaving behind the working world to follow your dreams truly gives you a sense of purpose.

when did you turn 24? That will determine if you get good financial aid or no, and by good, I mean whether or not they will take your mother's income (or fathers), in consideration to yours. I left home at 18 after spending some time in college already (dual enrollment). I had a job lined up working full time, 12 bucks an hour in an office, M-F 6 am to 3 pm. I made it just fine and had an apartment with a friend. I also had some VERY HEAVY commuting costs (this was back in Seattle, WA where ferries are a primary means of transportation for a lot of people, but are very expensive, I think around $280 a month for a frequent rider pass). You'll feel alone, most likely, and you'll wonder if you can make it. You'll have to dig deep within yourself to find that special little something that you need to make it. But you will, if you want it bad enough. Rent a room at first to save up some money. Then maybe get a little studio, or an apartment. Try to change your mindframe as much as possible, and think in of things in a positive light! Think about how when you are a nurse, you will get to look back on this time. It will help you power through. And also, if you need to, do not be afraid to take a FT job and do pre-reqs part time at first. It might help give you a little bit better of an adjustment purpose. That's what I did, after losing my job, and I can say it's worked wonders for me. To not go into too many details, at the beginning of this year, I drove 1600 miles away from my hometown in WA to Arizona, all alone. I was 21 at the time. I had transferred my job. I thought I had someone here waiting for me but I was wrong, and I had to make it all by myself in Phoenix, and then in Wickenburg, in a state I had never even been too, and I had never moved out of state or been away like this. It was really hard and I will tell you what, I felt so freakin' alone but I basically had to sink or swim...everything worked out for the better though :) but one thing I learned is this phrase: "My Own Favorite" - as in, figure out how to be your own favorite person, not to the extent to be rude or anything, but to be strong enough that you know that you're the only person you need and sometimes, you'll be the only person you have. :)