MauriceRC

Will your local public health help out with this? I work for a LPH and we often get lice referral from school nurses for kids with chronic lice.

I got a PHN position straight out of nursing school and after working for less than a year I was offered a hospital job in critical care. Do what you want to do now and the future will take care of itself.

I just graduated from an entry level masters program and, while undergraduate GPA is important, they look at so much more than that. Since your undergrad degree was 10+ years ago hopefully they would give you some leeway. When you are making your decision keep in mind that there are fundamental differences in how AA and MN programs train you (I don't know much about the BSN). For example, an AA degree will focus more on developing hands-on, technical skills while an MN degree focuses on developing skills in nursing leadership, theory, and ethics. Obviously one is not better than the other, it just depends on what type of nursing you would like to do. Don't worry about what programs you can and can not get into, just work hard and know that it's common to apply to nursing school for a few years before getting accepted. Becoming a CNA and, more importantly, working as a CNA will be invaluable to you regardless of which path you choose. Good luck!

Kim, they do want you to buy your own stethoscope and they'll eventually send out an email with what model you should get. I upgraded my stethoscope and, although it was more expensive, I was glad I did. You'll also need a pen light and a tiny pair of scissors to keep in your scurbs pocket. You'll get an email about ordering scurbs and it'll probably say there are sample scrubs to try on in the nursing office. I would really recommend trying them on so you know your correct size; the sizes run pretty small. Stigrl, don't fret about how competitive it is (easier said than done, i know!). They look at more than just grades and experience. They want people who will be leaders in nursing and who have different backgrounds. Also, if you've worked with underserved populations I would talk that up. I got in with two Bs in the prereqs and did not retake them. If you want to retake yours though, go for it. I don't know for sure, but I would be surprised if they looked down on retaken classes.

Hey Kim, it's Mary (from the prereqs at Inver). I was wondering why you were not in the program this year. Congratulations on the baby! I'm in the second semester of the program and I love it. Before I started all I heard about was how difficult the program was, but it's really very doable. A lot of classmates (including myself) are able to work and/or volunteer throughout the program and still have time to have a social life. You're going to do great!

I know a lawyer who is also and RN, another lawyer who got his BS in biochemistry, and my mom teaches law school. I think the qualities that make a good nurse are the same qualities that make a good lawyer. According to my mom (who is also on the admissions committee for her school) law schools really do look for people with different backgrounds. Don't fret about not having a background in liberal arts. As long as you're willing to work your butt off, you'll be fine. :) Good luck!

If you really think you can do it then I'm sure you'll do great. Don't let others tell you what your limitations are because no one knows what you're capable of doing better than you. Good luck and happy studying!

My fiance had spinal surgery a coupe months ago. He was NPO for 3 days prior to surgery and on a LOT of dilaudid and morphine and whatever else they would give him, so his stomach was already unstable. While he was coming out of surgery someone placed an aromatherapy cloth on his chest which was enough to push him over the hill and make him vomit for the next 20 minutes. Not an easy task for someone in a halo. Until that experience, I never realized how large an impact scents can have on patients.

I had never heard of Zuca until I read this thread a few weeks ago. Since then I have been trying to come up with excuses to justify spending the money for that bag. Finally, I convinced myself! I am sooooo excited for my new bag to arrive (blue frame with a gray insert)! I thank you for your post, although my wallet does not.

I have been volunteering at my favorite hospital for a couple months. I mentioned to the charge nurse in my unite that i would love to eventually work at for them and a week later I got a call from HR asking if I wanted a job as an on-call CNA (I'm not yet an RN). The job they offered me was not even posted on their website. If the VA doesn't go through, I would recommend volunteering somewhere. I was amazed at how quickly and easily I made connections while volunteering.

Casi, thank you so much. That is EXACTLY what I was looking for. I am a little surprised at some of the other responses. In all fairness, I was not asking for advice on whether or not I should take the class. I was only asking where others took it. I know it will be tough and I know I will probably be in over my head, but I am going to prepare as best I can and I am still planning on giving it a shot. As I said before, the worst case scenario is that I don’t pass. Big deal, I’ll still learn something. When did that equate to wasting time? Right now I have the time, interest, and motivation to give it my all and, with the encouragement of my current instructors, that’s still what I intend to do. AprilRNurse, if you intend to take EKG or ACLS classes in the near future please let me know and I will GLADLY not register for the same class as you. I would sure hate to waste your time.

I am starting nursing school in the fall. It's an accelerated program and, in an attempt to get ahead of the game, I was thinking about tackling my ACLS certification before classes start. I know ACLS certification really tough to get, especially for someone with a very limited medical background (I've only completed EMT training) but I thought I would give it a shot, anyway. I figure the worst that can happen is I fail, but I'll still learn something. Here are my questions; does anyone know of specific locations/organizations that offer ACLS certification? The Red Cross does not and, although I have heard the American Heart Association does, I have not been able to find dates online. The only thing I found was a class at HCMC but that conflicts with my schedule. Also, I have heard that it's really helpful to take EKG class before doing the ACLS. Has anyone done that? If so, where specifically did you go? I can't find EKG classes anywhere online. I've checked community colleges, hospitals, and non-profits but I keep hitting dead ends. Thanks!

Yep, me too! So, will we see you in the fall or are you running off to Duke?

Has anyone heard back from any schools they applied to? I applied to four different programs (Inver Hills, Normandale, and UMN BSN and MN programs) and still have not heard back from any of them. Gettin' kinda antsy...

Great news to calm your nerves; this year they are accepting 64 applicants instead of 48! I went to their informational meeting today and they said this is the first year they increased the number of applicants who are accepted. This year 283 applied, 103 interviewed, and 64 will get a "YES!" They also said the NCLEX pass rate was in the mid 90s (but didn't give a specific number) and said that 99% of their students graduate from the program in 16 months (meaning virtually no one flunks out or is dropped). How are your interviews going? You're all sharp as a tack, I'm sure everyone did great!