Nurse Jeni

I think adding the word "may" into that sentence is better. Here, here and here are some interesting, but not conclusive, short articles on studies about hair dyes. The risk appears greater for those who'd been coloring pre-1980s, used dark colors or worked with the coloring products daily. Perhaps I should consider semi-perm/rinses...or go blonde! :chuckle

I'm hoping to transfer to CSULB in Fall 2005. I've heard the program is pretty great there. I will have to transfer pre-nursing with hopes of getting into the BSN program in Spring 2006. Fingers, toes, elbows and eyes crossed! :chuckle

The program at my CC suggests pharm as a prereq, and taking it will give you more points (selection is based half on points in specific classes, half on your slot on the waiting list). The class is feared by most students and is a 100% pass or fail for the final. It is a 2 unit class and rumors about the hard-nosed instructor aren't pretty. I'm sure it is a hard class/subject, but for good reason. I don't believe they are using it here to weed students out since it isn't required until once you're in the program.

I am humbled by your determination and gratitude/attitude about continuing your studies. Your situation reminds us to keep things in perspective and to again realize that what we are trying to accomplish is worth all the effort and waiting and sacrifice. When you are a nurse, it will be just that much sweeter for you. God bless you in your journey!

I've had to make some serious decisions this last week as I lost *both* my part-time jobs due to cutbacks. I live in a very expensive county in California and can't afford not working a decent paying job much longer. Our debt just sits there, as we can only make minimum payments along with two car payments. In short, I'm stretched too thin. My question really has to do with my education options. I am about to graduate with a liberal studies AA in December. My original plan was to become an RN, get some experience and then move on to an MSN. However, every ASN or BSN program near me is impacted. I've been toying with the idea of attending Univ of Phoenix online for a BS in Healthcare Administration and then attending a direct entry MSN program. My other alternative is a BA in Liberal Studies and then an MSN program. I would have liked to get some experience prior to an MSN program, but by the time I finish a BA/BS, I would not be able to afford an accelerated BSN program, only an MSN since I could get graduate loans, etc. The U of P idea is tempting because it would allow me to get back into the workforce and also pay of our debt before entering grad school. Would a BS in HCA be a wise decision, or would a liberal studies degree be just as good in nursing and also in getting into an MSN program? (note: a liberal studies BA is a little more difficult because of the traditional campus setting, but not impossible for me to continue working through.)

I'm taking a six week Stat course (final is in 6 days) and I'm all over the place with it. I've been averaging a B, but have received 2 100%, 1 70%, etc. I guess that means I really just don't know what I'm doing? Most of the problem is the fast pace, but other factors are the horrible textbook with all kinds of errors even in its sixth edition, and my instructor will fail you on a test for using the wrong symbol (population sigma for sample "s".) Argh. I'll get a B in this class, which is a slight bruise to my ego, but at this point, I'm just thankful it is over in a week and I'm passing.

All great suggestions, and great links too. I picked up a book at the college library for $1.00 that has lots of great suggestions for managing full-time studies, work and family, too. Although I've done well in college in the 60+ units I've taken over the last decade, I've been a bit worried about all the science and lab courses coming up. I'm sure having a plan of attack is going to help a lot! :)

Next semester I've got a big schedule with Anatomy, BioChem, Gerontology, History...so I've been trying to think of ways to become a better student, notetaker, etc. I'd love to hear about how others study, takes notes, organize and memorize information. Any great tips or tricks? Please share your studious wisdom!!

I also like using those pore strips that you paste on to your nose and then *gently* pull off after it has dried and has a complete death grip on your nose. It isn't entirely pleasant, but it is very satisfying to see all those icky things on the strip and off of my nose! :)

Whodathunkit?! Thanks for the info!

Many of the MSN Direct Entry programs on the west coast are three year programs. The first year is spent earning your RN. Although no BSN is earned, you are able to get an RN license after passing the NCLEX. The final two years are spent learning the NP role. The curriculum is usually set up to allow you to work as an RN while you complete the last two years of the MSN program. Thus, by the time you're finished you've had a year or two of experience, albeit part-time, in bedside nursing. Good luck!

I read Echo's first two non-fiction books when I was 18 and it solidified my thoughts on nursing. Twelve years later I'm working on Pre-reqs and finally headed towards becoming an RN. I think I'll go back and read those books a second time. I'm sure I'll be inspired again.