Aniras

The other suggestions are good. Here's a run down of what to do: 1) Get in contact with an advisor at your local community college or university. And ask around. Google or ask anyone in your area - other nurses you may run into at the hospital - where's a good nursing school? 2) Take a deep breath. Everyone starts college completely scared and unsure of what they're doing. It is within your reach. In my experience, only those that give up - fail. 3) Take one step at a time. Most likely you will start by applying to the college, then take placement tests (no biggie) and start. The first step is the hardest. Just one point of advice - keep going! Go back to class each and every single day. The nursing field is made up like a ladder. At the bottom, where most nurses start is the CNA (certified nursing aid). Hard work but you learn a lot. Also it allows you to "try out" nursing and see if it's your thing. Second comes the LPN (licensed practical nurse), they are allowed to pass out medications as CNA's mostly do the manual labor. Third comes the RN (registered nurse) and is considered by most medical businesses as the "full nurse." RN's can work with IV's - aka medications that go directly into the blood stream. BSN (bachelor's degree in science in nursing) and MSN (master's ....in nursing) are titles that allow for you to get paid more and get into the administration and business of nursing. To work in a N.I.C.U. like you said you want to - you'd have to be a RN. Hope this all helps.

Borrow some money to take the NCLEX, or get a loan. Most banks will give you a personal loan - though if your situation isn't the best you won't get a good interest rate. Anything to get you on your feet and going. And take care of yourself. Get help from the cops etc if this even looks like it may turn for the worse. And no - I don't believe you're on a "high horse," I was told the same thing when I finished Nursing School. It's not that we're stuck up or whatever its just plain ol' pride that we actually accomplished a Giant Life Goal. Way to go girl! Keep going!