soraji

Hello all! I'm currently in the process of going through my BSN degree. I am an older student changing careers to nursing. I want to get into a Nurse Anesthetist program as soon as possible after my BSN completes which requires a minimum of 1 year of critical care experience. How easy/hard is it to land a first job in critical care and does anyone have any suggestions how best to get my foot in the door? Thank you!

The program I'm in does still teach Foley insertion, though the nurses that teach us have said they very rarely place Foleys in their day to day work. As for IV, a previous graduate of the program I'm in said it's not taught though the program may have changed for our year. I hope it does because IV insertion seems like a skill I see nurses do very frequently.

If anyone else has formally accepted and is joining for Fall 2016, feel free to request to join our Facebook group. Search for "La Salle Achieve Class of 2018". See you guys in the fall!

We haven't started yet, but I can answer some of your questions: Evenings required to meet: Twice a week either on Tuesdays/Thursdays or Mondays/Wednesdays. This fall our classes are T/R evenings. (6-9pm) Clinicals: Could either be one day every weekend (for example, every Saturday) or alternating weekends for both days (Sat/Sun). You can voice your opinion for which preferred location you'd want to do clinicals, but it's my understanding the 1st clinical is assigned to you. You also may not get your 1st choice if the location is full.

I'm going to start this week. I just received my packet from LaSalle. The $200 fee I paid a week or two ago (I think it was due last week to reserve your spot).

Yeah guess we should make the group. If you want to create it I'll pm you.

Hey, was a FB group created?

I sent you a private message as well.

Yes, that would be a great idea!

Yes, if it's like when I was last in the program, it has some wound care kit items (gauze, iodine, saline), a straight catheter set, gloves, etc. It contains all the items we'll use during the first semester during clinicals.

Hi there! I'm finishing my last pre-req now (Anatomy & Physiology I). I'll be done with it in a few weeks. Are you starting during the fall or are you waiting until spring?

Awesome! So glad to see there are a few of us who have confirmed for the fall. :) I had also applied to Drexel's ACE in the past. While I like the concept, it's very expensive and the accelerated format would definitely mean I'd have to quit my job. Quite a commitment!

Definitely attending! The ACHIEVE program is the only one in the philly area that works for me as I need to continue to support myself as I go to class. I'll be working full time while working on my BSN.

You're not too old at all! Cheers to figuring out what you really want in life and what will make you happy. :) There are tons of prep courses to take to get you back into the "swing" of studying and test taking. Best of luck!

Hey there, I'm in the same boat. I'm 29 and am starting nursing school, but I would like a family one day. I have no children yet. My plan is to finish nursing school (or get close to finishing) then have kids. It's hard to balance work, school, and the desire for a family, but as I've spoken to a lot of working mothers, it's possible and there will never be a time that feels perfect for kids.