JPrn2b

First, congrats! Second be prepared to make a calendar for yourself to track everything that goes on, and keep in mind that things will change on you, sometimes last minute. This is purposeful and frustrating. Keep in touch with your classmates and instructors. This is a very good school, but also one that expects students to behave as adults and be responsible for themselves. I'm happy to answer questions at almost any time, so if you're interested in more detail contact me at [email protected]

Re: not a physician I pretty much completely agree with that, except that after 10 years in construction my hearing has taken just enough of a hit that I'm grateful for the better quality of the spendier scope, and with a price almost double, you have to really want it.

go with your gut. I might suggest something like sleep lab tech or any of the satellite fields, but it sounds like you've looked at those too?

Hey, I hear you there. I'm 34 and by the time I finish, I'll be 37 and will have borrowed roughly $100k to support my family while I'm in school. There's a 42 y.o. woman that works in the ER (I'm in ICU) that will be in my nursing program, so don't feel that it's impossible. But as you said, it's a lot of money to borrow later in life. I wish you peace with your decision, but I'm still pulling for more life-experienced nursing students, we have a lot to offer.

Yes, it does seem excessive, but there's no way around it, and the pre-reqs are important, so try to study smart. I've cramed all mine, esp. the A&P to the point that I'm gonna have to review while I'm doing my BSN. If you have the option to get a BSN I think it's worthwhile for the extra year of school.

I've got a classic II and a Master Cardiology, both 27". With a Card III, if you can't hear what you need to from 27", you should get your ears checked. This is one of the top scopes out there, you shouldn't have any trouble. Those who bemoan the extra 5" of tubing are like audio purists who want LP records instead of Cds "because the sound is better" It's in the ears, not the scope. Go electronic if you're that concerned.

I'm about to start classes at OHSU in Oregon, and we've been encouraged to use whatever portable devices we feel comfortable with, and we're required to have laptops. I am grateful as my writing is miserable after 10 years in construction. Lumber pencils and 2x4s have ruined my writing. Besides, the hospital I work at as a CNA uses all computer charting anyway.

As a CNA, reading some of these posts I'm glad we're not allowed to note in the pt's chart. That way I can't be blamed for confusing CBI with hooking IV to F/C! That's a pretty embarrassing error, not to mention dangerous if it were actually done.

I'll see you Sept 20th! Yeah, I was surprized when the pre-nursing counselor at OSU said they thought no one got in, and that they were surprized to hear I had. I work at Good Samaritan in Corvallis (ICU) and there's one other CNA here that's going too. We're looking forward to getting started. There sure are a lot of hoops though...sheesh!