AniaK

I would like to obtain an associates degree in nursing but from what I have been reading here all schools have a waiting list? I keep looking for schools offering an associates degree, but there doesn't seem to be that many that do. Phoenix College- no longer offers (at least that's what their website says). So the only options are: Apollo, Gateway and Maricopa Community Colleges? Did I miss some? I live in Phoenix. Additionally, what is the tuition for each? Thanks. Ania

Lol, I know it's not funny you have to gag your way through it, but in a way it is. At least it's only vomit for you. For me it would be all the nasties that I would have to gag right through it!!

I actually read the post couple of days ago and on some I thought "how gross" but some of them I couldn't help but laugh and not because it's funny what these poor sick people are going through but laugh at how the nurses have described it. I can watch surgical procedures on TV or internet with great curiosity and I won't take my eyes off just because it fascinates me. Yesterday I watched a c-section and I didn't cringe. Is it really so difficult to get a nursing job? I know couple of nurses and they constantly work over-time. Why everywhere I read about nursing it keeps talking about the shortage and more shortage to come? Again, I think that's because most people look for a very specific position in a very specific location with a very specific schedule. I know a girl who graduated with an associates in nursing last year and she had several job offers and works over time all the day. She got a job immediately out of nursing school. Well, CNA it is. I'm going to give it a shot! I'm getting nervous just thinking about.

Getting a nursing job can't be worse than trying to get a client to buy/sell a house ;-) Plus, I'm single and no children, I can move anywhere where there is work- any state, any city or any country. I'm pretty sure a lot of people are limited as to where they can work because of wife/husband's work, children or other reasons. So, I guess I'm not too concerned as I will go where there is work. I don't really want an office job anymore. However, in worst case scenario, I can always go back to work for law firm with the nursing degree as a nurse paralegal. I can get a job at a law firm today if I wanted because of my extensive experience as a legal assistant and add a nursing degree, I would be making quite a bit more money as my value would increase. So, I think perhaps I have a bit more options than other people graduating from college with no job experience??

Thank you for your responses, that gives me hope!! :-) Yes, I have extensive legal experience, close to 14 years and 6 of those years, I worked in the medical malpractice defense department at a major law firm in IL. I live in AZ and there is a ton of nursing homes here so I'm guessing once I get my CNA, I shouldn't have a problem getting a job, but my goodness, I haven't made $10 per hour since high school!! Well, I guess you need to make sacrifices sometimes to achieve more. For me, it would be obviously a stepping stone to becoming a nurse. I'm not married nor do I have children, so I guess, I can rent a bedroom somewhere while I'm a CNA. Also, what are my chances of getting a job at a hospital? I know that hospitals pay towards college education, which would be the ideal situation for me. I probably would start off with getting an associates degree in nursing and then continue my education if I end up of loving my job. It seems that nursing has so many job options that unless a person really looks into, won't know. I knew I could become a nurse paralegal as we had couple at the firm I worked at or serve as an expert in trials, or be a nurse and select a specialty as listed above- are quite abundant. What about me going back to school after 20 years, how difficult will be for me? Has anyone returning to school after many years hired a tutor to help them prepare for school? What about admitting exams? I'm pretty sure I wouldn't do well on those anymore. Is anybody here from Phoenix, AZ who can recommend a good CNA course? I've noticed some charge as little as $800 and are only 2 weeks long and some that charge $1,500 for 5 week course. Thank you sooooooo much for your responses and kind word of encouragement!! Ania

I'm 37 years old and need to change professions. Since I graduated high school until I turned 30, I was a legal assistant. At the age of 30 I became a real estate agent. This economy was a rude awakening for me and made me realize how important it is to have good steady employment. Many years ago I considered nursing but the fact that I'm nervous about the "gross" things that you encounter in the hospital like poop, smelly urine, vomit, bad infections, sores, etc., I never pursued it. Children I can handle, but not so much adults. Additionally, the thought of me inserting a catheter or tracheotomy makes my stomach turn. I always said "I would be a nurse only if I can stomach the gross". Plus, I don't do well when I need to get an injection or have blood drawn. I don't faint or vomit, just turn pale and I need to work on my frame of mind and breath. However, I get acupuncture with "almost" no problem. Why do I want to be a nurse then? Well, first of all, I would like to have a non-desk job or at least limited. I think I would go nuts if I had to sit at a desk and type all day long anymore. I like varied schedules and varied work environment (if that makes any sense). I like to be around people, I have a pleasant demeanor and I am caring but I'm also strong mentally. Plus, I'm originally from Europe and would like a job that might offer the opportunity for me to do in different countries. Has anybody felt the way I do about this yet decided to pursue? Have you thought you could never insert a catheter or anything similar yet you did it and found it to be no big deal? Or felt sick to your stomach when encountering the "gross"? A friend suggested I take the CNA course and get a job to see if I can stomach the worst of it all (I guess CNA's deal with the worst?). Almost forgot to mention, I don't take drugs as I believe in naturopathic approach to health. Would that interfere with me being a nurse? Any advice or experiences you'd like to share, I would appreciate it. Has anybody felt the way I do, yet succeeded? Thank you! Ania