snuggy

WTG!!!

In becoming an RN, you will have earned a two-year degree, which is more than a "certification". You will be qualified to work in L&D, but that's not to say that you're guaranteed a position in that department. I also want to caution you about limiting your own possibilities by making up your mind before you've had the chance to experience different opportunities in nursing. The majority of nurses, that I know personally, went into nursing school with the desire to work in one specific area (like L&D) only to discover during clinical rotations that they had a hidden love for something completely different. That's not to say you will change your mind, of course. I just think that you should go into nursing school with an open mind, and look forward to experiencing as much as you possibly can before brushing off anything else. Since you're still in high school, perhaps you could look into volunteering at your local hospital. I think it would be a really great way for you to learn a lot of different things, as well as provide an invaluable service to your community. You may discover that you love a facet of nursing that you never even knew existed before! Best wishes!

I worked in ER Registration for a few years before becoming a SAHM. I had no previous hospital/medical experience at that time. I just got hired on at a different hospital, working PRN in ER Registration again. While many hospitals do not require any previous experience, there are some that do prefer it. However, as tcdtx mentioned, there are positions within the hospital that will hire for an entry-level clerical position with no previous medical experience. The fact that you have a degree will work in your favor, as well as the fact that you want to pursue an education in the medical field. Another consideration is volunteering. While you won't get paid, obviously, you will gain a lot of experience in dealing with patients, their families, and hospital employees, as well as learn how different departments within the organization work together. Volunteering looks great on your resume, and you will absolutely gain a lot of valuable experience and insight as well. Best of luck to you!

Congratulations!!!

I always do the practice problems/questions at the end of each section/chapter, no matter how well I already know the material. It can be tedious and time-consuming, especially if you already feel comfortable with the material, but I have found that it helps me tremendously. Have you tried studying in a group? I have a hard time in group study, personally, but I know a few people who also have a difficult time making themselves study on their own. They have found that studying in a group helps them to focus better, so that may be something to consider.

Without knowing what pre-requisites you've completed, or which ones you will need to complete, it's really difficult to suggest anything. The absolute best suggestion is one that L&D_2b already made... contact the school you wish to attend and find out their specific requirements for the nursing program. Most nursing programs require English 1 and 2 (which you may have with your AA degree already), A&P 1 and 2, some sort of psychology class, usually a basic computer class (which you have already, I'm sure), Nutrition, Microbiology, sometimes Chemistry, etc. But without knowing what you will need, based on your school's requirements, there's really not much to suggest. You could even try to find the school's requirements online. Best of luck to you, and welcome to allnurses.com!

Congratulations!!!

hi everyone! i'm 34 y/o, and have been married for 12 years. dh and i have 4 children, two boys and two girls, and we live in west central florida, just north of tampa. i've been a sahm for the last 7 years, but i just got hired prn at the local hospital in er registration. i started taking my adn pre-requisites when we were living in michigan in fall 2004, and will jump back in again this fall now that we're settled back in fl. i can't wait!

Until the nay-sayers start paying your bills and living your life for you, their opinions on your decisions really have no bearing on your life at all. Hang in there!

It sounds to me like you have a problem with test anxiety, not the subject material. Personally, I always find the first exam in ANY class to be the worst, simply because you don't know what to expect. Keep your chin up! :)

Congratulations!!!

B E B

You need to look at your school's catalog and find out what pre-requisites there are for taking A&P I. Each school is probably a bit different.

Welcome, Sarah!

Congratulations!!!