Butterfly_Effect

Yes, we have always lived in a collaborative mixture of socialism and capitalism. However, our government likes to cherry-pick where our funding should go for certain programs, i.e. corporate welfare, and recently $1.5 trillion dollars on a plane in the military that doesn't work (I love the people who serve in the military, but they are also being poorly treated by our government while private contractors take the majority of funds). This is not about punishing the rich, or even saying it's awful to be rich. This is about corruption, which leads back to the beginning of my thread. When 99% of this country owns 60% of the wealth -- there's something wrong. Look at the taxes for the top income brackets for the IRS in the 50's and 60's, they were higher than they are now. Besides the fact that there were more brackets (which makes much more sense). So, what you're saying is "disturbing" already happened in the 50's and 60's, and this produced an extremely educated and wealthy middle class. Why not go back to it? U.S. Federal Individual Income Tax Rates History, 1862-213 (Nominal and Inflation-Adjusted Brackets) - Tax Foundation

Similar story here as well. Minnesota and business is booming.

Mini 2544, Let me remind you we live under socialism already: Medicare, the Military, Medicaid, the Police, the Fire department, Education, Roads/Highways, Parks, and several other public funded programs. Do you like your water clean? Do you like to drive on your roads without constantly having to change your tires? These are small examples of the public funding something for the people as a whole to benefit. Also, as long as the top 1% keeps hiring lobbyists in congress to funnel taxpayer money in their direction, along with sending trillions of dollars to banks abroad, we are not following a model of Capitalism, we are following a model of theft.

The problem is the top 1% of this country owns 40% of the wealth. When you have that much inequity between the top earners and the bottom workers, you need to have some sort of way of leveling the playing field so the bottom workers can afford some kind of way of life. Sure, you could go back to school to earn more, but that's not an option for everyone. And the truth is, there will always be someone that takes that job at McDonald's, and that person should make enough to cover the cost of inflation. This gap continues to grow and I believe we aren't angry enough about it. Paying people a fair wage, even our lowest workers, strengthens families and increases health and wellbeing.

Thank you both for your responses! I was leaning towards staying in pediatrics, so glad to know this is the right direction to go. Enuf_already, I'll look into obtaining more certifications as well! Thank you for the helpful advice. ceebeejay, glad to see someone else is in the same boat! It's very encouraging! And yes, kids (and parents) can be a handful, but at the same time they absolutely make my day!

I am wondering if anyone could give me some helpful advice on the path I should take to eventually get my foot in the door in a pediatric hospital. Here is my background: I received my RN in Feb 2014 and have almost a year of experience in home health and substitute school nursing. A few years down the line I would like to try school nursing, but I'd initially like to work in a pediatric hospital to gain acute experience and grow as a nurse. I am currently in an RN to BSN program, so I'm thinking of applying to hospitals after my completion of the program in Spring, 2016. My question is: What is the better option of experience in the meantime that would be more beneficial on my resume for pediatric hospitals? Should I continue to work as a PDN with the pediatric population or try to find a position in an SNF with a higher patient load but different age population? Thank you for your input!

Thank you all for your experiences and insight. I have a lot to think about. I was about to start in a TCU, but decided against it once I realized the environment was not for me. I am also newly pregnant with a one and a half year old at home, so subbing would be ideal for the flexibility needed for my new family. I think I have decided that I want a nursing career that I enjoy (even if it is stressful at times, it is not overwhelming), where I could work with teaching preventative measures to children, and that also follows my family's needs. Yes, the downside is salary and having to deal with the wolves (parents! haha!) but I feel these are things I can handle as I gain experience and confidence as a school nurse. No better way to start then to sub and gain some connections! Also, can anyone give me some insight on the job market for school nurses? I know lots of cuts are being made in this field - is there still some hope if I make connections in the district? I am in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area in Minnesota.

Thank you for your reply! I am hoping the subbing experience that I gain while I finish my BSN will give me a little leverage so that I am not a complete new grad, if you know what I mean. ;-) I am happy to know that some of you started out as new grads yourselves. I do feel school nursing is completely different than a hospital or LTC/TCU setting. I would really just prefer to start in this area sooner rather than later!

I am a new grad with 4 months of home care experience and prospects to become a School RN. I preceptored with my two year program in a school nursing environment and feel this is really the environment that fits my personality, my lifestyle, and my goals. My question is...Can I go straight into School Nursing? I am continuing an RN to BSN program next year and am thinking I'd like to leave my role in home care to substitute as a school nurse in the meantime. I really don't feel the hospital or LTC/TCU environment is right for me, but I've heard that it may be advisable to get a year of experience in these areas before becoming a LSN. Thoughts?

Hi Everyone! I had my second interview for a CNA Float Pool position at a local hospital almost two weeks ago and have not heard anything back from them. I sent an email to the recruiter and still no response. I felt like I did really well in the interview, so I'm wondering what is going on with the long wait? After reading a few posts on here, I'm wondering if it's pretty common to have this long wait happen with a lot of applicants applying for hospital jobs - even CNAs? I don't have any hospital experience but I do have LTC and group home experience. I'm starting a nursing program in January so my schedule is pretty limited and now thinking these things are ruling me out of their decision to hire me. But, I felt confident hearing a few days ago that there are 3 positions open and I'm one in four applicants! A lot of ideas are running in my mind and it's hard to be patient! Has anyone had any similar experiences? Thanks!!!

Lukeslicky, Thanks for asking your instructor :) that was a question I was wondering that for awhile and trying to decide what I wanted to do. So I'm guessing the standard way of going about semesters for the program is to do the 8 credits each semester since they seem to be so intense? I'll probably end up doing that too so that I can also do well in the program and keep myself organized (this can sometimes be a challenge for me!). And I really appreciate your work advice as well. I am going back to school and just recently quit my full time job in insurance. I just couldn't take it anymore and needed to do something else that involved more social interaction and purpose. Although I don't have any kids, I am getting married next year and would like to start a family shortly after that so I guess I'm just trying to prepare...but can you really do that in life?! LOL! I'm not working right now but looking for a job as a CNA part time before I start the program. But, if I need to, I have the option of just going to school, which is really nice and a blessing. Of course it will be tough, but we are thinking in the end it will pay off as you are saying too. So I guess it's sort of like an investment. Just have to get through it... But, I'm also just thankful I got in! The number one priority is the program above everything else! Keep us updated (you can PM me too) on how things are going with the program. My real name is Sarah Chovan so if we happen to run into one another, we can chat! Good luck with everything!! I'm sure in the next couple years it will pay off and you will be very thankful for it!!

Inpatientlywaiting - Thanks for reminding me about the $100 deposit! Good way to check and I saw it was cashed with my bank. :) Lukeslichy - That is a good reminder because it is something I just found out. I was originally taking regular CPR this semester but dropped out of it last week when I realized it was the wrong one. I signed up with the Red Cross and just took a night class for two days to get the Prof Rescuers cert. It was a close call! What I was originally thinking was taking 12 credits but splitting one of the lectures and clincals. So, two lectures with one clinical. I'll have to see if this sort of thing will work out since by the sounds of it they act as a lab to what you are learning in lectures. Are you working while taking your classes? I am concerned about the stress load but have an option of working minimally if I have to in order to get through this program. As you can tell, I want to get through it rather quickly but know at the same time I need to do well... I'm glad I have you both to talk to! :)

Inpatientlywaiting - Congrats!!! You must be VERY RELIEVED and excited to start!!! I'm beginning in the spring as well. I was a bit worried because I sent in my acceptance letter but didn't hear anything, but I know they are very busy right now so I expect that. Are you CPR trained? I am taking a class at the Red Cross and am sending it in when I'm finished. I noticed it said we needed to show we are certified before we start. Lukeslichy - Thanks for updating us on the first semester! I'm glad everything is going well for you so far. I am noticing it's a bit lacking on organization as well. But it's just good to know we are in. Do you mind if I ask if you're going full time? And with the clinicals for each course; do you know if we can divide the class and clinical into separate semesters? Or do we have to take the clinical in the same semester as the class? Thanks!!

Wow! That's great to hear Lukeslichy! Congrats to you!!! I went to one of the informational meetings in May and from the sounds of it, I didn't know if many would drop so that is definitely more than I expected! Guess that means everyone from 15-65 is for sure in Spring!

Congrats to all of you!!!!!!!! The nervous waiting paid off!!!! I received my letter today and am #27 on the alternate list!!! I think this means I'm for sure in spring semester???!!!! Hooray!!! :yeah:We did it!!

Sweet Li - Thanks for the work info! I think that will be my next approach once I hear my status from Inver. I'm pretty sure I'll be looking for someone anyways that's part time, so it's good to know there are places out there that don't require CNA certification or will help you get through the course. Inpatientlywaiting - I did hear back from UMN through email. It's a no go, but I was expecting this as well since I didn't have all of my prerequisites. Hope you heard something from them already? If not then it might be a good sign? Hope tomorrow this is all over with!

lukeslichy - Thanks for the info on Rochester! I am trying to stay positive but it tough. You are right though, none of us know our status until we get those letters. If I don't get in this year I'll just have to bite the bullet and quit my job (I took on another job in the past few years due to financial reasons) and start working as a CNA again to gain those hours. My license has expired, so I'll have to take the course again probably with the American Red Cross. Ugh...a lot of backpedaling, but I don't see another option. The price to pay when you are a bit older and going back to school again. Inpatientlywaiting - That's great to hear about UMN! As far as I know from logging on application tracker, I know my transcript is being reviewed by the nursing department but that is all I know. I haven't heard anything or received any emails. But it's great to hear they are still in the process of looking at applications. Did you have all of your generals done before you applied? I am still missing chemistry. I'm worried about that and being a transfer. All we can do is wait some more!!! Thanks everyone for the updates!! I'm crossing my fingers, toes, and whatever else I can for good luck!

Hi everyone! I have been watching your posts as well and found them extremely helpful and reassuring. It's nice there is a forum like this for all of us nervous applicants and if it wasn't for you guys I'd probably be freaking out about the April 1st deadline by now. I applied for Inver Hills and the U of M next fall I am still waiting to hear back from both schools. However, I am not very hopeful for Inver Hills now. Although I have 4 years of direct patient care experience, it was 5 years ago. I've sent in letters of my experience, but because of the time crunch I don't think that will help much. Everything else seems to fit in great though: I have a previous Bachelor's degree, 3.7 GPA and most of my classes completed except Micro and medical dosages. Still, knowing what I heard from the nurses meeting at Inver, it looks like the direct patient care experience is their number one priority and it needs to be within two years. Bummer. Impatientlywaiting, have you heard anything from the U of M about when their letters are expected to come out? Just curious if you knew anything else or had talked to any nursing students from the college. Good luck everyone and let's hope we find out some more info soon!