Starting Over...

It's too late for me to withdraw. My final is tomorrow but I need a B to pull off a C and not sure I can do that My downfall is I let people affect me- My first test I did great and got a B, my professor constantly brags about how only 25% pass his class and I let that affect me. The personal things got in the way of studying. It's not that I couldn't make time for studying it's just that I fell into a deep depression with certain things I cannot discuss right now. I gave up when I failed my second test. I know what's needed to get good grades. For me, it's too avoid this professor at all costs even if it risks not taking a class during the school year- his negative attitude about performance really brings me down. I'm from the school of thought that I perform better when professors encourage me to do my best versus those that mock students for not performing as well. I've also had to clean up things in my personal life so that going forward, they won't affect me. I guess when I don't have outside influences, I can perform very well . It's just that I had a lot of bad things happen in my personal life this semester that took a toll on my grades. I understand the material very well, it's just that the pressure of having to make A's really got to me

This is my second time taking Anatomy 1 The first time I got a D and it looks like I'm headed in the same direction the second time around. I understand the material. My downfall is that I had personal things happen in my life that affected my grade. Should I give up on nursing? I really want to be a nurse. I'm just not a great test taker. I'm really out of options on what I can do career wise if I don't make it into nursing. I already have a Bachelor's so pursing another bachelor's in another field outside of nursing doesn't make sense to me. I feel like a complete failure. Everyone keeps telling me it's competitive and I know that but what can I do from this point on. The only thing that got in my way were the personal setbacks and unfortunately, I cannot retake Anatomy a 3rd time. My school does not allow it.

More times than I wish to count, I have spent over an hour in traffic just to get to a job that was 20 mins away. If took me an hour to get to my dream job, I would rather do that versus sitting an hour going no where.

Hmmmnnn.... The best advise I can give would be to still seek out as many scholarships as possible in addition to the student loans. Communication is always key- in the event one loses a job or cannot find a job once the 6 month grace period is over and it's time to start paying back the loan, request the deferment because it is impossible to pay on a loan until you have income coming in to pay for it. The loan offices are very understanding and will grant deferments. Just make sure that you are diligent on your job search even if it means accepting a lower career/pay then what you really want. Register for automatic payments- the interest is reduced by doing that (can't quite remember how much). If you manage to find extra money from school refunds- put that money into 6 or 12 month CD's so that you can earn interest on that money. Do not touch the CD's until they have expired and you need the money to pay back loans. If the CD's have expired while you're still in school, renew to continue earning interest on them.

Anyone?

Hey guys! I finally decided to go for it and start the process for nursing school. I'm going part time since I can't give up my full time job just yet- lots of bills to pay, single mom. I'm on the accelerated track for BSN but it looks like I will have to retake a lot of my prereqs just to bring my GPA up. Are the classes at Kennesaw really hard? How are the online courses? Are those really tough? Has anyone ever gotten into the nursing program with C's? I have C's in math and I am grateful for just that- I failed them in undergrad and took the classses several times just to pull C's. I doubt I could get higher than a C in math. It's just not my strong poing I am taking one online course because that is all they had available and I am taking one class on campus. I haven't been in school in over 12 years so I decided just to start with 2 classes to get familar with it. Any tips you guys could give would be most appreciated.

I'm not judging Jenin for her choice to use ECT. As I formally stated, I won't knock her for trying it. Yes I am gritting my teeth as I say that because I am concerned about the long term effects As regards to the other methods that I suggested, I was speaking of experience because I had been in a position where I was chronically depressed. Doctors were so quick to prescibe meds which only made my situation worse. Nothing worse than having constant thoughts of suicide but you can't speak about how you feel because you are in a vegetative state. Imagine being in this condition as a teenager. Sucks huh? As I got older I found other doctors,therapists, and means of getting a control over my situation versus being medicated to death. I am grateful that I did not have to go through ECT and I'm sure that option would have been next if the right doctor had convinced my parents this was the way to go. I'm just the type of person that when the world sees the glass half empty, I see it half full.

Three simple ways to quit 1)Throw up in the middle finger and let the index finger follow and yell out " Deuces!!!! I quit"" This method not recommend and carries a high risk of bridge burning 2) Submit a letter of resignation giving two weeks notice. This method is recommended only if your new job will allow you to start in two weeks and carries a low risk of bridge burning for your current employer but a high risk of losing your new job to someone who can start STAT. 3) Submit a letter of resignation giving immediate termination notice. This method is highly recommended and carries low risk of bridge burning. However, this method is risky if you do not have a confirmed acceptance letter from HR. In other words, don't leave your current job unless you have signed documents also known as an accepted offer from the new job. Basically, you either do this in a verbal or in a letter. I recommend verbal so that a letter won't come back to haunt you if you decide to come back 5 years later. Letters would go in your file, whereas a verbal that's here-say unless they have you sign an exit interview document. Simply come to work early, find your supervisor, and tell him/her that you are grateful for the experience , however you have come to the difficult decision to terminate your employment immediately. Thank them for allowing you to work at their facility, and then hand them your badge, etc... You don't have to explain why you are leaving and I recommend you don't explain. However, if you feel pressured state that for personal reasons you are leaving and you are leaving immediately so that you don't waste their time further. I've been in your shoes where I had to make a decision on how to leave. When I was able to give two weeks notice or longer I did but that was only because I had a guaranteed start date with the new job. Now a job that I had a long time ago, I didn't give them any notice. My current job wanted me to start right away and they weren't going to hold my position. So, I went in, quit my job and spent the rest of the afternoon shopping. Hey, it was a great day and shopping is therapeutic for me. I never looked back and I have been happy as a clam ever since. Now, I am making a career change because I have a child to support and I want hours that will work around my child's schedule when he starts elementary school. When I start the program , I will have to quit my job due to clinicals but I will give them two weeks notice because I will have more time. It will be a hard to do (I've never worked for anyone as long as I have them ) but the fact that I am making this change for my family makes it easier. When I started the job, kids were furthest from my mind since I didn't have any at the time. Once you become a parent, your priorities change. Always remember that no matter where you work, if your needs are not being met there is nothing wrong changing employers to one that meets your needs. And if you are not meeting their needs as an employee , you can and will be replaced

Worst case scenarios if you don't get a nursing job: 1) you will have to get a job outside of nursing (temporarily) 2) you will become a pharmaceutical sales rep making tons of money but will always have to meet a higher quota from the previous months 3) You get a non nursing job that you like and then you have to decide whether or not to quit because a hospital finally got around to your resume and called you for an interview. The interview goes so well, they offer you a position on the spot 4) you end up doing *gasp* unthinkable acts for money 5) you actually like doing *gasp* unthinkable acts for money 6) you become a TA at a local college helping other nursing students 7) you get abducted by aliens. Well not exactly, but you find a nursing position in a field that you swore you would never work in and end up loving it. 8) you decide to move out of state for a nursing job and can't find one there either 9) you move out of state and find a job on the spot and the number 10 worse case scenario if you don't find a nursing job is.... (drum roll please) 10) You go back to school for a different degree and can't find a job in that industry either.

hmmmnn.........Interesting.... what are the long term side-effects? You stated you had muscle soreness such as in the jaw, neck, back, legs. That concerns me. Have you researched the long term effects? Also, have you considered chiropractic care? Chiropractic care is not just for a sore back here and there. Now this, I did research As a psych major, I was never in support of medication, devices, etc.. to alleviate a mental problem. My professors didn't speak on it as being the preferred method of treatment either. My finding is that it was an easy fix to solve a problem and that patients were misdiagnosed, labeled as such, etc... Here's an example: A hyper kid may be labeled as hyperactive and told by doctors that the solution to his problem is Ritalin whereas if you take a look why he hyperactive, you will see that he is A student and is hyper because he is not challenged in his classes, bored, etc... I just think that meds and devices are thrown around to frequently to "solve" a problem . Maybe when I become a nurse I may have a different view but I don't know jenin, some things that have helped me with depression are sunlight, avoiding isolation, prayer, keeping my mind occupied by staying busy, etc... And I was "chronically depressed" ECT may be working for you and if so hey, I won't knock it. Gritting my teeth as I say that. I'm concerned about the long term effects.

50K for BSN? Where the heck are you going to school!?!? I'm not trying to sound rude but there are other options that will cost way less and will allow you the ability to become an RN I'm in a similar boat as you in terms of going back to school and here are the cost effective ways that I've decided to go about it. The only thing left for me to do is to make a decision on which semester to start. I may apply for the spring program to give me time to put some funds together. 1) Obtain an associates degree in nursing - The is the cheapest option and you will still get a job. I know this because I have a friend that got a job immediately (as well as other new graduates from nursing schools) after obtaining her license and she is still employed. There are some places that will be picky and require a BSN but I say apply anyway if you meet the minimum requirements. It's all about how you market yourself that will get you the job. Not to mention, you already have a Bachelor's . Yes, it's in another field but it shows that you graduated from a four year program. The HR translation is that this is a job application that is disciplined, possibly professional, can commit to something long term. 2) If you are not convinced and still feel the BSN route is the way to go, take the prereqs at a community college (cost less) and then transfer to another college for the nursing program that costs less. They are out there, you just have to look 3) Maintain a high GPA and apply for scholarships. The min to graduate from nursing is a 3.0 so you have to get higher than that. Now before you start whining that nursing school is tough, yadda yadda yadda..... , look at your course load. You may have to take less classes if you find you cannot maintain a gpa higher than 3.0. Look for a tutor if you are really struggling. 4) Graduate and get the degree (Insert happy dance here) 5) Apply anywhere you can to get a job. Don't worry about the salary, benefits, etc... Your goal is to get employed where you can gain experience. After you gain experience, it will be easier to shop around for a higher paying job. Also, set your sight on hospitals that have loan repayment programs. Those programs are out there and from what I am hearing from people in the field (in my area outside this forum) is that not too many people are applying because they don't "like" the area, position, hospital, etc.... When it comes to finding a job for the first time, you really are not in a position to be picky so if you keep an open mind, apply, and get the position; your loans are paid, problem solved. 5) Be positive!!!! The job market will improve. Ever study physics or taken one class in it? If so, then you are well aware of the concept what comes up most go down and what goes down must come up. Around 8 yrs or so, when most of my friends were gainfully employed, I lost my job due to a layoff. I struggled but I did not give up. I took jobs that I really didn't like. They weren't demeaning or low paying positions, it's just that at my old job (the one I lost) allowed me to almost set my own hours whereas the positions I took were administrative positions that required me to be at work everyday from 9-5. Not my cup of tea. Over time, I was able to change industries and make more money however, the 9-5 aspect did not change. Now the tables are turned. I have a job and a lot of new friends I have made through life's travels have lost theirs. Re-read my physics definition. If you ever find yourself in a position where you cannot find a nursing position (after you get your RN) which I find highly unlikely , you can always accept a non-nursing job while you continue to look for nursing jobs. This will allow you to still pay bills while looking for that nursing job Remember to send out lots of resumes, network, follow-up, etc. Basically, the same things you did that have helped you land jobs in the past. Here's how you have to look at nursing. As long as their are people on this planet, there will always be a need for nurses. The more "seasoned" nurses are not going to be nurses forever. New grads will eventually become seasoned and they will not be nurses forever either. See how there will always be a need for nurses? I wouldn't worry unless they replace nurses with robots and if they do, the upkeep alone would be costly. I'm a single mom with a mortgage, car note, student loans (from my bachelors degree) etc... so I know exactly what it means to be on a budget and not want to go in over your head. You have to be positive and believe that it will work for you but only if you want it bad enough.

ALOL!!!!

Okay....this may be in bad taste and I apologize but I have to ask.... Have you ever witnessed an incident where the patient's hair on their head stood straight up after administering ECT which I will affectionately refer to as shock treatment?

I'm trying to keep an open mind but the picture that keeps popping up in my head is shock treatment similar to the type administered in the movie Ghost Busters

I have a degree in psych so I feel confident that I can contribute to this as well even though I am not quite a nurse yet. From what you posted, I cannot see why you feel you would get suspended, fired, written up etc.... There was a situation, you contacted the doctor, you described the situation, the doctor prescribed orders, you followed those orders. Hopefully, you charted all of this which I'm sure you did since that is one of the responsibilities of the nurse. Family can provide feedback and information on history, how one reacts, etc... but patients in a facility outside the routines of their "normal" family life are going to react differently. There are so many factors involved for why this patient reacted in the way they did and so to say that meds were 100% responsible would not be right. Hopefully, when the next opportunity presented itself, you were able to meet with the whole medical team that is involved in this patient's care to provide family feedback. Once again I don't think you did anything wrong

"...Electroconvulsive Therapy....?" Look up fainting in Webster's Unabridged dictionary and you will surely find my picture ...And just went I thought psych nursing was for me...I recant

It so hard to decipher what my world would be like if I become a nurse This site has a plethora of information so it has been great thus far for research. On the other hand, the information about not being able to eat, pee, find a job, take a break, make money, etc.... conflicts with the testimonials of nurses that I have spoken to in real life 1) a friend of mine whom I known for a long time tells me that she loves nursing. She left corporate America to become a nurse and has found that she get hours she likes, the money is better, the opportunities for growth are better, she gets to pee and eat when she needs too. 2) testimonial from a nurse that my mentor introduced me to states the hours are so flexible and the potential for me to make "bank" are there. I guess, maybe the hours I would like the majority of nurses on here would not want (weekend shifts or night shifts) but whom knows. I guess I would have to dive on in for myself to see what it is like If it doesn't work, I can always go back and do something else. For me, when most people freaked out about not being able to find jobs, I've always been able to find a job . I've been laid off before (it sucks believe me) but I've always been able to make it work. I am just grateful I at least have my bachelor's degree. Even though I am not working in that field, it helped me bust through walls where bachelors degree was required.

I'm not in nursing school yet but i will switch into it very soon. I know some male nurses and they love it!!!! They go in, do the work, and go home. They stay out of the "drama" that goes on in most female dominated professions. Lord, pray for me....:-(

that sucks!!! I understand that you have to take care of the patient but I will be honest and say that there will not be a lot of care going on if I can't take a pee or feed my growling stomach. Can I wait to take a break? Of course I can. Can I not ever take a pee or handle my stomach during my shift? Uh...no! I saw a post where a nurse didn't even have time to handle her menstrual equipment and had a few accidents...uh..no not me ever! I've worked in various industries from corporate to whatever... 2- 15 min breaks and 1 hour for lunch is fair for a 9-10 hour long shift. If there is a code then sure I can wait a min...provided I'm not already hoping on one leg trying to hold it in. I've been a patient in various hospital settings due to various health issues and each time, I was cared for by stellar nurses. To think they never had a chance to handle bodily functions makes me sad.

Hard to get time off you are entitled to???? WOW! That right there makes it hard to leave my job. The pay is decent, the benefits are great, and I always get off whenever I want off. No questions asked , I get it off. Also, I get a lunch break and potty breaks. Nurses don't get a break ever? Okay, besides the obvious nursing is my love speech, why would anyone stay in nursing when you can't even pee or eat?

I think I'll try that, getting a job while in school

Benr98, Poop is not for me but I can handle it from kids I used to be a daycare teacher and I am used to changing diapers so having it come from a kid doesn't bother me. The thing about PEDS that I may not be used to is the amount of abuse that goes on with kids. That would break my heart. I friend of mine did ped rotation and encountered a child that was going through abuse. It broke her heart so much she knew she couldn't handle it everyday.

GHC stock just went up!!!! At first I was thinking about Chattahooch but when I visited GHC's website and saw they have a satellite location near me. Then (drum roll please) the news about the BSN program!!!! Guess where I'm going to attend school!!!!!!!

No one on the site can tell you yes or no if you will get your license. Only the board can tell you that. They review every situation on a case by case basis. If it makes you feel any better, I have a mile long rap sheet from 2000-2004. I have made steps so that I don't make the same mistakes and I have been out of trouble since. I believe the fact that you were honest about your crimes and you gave the board all of the court dispositions is a good thing. Many people on this forum have lied and have suffered the negative consequences as well. I once called the board and the person I spoke with gave me this feedback "Don't let your past prevent you from getting a license" ( I told her a little bit about my rap sheet. Accidently didn't disclose items because I had forgotten about them but I will disclose when I go to the board) My advise to you is to pray, stay out of trouble, and continue to do positive things in your life. Don't stress about the outcome because honestly, while the board reviews your file there is nothing you can do until they contact you with the outcome. If the outcome results in getting your license, great!!! Celebrate, and then let us know on the forum so that you can give newbies like myself hope. If the outcome results that you do not get your license, find out what you have to do next so that you can get it one day

I have to disagree with Tiger in regards to not being able to find a job with 10- and 15-year-old misdemeanors I have a rap sheet a mile long of misdemeanors (no felonies) and I have been able to find jobs. As a matter of fact, I am about to embark on a new and scary journey of quitting this job to become a nurse. I am not a nurse, but the point is I have been able to find jobs. The great job I have now has afforded me a home, cars, etc... I had to complete an extensive background check to get this job and it turned out okay because I'm still employed there. And no I do not work for minimum wage (not knocking you if you do) I work for a fortune 500 company holding a leadership position. I had to list everything that I was convicted of (I did not have to disclose arrests because they only asked for convictions) Yes it was scary and I felt embarrassed. However, I was honest and gave them only what they asked for and I also outlined the steps I have taken to show that I don't repeat those mistakes and how I want to put the past behind me. My advise to anyone looking for a job doing anything legal is to be honest when asked about felonies, arrest, misdemeanors, etc and don't repeat the same mistake. It also helps if you seek some sort of counseling, rehab, anger management, etc....so that you don't make the same mistakes and be upfront and let your employer know that this keeps you in line. Don't do it if you want it to look good because lies will catch up with you but if you do it because you honestly do not want to make the same mistakes then you will be fine. You never know, the person at the receiving end of your job application can very well have a rap sheet too. I'm not sure if I will be able to get a nursing license but the only way I will know for sure is to try. No one, not even the board can give you the green light that you will get in because everything is done on a case by case basis. Am I confident I will get in? Hell no!!! Am I scared as what? Of course I am!!! You would be too if you were about to quit a job that pays good money and wants to promote you, had a mortgage, bills, are a single parent, and still needs to find a way to get health insurance for a child that has asthma while unemployed going to school for nursing. What I can do is tell you though, is that if you are a sex offender with any type of conviction or even not having a conviction, you can pretty much kiss the dream of nursing good-bye. I found that out when a nursing school told me what types of cases were getting rejected by hospitals to complete clinicals. Since I do not fit that description, I knew that I may have chance