WhatToDo

Jolie- I grew up in Omaha. I left when I was 18 for college in Texas and soon I'll be moving to Maryland. Omaha is a nice safe town. There is hardly ever traffic and the job security and availability there is good. The cost of living is cheap. We lived in Elkhorn, a small town about 10 minutes west of Omaha. The Elkhorn school system is very good. Millard and Burke are also good. Honestly I've never heard of anything bad happening in any schools there. Nothing ever really happens there except the College World Series. I though Nebraska was the most boring place on earth growing up there, but I was young and anxious to see other places. Many people really love it there.

I had an IUD inserted this afternoon. It was really painful and I've been having a lot of cramping since. I know this is normal, the uterus just has to adjust to having a foreign object placed in it. When I got home I was having terrible cramps despite taking midol and IBprofin, so I decided to take a hot bath. It helped a lot, but I was thinking about this afterwards and wondering since my cervix was opened a bit today whether the bath water could get into the uterus and cause an infection. I researched online about this and found a couple places that said you shouldn't do this for 24 hours after having it inserted. The doctor didn't say anything about this. I didn't put anything bubbles or anything into the water and I cleaned the tub with disinfectant first. Is this awful? Should I be really concerned? I've never had a baby.

UT-Houston also has a accelerated program. They only accept 10 students as the UTMB does. I decided against this due to the number of online courses and long commutes between campuses. I also feel that UT-Houston is very disorganized. I had the sociology pre-req waived (I have a bachelor's and master's in social sciences from UT-Austin) and they sent me a letter a few weeks ago saying I had been denied admission. I never even filled out the application. A friend of mine also applied and she got an interview. They called her a couple weeks later and asked if she could come in for a second interview for the accelerated program. She said she would but that she had not yet completed one fo the pre-reqs, so they couldn't consider her for the accelerated. The girl told her she would likely be hearing good news soon about the traditional program, but she ended up getting a denial letter. TWU had one last year, but they were not sure when I last talked to them whether they had the funding to offer one this year. UT-Austin is really snobby. I talked to them when I was finishing my master's there and they told me it would take me 4 more years to get a BSN there! They are also very snobby about what pre-reqs they will accept, forget community college credits transferring. But if you take the pre-reqs at UT, it will take you over a year to even get into A&P I. I decided to go out-of-state. I think UTMB seemed alright, they were very nice and seemed very organized. Good luck.

Hey, I was pretty much in the same boat as you. I'm starting the accelerated BSN program at Hopkins in June and went up there for the first time last weekend from Texas to get things figured out. The first place I saw in the city was awful, I was afraid to get out of my car. I honestly thought about not going, but once one of the other new students drove me around and showed me the nice areas of town to live, I felt much better. I ended up renting a place in Washington Village, however, Charles Village, Mt. Vernon, Mt. Washington, Bolten Hill, Fells Point and Canton are nice as well. The rent is the cheapist is Charles Village and Washington Village. I'm planning to ride the Metro (subway) to class everyday, or I'm also considering riding my bike (I need to drive the route more though, I'm not sure it's totally safe). Some of the other new students rented places in Cresmont lofts in the Cresmont area. Personally I did not feel safe there, we ate there one afternoon. If you want roommates that are nursing students, you may consider checking some of the postings on accelerated BSN group's yahoo group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jhuson_accel2005/ Several people are looking for roomies. I think the traditional BSN program also has a yahoo group started, you may want to check that out too. I realize these are groups for undergrads, but the accelerated students must already have a bachelor's in something else, so you're unlikely to get stuck with someone who is not serious about school. Good luck, feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

If I remember correctly, many schools offer direct entry masters programs for either CNMs or WHNPs without having any nursing experience. The programs are usually 3 years long and you get you BSN the first year and your MSN the last 2 years. If you are already an RN, they also offer programs like this, but I know less about them. You already have to have a bachelor's degree in something else to get into these programs unless you are an RN. It might be difficult to practice at first without much experience, but everyone has learning to do at any new job no matter what degrees you have. Good luck!

It seems that this lady's mother and family were totally okay with not being in the room when she was pushing which is good. When I first read this all I could think of was my mother and how I would explain to anyone about my family situation. My mother has borderline personality disorder and severe depression and has abused me my whole life. I haven't spoken to her in 2 years now, but if and when I have children, no one but my husband and maybe a trusted friend will be allowed it the room (other than doctors and nurses). My mother would love to be the room so she could finally see my lady parts and compare it to hers, make fun of my pubic hair or say something like "well I guess now you know the kind of pain I went through to have you" or "she should have an episiotomy, I had two." These things are never fun to tell anyone, many people just can't comprehend how any mother could treat her child this way, but it happens and I hope when I'm a nurse that I will know it when I see it and handle it with no questions asked.

I'm going in for my annual exam this Thursday and I'm thinking about trying a different method of birth control. My partner and I have been together for 5 years and we have both been tested for STIs multipule times with no positive results. When I first went on birth control, I gained 20 lbs. or so on Ortho Cyclin and Ortho Novum. When I stopped taking these pills, I lost 10 lbs. in a week. I've since tried several different types of low-estrogren birth control pills (Allesse, Low-estrogren 120 plus iron - these pills made me have 2 periods a month) and I've been pretty happy with Mircette. However, since I started taking Mircette four years ago I have gained some weight only around my waist line, I've got love handles that just won't go away even with long periods of exercising regularly and dieting. Now I realize this can be caused by a variety of things (age, eating habits, exercise etc.), but I'm wondering of it's possible that these birth control pills could make me gain weight in one area of my body? I'm planning to stop taking birth control this summer for a few months to see what happens (I'm moving to go to nursing school and my boyfriend is staying in Texas to take the bar before he moves), but I'm curious as to whether I should try the Nuva-ring, patch or something else. I would like to get an IUD, but I've never had a baby and I know the chances of expelling it are higher. I've used a diaphragm before and it was fine except I think the risks of preganancy are too high even when it is used properly. While condoms are the best protection against STIs, I don't think they alone are the best way to keep from getting pregnant. I don't want to take any chances this early in my career. Any suggestions for me?

I had the worst time ever with tampons when I was young. The slimfit types are best and make sure the top is rounded, not cottony like tampax. I probably put in 10 or so tampons before I realized that I would always feel the tampons if I was too dry, you can't keep pulling them in and out you'll get sore and too dry. Only practice when you are having your period. I'd start by putting a bit of KY jelly (water based lubricant usually used to sexual intercourse) on the applicator and then insert the applicator and get it all the way up and far as it will go without losing hold of the end and then insert the tampon. My mother didn't tell me anything about all this and I was too embarrased to ask my friends. Hope it works okay for you.

Depending on where you are, sometimes there are programs that allow ADN/RNs to go directly into graduate school to be a CNM. These programs typically last 3 years or a bit less and you get your BSN along the way. I would figure out what programs are available to you and see what they offer, how much it costs, how long it takes etc. to figure out what is best for you. Many hospitals so hire new grad OB nurses, some do not.

Just wanted to clarify that getting a BSN after a first bachelor's degree does not make you ineligible for financial aid. Perhaps this differs from state to state. I'm starting an accelerated BSN program (I already and a bachelor's and master's) in June and recieved the same financial aid as anyone else. There is sometimes a difference when applying for outside scholarships or sometimes schools have special grants or scholarship programs meant for 1st degree students, but you can get financial aid (student loans and some grants) even if you already have another bachelor's.

Christina- I think you've just run into a group of bad apples, I sincerely doubt all nurses/nursing students are the way you describe. I'm no expert since I start nursing school in June, but the hospital I volunteer at is full of very supportive and caring nurses. No one complains, judges or compares education levels. There was a post in the nursing student section of the board about how much a student hated nursing school. It seems a lot of nursing students hate school, but enjoy the work afterwards. Perhaps it's due to being at the bottom on the ladder or not doing clinicals in areas of inspiration and interest, but everyone has to do a certain amount to be a nurse even if it means doing something you don't like for awhile. It works that way with any job, I think some people just don't have that figured out. Good luck to you, perhaps you should get some exposure to a few different settings and see how you feel.

I forgot to mention, it is also easier to get scholarships and work repayment programs when you go to a better school. However, if you go somewhere that is not too costly, it probably won't matter anyway.

I think this really depends on what you want to do with your degree. When getting a graduate degree in any field with the intention of doing research or teaching, where you go to school really does matter. The instant you start publishing research and/or going to conferences is when you notice the difference. It is political. Who you worked with in graduate school may or may not take you a long way, better schools have cream of the crop professors, some schools even have noble prize winning professors. I think better schools also open doors for people that would not otherwise be there. The best jobs are never advertised, you have to know someone to get them. Better schools tend to have more programs and professors who are well-linked in their areas and thus provide you with better connections. I'm leaving my current job which requires a bachelor's degree next month to start nursing school and my boss has received tons a resumes from people with M.B.A.s, M.P.H.s etc. These people are way over-qualified for my job (I have a master's 2 BTW), but right now the competition is so fierce that it makes a difference how good your grades were and where you went to school. I'm not so sure with nursing since there is a shortage. Certain areas of nursing are more competitive to get jobs in and having a degree from a better recognized school would seem to help, but I'm not sure. This is an interesting thread, I'd be interested to hear what others think.

I believe the only difference is CNMs can deliver babies, WNPs cannot. Otherwise they are the same.

Personally I believe that accelerated BSN programs give you exactly what you need to become a nurse and prepare you just as well. There has been some discussion on these boards about ADN programs providing students with more clinical experience, but this is simply untrue is many cases and can only be determined by actually comparing the ADN and BSN programs in your area. Accelerated BSN programs make students go through the exact same classes and clinicals as the traditional 2-year BSN programs. For second degree students, accelerated BSN programs are a great option! For most people getting a BSN after another bachelor's degree is a no brainer becuase the ADN programs tend to take longer once your in this position. With the nursing shortage out there, I think it's high time nurses realize that to get people interested in nursing there need to be a lot of options. Most schools have very low acceptence rates becuase there is currently way more interest in nursing then there are spots available in colleges and universities. Most people that do accelerated BSNs or direct entry master's programs already have work experience under their belts and have decided on nursing after really thinking hard about it, not when they are 18 and still trying to figure it all out (no offense to young people who decided on nursing, I wish I had it figured out back then like you!). I think how well nurses perform once they are out of college really depends on each nurse as an individual. The majority of jobs that require some kind of college degree have a lot of on-the-job training involved, nursing is no exception. New grads just have to realize they still have a lot of learning to do, no matter what credentials they have behind their name.

I was a lot like you when I took my pre-reqs at my local community college (at the 4 year university it would have taken 2 years to even get into the pre-reqs!). I did very well in all my pre-reqs, but I don't think my classmates hated me or anything (of course, I have no idea what they said behind my back). Other students knew how I was doing, but only because I would reluctantly tell other students when they asked. I think most of the students liked me becuase I helped them a lot. I studied with them and explained things they didn't get, shared notes, I even helped them study for the final when I didn't have to take it. You are a ton busier than I am since I don't have a family, so you may not have time to lend your classmates a hand, but I thought it kept them from hating me. In undergrad other students knew I was doing well, but they used to organize study groups and show up with nothing done and nothing to contribute. They would just copy my study guide that I had spent hours making, I used to hate this. I finally quit studying with people in undergrad, but I actually thought the students at the community college were more driven and dedicated. It's hard to strike a balance between helping your classmates and not letting them take advantage of you. I understand that sometimes there are students that everyone hates, but usually these are students who flaunt their grades and won't help anyone else out. The cut-throat type of student. I'm sure you're not that type of student, perhaps you just ran into an angry jealous bunch???? There is nothing wrong with getting good grades, getting into nursing school and graduate school is not easy, getting good grades will help to keep all your options open. It's just smart planning. Good luck!

I will be starting the accelerated BSN program at Johns Hopkins in June. I'm extremely nervous about how much it will all cost (still haven't heard back from financial aid) and am curious of anyone else has worked part-time during an accelerated BSN program? JHU advises against it, but then again, I think all schools and professors error on the side of caution. I have handled a huge load before. I took 18 hours my last semester of graduate school (including A&P1 and chemistry and two graduate courses), collected data for my master's thesis, wrote my thesis, and worked 20 hours a week. This was stressful, but doable. I do think nursing school will be quite different than anything I've done before, so I'm not sure. I plan to see how the first summer goes in nursing school and decide if I think I can add in a job, I just wanted to see if anyone has some words of wisdom for me.

I would love to go into L&D right after graduation as well! I'm currently volunteering at a LDRP unit in a teaching hospital and they hire new grad nurses (with BSNs only). I share your frusteration with some hospitals requiring L&D experience to work in L&D, how are you supposed to get this experience if lots of places are unwilling to train you? I have no idea if this will make a difference, but I'm planning to participate in my nursing school's birth companions program and become a doula prior to graduation. I suppose having this experience is better than nothing.

I imagine nursing schools take the difficulty of prior education into account when determing how qualified students are for nursing based on GPA, I would suggest thinking about where you might like to go to nursing school eventually and contact the admissions people there and ask how they judge GPA's based on prior universities, then you will know for sure. You may also want to figure out where you would like to go to nursing school now becuase you will need to know exactly what pre-reqs are required in advance and which credits will transfer. Nursing schools require all sorts of different pre-reqs, so you just need to be sure you are on the right track for your end goal. Since your interested in travel, have you considered travel nursing or the Peace Corps. Several nursing programs offer good tuition deals for Peace Corps volunteers. Good luck, congrats on getting into Berkley, that is quite an accomplishment!

Starting at Johns Hopkins in June. I'll probably be the dumbest one! I'll never forget my alma mater though, the University of Texas at Austin. Go HORNS!!!!

I may be comparing apples to oranges, but I worked with an 8 year old that had cerebral palsy for over a year. He never hit or pinched me, but he was often reluctant to do anything, therapy, swimming lessons, homework, etc. and he would throw huge fits whenever he didn't get his way. He still goes to the bathroom in his pants at least once a day and pees all over the outside of the toilet (despite putting up support bars around the toilet). I used to get so frusterated that I would lock myself in the bathroom for a few minutes to calm down. The one thing I found that worked was implementing a "points system." Basically you just have some sort of dry erase chart and you put several behaviors on it (like not hitting or pinching, brushing teeth, using restroom alone, eating vegetables, whatever) and make them worth a certain amount of points, and then when the child reaches a certain amount of points they get some kind of reward. This worked great with this child, I had few problems with him after that. I also left the room or ignored bad behavior until the screaming and crying subsides.

BETSRN- Almost everytime I read your posts to students or the "less experienced" I cringe. I think many of us would appreciate it if you could be a bit more positive.

I think you have thought this through carefully. From what you said it seems the BSN program is a no brainer, you'd get to be a nurse in the same amount of time as you would with the ASN degree, but you would already have the BSN. I would apply for the BSN program (by the way, the more pre-reqs you have completed when you apply, the better your chances for getting in) and also put yourself on the waiting list for the ASN program. Something will come through. Also, the LVN program sounds like it might be a good option if you plan to work part-time during the rest of your schooling, then at least you can get some experience and make an LVN's salary.

I couldn't agree more! In fact, I just compared the clinical nursing credits at the community college where I took my pre-requisites and the clinical nursing credits at my accelerated BSN program. The ASN program has 11 clinical credits and the accelerated BSN program has 15. Here are the links to the courses for each program if you're interested: http://www.son.jhmi.edu/academic_programs/undergrad/accelerated/accelerated.asp http://www3.austincc.edu/catalog/fy2005/degnurs01.rtf And for those of you who think that accelerated BSN programs provide nurses with little clinical nursing experience, please be sure to read the introduction paragraph at the top of the Johns Hopkins page that states "The Accelerated BS in nursing option is a 13.5 month option which encompasses all of the components of the Traditional BS in nursing in a concentrated period of time. This option begins in June of each year and ends in July of the following year. The Accelerated student must be able to devote a great deal of time to academics due to the intensity. The number of clinical hours, the faculty, and the curriculum are the same as the Traditional." Now, I'm not trying to say that any degree or program is better, I just trying to point out that every program and student are different. I'm sure someone could find a community college that gives students more clinical expereince than their local BSN program. Statements like "all BSN have less clinical experience" or "all accelerated BSN students are less experienced" seem to come from those who are a bit ignorant about these things. Stacey - please do whatever fits your career choice best. If you desire to go into a certain area, see what sort of degree is required for that area. If you are still unsure about nursing as a profession, get a BSN or a bachelor's in something else. With the amount of life that is spent working these days, it never hurts to set yourself up for some variety.

BETSRN- I'm certain that some people who come out of an "accelerated" program from a top ten school with accomplished faculty, adequate resources, good teacher to student ratio etc. will be better trained for nursing that some people who come out of a "traditional" program where the school is 3rd tier, has a so so faculty, lacks adequate resources, and has a high student to teacher ratio. Making rash generalizations like "all students who come out of accelerated nursing programs are less expereinced" is ridiculous and narrow minded. In addition to the fact that some nursing programs are better equipt to teach nurses than others, as I said before, every person is different and every school is different. Some people go into nursing programs with years of clinical experience beforehand or work like crazy to gain the experience their school lacks during school, this person is much more likely to be better prepared for nursing than a slacker student who barely made it through. 5 years down the road it's unlikely that anyone would know whether a nurse came out a cutting edge program or a so so program, it really all depends on personality and willingness to learn.