Jfarmboy

For me it is going to be hard not to take A&P with chemistry. I will have A&P I with algebra and A&P II with chemistry.

It should be. I have a HS GPA of 3.3. When I went to apply for my pre-reqs they said it was more than enough. Around here they usually require a GPA of 2.8 to get in and take courses, but then they say you can't get less than a B-. There is a minimum of a 3.0 GPA for most nursing programs I have seen. Some school that have a really nice nursing program and school in general have a GPA of 3.2, making it harder for everybody to apply. They don't usually want to filter through 200 applicants who have a GPA of 2.8 so some school raise the standard.

I would add that some of my friends I see to be very smart people. A few times when they were busy with life or did not make good goals and study time they got B's and C's in some subjects. They got straight A's in other subjects. One is going to become a doctor. It is a LOT of information to get in our head and hard to study a 1000 pages of it. He is very smart but it is sometimes hard to study with 3 little kids. He still gets passing grades though.

You are only as "stupid" as you say you are. By you saying the word stupid you what you are really meaning is not smart. Someone who is truly "stupid" is someone who can't do simple math problems such as 2x8,imo. You are smart enough, if you would admit it. As a friend of mine says "you don't have to be a rocket scientist to pass nursing school, you just have to be dedicated and study hard". If you are wanting to become a nurse GO FOR IT and let NOTHING stop you. We tend to put limitations on ourselves when we think we are not good enough or not smart enough or not cut out for it. Keep in mind they are all lies that seem to pop into your mind whenever things are not going a+. Completely normal for these thought to role around in your head, whether pre-pre-nursing school,pre-nursing school,nursing school, maybe even RN. I know I haven't even started college yet and I am already battling these thoughts. But once you know it is what you need to be doing, you love doing it, you would never do anything else, then keep at it and you WILL get there. Same goes for me, it helps to realize what lies we are telling ourselves and then correct it. Sometimes we need friends or family to set us straight and say "you ARE smart enough and you WILL do this, I believe in you". Find some friends to support you if at all possible and the best of luck to you!

I feel the same way ALL the time. It is a constant battle with myself. Some days I think-heck I can get through it no prob. Other days I am thinking that is really no hope for me in the nursing field. Part of it is convincing my family that I can do good at it while trying to get myself to think the same way. Being that is such a high responsibility my fam doesn't think I will be able to handle it. I would like to prove them wrong. At the same time I worry about what may happen if they were right. They say I will eventually mess up and there goes my 3 years in college..that would be a waste.

I have not taken them but will be taking them. I am kinda in the same boat as you. I will be taking A&P I in the summer and A&P II in the fall. Chemistry in the fall and algebra in the summer. I will likely do microbiology as well. I am also going for the CNA training, hopefully before class starts.

So I looked it up on the college's website for info on the courses. It seems both algebra and chemistry is made for students with very little experience with each(me). In chem they start out at square one and work up into the harder stuff(stuff like biochemistry etc). Also Mat 040 (algebra) is required to be taken before chemistry so that will help me a lot to sharpen my math skills first. So it would be algebra in the summer and chemistry in the fall. A&PI in the summer and A&PII in the fall. I should do good being as these courses aren't super hard by the sounds of it. Another question. Do you think I would have time to do microbiology sometime either in the summer or fall? Or should I put that in the spring after I have applied to nursing school? A&P I and II and microbiology are 3 subject I could get credit for doing before hand and therefore not have to do it during nursing school.

I am starting the prerequisites in the summer and fall. Required is Chemistry and algebra. Algebra not being a strong subject for me. I am also taking anatomy and physiology I&II. I in the summer and II in the fall. I may also take microbiology is my schedule allows for it. These would be extras and if I take them this summer I would not have to take them in the nursing program. I would have more time for clinicals. It would also help me get in the nursing program and be ahead os some other people...hopefully. So I have never taken chemistry and I hear it is rather hard? Friends and family of mine say it is hard. I really like sciences and did good in biology and other science subjects. Should I be able to make it through chemistry? What is it all about. From what I hear it is a mixture of math and science? Of course it would have a lot to do with chemicals. I need to get A's or B's in all these subjects. Being as it goes by the grade per course...if that means I failed one out of 20 exams (or whatever), would that mean I could still get a passing grade. if the others were good grades? My point is does that mean I can't get less than a B in EVERY single test? If I failed a test would they let me take it over..or do I just need to try better next time? I know at my brothers tech school he can retake any grade he is not happy with.

Going for CNA is not a requirement anywhere in NY state as far as I know. I am just doing it because I seem to learn most from hands on. I could apply to this years nursing program if I was ready, but I am not. There are 2 prereqs I didn't take. So even if I could sign up this year I choose to wait. I could learn a lot more doing the hands on while getting paid. Then when I go to apply at the end of this year I will have had some experience. Plus the school that does the CNA program is the same school I am taking summer courses (prereqs) from and also the school that has the RN program. So I am hoping to show them that I want to learn and that I can get good grades. Working as a CNA to show that I am serious. It is just so competitive that I need to do everything I can to get in. Yes, it would totally be a waste of time to have a female chaperone...let alone any chaperone. I have just heard that male nurse student (whether CNA or RN) get hawked eyed during clinicals. A few stories I heard they were hawked eyed while doing their job (maybe because they were new). I just wanted to make sure I didn't have to be hawked eyed or baby sat just because I am a guy. In clinicals I will of course have to be hawked eyed but that is just for grading (I think).

I am actually a small guy...but I work out. I am 5' 10" and 125 pounds (skinny little guy lol) but I can lift around 150 pounds, so far. Ever since I have had the idea to become a CNA and then RN I has been working out more as I know what physical work it is. I knew that because my brother in-law is a nurse and is usually sore after a nights work. I have decided to do CNA in the spring, prerequisites in the summer and fall. The prerequisites for me are only chemistry and algebra, the others I did in high school. Then apply to nursing school before dec 20th. I am taking anatomy and physiology I&II and maybe microbiology, which aren't required but would save me almost all of first semester..leaving more time for clinicals. It would also help me get into nursing. I will work as a CNA while taking classes this fall and all that way until I am into nursing school (fall 2013).

I found FAFSA. I am qualified for 5,500 in grants and 9,500 in loans. I can also apply for state aid.

Okay so I talked with my admissions adviser at the school I am wanting to attend. I don't have much of a chance getting in this year. Actually its impossible as the dead line to apply is the 19th of this month. So the only prerequisites needed for me are chemistry and algebra (I took biology in HS). I am going to be sending in my transcript from my high school and apply. I can take either summer or fall courses. I am also going to take anatomy & physiology I in the summer and II in the fall. That saves me tons of college time in nursing school and more time for clinicals.So the only course I will take in the fall with be anatomy and physiology II. I would then take a math course and chemistry in the summer. I need to have everything done before Dec 20th to apply for the nursing program. I have two people who can give a letter of professional recommendation. I just need one more and I need to write a *perfect* essay. I am also going to be taking my CNA training this spring. Which would be prior to taking the prerequisites. That way I can work as a CNA from this spring until after I graduate from nursing school..which is around 2015. Anything else to help me get in? They only pick 50 out of 100 applicants. It is for the 50 students who qualify the most. Any tips? Also they need my transcript to apply. They then have me come in for a pre-admittance test and talk about class schedule and courses. That would be mid-march. So I am kinda ignorant as to how it all works. Like I don't have any money for it. Would I be able to get a loan for it...even for such a short time in class? Would I need a loan from my bank or is that something the school handles? I have less than a year to apply for RN. 1.5 years before it even starts. Good thing is while I am waiting I can work CNA to gain experience.

Okay thanks for the info. I can understand being hawk eyed in CNA clinicals or RN clinicals. I get nervous with people watching my every move. In school it would be okay, but if I had to be supervised on the job it makes no sense. I am definitely going CNA and then RN. I need to gets some hands on experience and get pre-reqs done.

I may not know what I am talking about...but I am getting there. I know absolutely zero about nursing, but I am looking forward to learning, as I feel it is the right fit for me. You guys may not think so, but that is my own personal decision. I look forward to studying hard and learning as much as I can from every aspect of it.People have already said the same thing. I see what you guys are meaning by it.I know I can't just jump into ICU. I need to be a staff nurse for about 1 yr first. After reading everyone's comments I do know that OB is not useless. As I have already said I have CNA classes starting soon. I will have been a CNA for about a year before I can even start nursing school. With a lot of hands on experience it shouldn't be a shocker for me in nursing school. Heck I might even like OB clinicals. I just want to get used to talking to patients and working in a hospital setting before nursing school. Nursing school is spring or fall of 2013...so lots of time to learn beforehand.

In NY it is amazingly expensive for college. My bro went to a ITT tech and it was an upwards of 30-40k..if I remember right. He got about 10k free for that. For me it is going to cost me $4,900 FT semester or $415 PT credit hr. So that college is around 20k without financial aid. The other college (community college) is around 12k per year. Which is around 24k. I know I qualify for at least 10k, checked into. Seems nursing school is cheaper than other colleges..only harder to get into. One college needs a ACT and another exam prior to admittance. They 3 letters of professional recommendation and a essay. But they don't have their own clinicals. You have to drive to the hospital for it. So I like the one that is around 24k. It is more money but is a community college/hospital. They have longer clinical hours(good thing if to learn anything). It is convenient to go the next floor up to do clinicals. Plus learning from people in the profession is a plus. I am going to see what it takes to apply and where I can get my pre-reqs done at. Check into how much it really costs and how much I get towards the tuition. Also at this college/hospital they hire new grads as well as seek out other employment options. Anyways I am checking into it all. CNA course opens up in a month or so.

Yes 13k is a lot. After looking into it it doesn't sound right for me. Starting out or by it self. The only skills I would like to obtain from that class is the Phlebotomy. After researching it it doesn't sound worth it. I did however find about 5-6 ads for CNA's wanted. Only 2 of them required 1 years experience. I have 2 (and possibly 3) friends that are nurses and could give me a letter of recommendation for either the LPN or RN program. There is also a "free" CNA training program. It is longer than the others.Usually it is 6 weeks and this program is closer to 3 months. I think they are just trying to get free workers for 1 months extra or something. I found nothing for a medical assistant. 4 LPN jobs and 7 RN jobs listed. Checking into the medical area around me I realize that nurses are needed a lot in the capital district area. So I don't quite know where I will go first. I could go LPN and then RN. Or CNA and to RN. One thing for sure is the LPN or RN program is going to be a heck of a lot more than 13k but is likely money well spent. Good thing for me is I qualify for at least 50% of it paid and the rest on a loan. I will know more about how much money I am actually qualified to get when I talk to financial aid.

That is what I meant. Coming from a un-professional stand point(where I am now) it seems unnatural(that isn't the right word-try different).I actually meant that phrase for the average person-a nurse or health care giver not being the average person. What I meant is I will be making that transition from unprofessional-ism to professionalism. Currently have had no schooling in the subject or any experience in the field at all. That will quickly change in the months ahead though. I know that most OB doctors are males. Even back 19 years ago my mom only got male OB and L&D doctors. Anyways can we please get over this subject. I can't agree with my previous opinion-it shows me what an idiot I am. I am going to learn what it means to be a professional and have confidence when I do CNA clinicals and the CNA training program.i.e. female perineal and cath care. This isn't going to be a problem for me anymore. Everyones got to start somewhere.For me it is better to start CNA and get paid while I take pre-reqs.

Oh, Okay. The LPN program would make better sense. Is the bridge program about 1 year? I am still hoping to find a 3 month phlebotomy class somewhere. So far that was all I found.

I have requested a information packet to be sent out. They have Medical Assistant Degree Program (A.O.S.) Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate Program Medical Office Assistant Certificate Program It says that students who complete the course can take the certification test, both written and clinical, to get their certificate. I am not sure if they give you clinical hrs or not. I have sent them an email regarding that.

i found a college near me that offers a 9 month medical assistant training program. it is mostly phlebotomy, which is what i am interest in the most about that course. the training is for- medical assistants, medical secretaries, laboratory assistants, phlebotomists, medical records professionals, and medical transcribers. i think it is a wonderful way to get my foot in the door and to be able to interact with patients. afterwards i can become certified. the best part is i most likely qualify for a college grant of 13k. it starts in the summer or fall. i have requested more information about the course and when i need to apply. so based on the large household and lower household income i qualify for the grant money. so exciting as this will, no doubt, give me more skills in phlebotomy and people skills prior to entering nursing school. is there a way that i can be a cna and a phlebotomist? because the cna course is in the spring and the other one is in the fall. i would like to work and get payed while getting my pre-reqs done.

What I would recommend is taking a loan out. It might be hard to have the prereq loan and the nursing school loan and everything. Try going to a local bank and see if you can get a 5-10k loan. Go sparingly with the money and try not to spend more than what you need each month. Also try to keep the same job only working part-time and that may still bring in enough. You could also check with a friend to see if you can borrow some money. If you end up being $500 short each month see if you can borrow what you need a have it written up to pay them back at a given time.

I hear a lot on here how it is always best when in nursing school to have a female in the room when anything invasive is done on a female patient. I would think this would also apply to male CNA's? Some on here said it might be good to shadow,then CNA, and then RN. After reading online,on here as well, how CNA doesn't help a whole lot for becoming a RN. I hear a lot that you always want to "cover your ass" in such situations. I tend to be very cautious when it come to any legal issues that may arise. Should I skip the CNA and go straight to RN if I like shadowing? I hear they want you to give bed baths,toileting, and showers to all your patients when needed. They also want you to check the condition of the skin while doing so. Would they leave such tasks as those for a female CNA? Or would they have me do it supervised? If supervision is required it would be better if they did it lol. So if I would run into any legal issues with this I would rather go straight for RN. Then when it comes to OB rotations I would have a female student or nurse in the room. Also whats the difference between a LVN and a RN? Is it basically that a LVN can poke needles and a CNA can't?

I am neither a Nurse,LPN,CNA, or student. I am planning on going for my CNA and the RN though. I do know that I don't have any fear of such things...however it may stink to carry out such things. Heck when we younger a diaper was the funnest thing. Whoever it "opened" on got to clean it up. I came from a family of 10 so cleaning up from vomit and other accidents wasn't too hard.

^^ That is what I meant. I can be taking Spanish from now until nursing school or the end of nursing school. I would want at least 2 years to learn it and because proficient. I never thought to go for a certificate, that should help. I doubt Rosetta Stone offers any certification. I would do better to learn in a class room anyway.

Also FYI-I HAVE lived in Iceland. I am in NY state presently. Over there in Iceland people have a different mind set. They don't worry about people being nude. It was a shocker when a Icelandic woman came into the mens locker/changing room to ask where the womens locker room was. Then to go on and carry on a conversation. So it was both funny and kinda shocking. Also yes I talked to my mom about CNA's and she said "what....it used to be free with a CPR course". Now it costs around 600.