momokombat

I am a 28 year old with a BA from Ohio State. I, like many other college grads, was not able to get a job with my major. I know that I want to work in healthcare. I only wish I'd realized this sooner! I am having a very hard time deciding between occupational therapy and nursing though. Things about OT that I like: -A more comfortable work environment. -One-on-one with patients. -No holidays or weekends, most likely. -I could be creative with treatment. -I love the idea of treating holistically. Things about OT that I'm not quite sure about: -School cost... oh my gosh! It would end up costing me 80-100k or more in loans for the tuition alone! That's not counting books and cost of living... -Harder to get into a school. Because of my lackluster undergrad gpa, I have a smaller number of schools that I could apply to. Even though I know my grades will be much more competitive with my pre-reqs, it still wouldn't be enough and I might not get accepted anywhere. -Continuing on that note, I have a year of pre-reqs to do for OT school. If I was to go for OT, I would have a year of classes to take before I could TRY to get into OT school. Things about nursing I like: -The options are so endless with nursing!!! I could remain an RN or go back to school for my BSN, MSN, NP, midwife.... -There are so may avenues I could take, even just with my RN. I could go into psych, acute care, hospice, etc. -There is ALWAYS plenty of overtime to be had! -So much learning! I could be a scrub nurse and learn about surgeries. How stinking cool is that? -In 2 years I would have my RN and could work while furthering my education. Things I don't like about nursing... -I've only worked in a LTC facility but the nurses always seem so stressed out. -Standing for 8-16 hours a day. -Unpleasant patients. -"Nurses eat their young"... as a CNA, I see the tension between the nurses and it's less than civil at times. Any insight you could provide would be much appreciated because I feel so clueless right now!!! I've definitely done my research, plus I work with both RNs and OTs so I see enough of what they do to have an idea of both positions. Whenever I feel set on one I begin second guessing myself and flip-flopping....

Hey guys! Was wondering if anyone who has went through the application process/getting prereqs done could answer my question. Since it's too late for me to sign up for Fall class this year to take my Chem prereq I was wondering if I took it in the Spring '13 would I still have enough time to do the program in the Fall '13? I remember reading I had to be DONE with the class to even be considered for the program. Can anyone help me with this? Thank you in advance and have a great day

great read! thank you :)

Just got hired at Manor Care here in Pittsburgh. I start classes next Monday so I can't really say much about it yet but in the times I've been there everyone has seemed very nice and the residents seemed happy. I loved seeing them out and about, not just sitting in their room being miserable.

After going through the interviews, two job shadowings, and tons of anticipation I found out that I can't work the position I'd applied for at UPMC because of a misunderstanding I had with the application. Since UPMC is a no-go, what are other worthwhile opportunities in Pittsburgh, preferably around the North Hills? I was looking forward to go through the training without having to dish out all that money for certification beforehand but if I have to do that to get a decent job I guess I will. Thank you in advance for your help.