LMTtoRN

I would have to say yes. I'm a new RN, but have over 30 years experience with alternative therapies. There have been multiple occasions over the last 6 years as a practicing massage therapist that I have worked on a client, "known" that something was wrong, and recommended that they go and see their primary HCP. One man had "back pain" that was not resolving with massage, I knew he needed treatment because something didn't "feel right"... he had a ruptured disk. Another client had a mole that didn't "feel right" and was diagnosed with melanoma after bringing it to the attention of their PCP. Another client had neck surgery because responses from massage treatment didn't "feel right." There are more, but I'll take up too much room here. Another example: as a last semester student nurse I had a patient recovering from abdominal surgery that was doing very well. He was sent home, but then returned the following week with a fever. The infection was treated, and it seemed he would be sent home again. I "knew" something was wrong, but there was no single thing that could be diagnosed. His fever was down, his BP was stable, his incision was healing well, his appetite was good, his bowels performed normally. I went in his room q30 mins to assess... assess something that would give me data in order to call the doctor. I spoke to my coassigned nurse and my instructor about my feelings, but they didn't see anything wrong either, and didn't have any advice for how I should bring it up to the doctor. The man died less than a week later of internal bleeding, possibly from an anastomosis that opened up. I never heard if an autopsy was done to determine the exact reason of death. If "disturbed energy field" was an option for me as a student, I would have used it. If it might have been taken seriously, and other diagnostic efforts were made to check this man's abdomen, could he have been saved? We'll never know.

I've been a massage therapist for 6 years and just graduated with my ADN in May. I am not yet working as an RN, but am in negotiations with a small local rehab facility. My massage practice is doing well, and I don't plan to stop practicing as an LMT, but I will have to limit my hours to accomodate the nursing position. I am okay with that as my ultimate goal is Holistic Nursing, so the experience with patient care is critical. The economy is tough, but you can find a job... nurses are always needed. Just think outside the box, and don't give up in pursuit of your dream.

I'm a May 2009 grad and I do not yet have a job. Don't give up, though, I have an interview tomorrow.

Excellent! That is a good first move. Yes, the four semesters are regular school semesters. You will not have clinicals over breaks etc. unless you get a summer internship (which is highly recommended). Overall, I was happy with the training. My class was the last class to be trained under the old system, you will enter in the Common Curriculum system, which I understand is a little better organized. I have not found employment yet, but am still working on it. Besides dealing with family emergencies immediately after my finals this past semester, I am an older student (51) and need to work a day shift somewhere, so I am looking at non-hospital venues. I passed my NCLEX easily (that is one advantage that TRCC gives you, they get you used to the NCLEX-style questions quite early on), and now am the proud recipient of an RN license. I'm sure something will come up soon. With this economy, half of our class has been looking toward non-hospital venues to find work. Hopefully, things will turn around by the time you are looking. Regardless, nursing is a wonderful profession, and I wish you the best of luck. If you have any further questions, don't hesistate to ask.

For me, and for eight of my classmates 75 was the cutoff and we all passed.

I just graduated from Three Rivers ADN program in May. You won't get any answers unless you go to an info session. That's just how they operate. They'd prefer the interactive process of Q&A sessions to online or telephone contact. It's a beautiful new facility with lots of technology. Be prepared for 30-40 hours a week just spent on nursing. Working a 3/4 time schedule will be difficult even with the complete support of your family. They must be prepared for you to be occupied 24/7 for two years running. TRCC strictly is a day program, and the clinicals vary per semester. If you have completed your pre-requisites, it will be easier, but nevertheless a demanding program. You'll certainly know you have accomplished something after you are done. I know I feel proud of my accomplishments and I only worked 1/4 time during nursing school. Good luck, and seek out the info sessions of all colleges to which you think you might apply.

I know the feeling. I'm applying for my seat in the class of 2009 this year. By the time next spring arrives, I'll have ALL of my pre-requisites and co-requisites done. I'm 48. By the time I graduate I'll be 51, then on it will be for that BSN. I wonder how long THAT will take me? LOL

I'm a pre-nursing student about to start my second semester. I work as a massage therapist with rehab-type soft-tissue injuries, and I also work with a few folks with varying neurological disorders (Parkinsons, MS, ALS) I'm VERY interested in neuroscience nursing. My question is this (as I have a couple of years to really do my research), would rehab nursing be a good jumping-off point for me in order to get into neuroscience? Is there a better route? Any help is appreciated.

I'm with you.....I turned 47 yesterday:I finished my pre-reqs in the spring and will begin NS next month. Too old......BAAAHHHH!!!! Jen PS - I've also been doing graphic design for the last 8 years! Hurrah for us! Older, wiser, and ready to take on yet another challenge!! Georgette

When I was in high school (over 30 years ago) the guidance counselors (well-intended albeit misguided) discouraged me from pursuing nursing school because I struggled with math concepts. Being young and impressionable, I took their advice and became a graphic designer for 20 years. Three years ago, after becoming allergic to printing chemicals, I enrolled in massage school. After over two years in the field, I realize I want more, so I looked at nursing again. THIS time, my boyfriend (a recent nursing graduate and my biggest supporter) encouraged me -- he insists that I AM smart enough to do this, he was 52 when he graduated. My daughters are very happy for me. My sisters, however, think I'm too old at 47 to start anything new and so demanding. I'm taking a math prerequisite this summer AND PASSING!!! And am looking forward to a full time schedule with more prerequisites in the fall. I decided on an ADN program that prepares me for the NCLEX-RN. Once I'm in the field, I'll continue for my BSN and beyond if necessary to reach my goals. Who says I'm too old to keep learning? Not me!!! :chuckle Peace, Georgette

I'm going to TRCC full time this fall working towards the ADN, once I pass the NCLEX and am working as a nurse, I'll move onto somewhere for the BSN -- I'll cross that bridge when I get to it!! One step at a time, otherwise, I might trip!

I'm a CT LMT starting my pre-req classes as well!! I'm very excited to be taking this path into health care. So many threads to follow, I thought I'd at least say hello. I currently work for a chiropractic office. We use therapeutic massage, craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, lymph massage and energy work on the patients who come to our office. It is excellent work! I'm glad it's getting noticed in the medical profession. Somewhere in some post someone asked what CMP stands for... it's certified massage practitioner in case it never got answered. Thanks for being here, I'm glad to have found you!!

According to the nurses I have questioned regarding the ADN/BSN debate, it's all about upgrading the profession. Personally, I plan to go for my BSN once I'm working as a nurse anyway. The hospitals want you to attain that level of education so that their statistics are upgraded -- and I'm sure that has to do with the funding that is available and the criteria for said funding for the hospitals -- it behooves them to support that goal with tuition reimbursement at whatever percentage is the going rate for your region. I also spoke with a friend of mine who is a financial administrator for a hospital, and he said that as hospitals get more and more regulated, it really is to their advantage, and to the advantage of the personnel to get the highest level of education possible for each person. So with such mutually beneficial information, why not take advantage. In a few years when the market is flooded with nurses, it WILL make a difference as to whether or not you can progress. Right now, with the shortage in some regions, it makes little difference as long as you have RN after your name. Here's to all of us... the aspiring professionals making it whatever way we can!

It used to happen to me when I was in massage school, too. This program is better than that one because blah, blah, blah. I've met MTs from many programs who were exellent therapists, and some who didn't know their ischial tuberosity from their epicondyles (lateral OR medial). It's what you make of your program, what you put into it, and what you get out of it that matters. Many decisions today are made because of financial considerations (I know most of mine were), but that doesn't mean that you won't come out of whatever program you participated in as an excellent nurse. Folks make statements based on what THEY believe. If you are smart, you'll do well regardless of your program. I'm enrolled in a CC with a goal of ADN, but I do plan to go on for my BSN once I'm working. Money, money, money... it drives us all crazy!!

I am taking my math prerequisite this summer so I can start full time in the fall for my first semester pre-nursing toward an ADN. I live in the northeast, and most hospitals around here offer tuition reimbursement if you pursue your BSN -- which is my plan for moving forward toward an eventual MSN goal. I'm 47, divorced, living on my own (my kids are grown), and a licensed massage therapist making not-very-much-money. I DID qualify for grants (thank the powers that be!!) but the cost of books is phenomenal! I paid $100 for used for this summer course. I don't even want to THINK about the A&P books at this point. I will probably have to take out loans just to make it through, but I am looking forward to a salary that will allow me to pay it back. My belief is that it is up to you to make the most of the opportunities you have. Your education is only as good as the effort you put into it. My school had 100% of last year's class pass the NCLEX-RN. To me, that is a good indicator of the program, but the comments I've heard from other nurses about graduates from my school convinced me that this was the program I wanted to pursue. Here's to working our tails off so we can succeed!!!