GamerGal

And what if I decided not to do any kind of clinical nursing? What if I wanted to do Research or change to a different type of patient-centered care, such as Nurse Aesthetician? I was advised to get my Cosmetology License, take an IV Cert class, and then approach Med Spas. I realize I do need more clinical experience, in general, however with settings such as was suggested above (LTC, SNF, etc), while I greatly appreciate the input, my concern is that I would not be able to work safely in such a high-paced, high nurse/patient ratio setting. Any other suggestions?

Hello, I'd like to first preface this by saying this is one of the hardest things I will ever post because it is a bit humiliating. But I am lost as to what I should do, and I'm starting to feel hopeless about my nursing career. I graduated with my MSN (as part of the Entry-Level program--meaning, I had no prior nursing experience before earning my masters degree). After graduating in 2016, I accepted my first job into a new grad program, however I was forced to leave my position without completion because my supervisors did not feel I was progressing as they expected. I took 3 months off to look for another job, and found a per diem outpatient position that allowed me to work for 6 months. I should state that in that Outpatient position, I did not have any direct patient care, as the position transitioned into clinical research, so my patient assessment skills were not being used. Needless to say, at this point, I feel like I need to start all over again. However, I am now being overlooked for New Grad positions, as I have more than 6 months experience, and have been out of school for 2 years. My question is: What are my career options at this point? No hospitals want me, and I'm afraid that my skills have atrophied to the point that I would not be able to work safely in a clinical setting. I would love to do Research Nursing, although it seems most positions require more clinical nursing experience than I currently have. My greatest fear is that I may never work as an RN again. Please help. Thank you for any advice you may provide. -GG

Hi there, I am interested in becoming a CNA Instructor and was hoping to find schools/programs in the Los Angeles area where I could obtain my certificate and teach. I already have my RN License and have worked as a nurse for nearly 30 years. I would now like to expand my career and become a CNA Instructor but I am having difficulty finding a local program. Thanks in advance!

NVM, the link came up today. Guess it just took a day to change online. WHOO HOO!! DEPOSIT IS PAID!!!!

Hello Nursing Toreros!! I am so very happy to FINALLY say that I MADE IT INTO THE PROGRAM!!!! I'm so excited to be part of our cohort and I can't wait to meet all of you! I'm trying to figure out how I can be added onto the MEPN 2016 FB group? Also, did anyone have a problem finding the Deposit link? All I see is the "Account Balance" link. I'll call them tomorrow but thought I'd see if anyone else was having the same issue?

@ReordonaSRN You've given some very excellent answers, thank you!! I've just decided to go to NU, granted with a lot of reservations, but I've done tons of research. Yes, there are pros and cons, and just like you said, that goes for every institution. I didn't get into any Masters Entry Nursing programs in California...and that was with a 4.0 in ALL my pre-reqs. Even with my impeccable academic record and stellar recommendations, it still wasn't enough, but I suppose that's the nature of the beast in this economic climate. I can't wait another year to reapply on the chance that I MIGHT get in because let's face it, many of us needed that "second career" yesterday. So thanks for being so honest and forward with your response. It was exactly what I needed to hear. And congrats on getting into USF and good luck with your DNP program, too!

I think this past Friday was the last day to turn in the initial deposit, so I'm guessing they'll send out responses some time this week

Wow, thank you so much, mzaur! that was so helpful!! Exactly the type of answer I was hoping to find.

Hi there, Couldn't find anything about the revised GRE so I'm starting a new thread. Have any of you taken it? If so, how long did you take to study, and if you don't mind sharing what was your score? Or what is considered a good score based on the new system? I'd like to get an idea of how long I should study and what are some of the best approaches. I can't afford to take a review class like Kaplan or Princeton Review, so my main options are the Study Guides, flash cards, and Internet--doing this grassroots style . Thanks very much!

Thank you, NurseMorse! I've seen the Poway ROP class listings, although the classes are m-f, 7-3 which I can't take right now while I'm finishing up classes at my CC. I'm gonna see if I can get into MiraCosta and Grossmont, and i've also looked into some private schools like Pacific Health. Thanks again!

Been doing a lot of research on CNA programs in San Diego. Seems the cheapest ones are, of course, also the most popular and difficult to get into. Was wondering if anyone out there could make some recommendations as to which schools offer CNA programs that aren't too expensive and impossible to get admitted into? So far I've looked at Kaplan, California Medical College, and Poway USD. Any insight is much appreciated! Thanks in advance

I just want to thank everyone for sharing these inspiring stories. I'm just finishing up my first attempts at applying to nursing school, and so far I'm 0 for 2. Still waiting for 1 more, but starting to feel real discouraged, especially after being rejected by my dream school (U of San Diego). I'm still crying in my cornflakes (after all, it's only been 2 days), but hopefully I'll get stronger each day and find the strength to keep going. Thanks again for sharing!

hi guys, sorry if i missed this in an earlier post, but does anyone know approx. when we'll be notified about acceptance for the summer 2014 cohort?

i was totally thinking the same thing last nite! i took it as a sign for sure

i've been checking MySanDiego portal but still says the same thing. I wonder how soon they update your application status vs when the letter arrives in the mail