brinley_s

I'm just looking for a bit of advice. I am currently waitlisted for a BSN program, and obtained my phlebotomy and ASCP certification in November of last year. Since then I have been fighting to get my resume past the HR department and actually to someone in the lab. Right now the hospital in my town has 2 openings in the lab, and I am willing to work either of them. I know who is in charge of the hiring for the lab- but I am debating how to contact her. Should I call her, e-mail her, send her a letter? It seems that the only way I will get an answer on my resume is to actually talk to her... I'm not normally so frustrated but I have been applying for open lab positions since LAST December.... any advice???

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I have always been such a good test taker - this is A&P II for me so I am not new to the subject - I think where I went wrong was focusing too much on just the notes the instructor gave in class and not reading the book enough - she pulled A LOT of comprehensive questions from the book, things she didn't really bring up in class. The curve was 11 points, the class average was a 64%, so technically I passed by 1 point- although I don't really consider it passing since I obviously didn't know the material and I still need to review it because I know it will be on the final... anyhow, thank you for listening and thank you for the tips - I've never tried the teaching method of studying, I think I will, it sounds like it would work great for me. To the poster that asked about website quizzes and tests, I have used them in the past, and they are helpful, just make sure you are really questioning your knowledge and that you haven't just memorized the questions and answers that the program gives you!

I used the patch for 6 months and I liked it, the only reason that I switched methods was my SIL got pregnant on the patch and it made me a little nervous - no wired side effects though. I do know that my OB isn't even prescribing it now- she is waiting for the new study to come out. I was on Depo until about 3 months ago - I liked it, it's nice if you don't want kids for a while and I didn't have a period while I was on it. Good luck with your decision!

I wanted to thank you all for your support - I have been really struggling with it over the past two days. The reason I already know my grade is that I stayed after class to study for my lab midterm that is today and she graded some of the tests then. I'm just really frustrated - I do realize that you can't know it all, but knowing enough to pass would have been nice! I'm still hoping for that big curve......

I never thought it was possible that I could fail a test, I've never failed a test, I'm always prepared, and know all of the necessary info, but not this time. I took my first A&P lecture test of the semester yesterday, and have never felt so dumb in all of my life, I felt like I studied all of the wrong things- and now I know I am going to have to go back and review those 4 chapters b/c they are going to haunt me come time for finals!! Yesterday was also the first time I doubted my ability to finish nursing school- is it dumb to doubt your ability for failing one test???? Well... here's hoping for an 8 pt curve so that I can at least get into passing range...... Thanks for listening

In an ideal world wouldn't we all like to finish school first! Like I said previously I do appreciate everyone's input. I am kind of in the same situation as reidesert, I already have one degree in marketing and a great job, my husband also has a great job, the financial security and support system is not something I am worried about. I really do like to hear the input from others with children though, I know that it can be done, but I know that it is difficult.

I spent all of my education in a private Catholic school, pre-k through 12. My siblings all went to public school after 6th grade. I have to disagree with the poster above me. If you have researched the school and toured the classrooms then you are no doubt sure they have up to date books and equipment. I also have to disagree about the teachers being substandard. While it is true that they make much less than public school teachers, Most teachers that teach in private school do so because they love it and believe in providing a good enviroment for their students. I also think that students in private schools do better academically. As far as the volunteering goes, my parents had to volunteer 5 hours per year, it wasn't that bad split btwn the two of them. Good luck making the best decision for your child.

I want to thank everyone for their honest replies... I am trying to weigh all of my options and my husband and I are trying to make the best decision for us. What we find hard when we discuss this with other people is that it is so divided. Most of the people that have told us to wait, did college or a career change with children already, so they do not know what it is like to do it without...it is just a difficult decision, I really appreciate everyone's opinions.

I have found Micro to be much more difficult that A&P... chemistry is definitley needed before you can take it, it's a pre-req for the class normally... the lecture isn't too bad, but the lab is very difficult, you really have to know what you are looking at under the microscope and you have to get very familiar with the different staining techniques. Good Luck!

Since I've ran my scenario by everyone that I know, I thought I'd run it by others that are probably in my situation... I am in my last semester of pre-req's. I am waitlisted but guaranteed admission in class that begins in August 2007. Here is where some people think I am 'dumb'. I am working full time right now to save money, and I intend to continue in school at least part time taking bachelors degree classes, I am planning on quitting my job next August to focus on school full time- my husband and I would also like to try for a baby- this is where people seem to be split 50/50... some think I am dumb to have a baby now, but others say go for it. Is anyone else in this situation??? I realize that having a baby will make it more difficult, but I have been putting having a family on hold for 2 years already... input???

Count me in... I'm nervous about starting the class- it's one of those necessary evils!

You do have a choice which degree you choose, where there's a will there is a way... My theory on the whole ADN vs. BSN thing is that you are still eligible to sit for your RN so it doesn't really matter. I am leaning more towards a BSN program now primarly b/c I want my masters degree. I do understand your frustration, it is hard to explain to people the competiveness for the programs.. where I live it is easily a 2-3 year wait after your pre-req's for ANY nursing program. It can be slightly easier to get into a BSN program, mostly b/c they take more time and cost more money. I admire any nursing student- I see the work that goes into the program. I do however find it petty to argue NCLEX passing scores.. while a lot of students take it into consideration when choosing a school, you will only get out of nursing school what you put into it. You do have a choice.. it's YOUR education not anyone elses, I know a lot of people hate to wait (I am one of them) and hate to spend more money then need be (again, one of them) the degree you choose to pursue is entirely up to you.

I live near toledo also.. and yes the wait list is until 2008 for the ADN program.. hardly seems possible anyone would wait that long. I don't believe that UT or BG have wait lists, and you can apply for admission twice a year to these schools. Same with Mercy or Lourdes, although they are a bit more expensive that UT or BG. I am just finishing up my last few pre-req's right now and trying to decide where to go also... good luck!

I am still a student but one thing I have found effective is to write a follow up letter to the interviewer... thank them for their time, remind them of a few of your strong points and express interest in the position... I have found that this has worked well for me in the workforce b/c they are interviewing so many people it may be hard for them distinguish you from the rest, this will definitley help them to remember you. Just my 2 cents... and good luck to you

I'm just curious what state you are in.. Where I am at the seats for the fall RN program were awarded months ago, they wouldn't even consider anyone that was just taking their pre-req's this summer. I understand that you are anxious to get into the program and to get your degree but I would check to see if you are really going to get a seat in the program.. It would be terrible to shove all of that info into one summer only to find out that you have to wait until next fall to be admitted.