RobynPSU

Hi unique2! I really hope we get in and pass the NLN exam as well! I don't really have a back up plan. I already spent a lot of money on pre-reqs. Some of them were already a waste because Drexel required them and La Salle doesn't. What is your first bachelors in? Coconoir1908 - what is your masters in? I had thought about the ASN route just because it would be faster to becoming a nurse, but then I would definitely want to finish my BSN so I wasn't sure if that would make sense?

I think I'd rather take it later and really prepare. I'm hoping to only take it once! I'll have a lot more time next week to really study so maybe I can have a better gauge on how much time I need. I'm not looking at any other schools. I got into Drexel's ACE program but I decided that it's too expensive and risky to quit my job. La Salle is a lot better choice for me financially. I don't really know if any other good part time programs. Are you looking at other schools? Are there other part time night programs?

Hi Coconoir1908! I have not registered yet to take the exam. I haven't had much time to study and I'm not sure how much time I need yet. I think I still have plenty of time to take it? I know if you screw up, you can retake it in 6 months, but I just got an email on accident from La Salle about applicants for Fall 2013 and class starts in a few weeks! Have you registered yet?

Thanks everyone for the advice! I am also applying for Fall 2014. I just bought the same book for the NLN exam and plan on taking it in September.

Hi Leemy4Me! How hard has it been to work full time, do this program and maintain a life? How often do you have clinicals - every Saturday? Do you have time off between semesters?

I agree with PSUMegan - I'm nervous, but it's obviously doable. If all these other people can do it, so can I! I just want to get done so I can start working again. I think you can do anything for a year, and we actually get time off in between each quarter to relax a little bit and recharge!

Thanks! I graduated in 2006.

Congrats Megan! My first bachelors is also from Penn State in Health Policy and Administration. When did you graduate?

I'm 29 and a soon to be second degree accelerated BSN student. I have a great job that makes just as much as the statistics say an average nurse makes. So why am I quitting a great job to be a nurse? Because I want more out of life. I want a job that is meaningful and helps people. I can't sit behind a computer and do what I do for another 40+ years just to make money. I work for a hospital now and have been fascinated by the clinical side for a really long time, longing to be a part of that world. It finally hit me one day, later in life than I would have liked, that I wanted to be a nurse. Yes, I am nervous about how hard it is going to be. Yes, I am nervous about getting a job. Yes, I'm going to be in a lot of debt when I'm done. I'm not becoming a nurse as a last resort or because it's a "secure and stable" job or because of a inaccurate "shortage." I know what I'm getting myself into, I have done my research and I choose to do it anyway because money isn't everything. I want to be a nurse because I think it will be exciting and challenging and important. I think the knowledge and skills I will learn are important things to know for life in general. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe I'll regret this decision, but I have to try, otherwise I'll spend the rest of my life on the billing side of healthcare wondering if I would have been happier on the clinical side. We're here for a short time to learn and to help each other and that is what I plan on doing as a nurse. It bothers me that you think it's "sad and frightening." You should be proud of what you do and that so many others want to do it too. "Don't take life too seriously, you'll never make it out alive."

Good job on your first quarter! I'm sure you will do great Q2 as well. Goodluck! Did you start clinicals the first quarter? How was that? I can't wait!

JillyPlot - how did your first quarter go? How do you feel about it so far?

Thanks JillyPlot! I'm looking at the calendar for next Spring 2014 when I'll be attending. Do we really have off 2 weeks in Sept and 3 weeks in December for Christmas??

What is a grad plus loan and how do you get it? I didn't get much aid from FAFSA so I guess I'll be taking out private loans??

Thanks, you too!! I'm taking micro on Tuesdays and Thursdays with Lab on Tuesdays. Section #42448. Maybe we'll have class together?? I wish the prof was posted though, I like to look them up on ratemyprofessor.com and if they get bad reviews, I'll switch if I can! Thanks for the link, I just registered for the info session!

Hey Guys! I have also been accepted into Spring 2014. I can't wait! I'm currently taking A&P II at CCP. I'm taking ethics online at CCP next summer session and Micro in the fall at CCP. There is an info session on August 13th? I don't see it on the website. If it is at night, I will be there! I went to one in the past (before I got in) and loved it! The simulation lab is awesome. It will be nice to be on the accepted student side this time!