meljonumd

Unfortunately this is probably what you'll have to do unless you can personally speak to someone in charge and plead your case. I've had 4 PPDs this year AND a Quanterferon Gold test (a highly accurate blood test for TB) and I *STILL* had to get another PPD placed for school. But, luckily since I could prove all the above, I didn't have to get a 2-step lol.

hi Congrats on taking the leap! I don't have all the answers. I would strongly suggest talking with a financial aid person at a school that you are/will be applying to for your ultimate degree program. Since you do already have what I'm guessing are extensive loans, your situation will be different than someone else's. A key factor is if you have maxed out your loan caps. What I can give you is some info on what I have done. I am starting in a 2nd degree program this fall. Last fall, I took 2 classes as pre-reqs at a local community college; as it turned out, I didn't need them; I had been eyeing up a different program which required them. This makes a good point: EACH program has a VERY different list of pre-reqs for application. If you have a few different programs that you are interested in, I suggest you make a spreadsheet to make sure you are meeting the ones you need to. For these classes, I paid out of pocket. At the community college level, I paid $800 for 2 classes, 1 being microbio with a lab. You'll find a Big variation in per-credit hour. Remember, your eligibility for loans may be limited; seeking out the lowest cost options may be the way to go if you have to pay on your own. As for financial aid when you would start the program, again it could be possible; the financial aid people would be the best to talk to. I also have a Master's, and I have been offered loans to cover my costs. I would suggest looking at both private AND public options, as there can be tens of thousands of dollars difference in the end. My program is $10k a year. A local one in a private university is $60k.

A simple answer as to why teaching hospitals/medical centers are preferred: They tend to be more progressive, be the leaders in program development, seek and receive state and national certifications (such as Joint Commission -Stroke Certification), have a variety of specialties in one place (whereas a small community hospital will have an orthopedic and general surgery options, a medical center may have any combination of: heart/kidney/GI transplant, cardiothoracic, bariatric, oncology, specialty orthopedics, etc) Nurses at medical centers also tend to be very familiar with frequent rotations of students, and generally the charge nurses know who to "pair" up the students with for the best experience. The patients at a teaching hospital tend to be the sickest of the sick, so you will also see diagnoses that you may never see again. I've worked at one of the best, and I credit that experience with making me a great clinician.

I'm currently volunteering in an in-patient hospice, and I do patient care there. I would suggest including family teaching on basic personal care and body mechanics? Families are now faced with caring for a person who is bed bound or needs a lot of help to move, and they are at a high risk for injury if they don't know how to move them properly. Also, people are scared to move or touch a person who is "dying." They are scared they are going to keel over at any moment. But showing them how to be comfortable can go a long way to making the experience better.

The HR process at UPMC is looooooong, and for nurses it is intensely competitive. For example, I recently started a casual position there, and it took 3 months for HR to even INITIATE contact, and I didn't even start work for another month. For nursing, there are about 50 applicants for each position, on the low side. Doesn't mean don't apply: All of them aren't appropriate and obviously they do hire. But you better bring your A game. Also, for UPMC, they only hire new grads into the Staff Nurse position, not the Professional Staff Nurse position. When you look at the website, don't be mesmerized by all the spots that appear to be available to you. The Professional Staff Nurse position ONLY hires people with 6months experience. As for working there, yes, some people aren't happy I'm sure. But that's true for ANY place. Consider the source before you accept the opinion. The Pittsburgh market overall isn't that great, but it isn't impossible. Yes, I would start your application soon; just getting the process going could be helpful.

You mentioned you are union; have you spoken with your union rep? Depending on things, you might have cause for a grievance. Alternatively, since your manager has not addressed this issue appropriately, this needs to be worked up the chain to maybe the Director of Nursing? (However your union may prefer other methods).

Unless you are planning on working a significant amount, meaning making a significant contribution to your resume, then I don't think it would be appropriate. A new grad BSN is still a new grad BSN, no matter what experience or prior degrees you bring to the table. And a new grad BSN with "only" very limited experience as an LPN really doesn't matter much.

I find there is something different between doing a procedure on someone Else and having a procedure done on Me. Something having to do with my clinical side taking over, but when I am doing a procedure on a patient, such as wound care or working with a patient with a broken ankle (my personal squeamish thing lol), it doesn't bother me, unless I switch over and start to think about it happening to ME. Maybe and hopefully when you start working in a more professional capacity you'll find this to be true. To start on this path, I strongly urge you, then, to start working with people! Working with people in an intimate capacity, doing toileting hygiene, caring for them when they are sick: that's how you start to realize that everybody is just a body.

Well, the one thing I can say, Lb1009, is that I'm confident that rents are a LOT lower in this area than on Long Island! I just rented a cottage for $300/month. If you want a studio to 1bedroom, prices range $300-$600/month. If you can find someone to rent with, you'll be able to keep your costs low; roommates can pay $300-500 or so?

Everyone has their own path. I hope your journey is enlightening (and doesn't make you want to jump in front of a bus! lol).

If you have that kind of inner desire, that's a great start. Now you have to mix that with reality. I bit the bullet and moved in with my parents...in western PA...and moved myself and my 3yo son from Baltimore to do it. AND THEN I still have to drive an hour to my school every day. I actually just rented a tiny little place right next to my school where I can crash if I just can't drive home, for what ever reason. (snow is a BIG problem around here). My problem had been I couldn't work AND pay for rent AND daycare AND go to school if I didn't make some radical changes in my situation. (for some reason, paying 3000/month for just those 2 bills wouldn't work if I couldn't work?? lol). But you have to have clear expectations on both sides of what you will be responsible for (food, chores, childcare, etc), and what general behaviors you and they will tolerate (will you be able to study if they are late night partiers, for example).

I agree. I would add that when you arrive in a new place, try and find things that are the *same as the last unit you were on. Remember, it is the same hospital, so at least some procedure should be similar. (although, after having worked in hospitals for 10+ years, I know very well that each unit has a distinct "flavor", and that goes for ER, OR, etc).

hi Rmerid and congrats! Looking forward to meeting you too. Where are you coming from? Here's my FB page: https://www.facebook.com/melanie.evans.351 I am familiar with the area, so if you have questions, ask away.

I'm happy for both of you for starting your nursing careers. I would encourage you both to read up on the information posted on this site about Nationally accredited vs Regionally accredited schools. Essentially the credits between PTI and ANY college will not (likely) transfer. What you need to consider is if you intend to continue on with your education. Ever.

Take a deep breath! If you have made the commitment to start, that's half the battle. First of all, you need to do a self-assessment. How are your study and time management skills? 3 classes to some might be nothing, and might be a lot to handle for others to start with. Knowing how you learn, and being willing to try different ways to take notes until you find the best way for you is the best way to go. Don't feel like you have to go in guns 'a blazin, but don't wait until your first round of tests either. Get a scheduling calendar and mark ALL the assignments from ALL the syllabuses. Add in other time commitments too, like jobs, etc. Seek help from the campus student center! that's why it is there. Ok, now you feel prepared: I don't know which Butler CCC you mean. I know of a few actually. In any case, go to the state specific site an post your question there; you might get better info.