Fin1216

Ok, so I am feeling extremely confused, discouraged, and very desperate. I guess I just need a place to vent, and maybe to hear some words of encouragement or maybe some similar situations any of you have had. So here is the deal: I have a bachelor's in biology and spent several years working in a lab. My job became monotonous, offered no benefits, and I wasnt making much money, plus I had an hour long commute each way. I thought about other paths to take and decided to give nursing a try. I spent over a year thinking about it, then spent a lot of time and money taking 2 pre-req classes I needed. I mailed my application and spent 3 months in agony waiting. While waiting, I unexpectedly was laid off from my job, but received my acceptance letter 3 weeks later. I was thrilled and felt relieved. I then spent the next 5 months searching for a job that would work with my school schedule. It wasnt easy and I didn't find anything until a few weeks before my nursing classes started. I found a part time weekend job. I started nursing school expecting it to be overwhelming and hard, but expecting it did not prepare me for it. I withdrew after a month. I was so unhappy and I don't feel that I have a passion for nursing like all of my classmates did. I was doing good grade-wise, but I was miserable. After withdrawing, I started my job search again, this time looking for full time positions. I recently had an interview for a dream job, but just found out today that I did not get it. I feel so devastated! At this point in time, I have applied to over 150 jobs. My part time job (which pays a LOT of money) isn't going so well, because they never put me on the schedule. I have learned that the position is really PRN, to basically "fill in the gaps" when the full time employees dont sign up for overtime on the weekends. I haven't worked in a month, and my finances are reflecting it. I feel so low and depressed and feel like giving up. There aren't many jobs around where I could use my degree, and I feel like trying to get a job is like trying to win the lottery! I have looked into a local medical technologist program and I plan on applying for next year's class. I plan on shadowing some MTs for a few months to really get an idea of the profession. But I love being in a lab, and I really want to be in healthcare, so I think this profession might be a good fit. I did not know about this profession when I applied to nursing school, if I did I am 100% positive I would have not given nursing another thought. I feel so desperate now for a job, that I am considering reapplying to my old program, or even applying to a different school's accelerated BSN program. I dont think this is what I truly want, but I am afraid I made a crippling mistake by quitting nursing school. Maybe its not my "dream career," but what if it was really my best option?? I know this is ridiculously long, but I feel a little better just typing this out even if nobody responds or reads it. This is definitely not how I pictured my life at 28 years old. And I am afraid of making decisions out of desperation. I guess Im wondering has anyone been in a similar situation? Maybe unsure of their profession, or if nursing was the right path?

I skim the chapters, but focus on my notes and the lecture powerpoints and the objectives. I typed a study guide from my notes, read over it several times over a few days and I made an 87.5 on the first exam. I found this works best for me. The first few days of the semester, I tried reading the chapters word for word and taking notes as I read, but that was literally impossible!

I felt the same way, I wanted to withdraw after the first day! Instead I took it one day at a time and now Im three weeks down. It is still a lot of work, but I dont feel as overwhelmed now as I did three weeks ago. And I bet it will be even better after a few more weeks. I suggest giving it a few weeks, long enough to figure out a routine that works for you, and then make a decision. And I am taking A&P II this semester along with my nursing classes, so I feel your pain! Hang in there!

-babysat for church nursery -worked part time in radiology department filing, making appts, hanging films -CNA -Waitress for 2 weeks, ha! -ER ward clerk -Environmental lab analyst -Currently quality assurance analyst part time, and Im in nursing school

Im in nursing school right now, but the company I work for (non-healthcare) gives 14 paid holidays, plus you get your birthday off with pay, 6 sick days, and up to 6 weeks vacation (depending on how many years you've worked there, basically you gain a week each year until you reach 6 weeks). Also if you work a holiday, you get paid triple. Im part time there, so I dont get those benefits, but if a full time position opens up, Im thinking about jumping on that bandwagon!

Organic chem and physics are no joke! I have a degree in biology, and you are correct that those fields arent well known for high paying jobs. Nursing school is no joke either though, I dont think I could handle taking Ochem or physics along with my nursing classes. But I think its a good idea to have a back up, it is always better to have more options than none (especially in this economy...no such thing as job security). Only you know what you can handle though, but I like what a PP mentioned about getting a degree in lab sciences. Good luck with whatever you choose.

I know how you feel! I started my first semester last week, and i have class four days a week and work on the weekends. Tuesday is my only day of no class/work, but I spend it reading and studying and trying to stay caught up. I had three crying meltdowns last week! It is very overwhelming. The way I am handling it is by taking it one day at a time. Also, once you get into a routine, I think it will be better. Good luck!!

Lol, not true! Come on now, you didnt really believe that did you? Of course you didnt. :)

Right now I am drinking some wine and watching tv. I srarted nursing school last Monday and I have class 4 days a week. I started a new job this weekend, today actually. I will only be working weekends, but after trying to look at my notes earlier, after being at work all day, I decided to have a glass of wine instead! To keep my sanity, I think I am going to try to get all my studying done during the week. This way I can relax on the weekends after work. I wont make it going 24/7 with 0 downtime. Im exhausted and its only been 1 week!

Today marks the end of my first week too...it was an overwhelming week for me. I am taking it one day at a time, which is keeping me from running away from nursing school at full speed! Haha!

I had my orientation today. There are two book bundles totaling $1200, but I got all of my books online for a total of $260 (used). Well come to find out, there is an access code in one of the bundles (the bundle is $800), and the bookstore WILL NOT let you buy anything in the bundles "a la carte." So to get that access code, guess what I had to do today? Buy a bundle of books I already have for $858! Im completely disgusted! College, when it comes to costs, can be such a racket! However, I am so excited to get started! I think nursing school is going to be so much fun! Good luck to everyone!

I got married last summer, and wedding planning was like a second full-time job, ha! I wasnt in school, but my husband was working on his masters degree and he decided not to take any classes over the summer semester. I thought it was a good idea so he wouldnt be stressing over papers or assignments close to the wedding date and on our honeymoon. Whatever you decide, I recommend having the wedding over a school break (Spring Break, Christmas, summer) that way you two can have some time to relax and enjoy being newlyweds! As far as the added stress, I dont think that would be an issue. Our first year has been blissful, despite hardships (he is working full time and still working on his masters, a close family death, and I was unexpectedly laid off for 5 months before finding a new job which has been a financial strain) I am starting nursing school next week (2nd career for me) and starting my new job, and hubby has 2 semesters left....Im sure school will bring added stress, but we get through tough times by leaning on each other rather than taking out frustrations on each other. That is my little bit of marriage advice. :) Congratulations on your upcoming marriage, and good luck in school!

I rented 9 of my books and bought 3. I am very tight on money right now too. I rented my textbooks on skyo.com, the books are in good condition and shipping is fast and free! Also, I dont know which books I will need/ want to keep, but skyo gives you the option to buy the book insyead of returning it, for the buyout price minus the rent price you already paid. I spent $200 for 9 books! Oh, and return shipping is free too. If you are short on funds, I recommend renting, and you can always buy it if you decide you want to keep it. Amazon also rents textbooks too, and students get free 2 day shipping.

I started out at a small community college straight out of high school, my mom came with me to my orientation. When I transferred to a large university, my dad came with me to my orientation. Now Im going back to school and my nursing program orientation is Monday, and I wish my husband could come with me and I am 28 years old! I dont mind going alone, and I am looking forward to meeting my classmates, but it would be nice if could bring someone with me to walk around and explore the campus! :)

I start my ASN program on Monday Aug 19th, and I have orientation this Friday. I am assuming we wont need to read anything prior to the first day, since we cannot access Blackboard till class starts, they have not mailed us a syllabus, and orientation is two days before the semester begins. I have all of my books, uniforms and supplies, and last weekend I went to Staples and bought pens, a nice binder, notepad, and a fantastic planner. After orientation I will go back and get more school supplies if needed. I have flipped through some of my books, and while some of it was cool, some was also very intimidating! I have also been organizing my house, and tomorrow I am working on getting my office organized. Yesterday I washed and vacuumed out my car. I got new tires put on last month (I have an hour commute to class each way, blah!), and I bought an iPod armband and new workout clothes because I plan on utilizing the fitness center (since Im paying for it anyway in my tuition, ha). Ive also been praying that I can handle everything. Im starting a new job next weekend (weekends only), so on top of starting the nursing program, I will be learning a new job, eeek! So I am not sure if I am ready for the madness that is coming, but at the same time I am so ready to get started!! Good luck to everyone!