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I have enjoyed reading all of the postings. The reasons we go into nursing are many, but the bottom line is that we do believe we have what it takes to make a difference in the lives of folks we will care for. Believe me when I say, a student is not "just a student." I teach nursing in a practical nursing program, and have seen many of the students give awesome care. They have not reached the burned out phase, the angry phase or the apathetic phase. They have fresh, invigorating ideals leading them. They look at the residents in nursing homes not as 'nobody's,' but instead see them as human beings with feelings, thoughts, memories, and needs, in spite of their age. The approach of the student can be naive in some ways, yet this naivety allows them freedom in their approach. They don't think, well just because he or she is old, what's the use. The student believes strongly in what should be done, how the person should be treated, and what the environment should be like. The student is not limited by past experiences and failures. The student believes in what he/she is doing and will perform beyond the required objectives much of the time. Some of the best care the residents received this past semester was given by the students. Students are awesome!!

Try the University of Phoenix. http://www.phoenix.edu. I am currently enrolled in their online MSN program. Since 4/00, I have received 14 grad credits. The program fits my needs so well, as I work full-time and have a family. The school has a variety of programs, so it might be worth your while to check it out. It is intense, however, since 3 credits courses run for only 6 weeks. It is during this six weeks that you are required to participant in the main classroom 5 out of 7 days, write individual and group projects. Yes, I said group. It can be cumbersome, but very doable. The student must enjoy computers, be relatively computer literate, and be self-disciplined. For tech problems, a Tech Support service is available around the clock, so that if you are working at three in the morning, someone is there to answer any questions you might have and help you to troubleshoot. One of the great advantages is that you can attend class in your P.J.'s or whatever!!! :-)).