DanaS

I am a nursing student and a longtime, heavily addicted smoker. However, I wear the patch on school days and on my clinical days because I do not want to be the student standing out in front of the school smoking - or god forbid at my clinical site smelling like an ashtray! I am hooked, however, and do continue to smoke in the evenings and on the weekends:o Hopefully, I will kick this awful habit someday - but for now, I can at least control it with the patch.

oops. I posted twice - so I'll just delete this one....I think it's time for bed...

I have two Domestic Violence Assault cases that were DISMISSED Long story short - I am involved in a relationship with an abusive man and on a couple of the violent occassions when I called the police - my boyfriend convinced them that I should be arrested as well (punched himself in the face and said I did it, etc.) Well, after 4 horrifying nights in jail and meeting with the DA - both of these cases against me were dismissed. However, they show up clear as day on my criminal record and I am very concerned about it. I thought about having them "sealed" but have been warned that sealing records actually makes them look even more suspicious and like you are trying to hide something. It would show up like this: Domestic Violence Assault - Case No. 00-00-000 - Disposition: SEALED So I don't know what to do. Hopefully, I will at least have a chance to explain my situation and not be automatically "disqualified" for a job as a nurse.

Picking up clincial schedule next week! Program starts January 3rd - just finishing pre-req courses at DSON and so far really enjoying it. :)

Hi all! Just checking in with all the fellow DSON students-to-be! Orientation coming up on Sept. 26th - looking forward to meeting all of you. Ordered the books for the couple pre-req classes I'm taking in October. So excited/nervous/anxoius! Took CPR-Healthcare Provider course today. Still have to deal with the immunization proof requirement, but there's still enough time for that I guess. Enrolled in an online English 121 course. My mind is so scrambled with the whole going-back-to-school jitters, I haven't even started my first essay paper - mind just goes BLANK :uhoh21: Anyway, haven't heard from any of you in a while and I just wanted to drop a "Hey!" to everyone! See ya soon! :)

It's been a while since I have logged in here. Thanks for all of your suggestions on how I might find my shot records! Unfortunately, I called the "records office" of the high school I attended (only attended up to 10th grade - went the GED route) They not only have no shot records - they have no record of me period! Very disturbing to me. :angryfire I attended Englewood Schools from K through 10th Grade and they have absolutely no record of my existence. I can't believe that! :stone Well, anyway - clinicals are not starting for me until next April 06 - so I have time to suck it up and get my shots all over again. Thanks again for all of your input! Dana

I will start nursing school this fall. I am a smoker (smoked for the last 15 years). I have tried to quit several times - just cannot seem to do it. I've seen nursing staff at hospitals around town taking "smoke breaks." Even though I am a smoker as well - seeing nurses in their scrubs with cigarettes in their hand just doesn't look right. Not judging - have no room too. I'm just curious about how many nurses (or other healthcare professionals) have been imprisoned by this addiction to nicotine? Any input on successful ways to kick this habit? I've tried the patch (works for day or two before I cave in and light up); the gum (can't stand the taste); cold turkey (no way - cannot do it for more than 5 hours) :stone

Does anyone have any ideas on how one could get ahold of their immunization records? I am 31. I attended public school here in Colorado (Kindergarten on up). Obviously, you can't attend public schools without having all of your shots! My pediatrician is dead. His office has long been closed. I have no idea on how to obtain "proof" of my immunizations. I have called Tri-County Health Dept. and they do not have such records. I am hoping when the schools open next week that maybe I can track down my records (although I haven't attended school in over 15 years!! I really do not want to have to re-do all of these freakin' immunizations (especially with the co-pays I have to pay with my health insurance - not to mention the time off of work, the possible side effects of the shots, etc., etc.) I highly doubt the public schools keep such records. The only shots I have on file with Kaiser are flu shots. This really sucks. Anybody have any ideas? I hear it's very, very common for most older students (such as myself) to have to re-immunize because we cannot prove our shot record. Maybe I'm just being a baby and whining for no good reason, but I just find this a real bummer. If there is anyway to obtain old shot records, I would love to know about it! Thanks!

Hello, Infullbloom. I was just wondering if you could shed light on your specific concerns re the school. (Obviously, without breaching the TOS - maybe we could private message) I mean, you went to the school. You graduated the LPN course. You took the NCLEX-PN and passed (Congrats by the way!!!) So why now would you begin to doubt the school? I am not being sarcastic at all (sometimes I come across completely different than intended), but rather am desperately wanting to know. I too will start this school in a few short months and although I am very excited, I too have many lingering doubts or fears. (I was one of those Barnes Business College students who were left HIGH AND DRY when the school went belly up) However, so far, the good about DSON has outweighed the bad with regard to what I have heard about it. Further, I am banking on the hope that they will be accredited by the time I graduate the LPN. (Rumor has it that this might take place Feb. 2006??) Anyway, I would really appreciate any feedback on your experiences. How were the classes? Instructors? Clinicals? Anything... Congrats again on passing the NCLEX-PN!!

Yes, that is the book. I think I spoke too soon about it being so scary looking. I have read it - front to back - and you're right. Its not at all that bad. I am taking my course at the American Heart Assoc. as well (Yale and Wadsworth approximately). I appreciate the feedback. Wasn't sure what to expect at the course. Thanks!!!

Thanks for your input. I have interviewed with several schools here in Denver. Everybody has their opinions about one school vs another. I have to say, however, I went with my gut feeling and weighed many other factors when I decided to register at DSON. I feel good about my decision. Sure, I will pay $$$ for my education. That is okay. I like the idea of smaller class sizes. I am very impressed by the staff credentials (listed in the brochures, etc). I don't consider myself "easily taken" or "gullible (sp?)" and I certaintly got far worse vibes about other schools I have interviewed with (and all of them were 'accredited'). One school in particular has the worst NCLEX pass rates and a HUGE waitlist. I left those other school interviews with mixed uneasy feelings. Sure they were "cheaper" but maybe you get what you pay for?? I will not specifically degrade the other schools - as I have not personally attended any of them. I will just say that I am confident and comfortable with my decision to attend DSON. AND SO LOOKING FORWARD TO PRE-REQS in OCTOBER - WOOOO HOOO!!!!!

Hello again! thought you disappeared there for a minute! So glad things are working out for you and that you will be at DSON!! I can't wait til October. I'm already buying books and stuff (I know I'm probably buying the wrong ones but I just can't help it - the urge is overwhelming! :chuckle ) We should be getting our schedules and book lists by the end of August. Woo Hoo!! I feel like a little kid. :) See everyone soon!!!

I just did a post on the attitudes of some nurses. I am currently a soon to be brand-new nursing student. I fear those nasty nurses! I would like to think that the mean and cruel RNS are a rare breed, but frankly, the thought of their cruelness scares the pants off me! I don't want to waste my time, my money, etc., just to find out how miserable nursing is because of the way you are treated by other nurses! It's really sad - I would think the main basic characteristics of a nurse would be kindness, patience, and empathy. Those practicing with such disregard for their fellow man are a huge disgrace in my opinion.

i consider myself a late bloomer too. the lpn program at the school i will attend in denver is 12 months, the next year (lpn to rn 1+1) is another year. plus, i have 3 months of pre-reqs starting in october. good luck to you - lord knows i need it too.

Finally, after all the school searching, all the entrance exams, all of the decision making and nights spent awake with the cold sweats -- I finally enrolled and am scheduled to start this October! WOO HOO! Now if I can just keep my life together, figure out how to pay back all of the loans, and keep my posts on this site from being removed (HEE HEE) :chuckle - I think I'll be okay! I'm also 31, three kids (15, 10 and 5), work full-time (obviously will need to change that schedule here very soon!! Yipee!!! Somebody slap me.

Just read an article on Friday about some 45 year old man who died in a Washington ER from a perforated colon after having sex with his horse. Unbelievable story. There are definitely some strange things happening in this world!!

Hi Summer. Just wanted to let you know that I signed up for the CPR "Healthcare Provider" course on Saturday, August 13th. Holy Cow! The manual they sent me is 250+ pages long!! The course is geared for those who already have a "medical education" (which I do NOT) but it states on there that it's also for students. You have to read the book before you attend class and you must get at least an 84% on the written to pass. I'm through the 6th Chapter and feeling much better than I did when the book first came in the mail, but I am wondering if it would have been better to have waited til after med terminology and A & P 1??? On top of that, I also registered for an online English 121 course that starts in August too (thought I'd take care of that before the second year program starts.) Haven't heard from you guys at DSON (or Summer39) in a few so I thought I'd just check in. How ya doing??

I've looked at the the national average salary information and other resources, but am curious to hear from the Colorado nurses on this site as to what a nursing student can expect as an average salary (RN) and benefits. I have read recently on some other forums that nursing does not provide any real benefits (retirement, etc.) Find that very hard to swallow. :angryfire Although I am not pursuing this career solely for the monetary benefits, it would be nice to know what to expect, especially raising family, etc. I believe to some degree money matters to all of us. (hope I'm not coming across the wrong way :uhoh21: ) I have also determined from the many posts on AllNurses.com that where you work as a nurse (i.e. Hospital, Rehab, School, Hospice) really plays a big part in the pay/benefit area. Would love to hear from any Colorado nurses out there!

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement. I needed that. Looking forward to my future in this field. Good luck to you in all that you do as well. :)

Thanks so much for everyone's input on my post. I truly feel better already. Nursing school - here I come! Thanks again :) Dana

I posted this question in Reply to another's post. But thought maybe I'd get more response if I post as a new thread. Rather than get into the lengthy post I previously made....I'll nutshell it here: Any new RNs age range 35 and up have a hard time getting first RN job due to younger competition? I'm 31 and just starting NS in October. I keep doubting my decision to leave a decent-paying (45+) legal position to change careers into nursing. I really want to. Can't stand my job and there is no future, no real benefits, etc. But I can't help but wonder if it's too late for this? I'm so excited about nursing school most of the time, but once in a while, I wonder if I'm being a dreamer and unrealistic in my goals.??? :stone Thanks for your thoughts. Dana

Hello. I am set to start NS in October. Currently 31 and am leaving my career as a paralegal to join the nursing world. I am constantly doubting myself though. I am afraid that after obtaining an Associates Degree - RN that I will have a tough time finding work due to the younger competition??? In fact, when I even think about continuing beyond the 2 year degree in nursing, I immediately remind myself that I will be almost 34 by the time I get the 2 year degree and shouldn't push my luck? I know this must sound ridiculous to some of you, but I can't help but wonder if I am biting a bullet that I'd be better off not - meaning sometimes I tell myself, "Dana, I know you hate your job in the legal field but you make good money and spending all of this $$$ on nursing school just to find out your too old is silly.Stick to what you know and stop being foolish. You've waited too long. You're just too old to change now" :stone I too have 3 kids (15, 10 and 5) and will be cutting my family back to 1 income. Scary!! I was wondering if any of you had much trouble getting your first RN job over the age of 35? Sometimes, I come across wrong and I am definitely NOT saying that any of us are OVER THE HILL and such. Just sharing my own personal fears of the future and how the hiring world may view us. Thanks for any input. Dana

Hi Summer! I'm planning on testing out of the English and Math (pretty sure I can, I tested out of them at CCD (then decided not to go there) and I passed the NET at Concorde (then decided not to go there either :chuckle ) - so assuming I do test out of those, I will be taking the medical terminology and the basic A&P with you. My work schedule is so busy right now that I haven't had the time to schedule the testing yet but will get it done soon I hope. :) Haven't gotten the CPR cert yet either. In the Admission packet, they mention the American Heart Association "Healthcare Provider" CPR Course. The Colorado CPR location is: 7550 W. Yale #A-220 in Denver. Call them at (303) 980-1015. They should be able to take care of that part. No I have not taken the A&P 1or2 or the Psych 235. If I recall, we will have to take these before entering the RN portion right? I'm really looking forward to October. Its been a while since I've been in a school setting and the normal nerves go along with that, but I am really excited! See you soon. Dana

See you in October! I too have to take a couple of the pre-reqs at night and then will probably switch to the day program in January. So relieved to hear the positive comments about the school on this site. It really helps calm the nerves and stuff.

Thanks, adventuregirl. I was approved today for the equity line (Had to get a much bigger line than I wanted cuz they make you pay off your 2nd and credit cards,etc.) and I agree that it makes more sense to go this route. Now just have to wait for the underwriting BS (appraisals, paperwork, etc.) On a different note: I'm curious of the working hours the average student at DSN has. Specifically, are there many students that continue working while attending? My boss knows and anticipates that I will probably cut back big-time, but I'm just curious as to how much I should plan on cutting back. It's been a LOOONG time since I've been in school. Part of me thinks I can do it and keep working at least 20 hours per week. The other part of me thinks I'm being naive and setting my self up for overload. If I remember correctly, Jeff said that the day program is normally 3 days per week. I can't remember how many clinical hours are on top of that. Any thoughts? Thanks.