heystargirl

I don't think you should rule out working in ICU as a possibility, but I think you should talk to someone about your feelings regarding the code situation you mentioned. As nurses, we do grieve alongside our patients and their families, and it sounds like you're still dealing with some of those feelings. You seem like a very caring, compassionate person, and I think you'll be just fine as an ICU nurse after you take a little time to process through your feelings with a trained professional. Hang in there. :)

Allow me to preface this post by saying that, for the most part, I have an excellent support system. My family/friends have been extraordinarily understanding and supportive through this entire process of going back to school, and the many sacrifices I have made to make all of this happen. Recently, however, I was unsuccessful in passing third term of my ADN program by a very slim margin (we're talking less than 10 points here), and although it only took about 48 hours for the initial sting to wear off, my mother continued to talk about how terrible it was that I didn't pass, she knew I should have studied harder, was I lying about taking my ADHD medication, etc... None of those things are true or very helpful. I've gently explained to her in past semesters the kind of things that would be helpful to say instead of hurtful, and I suppose she is finding it difficult to change her approach. I'm asking for advice because things have been good for a couple of weeks, but last night she commented that "[she wishes I was] doing something towards school instead of working so much." I'm not even sure what she meant by that, because what is there left to do? Nothing is going to change the fact that I didn't pass. I've already been offered a seat to retake the course. The dosage exam/med pass validation isn't for two months. I still do ~25 NCLEX questions a week. I will be honest, I do work a lot; I have an externship at a local hospital that I work full-time (three 12-hour shifts/week) to make extra money, I really enjoy it, and because there's a good chance that it could lead into my first nursing job. Yes, it's a lot, (and I also have a full-time job where I do double weekend option) but i love to work. I'm staying busy, I'm making money, and I'm gaining invaluable experience and doing so much hands-on patient care. I shouldn't have to justify my choices, should I? -cue frustration- Can anyone can relate or offer advice? Thanks in advance!

My advice would be to research both types of programs, and then pick the one that's going to work best for you. There's this ridiculous belief that in the very near future, a BSN is going to be REQUIRED for employment. While that is a future possibility, many institutions and healthcare organizations continue to hold new grad ADN and BSN nurses on a fairly level playing field. Ideally, I would have loved to do a 4-year program, but limited funds dictated that a 2-year program at a community college was the best option. I also had an Associate's degree in Psychology going into the program, which I completed over a 6-year period while working full-time. I also find that many of the students in my cohort are non-traditional students (25-35 years old, wives/mothers, employed full-time, etc.), and since I am a non-traditional student myself, it makes for a better experience overall because we all have this deep understanding of each other's situation. Again, whichever program you choose is going to have to be the one that works best with your situation. No matter which program you choose, you'll still be an RN, and you'll still be able to work and care for patients.

My program is very strongly opposed to any kind of nudity outside of clinicals. We practice on each other, but it's always over top of clothing, and anything else is done on a mannequin. I guess, in the end, it depends on your program. I'm going to have to echo what Esme said and suggest you talk to someone about the way you're feeling.

I have a classmate that raises her hand as if she is going to ask a question then, when called on, restates everything the instructor said immediately prior to her raising her hand. I mean, I understand the need to assess for comprehension, believe me I do, but shouldn't that be an internal dialogue? We also have a pair of 20-year-old girls that spent the last Med Admin skills lab taking selfies while holding IV bags. Oy.

Without the very generous financial aid that I received, I would have had to take out personal loans. I opted for an Associates program at a community college because that's what I was able to afford, but only with the help of a very small Pell grant and a Stafford loan that covers everything else. When I graduate, I'll have about $6500 to pay back, plus whatever is left from the loan I have that covered my first degree. I applied for every scholarship that I qualified for for this next school year, and I also have a part time and a full time job. I suppose you just do what you have to do.

Type of Program: ADN State: Maryland Length: 2 years Structure: semester system with summer and winter breaks -- we have two cohorts, one that starts in the fall and one that starts in the spring; I started Spring 2014 and will graduate in Fall 2015. Classes: 1st Term: Medication Admin, Assessment, and Concepts 1/Clinical 2nd Term: Concepts 2/Clinical 3rd Term: Concepts 3/Clinical 4th Term: Concepts 4/Clinical Every semester we have a concepts lecture 1x a week, and then clinicals 1x, sometimes 2x a week. 4th term is very little lecture and a lot of clinical, which is split halfway between a community health experience (school nurse, home care, etc.) and a hospital-based preceptorship. I really like my program and how it's structured. I'm the kind of person who does really well with real-life learning, so all of the clinical time is very helpful. Also, we buy all of our books and supplies for the whole program prior to 1st term, so there are no hidden costs down the road. Granted, it's about $1000 at one time, but we use the same books throughout all 4 terms.

Life is too short to settle for doing one thing you only kind of like, especially when you'd much rather be doing something else that you know you'd LOVE! There are a few women in my cohort (I'm in an ADN program) who are over 50, and they bring so much life experience and perspective. One of the ladies and her adult daughter are in the program together! If you truly want to do it, go for it. "If you are going to doubt something, doubt your limits." - Don Ward

Student: This is not a competition. We are not enemies. We are classmates, working towards the same degree, in a highly selective program that we both worked very hard to earn spots in. Be a part of the solution, not the problem, and everyone's lives will be a lot easier.

I'm single and still live with my parents, but I carry my own health insurance, so I have to work full time while in school. I have class two days a week, all day, and then a lab and a clinical. I also work (very) part time at my local hospital. Luckily, my full time job (mental health worker at an impatient psych facility) allowed me to take a double weekend option contract, so I work 32 hours between Saturday and Sunday, and then go to school Monday-Friday. It's not impossible, but so far has taken a lot of commitment and very understanding family and friends. I don't know how those of you with kids and husbands do it because I only have to manage myself and I am swamped! :)