benster

@ Kooky Korky- I have to have my TSH suppressed, for long term management of thyroid cancer. My T4 levels are on the upper range, so I'm slightly hyperthyroid. Not having a thyroid and having to take synthroid for the rest of my life sucks, but things could be worse. To be honest, I never felt quite the same after having my thyroid removed. @ Guttercat-Thanks for the words of encouragement. I would really love to pursue a career in nursing. When I was 19 yrs old I completed a Certified nursing assistant program, and the experience made me want to pursue a career in healthcare. I had initially wanted to become a PA. I know my calling is to be able to help and care for those in need. I personally know what it's like to be a patient that feels nervous/scared. As as nurse, I feel I would be able to relate with the patients, and I would want to help them feel at ease. @ Man-nurse2b- Congrats on receiving your AA with honors. I'm sure it has been a long journey, but it is certainly paying off. I just need to have patience with myself and my current situation. I've been going to school for a long time, and I get frustrated that things have not gone according to plan. Hopefully, I will be able to reach my goals like you.

I have finished all my science pre-reqs for nursing, and I have talked to an admissions counselor at samuel merritt for the direct transfer entry BSN program, and she said I only needed 3 more classes and to take the TEAS test to be eligible for the program. She also said that based on my gpa for the pre reqs for the their BSN program, that I would be considered a potential competitive applicant. I have the requirements for the solano and los medanos nursing program so I plan on applying to those programs as well. @ man-nurse2b -The reason I was trying to get my BS in health science was to get into an entry level masters nursing program, since I wanted to be a nurse practitioner (which all together would probably take around 6 years to complete). As much as I wanted to go that route, I think given my experience and my age (28 yrs old) it's time to take a step back and save my money and wait until I can get into either an ADN nursing program or samuel merritt's BSN program. I just feel a bit frustrated that I started these colleges (UC Davis and St. Mary's), and spent money on them, and I don't even have my degree. This is why a part of me feels like just finish St. Mary's get your BS in health science, and try to get into an ABSN program or masters program. Life is throwing me a curve ball, and I just need to weigh out my options and make a decision with no regrets.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I've had a difficult journey, but I believe I went through these obstacles to help me become a stronger person, and that I'll have a better understanding for my patients. To be honest, I would not be content with a career in administration. I considered it, but that's not where my heart is at. Like INN-777 mentioned, I need to take it one step at a time.

Hello, So here is my story. I took classes at a jc with hopes of being a PA. I transferred to UC Davis, and I did not do well my 1st semester. I took an upper division systemic physiology class and received a D and organic chem and received an F. I took systemic physio the next quarter and had a mental breakdown, so I had to withdraw from the course. The next quarter After having a horrible start at college, I had to leave school the following quarter, since I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I had to have 2 surgeries and radiation treatment. The following year I tried to return to school, but had to withdraw again, since I had more unforeseen health issues. So I decided to take some time off and try to recuperate. I finished some prereqs at a community college. I did well at the community college ( took micro received and A and took physio and received an A) and decided to transfer to another college to receive my bachelors in health science, with hopes of getting into an entry masters program for nursing instead of the PA track. 2 weeks into starting my new school, I had more health issues that required surgery. So I had to leave school (again). I tried to go back to school for the fall 2013 semester, and was initially feeling okay, but after the first 3 weeks into the semester I had a mental breakdown that was severely affecting my overall well being, so I had to take a leave of absence from school...(again) I'm at a crossroad right now in my life. I'm not sure if I should try to go back to get a bachelors, and then try to get into an accelerated program or a nursing program at a community college. Or instead of trying to get my bachelors (Still need 17 classes to finish my degree) should I just try to get into a nursing program at a community college and Samuel Merritt's BSN program? I know I might have to wait to get into these nursing programs, so I was considering trying to get into a CNA or EMT program while waiting. After everything I have been through, it has made me want to pursue a career in nursing. My lifelong dream has always been to be in the medical field. So should I continue pursing the bachelors in health science (would take about 2 years), and then try to get into a ABSN program or community college nursing program or save money, and work in the mean time while waiting to get into a nursing program. Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated.