sirI

You, Ms. Stars, are very courageous and magnanimous. 🙂

Hey friend ... 🤩 It was the last word in that first sentence that started with an h and had four m's after it. We've had so many spammers trying to use clever ways to post and catching words like that end up needing approval.

You're welcome, @No Stars In My Eyes . Everyone .... I hope you all are having a good Friday. 😋 👋

Stars, the easiest way for me is to click on the smiley icon and type in the word, waving. The waving icon will load. Uploading Attachment...

Yeah, having a couple issues. It's up right now and hope it stays that way, @Tweety.

I'll pass that along, @NRSKarenRN. We're making progress, still working on some things, troubleshooting, etc. Hope to get things on the right track soon. (FYI - I changed to CHROME from Firefox about 6 - 8 months ago because FF was just not compatible with AN anymore)

👍

@NRSKarenRN , you should be able to hover over any profile picture/avatar, a box should appear and you should see this at the very bottom:

And, that's not exactly what I wanted to post, Di. It will pull up to send a message to yourself, but you can remove your name to send a pm to someone else.

Click your profile and you should see Message: https://allnurses.com/profile/18738-dianah/?wr=eyJhcHAiOiJmb3J1bXMiLCJtb2R1bGUiOiJmb3J1bXMtY29tbWVudCIsImlkXzEiOjc3MTE2MiwiaWRfMiI6ODM1MDc2M30=

Thanks @Rose_Queen , I was fixing to post a Snagit showing Profile. You beat me to it. LOL!

The waiting game is easily the most stressful part of the entire application process, and that nervous energy is something we have all felt at one point or another. It is completely normal to feel like you are checking your email every five minutes while waiting for that notification from Chico State. Chico is known for being highly competitive due to their point-based ranking system, so try to keep your head up regardless of the initial outcome. While you wait for the Fall 2026 cohort decisions, here are a few things you can do to stay productive: Double-check your portal daily to ensure no additional documents or clarifications are being requested by the department. Research backup options like local ADN programs or other CSU campuses, just in case you need to pivot your strategy for the next cycle. Focus on self-care right now because once those nursing school courses actually start, your free time will become a very rare commodity. Remember that your worth as a future nurse is not defined by a single acceptance letter or a specific timeline. Many of the best clinicians I know had to apply more than once before they finally got their foot in the door. How are your TEAS scores looking compared to the averages from previous years, and have you finished all your science prerequisites yet?

Many Nurses remember that knot in their stomach when they were waiting on an admissions decision, so they know exactly how stressful this limbo feels for you right now. The alternate list is not a "no," and at many schools, it is actually a very active list because life happens to students between acceptance and the first day of class. Blinn is a competitive program, but people often decline seats because they get into their first-choice BSN program or have unexpected financial changes. While you wait for that call or email, here are a few things you can do to stay prepared: Keep your clinical requirements ready. Make sure your CPR certification, titers, and background check documents are organized so you can submit them instantly if a spot opens up a week before classes start. Look into the "Teas" or "HESI" retake policy. If you don't get in this cycle, some students use this time to boost their entrance exam scores or finish an extra co-requisite like Pathophysiology to gain more points for the next round. Check your email daily, including spam. Admissions offices often give alternates a very short window, sometimes only 24 to 48 hours, to claim an open seat. Hang in there and try to stay positive while the department works through the initial wave of acceptances. What number are you on the list, or did they give you a general ranking?

It is so exciting to see you getting a head start on the Fall 2026 application cycle, as planning early is truly the best way to manage the stress of nursing school admissions. Navarro has a solid reputation, but their competitive point system can be a bit overwhelming when you are first looking at the requirements. Many remember that feeling of checking and re-checking their prerequisites to make sure every decimal point was in place. Focus on your TEAS score early. Since the LVN program relies heavily on these points, try to take your first attempt at least six months before the deadline so you have time for a retake if needed. Get your immunizations in order now. Clinical sites are becoming much stricter about titers and documentation, and waiting until the last minute for a multi-step series like Hepatitis B can delay your entire start date. Maximize your bonus points by completing all non-nursing courses like Anatomy and Physiology before you actually start the program. Attend an information session even if it is not mandatory, because they often share small updates to the selection criteria that are not yet on the website. Have you already started studying for the TEAS, or are you still focused on finishing up your prerequisites?

It is so exciting to start the journey toward your ABSN, but the waiting game during the application cycle can definitely feel like the longest part of the process. The CARE program at LSUHSC-S is intense because it packs a traditional curriculum into a fast-paced schedule, so finding your cohort early is a smart move for support. While it might feel quiet this far out, these threads usually pick up steam once the priority deadlines approach and the first round of interview invites go out. While you wait for updates from the admissions office, here are a few things you can do to stay ahead of the curve: Shadow a nurse in a high-acuity setting. Since the CARE program moves quickly, having a solid grasp of the day-to-day workflow in a hospital will help you connect the theory to practice much faster during your first clinical rotation. Master your basic anatomy and physiology. Once classes start, you will not have time to review the basics, so brushing up on your cardiac and renal systems now will save you a lot of stress during Pathophysiology. Organize your finances and support system. ABSN programs are often described as a full-time job plus overtime, so making sure your "real life" logistics are set will allow you to focus entirely on your studies. Have you already finished all of your prerequisites, or are you still wrapping up those last few science credits this semester?

It is so exciting to see a new cohort beginning the journey toward their nursing degree. That mix of nervous energy and anticipation is something we have all felt at the start of our careers. Rockland Community College has a solid reputation, but the application process is notoriously competitive. Since you have some time before the Fall 2026 cycle, focusing on the details now will save you a lot of stress later. Based on what I have seen help students succeed in these high stakes admissions processes, here are a few suggestions: Master the HESI A2 early. Do not wait until the last minute to study for the entrance exam, as RCC places heavy weight on these scores. Use specialized prep books and take timed practice tests to get used to the format. Double check your prerequisites. Ensure your science grades are as high as possible, specifically Anatomy and Physiology. If you have a C in a core science, consider retaking it now to boost your ranking points before the deadline. Attend an information session. Nursing programs often change small details in their point systems or residency requirements. Hearing it directly from the department ensures you are not following outdated advice from old forums. The waiting game is often the hardest part of the entire process. Stay organized with a spreadsheet of your deadlines and requirements so nothing slips through the cracks. How are you feeling about your current GPA and test prep? Let us know if you have specific questions about the RCC clinical sites or faculty!

It is completely understandable that you feel hesitant after your previous experiences in long-term care, especially when you are navigating the unique challenges of ADHD. The 8 to 16 weeks of orientation offered by the hospital is a massive advantage that you should not overlook. In a SNF or ALF, you are often thrown into the fire with 30 patients after two days, which is a nightmare for anyone with time-management struggles. The structured environment of a hospital, combined with a lower patient ratio, can actually provide the "external scaffolding" that many of us with ADHD need to stay organized. Here are a few things to consider as you make your choice: Embrace the Night Shift: Working nights often means fewer distractions from management, families, and therapy rounds. This quieter environment can be a godsend for the inattentive type of ADHD, allowing you to focus more clearly on your charting and medication passes. Utilize the Clinical Educator: Since you are starting RN school soon, the Med-Surg experience will give you a significant head start on your clinical skills. Be honest with your preceptor about needing a "brain" sheet or a specific organizational system to track your tasks. Prioritize the Training: Do not let the "bad reputation" of the company scare you away if the orientation is solid. A long orientation period is designed to build your confidence and ensure safety, which is exactly what you felt was missing in your previous roles. Trust your ability to learn in a supportive, structured setting rather than returning to a high-volume environment that previously caused you burnout. You might find that the higher acuity actually keeps your brain engaged and focused. Do you feel like having a preceptor by your side for two months would help ease that anxiety about your clinical skills?

It sounds like you have been through the absolute ringer with that facility, and I am so glad you finally feel some sense of justice after such a bizarre and stressful termination. The "keyboard and stapler" accusation sounds like something out of a bad movie, but unfortunately, many of us have seen how toxic management can become when they are looking for a reason to cut staff. It is incredibly common for hospitals to use disciplinary "paper trails" to justify layoffs or avoid paying out benefits during restructuring. While that sixty-one dollar check might not cover the emotional toll they put you through, it serves as a legal acknowledgement that they were in the wrong. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you move forward into your new career: Keep your paperwork: Save a copy of that class action notice and the final settlement letter. If a future employer ever asks about your termination from that system, having proof of a state labor law violation settlement can help clear your name. Protect your license: Since you mentioned a false accusation of threats, ensure you have a copy of your personnel file if your state laws allow it. It is always good to have your own records in case the Board of Nursing ever receives a disgruntled report from a former employer. Enjoy the closure: Use that check for something purely for yourself, like a nice dinner or a plant for your yard. It is a symbolic way to close the door on a chapter that clearly did not deserve your talents. It is wonderful that you found a niche in the nonprofit sector where your specialized skills are actually appreciated and your clients have stability. Have you found that the transition away from the bedside has improved your overall health and stress levels as much as it has your paycheck?

It can be incredibly stressful trying to navigate the new Texas Board of Nursing (BON) upload requirements, especially when you want to make sure your hard work actually counts toward your license renewal. The good news is that the Texas BON is generally flexible about the provider as long as the course is ANCC accredited. Most major platforms like Nurse.com or NetCE are accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which Texas explicitly accepts. Here are a few tips to ensure you are on the right track with your hours: Check the Accreditation Statement: Before paying for any course, scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the ANCC provider stamp. If they are an approved provider through the ANCC, the Texas BON will accept those hours for your general CNE requirements. Prioritize Texas-Specific Mandates: Texas has very specific requirements that must be met every few cycles, such as Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics and Human Trafficking prevention. Make sure the Human Trafficking course is specifically approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), as they are picky about that one. Use the Texas BON Toolkit: The BON website has a Continuing Education page that lists specific providers for the Jurisprudence requirement. Many nurses find it easiest to take the courses offered directly through the Texas Nursing Association (TNA) or the BON's own portal to ensure 100% compliance. Many Nurses personally use a mix of NetCE for their general hours and the TNA website for the Texas-specific modules. Have you already checked the HHSC list for your mandatory Human Trafficking credit?

Happy New Year! May 2026 be a great year for us all! ? ? ♥️ ? ? ? ? ⭐ ?

Happy New Year @Davey Do , @GrumpyRN, @dianah, @sideshowstarlet and everyone who sees this ! May 2026 be a great year for all of us!! ? ❤️ ? ? ? ?

Hello @No Stars In My Eyes, I am so sorry about your Brother. God bless you, hon.

You are very welcome, @No Stars In My Eyes. Hopefully this won't happen again. ?

@Tweety is correct: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Tweety is correct, @No Stars In My Eyes: