HeartofJack

I applied to the PMHNP program but not the accelerated program. I've not received any news other than OSBN not allowing the state-wide distance learning option. Good luck to everyone! I hope to learn more soon! -Jack

My initial reaction was to write a pretty scathing response. I am two terms from graduating with an AAS and plan to go on for one more year to get my BSN. I chose this career because I have a passion to help people. I worked 15 years in the computer industry (first real job out of high school) working my way up the corporate ladder. My last job in that industry (6 years ago) made it possible for me to bring home more than $8000 each month and quarterly bonuses of $25000 made it that much more. I walked away from it to do something more meaningful. I got my CNA license and work at $9 an hour so I could work my way through nursing school in the environment to be sure I could "hack it". I found that I could handle it just fine. Cleaning up a patient ten times in a shift and not getting angry or flustered (even though I had eight other patients to care for as well) made me realize this. Both family and friends said this career move was foolish, but I knew that I needed to follow my heart as well as my mind in choosing a career that best fit with who I am and where I want to invest my time. I am concerned that you chose such a technical and mentally/emotionally challenging field of work because you were bored. Instead, choose a pathway that allows you to be passionate in whatever it is. To do anything less is a waste of time and talent (as I discovered). If you have not discovered your passion, spend some time searching out into your community to see what other people are doing and see if it fits for you. Do job-shadowing to take it a step further. Volunteer in an environment to see if you really want to do that for 8-12 hours a day. Also keep in mind that there are more than 200 variations of nursing jobs (forensics, research, clinical, schools, blood bank, outpatient surgical centers, home health, hospice, medical equipment sales, pharmaceutical marketing, public health education... and tons more). I wish you the best of luck in your decision. Don't worry so much about what other people think (unless you're being dangerous). Follow your heart/dreams/goals... whatever. Just don't do it out of boredom. Until then, be good to yourself. Celebrate your accomplishments and enjoy life!

I will be 40 when I get my RN and will continue another year to get my BSN... then negotiate with my wife to become an NP. -Jack

Thanks for all the advice. I will definitely do more research before I buy one!

Hi everyone, I am a pre-nursing student. I have one year of prerequisite classes out of the way and almost finished with my CNA class and am searching for advice when it comes to purchasing beginning gear for someone like me who will be in school another 4 years trying to get my BSN. I have seen stethoscopes online for as little as $5.00, but I'm scared to take a chance on a product that is so "cheap". Same thing for sphygs, shears, etc. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance! Jack

I'm ISTJ - "The Reliant". My wife is ESFJ "The Helper". I'm just a student at the moment, working on prerequisite courses (2 years) before I can gain entry into the nursing program at our local college. If all goes well, I will end up with a BNA (after 5 years!). Jack