jannab245

I am applying - to that program and to VTC's RN program. My grades are good, but not amazing, but I have some good references. Currently working at FAHC as an LNA to ensure that I want to be in the medical field. I'm going for FNP, too. I do have a friend that is completing the MEPN program soon, and she has really enjoyed it... her only advice in applying (it was a casual mention) was to really know that you want to do Nurse Practitioner before you do the program - it's too much work if you're not sure.

I know I'm quite late to the game, but I'm planning on working towards my nursing degree, and likely my NP as soon as is reasonable. I have primarily considered VTC, but the UVM program is attractive as it acknowledges the work I have already done (I have a B.S. and an M.Ed.) Those who were accepted... any suggestions? I have a mental health, education, outdoor education background. I plan on trying for the LNA program soon to get my feet wet, build some credibility, and give myself a chance to make sure I'm making a decision that makes sense. Ideas?

I hadn't really thought about the accelerated program as an opportunity cost - that I might end up with less debt. And here, the only program available is at the University of Vermont - which has a great reputation and has a teaching hospital. For the time being, my plan can remain the same as I'll need a few pre-requisites and to take the GRE (somehow I avoided this for my Master's). But I'll still have time to get my feet wet since I will be applying for the 2015 program. I don't mean to sound overconfident or arrogant that I will definitely be employed... I am coming from an environment where I am constantly competing with others that have licensure in mental health, and I've managed to be employed the entire time. I interview pretty well, I have worked in a lot of traumatic, challenging, and unappealing situations, and I'm not above doing the dirty work. There are always posts for RNs in programs in the area, though they are often home care and geriatric care - that's not my end goal, but I'm willing to spend a while doing something that's not the dream on the way to doing something that is a better fit. The fact that at one point all nurses were employed and sought after is just so incredibly foreign to me - I fully anticipate a stressful number of hard job interviews where I am competing against those with more experience than me - but this in itself will not be new! Thank you so far for the suggestions... keep 'em coming!

Ok! Thanks for the feedback. LNA is the same as CNA, Vermont requires testing for licensure in the position, therefore it is a Licensed Nursing Assistant. I do recognize that LNA well be tough and underpaid, but I'm horribly underpaid as it is, so that party will be a lateral move. As far as lack of glamour, my thoughts on that is that it will probably be the worst of the nursing job, so it would potentially be a personal weed out for myself... I know it's hard to get jobs. I think it's going to be hard to get jobs for me regardless, so that, too, is not really a change for me. Is it true that as a nurse you won't necessarily go unemployed, but will not have the job you want?

Hello all, I'm looking to make a career change into nursing from Human Services. I have a Masters of Education and I have been working in Mental Health and with Homeless youth for several years. I'm acknowledging that in order to make a sustainable living doing this work, I'll have to give up the direct service portion of this job, which is the part of the work that really drives me. I'm already familiar with health records, HIPAA, and basic diagnosis concepts (meaning I understand the difference between an AXIS I, II, III etc, rule outs, NOS...) I used to have a Wilderness First Responder certification, so I've worked as a fill-in medic here and there for an outdoor program. I'd love to do community nursing, or perhaps psych, but I'm willing to try anything. I already have a fair amount of debt from grad school, so I want to be conservative in my approach. So here's my plan. Please critique, make suggestions, advise, etc! I'm currently enrolled for the fall semester at the community college for Nutrition and A&P. There is a program here at the local hospital that is an LNA training program - in which you get hired on following successful completion of training and passing for licensure. I intend to apply to that as many times as needed to be accepted, then I will apply for nursing school at the local tech college - which has a very good reputation. My hope is that the LNA program will make me a more desirable candidate for nursing school, and will give me a better window into the field before I commit too much time and money. Any thoughts or advice would be so appreciated!