michellesrndream

I'm sorry, I couldn't read anymore without responding. Daytonite is totally taking the original down a path that I don't believe was the point. Soon 2 B Nurse, you had a completely heartfelt reaction to something that you'd seen for the first time. Idon't take that as whining or complaining about how your work environment is going to be for the next 30 years! And it's not to say you've picked the wrong profession or you're not cut out for nursing...it means you have a heart for people and that's what people need during a time of illness in their life. You've obviously got the brains to be a nurse - you've gotten this far haven't you? I took Daytonite's comment extremelyl harsh. Do you not remember "years" ago seeing things for the first time and being struck? Either you've become one of those nurses I hate to get when I'm in the hospital because they're so hardened from what they've seen, my measily little problem falls way down on their list of priorities and I'm just another chart to check off. Or you possibly chose the wrong profession, not being has sensative to patients emotional well-being as well as the physical. It worries me to hear responses like that one because that's another wake up call of the kind of people I'll be working with. Just my two cents. New nurses especially, read some of these comments with a grain of salt! Don't take them personally...they don't even know you for goodness sake! Good luck for all you new nurses out there!

Hi Veronica It's good to hear from someone out there that's in the same boat. I've got a 3.8 also, isn't that crazy that's still not good enought to get us right in? Well, probably is...but there's 500 other people with a 3.8 too. Well, God's got a plan for when this is all suppose to happen and I have to respect that He knows what is best for me & my family. I really feel like I'm ready to give it my all! I have a really good chance this time around because the highest # of points they accepted for Spring '07 was 73 down to 70 (I had 69, uurrrggghhh!) But with the courses I finished last Fall it boosted me up to 75 points. I still don't want to be to confident because I don't how many other people earned that many or more points also. Geez! We could play the "what if" game all day - but I'm committed to thinking positive and feel confident in my hard work paying off! Definately keep me posted! I'll do the same. ~Michelle

I was wondering if those of you fresh out of school could suggest some good reference materials to read while waiting for the 1st semester of the program to begin. I don't have any of my textbooks for the program yet, but I thought some of you may have suggestions outside of textbooks (or not) that would serve as helpful reading now through the summer to freshen up terminology, systems, functions, etc...and everything else that would be good to review. Thanks for all your suggestions!

Hello Fellow Nail-Biters! Well, it's my second time around applying for Los Angeles County-USC Hospital Nursing Program. I have to say, I felt torn about not getting in for Spring 07. When waiting for a letter in December I had major anxiety about starting back up again in Jan. I've been chomping at the bit to get in and then the opportunity is there and I panic! All that to say, I have all GE and pre-reqs completed and really had nothing pressing that I had to take, other than GE toward my BSN. When I got my denial letter I took it as God's gift for me to take some much needed down time and rejuvenate my mind, body & spirit. I've got full speed without a break for 2 years. I'm actually glad that it didn't happen, I think I'll do much better right out of the shoot by starting in the Fall with a nice 8 months of rest behind me. So, letters are suppose to be mailed in early May and that seems like forever away from now!!!! Is anyone else out there waiting impatiently and wear did you apply? Michelle

Jamie~ Do you know any area community colleges (at least in a 1 driving distance from the area) that maybe aren't as crowded as others. I hear El Centro has a great reputation - but what does the waiting period seem to be because of be so impacted with applicants. I have a 3.0 in pre-reqs and 3.8 overall w/g.e. thanks, Michelle

Congrats! You must be so excited! I have a question though if you don't mind. We're looking at relocating back to Texas and I was wondering if GP (or other driving distance community colleges) are impacted like here in California. I'm done with all pre-reqs and g.e. and ready to apply here, but there are 2-3 semester wait lists and/or re-apply periods. We seriously have 400+ applicants for 50 spots at every program offered here. How is it there? Thanks, any info would be greatly appreciated, Michelle

Hello Everyone in the Dallas Metro Area! My husband is looking to relocate back to the Frisco/McKinney area (possibly even Rowlett) after being in California for 3 years. At the time I was there I was just considering the nurse thing, and have since completed all pre-reqs (3.0 GPA) and an overall GPA with g.e & pre-reqs of 3.8 and am now ready to apply EVERYWHERE in So Cal! (they're all totally impacted with 2-3 semester waiting lists and/or re-apply periods) I was wondering what the current situation is in the Tarrant & Collin County's Community Colleges ADN Programs. I know my GPA is "up there" to at least be considered...but do you all have 400 applicants for 60 spots as we do here in California? This may be a real big part of whether I stomp up and down to the dear husand about moving before I'm done with school. Hee Hee! Don't get me wrong! I LOVE Texas and can't wait to return - but I'm also chomping at the bit to roll up my sleeves and get dirty after all this science and g.e. crap! Let's get a move on people! Ha! Ha! Anyway, any info would be helpful. Thanks, Michelle

Yes, you're right. USC no longer has a BSN program, however the USC-L.A. County Medical Center has an ADN program run directly thru the medical center. They admit about 50 students every Fall & Spring. You have to complete your general at any other community college - they strictly offer the RN program and no general ed. toward the Associates. It's a bit more expensive than the community colleges, but you have the opportunity to "work off" your tuition by signing on for 2 years at the Medical Center. Secondly, all clinicals are done at this one location rather than the 6 weeks here, then 6 weeks there arrangement. If you're interested look up L.A. County School of Nursing & Allied Health.

Hi Everyone! Just wondering if any of you that tested at the L.A. County-USC Nursing Program got your test results sending you on or out of the 2nd round! I got mine and passed all sections, moving me onto further consideration at least. They won't be sending out any final acceptance letters until Dec. 15! UUuurrrghhhh! It's going to be a lllllooooooonnnnnnnnnnggggggg wait. Good Luck Everyone! ~Michelle

I am so glad someone has brought this up. I don't know about getting more respect, although at this point I'm up for anything. However, I do agree with professionalism that the all white "nurse" uniform has a certain status in my mind. I agree with another post that the scrubs are this big frumpy, cartoony, pj looking pantaloons! This is extremely unprofessional. I think the whole cartoon character thing alread for peds, but I would love to wear all white so my patients identify me as their nurse and not the cafeteria or house cleaning staff. They are just as important to running a tight ship, don't get me wrong. But nurses have worked their butts in comparison.... so let's dress like the professionals we are. My 2 cents!

Yeah they do rock! I'm in the Los Angeles area and the pay is awesome (cost of living is totally ridiculous). The women have made great progress with new contracts implemented with great raises & upgraded benefits. So they are definately kicking some butt! I just wonder if men would meet such resistance and lack of respect for the field of nursing. Let's face it, doctor's need us! We're the reason they're playing golf on Tuesday at 10am! Hee! Hee! Thanks for the input!

Hello everyone, I'm not a newbie, but more of a lurker. I've posted a few, but really have more fun reading what's out there as I wait for acceptance letters for Jan. 07 Anyway, here's a question for everyone. There is so much resistance in re-evaluating nurse salaries and benefits and appears to be an uphill battle to say the least. Not to say, it's ever easy to justify a nice size raise, but I really feel that if this was a more male dominated profession the pay would be extremely different and would receive much more respect. Anyone agree! If more men got involved in the rallying in the fight in the politics of it all do you think it would make a diference? Just curious...share you thoughts!

Urrgghhh! I'm sitting on pins and needles too! Our deadline for the L.A.-USC County Program was 9/15 also. Get this...they said they usually get the letters out the first week of DECEMBER! How nerve racking is that? I feel confident out the entrance exam and my GPA is 3.75, but there's just hundreds of people for 50 spots. So, I could have all the 'requirements' but it is totally a point system. They say last semester they accepted a low gpa of 2.5 and lowest point value of 69. I have 3.8gpa and 69 points. I feel pretty good - but you just never know. It's going to be a long 2 months!!!

I'm looking into oncology or med/surg night shift.

Hello All~ I know I've seen this question asked millions of times on the board, but now that it actually applies to me I'd like more info. I live in Los Angeles County, looking to work at USC Medical Center, Children's Hospital of LA or somewhere downtown. What is the starting hourly rate for a new grad and how often are reviewed and moved up to the next pay scale? Many Thanks! If you know where this has all been discussed can you let me know the link!

Do any of you know about Wallace Community College near Dothan? My parents live there and say that they don't have enough students going into the nursing program there! Something about an ad in the newspaper trying to recruit students to the nursing program? I live in Los Angeles and all of our school are impacted with waiting lists up to 2 years! Any info would be appreciated!

I thought I saw a thread on here earlier this week that someone had posted that El Centro didn't have a waiting list for their RN Program. Is it true? I thought all the community colleges in the metroplex and surrounding areas were impacted with too many applicants? Can anyone fill me in on what that status is on the # of applicants to the # of placements, and the GPA required to even make the list? Thanks, Michelle

Thanks so much for the reply. I was just wondering, is it clinicals Mon & Th or Mon thru Thurs? And if it is Mon thru Thurs, when are lectures? I'm sending off my app on Monday for the Jan. 07 start date. Congrats to you! Are you going to stay on working at county? And to bug you even further...do you have any info, advice, or any pros and cons of the program? Thanks so much!!! Michelle

I know this varies for all the different programs, but I was wondering if anyone knew about the L.A. County/U.S.C. Medical Center RN Program inparticular. I am completely finished with my g.e. so I will only be doing the program itself. Does anyone know about the hours. I thought I heard about 3-4 days of clinical from around 6am-1pm, a break for lunch then off to lecture. Does that sound about right? Thanks.

Geez ladies! Put down the shotguns already! If you're offended by the post -don't respond and move on. I find it more insulting the arrogant 'you should know better' attitude from you mother hens out there. We all know that a "true" nurse is one of compassion for the patient. We also know - that nurse Betty needs to be able to put a roof over her head and make enough money to do so. Anyone in their right mind no matter how compassionate they are would be an idiot to not look at the whole picture before deciding to go to school for at least 4 years of blood, sweat & tears, and a school debt to top it all off. What and then find out in Kentucky you only get paid $9.50/hr. Please! I love my patients - but get real! Yes, there are websites, books, and several other sources that several of you think should be referenced before you're bothered with such nonsense. However, one of the wonderful things about this site is one can post questions and concerns and those who thoughtfully and sincerely want to HELP in your quest will do so... All the others should back off and stop playing english professor, Miss Manners on Ediquette, and step out of the 1950's when women didn't 'discuss such things'. Get over it already! Let's just do everyone a favor - if you don't want to give your info - don't give your info...but if you don't want to let your salary out of the bag, keep your 2 cents in there with it. I'm now leaving my soapbox! Thank you. ADN, 4 yrs exp. (graduating in Dec. w/BSN) Work per-diem 36 hrs/wk (mostly days-rarely any weekends) mainly med-surg, l&d Los Angeles, CA $57/hr flat - no benefits.

Yes, I'm applying for a start date of Jan. '07. I believe all apps must be in no later than Oct. 15 and there can be no in-progress pre-reqs. I'll finish phys. this summer and apply! I am doing the RN program. ~Good Luck Michelle

Hey Mark~ Just wanted to say thanks for all your updates on current nursing issues. These lawsuits to pertain to California! We should know what is happening around the country anyway. If any precedent is set somewhere else - all the more power we have here in California to push it! Just my two cents. Thanks again for your informative & current issue updates- much appreciated!

Hello All~ This is only my second post as I finish up my last pre-req this summer and apply for the Los Angeles County School of Nursing & Allied Health RN Program. Is anyone familiar with it or currently enrolled. I've attended orientation sessions but am looking for some imput from actual graduates/current students. You know, just to hear some more realistic 'good, bad & the ugly' side of the school. Any info would be appreciated! ~Michelle

Just wanted to let you know a few things about RCC. RCC and most of the community colleges in So Cal are completely impacted. (Meaning that there are at least twice as many applicants for the number of spots available). I was told that you have to have at least a 3.5GPA in the science classes (Chemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology) required and you have an even better chance if most of your GE is completed as well. All the schools require the same 4 core science classes completed before applying. RCC's clinical/program hours are basically Mon-Fri 7am-4:30, give or take a few hours if there isn't a lecture on a given day. It also depends if you're taking a GE course each semester also. I don't have any ratings as far as how "good" the program is, because most of us in California can't afford to be picky unless you have a 4.0 GPA. Good luck in your search. I'm currently finishing up the pre-req sciences and hope to apply to the USC County Program in August for a January start date.

Hello Everyone~ I'm in LA and finishing up my last pre-req and getting set to apply for a fall start. I was wondering does anyone on here know much about Los Angeles Trade Tech's RN Program? Thanks for any info! Michelle