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I used a couple of e-books this semester. While handy for quick references, I still prefer the hard copy!

MMJ, What a great opportunity to learn speed reading as a child! I really enjoyed the class and found it to be beneficial for reading and studying.

Have you taken a speed reading and study strategies course and did you find it worthwhile? My school is offering one with claims that reading speed will double or triple and comprehension will increase. I'm interested but skeptical!

Who's using e-books for school? The availability has increased in recent years, but has usability? Are any Mac owners using the text to speech feature?

I have a similar storyline- new ADN goes to MICU and completes BSN pre-reqs to continue formal schooling while still finding footing as a nurse. I did great in school and on the job. Hindsight being 20/20: I would have waited a year for the BSN so that it was less on my plate. I was just afraid to sit still at the time.

Thanks, mm! Best wishes in your upcoming progression!

The moment I received my acceptance letter to the DNP program I was elated, nearly in tears. I texted my spouse, notified my parents and sister. I had waited so long for this time. Approximately three minutes later the doubts crept in. What had I gotten myself into? What if I can't balance my schedule? Suppose I go through the program, increase my student loan debt and then don't get a decent job...or even worse, get a job that I don't enjoy? I've been through this before. It reminds me of Shel Silverstein's poem Whatif. Being Type A like so many in the nursing community, I didn't spin my wheels for long before I took decisive action. Third bedroom transformed into an official office with storage and shelving? Done. Removal of important papers that I might someday review” otherwise known as trash: disposed. Online workshops? Yes. Drug screen, fingerprints, mother's maiden name and so-forth: check, check, check! I even went beast mode on an office supply list. When that didn't float my boat I realized what I'd been missing. As soon as I received my acceptance letter my yoga practice flew out the window. I also neglected my typically healthful diet. Now that I'm practicing again and have taken over the kitchen once more I feel 100 times better. That underlying anxiety that felt like hot embers has transformed to simple awareness of the challenges to come in a few short months. I'm ready. Now instead of hearing the Whatif poem I hear my calm, slow breaths. It's going to be a fast summer. When the fall gets here I will continue to balance work, school, family and me time like I have many times before. No sweat

Just noticed an acceptance letter in my inbox!

I've applied to FNP Program, DNP track. No decision yet!

Blackeyedsusan, I'd like to tag along to Ninja-Nurse's query. I've worked at a MICU for four years- my entire nursing career, at a moderately sized academic hospital. I'm confident in my bedside skills and communication. I have not taken care of one patient with CRRT, IABP, or a Swan. A ghastly number of nurses on this unit have not had these experiences. If you don't mind my asking, was this your situation before you started traveling?