bonesjordan

It looks like through mappers like expedia...it might only take 1 1/2 hrs or so to get to Seattle from Sequim....but I also noticed there was planned work on the floating bridge (that you have to cross to get to ferry), I understand while the bridge is under repair..there will be no alternate. Is the driving/ferry time accurate? Presently, I'm travelling about an hour from Key Largo to Miami every day....it's worth it to me......so am willing to do approximately the same to live in a beautiful place! Any and all information is much appreciated. Christina

Hey! I've been interested in Sequim, Port Angeles area too....blue hole sounds nice....close to lots of good stuff......big and remote both.....between the best of all worlds..... what have you found out......please share! I was thinking since it is an area with lots of retirees....might be an excellent place for an FNP......looking at this job as a future prospect... how bout you? Christina

Look up..."buying your first house" online.....can find many great sites...re: how to assess value......the whole process.....ie. title searches...closing costs etc. In Florida and in my county there are also great programs for first time home-buyers.....SHIP, HOME.....some are kind of like lotteries that basically give you an interest free loan for the down payment......way good! Have also heard fanniemae has a HealthWorker + program...same kinda thing...give you money for downpayment....at no or minimal interest rate.... Make a long story short......do the research! This is a huge purchase....you don't want any surprises! Let me know how it goes for you....because I am also looking to buy a house soon after I start working. Best of Luck Christina

Thanks for your question.....though I performed well academically...I'm worried about "making it" as a nurse....and I've often wondered what else I might do if I'm not successful....always need a plan B! I've felt comforted by the responses you've gotten. Anyway, regarding NCLEX and how to study for it....I recommend other than knowing some things like lab values....potassiium...etc and knowing "normal" vital signs.....try to think "big picture"....there are a million details....no one can possibly know them all....In my opinion you have to think like this.....ok we're talking electrolyes......electrolyes are involved with things like muscle contraction.....nerve impulses (electrical stuff)......start from the general....then work to the specific.....I don't know why they don't teach this way. A great example of this thinking is from Marlene Hurst....whom I had the opportunity to listen to at a NSA convention...and then bid on her online review series.....I bought for 70 bucks....was definately worth it though I don't know the actual retail value......I strongly recommend her course....she'll teach you how to think "big picture" and you can problem solve the rest. I really believe this is how one must learn to think for Nursing practise generally, because, again, we can't possibly know everything....so you're always problem solving......say pt. has LOC changes....are they just sleepy....haven't had a good nights sleep since in hospital....could it be blood sugar (are they diabetic).....is it oxygen? etc Think big first....you'll be surprised how many details you can fill in afterwards. Best of Luck! Would love to hear what you decide. Christina ps...would also love to hear from others if they think I am correct in my thought process.

I don't believe FIU requires NET scores but that's easy enough to find out....read their material or give them a call. I did it because I was thinking I was also considering MDCC...if I recall they have a brochure showing sample questions. The only thing I remember was having to brush up on was weird percentages....like what's 88 1/3 % of 323? I had straight A's from MDCC....so acceptance based on GPA wasn't an issue for me. Again their GPA req't should be clearly posted on their website.....I think its 2.5 or something similar......though they'll obviously accept higher scores first. I read something somewhere about private Universities having a lowwer GPA standard....which I think is not quite right. I would definately recommend MDC or any private U over FIU.....you certainly can't count on them to give you accurate information at least during the application process. Where ever you go though...expect to work like a dog. Once you're finished though...you'll really feel like you accomplished something. Best of Luck future R.N!!!

I graduated from the Basic Option (2yr option) May 05. I found it really challenging, though I performed well. The accelerated program looks like madness to me.....I hope you don't have a family or a part time job, though i know students who made it with both. Expect to study continuosly, and expect to lose out on some opportunities just because of the shortened time frame. I loved being at Barry and think I got a first-rate education. If hard work doesn't scare you off....go for it....and use all the support from friends and family you can get. :)

Keep in mind we have a lot of people with english as a second language here...I think it is one dimension of the problem....also I'm from the North and I can tell you when I went to MDCC for my prereq's it was much easier than my high school up North. Barry however, is a good school and will demand much of you.

I graduated from Barry May 05.....though it was the hardest thing I've ever done, I performed well and loved all the profs. I feel that I received a first rate education. I originally had also intended to go to FIU thinking there was no way I could afford private school. I was accepted to FIU went to orientation day, went home and cancelled my check. They were totally disorganized and I thought, there's no way I can deal with these people for two years. A friend told me with my grades I'd get oodles of scholarships....and I'm grateful I did, though I'm still now in debt for 20 G's. I was also accepted at MDCC, and sometimes regretted not going there because my grades were good enough to get me into the Baptist on-site program. I've heard that the associates program gives you more practical clinical experience, though everyone at the University level will tell you not to worry about that because after a few months of work you'll be equal in clinical skills and superior in critical thinking skills. Had I gone to MDCC I wouldn't now be in debt....but life's a trade off.....and I think I'm more likely to be hired as a Barry Grad. (I just started applying and have an interview at my first choice hospital next week). Looks like you probably just started at Barry this week, good luck, work hard, ALWAYS read the assigned material before you go to class and enjoy the friendships you'll make. bonesjordan