mama, bsn

Let me first say that there are many adn's that are better nurses than bsn's and vice versa. I personally believe that a BSN should be entry to practice if we are to ever shed this label. Most adn programs take longer than 2 years anyway, so why not just go for the bsn? If we made a bsn the entry to practice, it would discourage many people that get into the profession for the wrong reasons, and would also improve our standing on the "skill level" and make nurses more respected!

Well, I am going to make 1.50 less than both of our local hospitals pay. This is so worth it to me! I have a four month old, and knowing that I will be able to be there on Christmas, Easter, etc was definately worth it to me for the pay cut! I went to Saint Ambrose University and they gave us the opportunity to get outside of the hospital for clinicals. We had a whole clinical portion called 'Alternate Community Health Experiences' where we got to go to offices, health departments, etc. start tomorrow at the office, I'll let you know how it goes!

I graduated from there this year. It's a good school. Everyone so far from our class has passed boards. They do have kinks to work out, being new and everything. It is expensive as heck!! Good luck!

Reading these posts about unhappy new grads is exactly why I am going straight to the office. I have a BSN and just took boards last week. I start on Monday at an office where I work m-f, 8-5, no weekends or holidays (paid holidays). I too, love patient education which is what I get to do! Many experienced nurses and my instructors criticized me for not working at a hospital. But I live in Iowa, where there is not a shortage and new grads get the unappealing floors and shifts. Reading your posts makes me feel better that I won't be missing out on anything! All I can say to the OP is stick with it and definately seek out an office!

i do disagree with a poster who pointed out that even though her husband works and makes good money, she works to have an extra 40k around to provide her children with "everything". (sorry i can't provide the exact quote.) children, in my very humble opinion, do not need everything. they want us. i'm sure many a child would happily sacrifice a couple of lego sets to simply have their mom present. financial necessity and personal sanity (to a point), i understand as justifications for mothers with young children entering the workforce. providing material possessions .... well, not so sure about that one. quote this stinks that there is even a debate about this subject. if this is a site for nurses, than really we all have to work right? to respond to this poster, i would like to clarify. i do not think children should be handed everything. but i grew up without any money, my mom did not work because she barely graduated high school. i made the cheerleading squad and an all star soccer squad only to be disappointed that we could not afford the fees. i want my children to have opportunities. my husband and i would also like to send our children to a private christian school. on his income alone, we could not do it. i support people who decide to stay home and people that go to work. with good parenting, families can succeed. i know plenty of children that had parents stay home that are less than perfect! the point is that when women read posts that condem working, it really hurts them rather than helping them. instead people should be giving tips on how they did it, how to find great daycare, and how to maximize time and attention given to your child after work. to the original poster, i wish you good luck. i know that no matter how you decide to get through your situation, it will work out. all you need is to be committed to being a good parent. meredith with god's help, anything is possible!

I agree with Rohan!!!!!

thanks for this! Very encouraging! :)

I am not trying to start an argument, I am a Christian woman and do not want conflict. However, I do not think it is your place to tell other parents what their children need. There is nothing wrong with children going to day care as long as you find the right day care provider. A very structured daycare lets children learn and interact with other children their age, which can be very beneficial. I think that you should keep your harsh opinions to yourself. You are definately do not know everyones situation and cannot advocate for their children.

Hi everyone, my name is Meredith. I just turned 22 in August and have been married to my wonderful husband for over two years. I had my baby April 26th, 2005 and I graduated on May 15! I had to make up a few clinical days so I just took boards and found out that I passed. I start work on Monday. It is an office job, M-F, 8-5, no weekends or holidays. My son, now 4 months old, will be going to a family members in home day care. I am still exclusively breast feeding and bought a hospital grade pump so I can pump for him. Pursuing a career does not make you a bad mother. As long as you find a daycare provider that will care for and nurture your baby, it is not a problem! In a perfect world, no mothers would have to work and they would stay home and raise their kids. But I am an educated woman and want to put my education to use. I could stay home, my husband makes good money, but an extra 40,000 will really help our family. I will be able to give and provide for my children beyond what I ever had as a child. I think it is a shame that people give working mothers a guilt trip. I still get to spend every night and weekend right by his side. So I say go for it girls!

Thanks everyone for answering my question and for the nice words! I am very happy to be joining the nursing profession! Meredith, RN, BSN :balloons:

I guess you were all right. I had 75 questions and passed. It feels great to be a nurse!!! Meredith Robertson, R.N., B.S.N :rotfl:

hi, i just took my nclex yesterday morning and it shut off at 75 questions. i felt like i guessed on everything! i had 2 ob questions maybe 1 peds, 2 mh, and all the rest were med surge questions on diseases that we maybe spent 5 minutes learning! i also had a whole lot of priority questions! i have been hearing this is a good thing. can anyone tell me why this is a good thing? i accepted an amazing job with great benefits, no weekends or nights, and paid holidays and it is contigent on me passing boards! meredith