Mlee81

Male student finished 99th percentile with Med Surge and OB/Peds along with over 90 percent with Med Surge 1 with Psychiatric. I outperformed the majority of my class (I was the only male out of 18 students total initially). These are for all HESI programs. My teacher stated I had the highest score in Med Surge she's ever seen. Scheduled to take the NCLEX and will pass it in less than 100 questions. Just maybe your claim is biased. I'll also add unsupported by nothing more than your experience. So a question could be are these your personal experiences with men acting out with your emotions at play here? Something to look into.

I got a 1220 on my first Med Surge exam. A 1315 on my second Med Surge exam. << this last score was the highest my instructor has ever seen since the beginning of HESI. 1187 on my Peds/OB. All of these tests were in the "99th percentile". Supposedly these results include all programs participating in HESI. I haven't had under a 900. I didn't even study for a couple of them. I've attached my results in case someone calls BS. Anyhow I will not be happy if this does not translate to the NCLEX. The entire process of nursing school has been a frustrating attempt to learn running in circles. I'd have done better if I didn't have to go to class and learned the material my way. As a new grad, I've decided to just schedule the NCLEX and "trust the process" that so many claim is the answer instead of waiting a couple months working on my state GN permit studying the material. We will see. If I do not pass, I will lose my position GN position, be out of $400+, and basically be out of work. I'm attempting a 2 week NCLEX crash course of my own design. I will report back whether pass or fail. Needless to say I will be pretty upset if the results do not come back as passing.

Will have to check out the ICU book you stated as this is the area I'd like to focus on when I get out. Appreciate the responses.

Appreciate the responses, and I'll look into both recommendations.

I'm not a big fan of the process at our program. I learn better in my own way. I already have EKGs down since my last post. I have a month to prepare and put me ahead of the game, but I'm not sure what exactly to focus on. The syllabus isn't available for another month. I'm trying to get ahead of the game to put myself in the best position I can as I have to continue to manage a full-time job along with finishing out school.

As a student in a ADN program that just passed 3rd semester, I'd like to get an early start on next semester to help the transition. What do you think I can do right now in this month left prior to the last semester to prepare me to do well? It's interesting I've had a really tough time finding the answer out to this question. I have been reviewing my Saunder's NCLEX book, looking at EKG's, etc. Focusing currently on cardiac. Thoughts?

Searched for this an it came up. The NCLEX follows more of a mechanical paradigm I find more so than critically thinking. For example. Are vital signs for blood transfusions to be delegated to a UAP? According to my Med Surg Text 10th edition pg 469, both the baseline vitals as well as after the first 15 minutes CAN BE taken and delegated to a UAP. From other sources on NCLEX, it appears they want the "licensed nurse" to take these vitals then all other vitals per company policy. NCLEX doesn't give preference to who the UAP is or whether that person individually is competent enough. It's either black or white. On a select all that apply question, you either click it the button or you don't on what can be delegated. It also states that the UAP can "obtain blood products form the blood bank as directed by the RN". Other sources on NCLEX state that it must be two licensed NURSES verifying the client's number with the blood product number from the blood bank. Finding good information for what they want on NCLEX is a challenge at times. Does anyone know of a RELIABLE review text that I can study while in the program to verify that I am learning the correct information for the NCLEX test? Preferably by system/topic. I'd like to study this and prepare as I go along so I'm not attempting to cram for this test at the end. Also I have a tough time studying information when I don't know if it is 100 percent reliable.

Currently an EMT-B working in EMS for a local ambulance companies while attending nursing school. A couple of interesting points: 1) BOTH Nurses and Paramedics are under "Standing Orders"/ Protocols. Both require verbal or written "orders" by a physician/HCP to execute OUTSIDE of those orders. So the entire concept of one working without orders while the other does is a fallacy. 2) BOTH Nurses and Paramedics Assess, "Diagnose", Implement, and Evaluate. "Diagnose" in quotes meaning both are use their assessment knowledge in emergencies (WHICH IS EXACTLY THE SAME) to help determine an underlining cause to treat the symptoms STAT with the standing orders/protocols/Contact Medical Command/HCP allows. "Diagnose" is not referring to the actual "Medical Diagnosis" the HCP will designate post testing, etc. 3) BOTH provide much of the same MEDICATIONS for these acute emergency situations on a daily basis. The RN; however, has a VASTLY INCREASED NUMBER of meds/routes, etc that they are responsible for. For skills that the Paramedic is expected to be much better than an RN include: 1) ET intubation - The Physicians in the ER do this the majority of the time. Paramedics are responsible for this in the unit. 2) Decompression - IBID 3) Cricothyroidotomy - IBID ETC.. so Paramedics are more apt to do things in an EMERGENCY SITUATION that generally the ER Doc would be doing in the ER. This continues to be a HUGE issue because ultimately RNs get paid more than Paramedics. There will always be a urine shooting match to see who can shoot farther. There is very much an overlap. As one looking to obtain the RN as well as challenge the Medic test (allowed in my current state), I believe that would be MUCH EASIER (not saying it will be easy) to go that route than the other way around. I also have EXPERIENCE working in EMS. So for me the issue would be to simply focus and train on the few skills that nursing doesn't focus on. Paramedics are very strong in two systems primarily 1) Cardiac 2) Respiratory Which comprise at least over 80% of our calls. Endocrine for Diabetics mostly.

I appreciate all the comments. While I am still working the details of both the programs, I'm heavily leaning on the ADN route as i can still work in both my EMS and tutor capacities with the potential to pay for the program out of pocket. That might just be too good of a deal to turn down. I can always pursue the BSN at a later time while working then also maintaining my overall debt load better. I'd be getting out 8 months later with the same capacity to work as a RN with hopefully no more debt.

I've heard the same regarding competitiveness also. I currently have a 3.7 cumulative with a 3.9 last sixty credits, much of which was pre-med classes heavy in the physical and biological sciences. The whole thing is a numbers game. I've been asking myself that question, and the answer has been a resounding no, but I've had a couple nurses recommend I just go for the BSN getting the loans out an all. And so I wonder if there is something then I don't know.

I hear both sides all the time. It apparently has everything to do with one's local market. I hear people tell me that places are only hiring BSN, and I'm sure that's true in some markets. I don't see that around my location at the moment however. I'm hoping my background as well as the fact I do actually already have two degrees in which one is a bachelor's degree means something. The ADN program here is MUCH more accommodating when it comes to cost, working while in the program, etc. I just got off the phone with an advisor yesterday from the BSN. They recommended not working, which will of course eliminate my health insurance which would have to be purchased then through the school. Estimated costs were $3450/year. So add that as well as the other various fees onto the 32,500 estimated tuition costs. Add a year and a quarter of lost wages due to not working, and the whole thing gets pretty expensive. All of which pretty much would have to be financed through private loans. I'm not even sure I should be thinking that it's an option anymore.

I haven't actually yet. I'm still very much working to decide which one to go to, or if I can actually even do the accelerated BSN due to a number of factors.

It's simply true, and for anyone that has studied the issue, the entire concept of "women inequality" has more to do with politics than reality. Your responses tell me you've been drinking the kool-aid as well. The bottom line, if any coworker calling a male nurse a "murse" should be handled the same way a man would be calling a women anything else than the politically correct norm nowadays. Anything else is a double standard. Also on the fat, old, ugly, bitter nurse, we don't seem to have a shortage of them. Congrats on the achievement! The industry would do well to have more male influence IMO, and there is a clear reason a male gets paid more as a nurse in many settings, albeit how small that difference may be. It's supply, demand, as well as the other traits a man brings to the table such as less call offs, more reliable, more physical, less backstabbing drama among coworkers, etc.. If women want to be "equal" in other settings such as business, they can also take on the "equality" of the required hours worked, productivity standards etc. Just the facts.

If a male did that in our day and age they'd be lynched and broadcast on every media network. It's interesting how the double standards tend to work.

Just call them "nurse". It is interesting to note the sexism still among the nursing profession. Male nurses have been increasing proportionally.

So you think it's wise to get into 40k additional debt to private lenders to obtain the Bachelor's nursing over the Associates? From what I see in our local area, the ADN has been fine to fill positions. I'd only be out 8 months earlier if I did the BSN program of ADN. I figure I could work with a nurses salary while then working on an online BSN program, which is what I've heard is relatively common. As I could work full-time through the program, I could pay for the ADN out of pocket without going into more debt. It might take an additional year or two before I could start an NP program, but from what I hear they like experience anyways. I could manage my overall debt so I don't become prey to the loan sharks. I'm still trying to see the true benefit of paying for the BSN now. I see a online transitional BSN program on here marketed for around $9000.

I'd be an estimated 115 thousand dollars in total student loan debt (~40k from private loans) in obtaining the BSN degree. I'd become an RN 8 months earlier than if I attended the ADN program. I would have to relinquish my full-time job with benefit working in EMS to part-time which decreases monthly income not to mention giving up benefits. From what I see, the BSN doesn't offer more money than the ADN nurses. It increases job opportunities in some markets, but does not increase the RN's hourly wage over a ADN. HR says it "prefers" the BSN, which we all know it's more about who you know. Working in EMS has been a nice way to meet different people. They currently have a full-time ER nurse position open at the local hospital. I'd be hard pressed to think I wouldn't have a good shot at it with my experience and knowing the guy that hires. I just don't have the RN. How would there be less disruption to work life? A full-time program in where I can't work a full-time job with benefits seems to me to disrupt work life a lot more. For the ADN program, if I get scholarships, I might only have to be paying around $1500/semester which I can pay out of pocket. I'd be 75k in debt instead of 115k starting as a nurse. I don't see the value of the BSN, but maybe there is something I'm missing, which is why I'm posting here. Thanks for posting.

Yes that was a typo. I hear people say that they aren't hiring ADN, but what I see locally is different. The local company here states they pay $5000/year with an exchange for a year of working full-time for them. I currently don't see the value paying the extra for the BSN over ADN.

For background, I currently have an Associate Degree in Business and Bachelor's degree in Nutrition. I was on the pre-med path for a bit, but decided not to go to med school. I currently have 75k of student loan debt, none of which is from private loans. I got accepted into both BSN and ASN nursing programs. I'd like to work in Emergency Medicine as a nurse primarily. I'm currently working as an EMT for ambulance companies. I'd like to eventually advance education to the DNP. Any help is appreciated in making a decision. Comparing the two programs BSN accelerated vs ASN nursing programs Length Both start in the Fall of this year. BSN is 16 months straight with a full-time course load (18 credits per semester) ASN is 24 months part-time (9-12 credits per semester) with all your college breaks. (I have many of the classes already) I could work earlier with the BSN. Cost The BSN is considerably more expensive. 36 grand total tuition. With an additional credits required, I'm concerned I'd have to take out additional loans also to help pay for expenses. I'm already in significant debt. Funding this would all have to come from private loans also, which I don't like The ASN is CHEAP in comparison. Along with scholarships, I plan on paying out of pocket. . Fall semester runs around $3500. I can also continue to work full-time with benefits working in EMS. I'd have to reduce to part-time to attend the BSN program. It seems like this really is the deal breaker. Ultimately a RN is an RN. From what I hear, many companies would help pay for a transitional BSN also in trade for a commitment for years worked for them. I understand that ultimately most DNP programs require the BSN. I hear that certain hospitals won't hire BSNs on these boards, but it doesn't seem like that is the case locally here. It seems like all I'd achieve with pursuing the BSN is paying more for my education ultimately. The ASN program here has a good reputation for educating nurses. thoughts.. recommendations.. etc

To specialize, is there additional schooling or certification that one needs to get that would make one more marketable? Or is the demand such that you don't need to be certified? Thanks for the help?

Thanks. Yep I know the pay is miserable in comparison, which is why I'm glad I got accepted into the nursing program. Paramedic was a backup option, and even though I'd enjoy it, it doesn't have as much versatility or long-term career prospects I don't think. We have a couple paramedics that are also RNs. One is a NP. I've heavily considered pursuing that also. How does one go about specializing in trauma ED? I definitely would be interested in learning for about that.

Thank you. I just read about the two year requirement. Currently working in EMS, I like the acute / emergency care part of treatment. I have the freedom to move literally anywhere in the world currently within a two weeks notice. I wonder how the dating scene is in Sacramento. :) Maybe I'll have to check out the scenery some time. So it seems the best bet is to obtain a staff nursing position in an area where the pay is good in a specialty that I want to have a career in before traveling nursing. I actually have a passion for EMS work. Some states allow RNs to challenge the Paramedic exam. I'm not shy of living in an area with a need for EMS response. Given the circumstance, I wouldn't mind helping the EMS crews out from time to time even when I get through the RN program. I would like to further the education on to NP status also eventually. My biggest bottleneck has become student loans. I don't regret any of the education I've received, but it's come at a hefty cost. Have to devise a plan to pay this off.

I just got accepted into a BSN accelerated nursing program. I currently have two degrees (one associate and one bachelors) so I have some pretty high student loan debt already. I will have to pay for nursing schooling with private loans. I will be around 100k in college debt when all is said and done. Not ideal, but from what I hear nurses can make pretty good money traveling. I'm hoping I can manage the debt load. I'm a single guy with experience in EMS, so naturally my passion is emergency-type of medicine. I have complete freedom to travel wherever is needed to help fill market needs. Do you have any recommendations for a someone in my position to help make this happen? I'm not concerned about not passing the nursing curriculum. Eight months prior to school, I'm already studying for the NCLEX. I have a background as a patient provider already. I have a strong background in the sciences as at one point I was studying for the MCAT. I'm helping teach pre-nursing students now at the college level. I got a 92% on the HESI exam. By greatest challenge by far is financially. Thanks for any help.

A little background.. I just ended a year and a half reign as Food Service Director/ Dietary Manager at a nursing facility, which according to the employees was the 9th director in 11 years. This was my second facility and third company in this role (one company was bought out). Reason for leaving is being burned out due to staffing issues primarily. Call offs + trouble filling positions = long irregular hours in trade of no personal life. I'm looking to take my career in another direction. I just turned 35, have an education in Nutrition Science, have most prereqs for Med School completed actually, but have decided to focus on a career in nursing. I feel it would be a more fulfilling role than working in administrative or business management. I am more personal and enjoy a hands on approach. The profession provides variety fits me as well. I get bored with doing one thing over and over and like variety with new challenges. So I will be applying to a "2nd degree" Nurse program which is 4 consecutive semesters and one full year. This is offered for those with a BS degree already. I actually was accepted to this program last November but due to me attempting to work things out at my current job, I decided not to go at this time. That could have been a huge mistake as I ended up voluntarily resigning from my position 5 months later and now looking to apply to the program again. Hopefully I can get into it again. So I have one full year to prepare which I intend on using the time i have. I am proactive in studying and if given advise on where to go will follow up so I am in the best position possible when I step into the classroom. I understand most learned will be hands-on during the program, but much of the physiology/pharmacology type of info I can get a head start on. I aced a lot of this in college and was consistently at the top of my class in the sciences even tutoring it for a while. My long-term plan is to get all loans paid off and work as a nurse in ministry in the mission field. Help heal the body and the spirit. Any advise is greatly appreciated and thank you for your help.

Did you have any problems finding work? I have some nurses telling me that some hospitals are only hiring BSN nurses. While I hear that, our current nursing facility just recently been hiring for RNs. I'm sure ASN would be fine for them.