MsCupcakes

The Colorado Springs area has 3 programs that I know of. Associate's RN at Pikes Peak Community College, Bachelor's RN at University of Colorado Springs Colorado, and Pueblo (about 30 minutes from the Springs) has a Bachelor's RN at CSU Pueblo. If you're willing to commute, there are a ton of programs in Denver, Colorado.

I applied to two schools, including PPCC, and the pre-requisites covering both took me one year (Spring, Summer, Fall). Would I do it again? Probably not, A&P in 5 weeks is not ideal. PPCC only looks at your pre-req GPA as opposed to cumulative, so you should schedule your classes in such a way that you can take the time to get the highest grades possible in those 4 courses. After this semester, it's likely to take you two additional semesters (unless you test out of Bio 111). I do not currently attend PPCC, so I can't offer any insight into that particular program. As for having another child - I would certainly consider waiting. I don't have kids, and I have a difficult enough time completing all my work and care plans as it is.

As an EMT, I got some really amazing emergency trauma experience, as well as primary care (due to the specifications of my specific job.) However, when I did CNA clinicals, I was completely clueless. I had never made a bed, dressed a patient, or helped them perform any type of hygiene. I think that both offer a unique set of training and experience. I have also never worked as a civilian EMT so my scope of practice might have been a little different. Are you able to do both?

Have you already started your MA program, or are you still doing the pre-requisites?

Have you had any luck with any of these brands? I have had pretty good luck with UnderArmor, but am wanting something lighter for the summer.

I would like to point out that marijuana isn't necessarily illegal everywhere (federally yes, according to the state, no.) Although I don't partake, it was a culture shock moving from somewhere that it's illegal to a state where recreational use is acceptable. This may be the OP's situation. That being said, even in my state (where it's not illegal,) the nursing programs and employers DO still test for marijuana.

Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado was offering an online A&P last year. I'm not sure if they still have it, or any other information about it, since I opted for an in residence course at another school, but it could be worth looking into.

My drug test/background check was through them for school, and it was a urine test.

I applied at PPCC last fall with a 3.6 pre-req GPA and was not accepted. I did only get an 89% on the TEAS, so I don't know which made me a poor candidate, but do keep in mind that it changes each semester based on the applicants. I was, however, accepted into another program that looks at cumulative GPA. My cumulative was considerably higher than my pre-req GPA.

Another option for you, if your school accepts CLEP credits, is to study for and take the College Algebra CLEP test. You get credit for it if you meet the school's score cutoff criteria, but it does not apply to your GPA. It doesn't cost nearly as much as paying for the entire class. It's certainly not easy, and I would only recommend this route if you have a decent understanding of the material already, and are prepared to do some studying prior to the exam.

I am a fanatic about Post-It Tabs ... I have different sizes and colors which I use to mark both my textbooks and notes. I've found they can be easily carried, and you can just stick them on the first page of notes for that section.

I use a combination of two different drug reference books. For nursing school, I've found that I like Mosby's Drug Guide for Nursing Students. It has tons of information about each different medication, and I find it broke down exactly what I needed to know for Pharmacology class. I used Tarascon Pharmacopoeia for years before nursing school; it's a very different type of medication reference. They make a pocket version, which I like. It's a bit hard to get used to since they use a ton of symbols. However, I've found it to be invaluable when checking dosages and appropriate medications when making a treatment plan (I previously worked in much more of the medical model than the nursing model.)

I guess it really depends on what the program(s) you are applying to require. I certainly didn't have straight A's in my prerequisites, and I was accepted to a competitive program (with a high HESI score). Does your school allow re-takes? Are you going to be able to find the time to do well in all your courses? These are things to consider. If you continuing the course isn't going to prevent you from attaining your desired grades in the other classes, I'd say stick it out, finish your pre-reqs, and apply. If you aren't accepted due to your GPA, re-take the class and reapply.

I use OxiClean on mine, and make sure to wash them only with other white clothing. Haven't had them get dingy yet.

I have a weekend bartending job. I work about 20 hours between Friday and Saturday, and with tips it averages out to about $20/hr. I was looking for a medical job, but found that they did not offer the same flexibility or pay rate.