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.

Just tested this with Opsite Flexifix, with both Sharpie and Bic brand permanent markers in varying colors. There was no bleed-through present with any of the tested markers, but there was a slight residual odor after removal of the film.

There are a million threads on AN about tattoos and nursing that can offer additional insight. I am a heavily tattooed nursing student, and I have always kept them as covered as possible with long sleeves, even in class. My program does not allow visible tattoos for clinicals, so laser removal is my only option for the one on my hand. I would talk to your clinical coordinator ASAP to ensure that they aren't in opposition to the school or hospital's dress code.

I worked almost full-time while taking my pre-requisites (with an 18 credit course load fall/spring, and 13 in the summer), and was able to manage it fairly well. I have just begun my first semester of actual nursing classes, and have had to drop down to working two days a week. I am finding even that difficult. I don't have any down time at my job to study, and the work load (especially the reading) is just too much to handle for me while working full time. I would try to aggressively budget and save as much money as possible before you begin the actual program. That way you could work less and utilize some of the savings if it gets overwhelming. Are you able to keep your current job and just work part-time? CNA pay is generally somewhat low, and the workload quite high for the rate of pay. A desk job might afford you more time for studying, as well as more flexibility since you've been there longer.

Snacks, lots of water, and some coffee. I frequently worked 24 on/24 off, and would make sure that I would get some food and water in me whenever I had a break. I would also use breaks to sit down for a few minutes and do some stretching.

I don't have much info for you on the Air Force side of it; I'm much more familiar with the Army. Be aware, however, that LVN/LPN is an enlisted position whereas RN is a commissioned (officer) position. If you join a reserve component, expect to be gone at least a few weeks out of the year and on weekends, more if there is additional training, professional development classes, or requirements. These times don't always work very well with a school schedule, and reserve components don't pay well enough for you to not work. So you'd be working, have military obligations at least once a month, and going to school. You will probably get a more in depth answer if you ask in the Government/Military Nursing Forum.

Personally, I find that I retain information better when I physically write it down. I used to hand-write my notes, then type them that evening. This year, I'm using the Livescribe, which is a pen that records your writing on an iPad or iPhone and can transcribe it into text which you can email or export to Evernote. I absolutely love it since I still get to hand-write, but can print copies, record pieces of lecture into my notes, and add tags and additional notes.

It honestly depends on the requirements for the school you're applying to. In my area, for example, there are two programs. The BSN program requires your full cumulative GPA, whereas the ADN program requires only your prerequisite GPA. Since it seems like your pre-req grades are good, you may want to look into a program that just takes your pre-req GPA into consideration, then go from there.

Are you already proficient in College Algebra? Some schools allow you to test out by taking their math assessment test. Additionally, College Algebra can be taken as a CLEP test. If you already know the material, you can take a test for credit. You can take it prior to the semester and have the score sent to your school, then be on track to take your chem. A word of caution though - CLEP tests are pretty comprehensive and, at least for me, required quite a bit of additional review prior to taking the test.

I have an extensive amount of tattoos - my school requires them to be covered and is requiring removal of my non-coverable (hand) tattoos prior to starting clinicals. I did work in a medical job prior to beginning nursing school, and never had any issue with my tattoos whatsoever. While I have no problem covering my tattoos, I do wish I had an option other than removal since it is both painful and costly.

You may want to look at trying to address the PTSD prior to your OB or peds rotation. Although I have very different triggers, I have had good results with a combination of immersion/desensitization therapy and counseling. I say this because I have seen many good health care professionals experience premature burnout from pushing off or avoiding their issues. You'd be hard pressed to find a job where you won't ever deal with babies or children. Even some LTC facilities have pediatric patients in PVS.