Fancychicken

Thank you so much for your advice!

Hello, I just graduated from an ADN program and am studying furiously in preparation for the NCLEX. I am trying to put together a resume and have several questions. 1. Should I include work history that is 18+ years old? (I have been a homemaker for that long!) The one job I am most proud of was for an environmental testing laboratory that would have shown how I advanced from receptionist to sample control coordinator. The only drawback is that the company is no longer in existence. The other job was a clerical position. I do not believe anyone would remember me from that place. I did not hold these jobs for a remarkable length of time (less than 2 years each). 2. If I do not include any work history on my resume, should I include it for those jobs for which I apply online? They typically have a work history section. Should I include it there, or leave blank since it is so old? 3. My GPA: 3.92 Should I include it on my resume? I have seen this debated before, but in my case I am struggling to find something remarkable about myself to highlight on my resume. 4. I was a homeschool mom for 9 years. Does it help to bring this up in a cover letter, interview, or as part of my resume (under a special skills section?) to somehow explain why I chose to stay home past the typical child's age when most stay-at-home parents return to work? My concern is that I do not want to appear unambitious to work. I also do not want to detract from the professionalism of the situation by including information that is not pertinent. Thanks in advance for any input!

Hi everyone! I just attended my community college nursing program orientation. I have been planning and preparing for this program for years, so I was really excited to have the privilege to attend. It was a little bit disappointing in terms of information - mostly psychology topics on how to succeed in the program. One highlight was that a current student of the program spoke about the rigors of the program and advice on how to prepare for that. I've been lurking on here long enough to know that nursing programs are intense. I get that. They have to be. But I was really taken aback at how he talked about the need to "stay on campus until 8:00", and the fact that "this program will break you". I guess I'm just really scared because I have three kids who I will be responsible to drop off and pick up from school. My husband works full time in another city, and I am commuting to this school for myself, and the kids for their school. I don't know people in the local area. The theme of the orientation seemed to be that you can't be an island in nursing school. You need to rely on groups. This, along with the testimony of the current student, leads me to believe that, even if I can orchestrate the class/clincal/lab schedule, I will be expected to be on campus for additional hours with a study group. I am a social person by nature, but enjoy the independence of studying alone. This also allows me the freedom to work my schedule around my kids' school schedule. I'm not sure what my question is...maybe, how does anyone handle this type of commitment? I know it must be possible. I'm just not seeing it right now with my current resources. Also, is this a common thing in nursing school - lots of group projects, and expected group study time? I can certainly see the value, but honestly, I wish I had thought this through more carefully. I had envisioned burning the midnight oil in the comfort of my own home, having picked up my children from school, and kissed my husband good night. Maybe I was very naive to think that this was possible? I am so sorry if I am rambling. I figured that if anyone would understand doubt and second-guessing, it would be those who have been there or are currently "there".

Congratulations! It's so fun to start checking off those requirements one by one. I just signed up for my CPR class, too. So exciting! I'm trying to enjoy the summer and rest up during the calm before the storm. Best of luck to you!

Unfortunately, my family is not nearby. I do have a lot of friends, but most of them have kids with complicated activity schedules to coordinate themselves. I know it's just one of those things we all have to balance, but it sure is hard sometimes. School hasn't yet started, and I'm already starting to stress out. I just have to keep reminding myself that it is going to be temporary, and our family will be okay.

Ok, just writing this in hopes that I am not the only one. I have three preteen/teenage children whom I have homeschooled for the past 7 years, while picking away at pre-reqs. Well, I got accepted into the nursing program for this fall, and everything is about to change. We are used to a relaxed schedule. Also, the kids are used to being able to do any extra activities they want, since I haven't worked and was available 24/7. My kids are excited to go to school (which I am thrilled about!), but we are all a little nervous as we know it will be an adjustment. Anyway, the problem comes in with my daughter who, up to this point has been involved with a developmental gymnastic program close to our house. She is now too old/advanced for that, and the only program close enough for her to participate in is still way out of the way and of course, a huge time commitment. I haven't been to orientation yet so I don't know what my clinical day(s) will be yet. But, I'm just imagining the whole thing right now, and it seems like an impossible schedule. I feel like I am crushing her dreams if I say "no" to the gymnastics. I know how painful it is to give up on a dream, and I don't want to see her go through that. Yet, it would be so much easier if she would participate in sports that are offered by the school. She loves people and activity, and think that once she goes and makes friends, she's going to want to do what her friends are doing. It's just hard for her to see that now. Anyway, I guess I'm not really needing advice. Just "talking" it through, and wondering if other moms or dads have felt guilt over scheduling conflicts. This is new territory for me!

I got the official TEAS study guide and spent a solid month going through it carefully. I was able to get it used for $25 from someone locally. (I think they are $50 from ATI website). Anyway, I found it extremely helpful and ended up getting a 94 on the exam. I'm not sure how well I would have done going into it cold. I would definitely research different schools in your area, especially if you have heard negative feedback. Myself, I am in a rural area, so my school wasn't a choice, it was a lack of options. I feel extremely fortunate that it has a good reputation and I have had nothing but positive experiences there. Good luck to you!

For A&P, I always liked to read each chapter twice. The first time through, it was always a bit of a struggle as I tripped over unfamiliar terminology. I tried not to get too bogged down by it, though. The goal was to skim for the general idea, and familiarize myself with the process. The second read-through, those words would start to make more sense, and I was able to understand the physiological process better. Try not to get overwhelmed. Try to read ahead of the professor's lectures. Then do a second reading after lecture. Right now, I'm reviewing my A&P book because it has been 5 years since I've taken it, and I start nursing school in the fall. I am reading each chapter, and then watching videos on khanacademy.org to help solidify those tough physiology concepts. If you haven't checked it out, it is a wonderful resource.

Hello, I'm currently heading into my first semester of nursing school (ADN/BSN). A lot of people have been asking me where I hope to end up working, or if I would pursue further specialization. Honestly, I'm not really sure at this point. I have always had a special place in my heart for elderly people, so a long-term care facility might be the place for me. My question is, did you have a goal of a specialty in mind when you began your education, or did your goals evolve over time during school and/or over the course of your career? If you had a specific goal in mind from the beginning, did you end up there?

Congrats on getting into your program! That sounds like a really tough fall schedule. Of course it would be ideal if you could take microbiology before nursing school starts, but you do what you have to do. I haven't started my nursing program yet (I start in the fall as well), so I can't comment from experience. I am trying to get a feel for what to expect in the fall and the consensus seems to be that nursing school is really tough, and can be a big adjustment in terms of course rigor. I am getting a little scared myself, but I think that determination can carry a person a long way. If you truly cannot make the course work this summer, it will be harder for you in the fall, but, as long as there aren't scheduling conflicts between the classes, you should be able to do it. I took Micro in the summer and got an A with no trouble, but then it was my only class. The one thing you have going for you is that in a fall course, you have twice as much time to digest the material as a summer course. Best of luck to you!

Thank you for sharing your experience! I am hoping I can have something similar. For my micro class, my lab partner ended up dropping right away. The instructor was adamant that there be no more than two students at a table, so he didn't want me to join another group of two. Otherwise, I would not have chosen to work alone. I enjoy meeting people and working with others. I am hoping I will be able to click with one or several of my classmates. Thanks for your response!

At my school, we were required to take chem, bio, A&P, & A&P 2 in sequence. They were each prerequisites for the one that came later. So, it took me four semesters to do them. Chemistry is one of those subjects that some people seem to like more than others. It really affects how easy the book is to read when you have an interest in it. I took it online and loved it, so it seemed relatively easy to me. Did you enjoy chemistry in high school? Are you strong in math and science in general? If so, then a general chemistry shouldn't be too difficult for you. The physiology part of A&P draws quite heavily upon knowledge of chemistry, so I'm surprised your school does not require you to take chemistry first, though.

I was wondering if anyone out there has had success in finding a study group or maybe just one other person to help each other with weaknesses? I'm thinking of an older movie, "Feds" where Rebecca DeMornay's character is an ex-marine training at the FBI academy. She is excellent with the physical and field requirements, but struggles academically. Anyway, she gets together with another lady who aces all the written material, yet can't seem to handle the physical part. Long story short, I'm the other lady. I just got accepted into the RN program, and worry that I will struggle with acquiring the needed skills. My program does not require us to have CNA certification, and I have never worked in any medical setting. Last summer, in Microbio, I was the only one without a lab partner, and I felt like a one-woman Laurel & Hardy show trying to do all the stains and microscopy. Nothing I did seemed to turn out right. I was glad our grade was based on lecture exams only and labs were graded on participation only. I know that nursing school will not be like that, and I'm really worried that I'm not going to be able to "make the grade". Despite my fears, I know that I just have to give this a whirl. I'm 42, and have wanted this for a long time. I guess I was just imagining it would be easier if I had someone to help me practice in lab, while I helped them study the lecture material. Has anyone else experienced this type of comaraderie with a classmate in nursing school? I know real life isn't always like the movies. :-)

I am 42 years old and just got accepted into a BSN program. I have been dreaming of this for so long, so I know what you mean when you say that you are "ready"! It's been a long time coming, so I know that even though it will be difficult, I will relish the experience. We're all lifelong learners, no matter where our jobs or degrees take us. Best wishes to you on your new adventure!

I got in at ARCC - Cambridge campus. So excited!! Looking forward to orientation.