Barmherzigkeit

Barmherzigkeit - translated from German means merciful and compassionate. In memory of my sweet mom who I had the honor to care for for 7 years. :)

I'm a 56 year old former Industrial Engineer and Project Manager who was previously accepted into several accelerated 2nd bachelor degree nursing programs in Florida. Having been a full-time caregiver to my mom for 7 years, I wanted to help people with dementia on a professional level. The problem is I've been accepted into (and dropped) 3 programs. All 3 were disorganized messes with confusion about books, remedial dosage calculation problems where the answer keys were wrong, surprise projects not on the syllabus, and confusion about whether or not we would be injecting each other with solutions that may or may not be sterile??? There has GOT TO BE A BETTER WAY TO EDUCATE NURSES. And there needs to be greater focus on nursing students taking care of themselves rather than being stretched like a banjo wire and expected to take care of very ill patients. OMG. This system is in chaos.

Go for it! I'm 57 and started an accelerated BSN program this summer. Before spending $$ on a private school, do look at state universities and community colleges. I'm at a state university and love it.

You can get a great education at a state university or community college for far less money. I think you are wise for questioning the costs of tuition you are currently paying. Before making a change, can you find out if your local community college or state university will allow transfer of your credits? Please make an appointment with an advisor and ask lots of questions.

I had to laugh when I read this because of a story a friend of told me. He was on a cruise with his wife and had too much to drink one night. The next morning, his wife noticed brown stuff shmeared all over the sheets and accused him of pooping himself. Convinced he was not guilty, he first took a sniff, then a taste (too brave in MHO) and discovered it ACTUALLY WAS CHOCOLATE. The housekeeping staff had left chocolates on the pillow which he had drunkenly wallowed in that night and his body heat melted them. I'm laughing as I write this...OMG!

Definartely GO FOR IT! I'm 57 and started a BSN program this summer after being a caregiver for my mom for several years. My cohort has 2 male paramedics making the change to RN. Not only do they brings a wealth of experience to the program, everyone loves them, students and professors. You probably already know how to think critically, so that's a big plus. I wish you the best of luck. God bless. You will be great!!

LOL about seat belting your purse - great idea!

I'm making a life / career change as well in my 50's, and will be starting an accelerated BSN program in May, but if the schools in my area offered a program like the one you are entering, I'd go for it. Good luck to you in the program of your choice.

Back in my days as a banker, I had a client blow up at me because his account was overdrawn. He was incredulous that his account could be overdrawn because, according to him, "I STILL HAVE PLENTY OF CHECKS IN MY CHECK BOOK". I'm almost positive he is in one of these stories, LOL!!!

So, I am super excited about starting an accelerated BSN in two weeks. But my right heel is killing me. Went for a vigorous walk in soft sand on the beach to work my legs today, and now can't walk on the tile floor without cushy flip-flops. My tri-athlete husband says it's plantar fasiciatis. He had the same thing last year. In addition to special insoles and Motrin, any advice? Thank you.

OP, this is so common and there is nothing "wrong" with you. You just need to learn new study and test taking strategies. Luckily there is lots of good advice here. When I was taking microbiology, the tests (in NCLEX style) seemed really difficult at first. I had always been an "A" student like you, but this was different. So I talked with my professor about my concerns and she explained part of the problem was just over-thinking the questions. Okay, so how do you NOT over think? My professor told me to limit my analysis to the information in the question. If a component was not in the question, don't consider it. I eventually learned to focus only on the question and to trust my FIRST instinct about the answer. My anxiety lightened and my scores improved. In addition to all the great advice in this thread, please talk to your professor and let him/her know what is happening sooner rather than later. Many will listen and try to help you. Good luck to you - you can do this!

I appreciate all of your comments. Thank you so much for sharing.

Thanks for all the great comments, reassurance, and advice. You guys are the best!!!

Hi Roisin, I'm Lori Stanton. We met at the BLS/CPR class at UNF. Finally got MyCE approved. Paperwork glitch. Whew!! See you in May!!

I just saw this thread. I was accepted into the APL summer 2017 cohort. WOOOO! My name is Lori Stanton. When you print the "last 6 pages" of the nursing handbook, it's actually the LAST 7 pages (50-56), unsigned. Also, be sure to bring pages 8 & 9 of the APL welcome letter, filled out, with exam (2 pages) paper clipped. Can't wait to meet all of you at Taking Flight on the 4th and 5th.