Questions on Nursing

WalkieTalkie, RN · Apr 13, 2009

Well, to start out, I wanted to be a doctor. My first experiences in the medical field were mainly as a "Medical Explorer" with the Boy Scouts, where I was able to observe different roles in the hospital (mainly with doctors). No offense to anyone, but following the nurses at the local small-town hospital was not exactly interesting, and a lot of them were older, set in their ways, and not exactly what you would call critical thinkers.

I actually got kicked out of high school, had some "issues" with depression and what not, so I began working in a nursing home as a CNA at the age of 16. My grades when I first started college were not optimal, and I eventually dropped out of college. I then began working in an ICU at a hospital in a large city. There I saw what nurses truly do on a daily basis and I admired them.

Anyway, I after working in the ICU, and then the ER, I decided I wanted to be a nurse too, so I went back to school and got my BSN). Now I'm finishing pre-req classes to be a CRNA (nurse anesthetist).

I like being a nurse because I am able to spend more time with my patients and their families, and what I do and see directly affect's the patient's care because I am the eyes and ears for doctors. Nursing enables me to think critically on a daily basis, and I enjoy it (well most of the time :) ).

MelanieC90 · Apr 13, 2009

My story-I came from a really unstable home.I had all of the "potential".But,never any of the motivation at home.Its a miracle Im even graduating.Im not graduating with honors.Im graduating with a 2.0 gpa.Disapointing any teacher thats ever felt the glimmer of home that Im the next mother teresa.I've been through a lot.I've gone to four high schools in four years.My mom has dragged me through her unstability.Im at this point in my life where I wanted to choose a career to help and make others lives a little easier.Mine has been far from easy.The only thing I have been able to miraculously maintain is the fact that Im not pregnant or a drug addict.My entire family has succombed to drugs and/or mental issues sadly.Im determined not to become like them.Even if it means going to community first to get a little bit of extra help beforehand.

WalkieTalkie, RN · Apr 13, 2009

Hey, there's nothing wrong to going to community college. I started off at a private university, and I didn't do well (not really their fault, but still). I then finished my nursing pre-reqs at community college and then transferred to a private college for my BSN. I'm back at the same community college now to finish my pre-reqs for CRNA school. It's a great place to start, it's affordable, and typically classes are accomodating to a work schedule (I worked mostly full-time through school).

Apply to school and once you are in, find a mentor, or someone to help you. Heck, see a counselor if you need to. I did for a long time until I finally got my head on track :)

MelanieC90 · Apr 13, 2009

I know theres nothing wrong with it.I just feel like a failure for having to go.My boyfriend got into a good school as did my best friend.Im intelligent however Im not good at testing so Im entering in with the lower level transfer students while still trying to keep a sunny disposition.

jjjoy, LPN · Apr 13, 2009

I had the grades to get into good uni's but *chose* to go to community college because it was so much more affordable. I didn't realize the other benefits until I transferred to a big state uni. The CC had small class sizes, many of the profs there actually liked teaching, and I got lots of personal attention. The state uni had really large class sizes so there little chance to get to know the profs or feel like more than just a number. I hated paying so much more for what was essentially self-study.

Check and see what uni's offer bachelor's in nursing, as not all offer that major. Find out specifically what their pre-reqs are and when you would apply. Many nursing programs don't accept students until their junior year. And pre-reqs often vary from school to school.

Also know that you can get a nursing license without getting a bachelor's degree. Many CC's offer RN programs. These days, though, if you do well in your pre-req classes it can at times be easier to get into a uni's BSN program than a CC RN program because there is often more competition for the CC spots.

I'd also recommend volunteering in a hospital and maybe even taking a nursing assistant course to start finding out more about the realities of nursing. Ask any friends and family if they know anyone who works as a nurse and if they can introduce you or give you an email or phone number so you can ask them about their work.

Christie RN2006 · Apr 13, 2009

There are lots of benefits for going to a community college. They are usually a lot cheaper and it is generally a smaller setting, so you can get more one on one time with your professors and clinical instructors. When you graduate, you have the same degree as someone going to a big name school, with a lot less of the debt! Grant it, there are some definite pluses to going to a big name school, but sometimes you have to look at both sides and decide whats best for you. Either way, no matter which type of college you go to, you will be a nurse when you graduate.

for example... I went to a private school and one of my coworkers went to a community college. We are both RNs and we both work in the same area and we both make the same amount of money.

MelanieC90 · Apr 13, 2009

I've been told that its better to get a RN degree from a university because it opens up more opportunities to become a nurse practioner later on.I want to specialize in either pediactrics or onocology.

Liberum Vir · Apr 14, 2009

I've been told that its better to get a RN degree from a university because it opens up more opportunities to become a nurse practioner later on.I want to specialize in either pediactrics or onocology.

The reason people may say this is because a Nurse Practitioner will typically require a Master's Degree level of education. Many community colleges offer an ASN (associates) and you can work as an RN once you complete the program and pass your boards. If you choose to continue your education to become a Nurse Practitioner, you will need to complete a BSN to be able to progress into the advanced studies of Nursing.

Once you have your ASN and begin working as a RN, you should be able to either 1) transfer your ASN to a local university and continue working toward a BSN or 2) pursue your BSN through an online university program. Either way, community college is a wonderful place to begin a career in nursing.

I say all this with having completed anything so far. I am in a situation similar to your own and have been researching my options and I have decided to pursue an ASN through my local community college and then go from there.

Please don't ever think yourself a failure because of which college you attend. If you have issues with testing, check with your college. Many colleges have "student success" programs that are free and can certainly help with test anxiety. I wish you the best in whatever you decide!

Rascal1 · Apr 14, 2009

I've been told that its better to get a RN degree from a university because it opens up more opportunities to become a nurse practioner later on.I want to specialize in either pediactrics or onocology.

Kudos to you for the strength you have !! It's a very practicle idea to go to a community college first and get your prerequisites done. Some people apply to an LPN program first to get a taste for what nursing is really all about and then advance on to an Rn program later on, if very inspired. And some employers will help with tuition costs ! ! Best of luck to you, Melanie. :yeah:

MelanieC90 · Apr 15, 2009

Thank you all for your help! I appreciate it.I keep getting told to pick a major I think that I'll fall in love with.My main goal on this website is to find out why people picked nursing and to better gain knowledge from those with experience rather than the same generic advice that I seem to be getting from numerous college reps.

Rascal1 · Apr 15, 2009

Hi Melanie, With a career in nursing there is so much room for growth and an abundance of specialties one can pursue. Flexibility in hours, shifts,work as much or as little you want depending on your home/family circumstances and so on. But another big plus is the fact that health care is pretty much recession proof and with all the advances in science,medicine and aging it's an exciting field to get involved with ! Have you checked out some of the other forums here ? :up: