Taking a semester off ...

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I just finished my third class with Chamberlain. It's going so well! Each semester consists of two 8-week sessions, and I've decided to take the next 8 weeks off, so I won't start back until the end of April. What am I going to do in the meantime, you ask? (Because you all know me by now, and know that I can't NOT do something else, ha ha.) I've started to seriously study for my CEN (certified emergency nursing) exam. Yay! (Yes, Ivan, I know I said January, but time does get away from me!)

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Specializes in ER and family advanced nursing practice.
I just finished my third class with Chamberlain. It's going so well! Each semester consists of two 8-week sessions, and I've decided to take the next 8 weeks off, so I won't start back until the end of April. What am I going to do in the meantime, you ask? (Because you all know me by now, and know that I can't NOT do something else, ha ha.) I've started to seriously study for my CEN (certified emergency nursing) exam. Yay! (Yes, Ivan, I know I said January, but time does get away from me!)

It is cool that you have 8 week blocks like that. Taking 8 weeks is easier than taking 4 months off. Should not throw off your stride. The time off will be nice. I'm sure your husband will appreciate it. Don't study too hard for the CEN. It is not that tough considering your medic background.

My wife is going to start studying for her CEN, too. Her hospital will pay for her prep course, pay her to go, and pay her testing fee. Then she will get a bonus if she passes. Not a bad deal.

Ehh...you said January, but I don't recall you saying what year. So you slip by on a technicality.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I have the MedEd CEN audio review CDs (borrowed them from a coworker), so I've been listening to them in the car while driving to/from work. I'm glad to note that it has largely been review for me! My employer won't pay the fees, but I will get a "bolus of cash" for the certification. :D

Yes, Michael will be thrilled to see me OFF of the computer! ;)

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I'm astonished that you aren't already running your ED, Lunah!

Slacker.

;)

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Specializes in LTC, Acute Care.

Lunah, what are your plans after the BSN?

We also knew that you wouldn't be taking off 8 weeks to slack around or anything. :)

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I'm astonished that you aren't already running your ED, Lunah!

Slacker.

;)

Ha! I'm only now eligible to be in triage -- you have to have your RN for six months before you can do it.

Lunah, what are your plans after the BSN?

We also knew that you wouldn't be taking off 8 weeks to slack around or anything. :)

I don't know, honestly ... after I've been a regular staff nurse for a while, I think I'd like to focus on trauma for a bit, then maybe get into a clin spec type of job -- which will likely require another degree, I know! :)

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I don't know, honestly ... after I've been a regular staff nurse for a while, I think I'd like to focus on trauma for a bit, then maybe get into a clin spec type of job -- which will likely require another degree, I know! :)

NP, here you come! Really. You're going to need to do stuff you could do before and can't do now.

I think your EMT background was a great asset. Our environmental/disaster manager was thrilled today when I told him, "Yeah, I'm an RN. We have a disaster you know what I'm doing? Yelling, 'DAAAAAVVVVVIIIDDDDD!'" It made him happy. And he's teaching me IV's.

:)

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

Good For you! Wishing you all the best!

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Specializes in Hospice, ER.

Good for you! The CEN is difficult - the RNs at work who take it say it's harder than the NCLEX. So taking 8wks and just doing it is a very smart idea. I know you will be adding CEN to your title soon!

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Specializes in Med surg and Psych.

Best wishes as you make your dreams come true. You are an inspiration to us all! Traci

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An 8 week break sounds perfect! You've been working really hard ever since I came to this forum.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
You've been working really hard ever since I came to this forum.

You're right ... it's been non-stop since early 2007. First Excelsior, then NCLEX, then orienting at work and the ER Fellowship, then BSN classes. Oh, and recerting ACLS and PALS in the last few weeks (but it's like my 4th time for each, so that wasn't a huge deal). I just completed all my stuff to keep my paramedic certification. :) Oh, and I'm doing this in April: http://www.stethoscopeskills.com/ -- a coworker said it is an amazing seminar. :)

But good grief, I need a vacation! I'll see if I can't figure out a way to take my husband to Colorado in the springtime. :D

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