Where to start on the nursing journey? x posted from introductions

shel_wny · May 15, 2004

Hi, my name is Susan and I am actually hopelessly addicted to the idea of becoming the worlds best lactation consultant. Ok ok well at least a really good LC. I have taken a few courses but it seems in order to get to the mothers and infants that really need the help I would need to be in a hospital setting. I want the tough cases like the babies w/ cleft palates and the moms needing to relactate and the such. It would almost seem that the NICU would be a great place to be but I am told that most hospitals require you to be a nurse before they can hire you on as an LC soooo that leaves me wondering where to start. If I should go ahead and become a nurse or just keep plugging and hope for the best. If I do decide to become a nurse then I am torn between NICU and obstetrics (though not sure I can handle watching doctors use uneccessary interventions on laboring women). With this in mind though...where do I start? I have a BS degree but it is a theology degree nothing medical about it. Do I start with a technical school? Are there grants out there? We barely make mortgage every month. Do I just try and get a BS in nursing? Where do I start? Any input is appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Susan

Hi there. I'm just a wee nursing student but I'll give this my best shot.

Your theology BS degree will work against you as far as financial aid I believe, but you should still file your FAFSA first and foremost (www.fafsa.ed.gov). I would start by contacting my local community college and sending them a transcript from your high school and college. You want any and all credits that can be transferred. Even if it was a long while ago, you might be happily surprised at what they will accept as transfer credits. If you don't know how to do this, don't be scared. Just schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor or simply walk in and expect to wait a good while. If you're an adult student (over the age of 30 in most cases) you might be able to qualify for some types of grants and scholarships. Again, ask your school.

I don't know if school gets so specific as lactation so I'm going to leave that part to the more experienced real nurses here. If I were you I would just start taking the basic medicine-type prereqs - Anatomy I, Psychology, etc. at my local community college. Cheap, non-intimidating, and every little bit helps. It's all useful for just about anything. Good luck!

Shel

Torachan · May 15, 2004

"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."

Saint Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)