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03-06-2008, 07:21 PM
| #1 |
| Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 3
| Hello all (and please help!) This is my first post. I just turned 33 today and I'm thinking of going back to college to get my degree. I have to work full time but I think my job would let me move my schedule around to accomodate going to school. I'm curious about nursing: I think I would like to become an RN. Please advise exactly what to expect. I want to know about everything from starting school in general, choosing a school, choosing a program (and what's required to be accepted and how to get accepted?) and what to expect in the daily life of a nurse or RN. Can I get a taste by volunteering somewhere? Would nurses at hospitals spare me 5 minutes or so for an interview?? I live in Farmingdale, Long island, NY if that helps. What are the pros and cons. I know that helping people is one of the main payoffs but what are some cons??? Is being a nurse all about bedpans and smelly patients? I just want to be prepared for the worst and make sure nursing is for me. PS If this is tired question which has been addressed already, please provide links for me to peruse! Thanks in advance! |
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03-07-2008, 01:54 AM
| #2 |
| Junior Member | Re: Hello all (and please help!) Hello there, FIrst, I want to wish you a Happy Birthday. Then to answer a few of your questions.... I see that you are working full time. I started out working full-time while going to nursing school and found it a bit much for me to keep up with studying. I eventually took out federal loan to cover the expense of school and my cost of living. Most hospitals offer incentives for people interested in going to nursing school(tuition reimbursement) with stipulation of working for them for a set amt of time. I found nursing school very stressful, everyone is different b/c of their learning styles/capabilities etc. And I'm sure nursing programs have changed a lot since I started out. I took all of my pre-requisition classes while on the waiting list to start the actual nursing program courses. I am glad I did. Others took the full nursing load with the pre classes. It is a matter of preference...with factors to consider such as work hours, etc. I was able to take my prerequisition classes at the junior college level where they were less expensive then the 4yr college courses. You just have to research and make sure that the nursing school you go to will accept your credits from the other school. 2.As far as choosing nursing schools, you can email me if you like,or I can email you to talk about it in more depth. 3. If I am not mistaken some places have shadow a nurse for a day programs. You would have to ask the facility. But remember that everyday in nursing can be different. 4. Pros & cons, that is definitely another email for me. I can tell you that Nursing is not all about bedpans and smelly patients. It's about why you want to become a nurse. For example, I enjoy people, helping other people..I have a caring and concerned heart. You will find that years ago, most people went into nursing b/c it was one of the main jobs women can go into except for teaching. Most people got into it for the money. I am hear to tell you not to go into it for the money. You will be disappointed. I love nursing. Some days I find it very rewarding(when you get one sick person to smile and appreciate your care) Other days the stress gets to me. But, I will choose it over and over again. I was told once, that you can say you" love your job", when you are willing to do it for "Free". I know I can't answer everything now. Hopefully others will be able to offer some advice to you also. Good Luck, look foward to talking to you again.
__________________ Jackie C. |
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03-08-2008, 11:55 PM
| #3 |
| Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 3
| Re: Hello all (and please help!) Hi Jackie! Thank you so much for the response. I'll send you a pm now.. |
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03-10-2008, 10:28 PM
| #4 |
| Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 3
| Re: Hello all (and please help!) Hi, Did you get my private message?? If anyone could add to this,I'd really appreciate it. |
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03-12-2008, 09:10 AM
| #5 |
| Senior Member  | Re: Hello all (and please help!) My suggestion to anyone who wants to pursue a career in nursing is to become a CNA first. Especially if you have never worked in healthcare at all. I worked as a CNA for several years before going on to be a nurse.Although not all nursing work is bedpans and odors..that is part of it. My nursing class lost the most students when we started our clinical in a nursing home working as aides to the nurses. They had no idea all the many hats that nurses wear, and many did not like all the hats. If you work as a CNA for a few months and find it rewarding to make people smile even though you have to empty their bedpans too..then you are ready to become a nurse. Another advantage to being a CNA first is that most facilities offer a very substantial tuition reimbursement program for you to go on to get your RN. Good Luck! |
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03-12-2008, 03:35 PM
| #6 |
| Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 12
| Re: Hello all (and please help!) And, if not work as a CNA, perhaps get certified as a phlebotomist and work in an acute care facility (i.e., hospital) to get a similar amount of exposure to working with really sick folks plus pick up some skills that will help you in RN'ing. My phleb skills and exposure to acute care had prepared me and helped a great deal through school. Just another thought -- Jim Newbie RN |
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