Nursing

[Sasha]

Today I met with my prof, who is also a counselor, and we spoke about my decision to go into Grad School. If that was the route I was going to go, I needed to be in an Honors program and do this research class, which means an extra year before I can even apply. I've already been at the U of A for 4 years - getting my BSc degree this April.. and getting my masters and doctorate would take years.... My prof was saying how you don't have an actual job until your in your early 30s (for what I was looking to do) and right now with the recession, you are not guaranteed a job and many students are struggling in the program right now.

So I decided maybe it just wasn't right for me. I don't want to wait that long to start my life, and I want to get my own house soon, and have kids.. So today I revisted my other options, one of which was Nursing.

The U of A offers an After Degree Nursing program that lets you get your Nursing degree in 2 years, after which I can take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse. So, today I applied... and I'm hoping to be accepted.

I also applied to Grant MacEwan BSc Nursing degree as a backup plan. They don't offer the After Degree Program, so it's 4 years to get the BSc Nursing degree, but because of my already completed BSc degree, I've taken many of the required classes, so I should be able to finish earlier than that 4 years.

I'm pretty satisified with my decision, and I'm very excited. I wish I could know now whether or not I'll be accepted. I'm confident one of the institutions will accept me.

I'm also planning to complete a Post RN Degree after working as an RN for a year. Then who knows what the future has in store.

I feel like for once, I'm on the right track. It only took me 4 years.... but I feel like I've found my niche. I'm such a science nerd, and I'm so looking forward to learning more and working with people. I think I would have lost my mind working in a research lab all the time.. I like interacting with people and such...

Anyway, I hope this will be the turn around I need right now. Life has thrown so many curve balls at me lately, and for once I feel excited and happy about something... Wish me luck!

 

[kaykay]

Good luck! Be prepared for lots of work and studying for a 2 year RN program. One of my friends is in a 4 year program and she never sleeps...not to scare you or anything.

 

[Sasha]

lol, Thank you. I had originally wanted to get into Medical school so I've been mentally prepared for the hard work for awhile! I'm willing to work hard if it means I'll have a great job that's in demand, and can support myself

 

[alpayton]

OH girl........you just let me know if you need ANYTHING from me!!! I'll be hoping and praying for you sweetie!

You know some of what I've been thru for the past 2.5 years - so you know it's not a walk in the park....but if you have any true questions about ANYTHING, feel free girl....I'm here for ya!

 

[addictedtochins]

Congratulations! If I were in your position I might think about becoming a Physician's Assistant. You can make so much money seeing patients and assisting in Surgery.

 

[kaykay]

lol, Thank you. I had originally wanted to get into Medical school so I've been mentally prepared for the hard work for awhile! I'm willing to work hard if it means I'll have a great job that's in demand, and can support myself

Yeah, I'm in the Medical Assisting 2 year program but that's not a 1/4 of the hard work you'll have to do.

But it will totally be worth it in the end, still a high-demand in the job area. Let me know if you need any help with the basics.

 

[mapache315]

Good luck Sasha! I think you'd be great and probably even better as a nurse than a doctor with your compassion. Nurses get to spend a lot more time with people, and there is lots of room for advancement to become an APRN or a CNM (certified nurse midwife), respiratory nurse, etc.

 

[Sesame]

Good Luck Sasha!!

I'm in a similar boat with you, though I just graduated with a Bachelor of Science last year and decided to get some work experience/more in-depth research experience before I totally decide to cleanse myself of the world of research. I'm thinking about going to a 2 year program after I've saved up some money.

 

[Sasha]

Thanks for all the support everyone!

So I found out today, because of my poorly done Fall semester I will not get into the U of A program this upcoming Fall so right now I'm just searching on whether or not I extend my degree, or apply as a special student to take 5 more classes and get those marks up, and then just apply for January term. So just an extra semester.

I really have my mind set on U of A because I'm familiar with campus (never been to Grant), and because its 2 years vs. 4 years at Grant. Grant will take credit for my classes, but they cannot shorten the program so it's 4 years no matter what. Even if I have to take a whole extra year at the U of A, I'll still be done a year before as opposed to going to Grant.. so... I'm hoping this is the way to go. I got in touch with a wonderfully nice conselor at the Nursing Program at the U of A who is helping me out.

 

[Laurie]

Well personally I think you should become a nurse and move her to the states! More importantly Racine, Wisconsin. Yep that's exactly where I think you should be a nurse! I'd settle for Milwaukee even (not Kenosha though, I don't like their hospitals).

My mother was a nurse--it's a very under appreciated job. It takes a special kind of person to care for people Sasha and you're definitely one of the best and kindest people I know.