In Her Own Words: A Nursing Student's Story

45 Comments

How will your BS help you in your accelerated RN program?

I believe my BA will help me in my accelerated RN program because I majored in Biological Sciences. I believe a biology background is a good base for what I am about to learn.

What did you have to do to get into nursing school?

To get into nursing school, I had to complete prerequisites that Samuel Merritt College requires such as Human Anatomy, Human Physiology and Microbiology. I have to complete all the prerequisites required before this summer as required by the school. Along with courses, I have to do the application process, take the Nurse Entrance Test and get letters of reference. For the ABSN, I had to have a Bachelor’s degree.

What sort of work (paid or volunteer) have you done that you believe will help you in your quest to become a nurse?

I interned for one year as a Clinical Care Extender at a hospital in Oxnard, California. It was a demanding program that allowed me to experience multiple areas of the hospital including med/surg, mother-infant units and labor and delivery. As a volunteer, I offered support to the nursing staff and did what was needed to make the patient’s stay a little more enjoyable. In order to get the most of the experience, one had to be proactive, assertive and not afraid to do things that ordinarily would be unpleasant. I also learned a lot about the nursing profession in the process. It was a wonderful experience that was fortunate to have.

Is there a nursing specialty you are interested in? If so, how did you become interested in this field?

Yes, the nursing specialty that I am interested in is Labor and Delivery. I became interested in this field also while interning at the hospital while in college. I love the intensity and excitement of delivery.

Do you have any advice for others who are considering nursing?

While preparing for nursing, especially for the program that I will be attending, it is important to be completely focused on the schooling. The ABSN program it not easy and it requires complete dedication. I will not be able to work. If one is interested in such a program it is important to make sure one is truly prepared and able to adjust. If one is not able to focus completely on school and not work then this is not the right program for them.

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heathermarie

almost 5 years ago

14 comments

Your are a great example! Good luck to you!
jackrich9

almost 5 years ago

52 comments

Good for her.And I think she had a good decision.Keep it up gurl
armstrongcj

almost 5 years ago

7268 comments

How inspiring. best of luck
armstrongcj

almost 5 years ago

7268 comments

How inspiring. best of luck
tamelaejohnson

almost 5 years ago

2 comments

wonderful
vwoods

almost 5 years ago

130 comments

There are many ways of getting a nursing education. I was lucky. Even though I make too much money (if you call making $9 an hour too much money.), to get grants, there are school loans you can take out to acheive your dream of becoming an RN. Also, if you can't get loans, just as long as you have "paid a little" on your classes, you can still take them, in some states. I had to drop out the first time, because of health issues. I went into renal failure, and put in the hospital for 4 days, which eliminated me from my classes automatically. I had to be put on chemo for 6 months, and I have not given up on my dream of becoming a nurse. It has been 2 years since I have been in a NURSING classroom, but have gotten an Associates Degree in Medical Office Administration. I got that while I was on chemo, but now going back to Nursing School. I got accepted the first time applying back to the program as well, so if it is a DREAM of yours to become an RN, don't let ANYTHING hold you back. I am not letting my health issues hold me back, and I still owe thousands of dollars in medical bills. I start my RN classes in a few weeks. I can't wait to be able to call all of the wonderful nurses here on nursing link colleagues.
DonnaN1

almost 5 years ago

2 comments

I have been an LPN for over 40 years. Worked in all aspects of nursing. Have attemped to get my R.N. 3 times. I always had to drop out because of finances, with straignt A's, Why do I have to go to school for longer than someone with no experience or knowledge of nursing. Something is wrong with this system.
Poochie

almost 5 years ago

2 comments

To China 40
I have been in nursing for over 6 years now, You got a crappy teacher sorry. My teachers were drill seargents. Nursing school is tough and seems overwhelming just stick to it don't give up. No matter how much you learn in class it never compares to what you learn on the job that is where you really are going to get ur experience. I work now in Critical care and I love it compared to floor nursing you have to find what you like. As far as your car there is alot of money to be made in nursing you will be fine I banked 65k in 10 months took off 2 was pregnant.. Good luck don't get discouraged it will pay off. IF you can do some kind of summer internship as a nursing assistant in a major hospital in critical care units you will learn a lot investigate.
china40

almost 5 years ago

6 comments

my name is mary and i to attend an accelerated lpn program in indiana.my biggest fear is am i being taught what i really need to know going that fast and if not then what could i do about it. I know my school is accredited but some of the teachers at my school can't seem to be able to explain the class so students can understand. I went to the dean and expressed my concerns as well as other students needless to say she still is teaching i have only 30 days oer course which i have to pass it or you take it over plus pay for it again .I paid off my car because i canh't work . i just pray that i made the right decision in going this route so far i have not failed and i get a's and b's good luck to you i want to specialize in forensic nursing
rehabrn

almost 5 years ago

2 comments

Congratulations!

As a graduate of an accelerated program, I can tell you, you are doing the right thing if you're not working. Some people in my class did work, but it does exact a toll on you--on your grades or your health or both.

I worked for 15 years before I decided to go back and get my BSN and now I'm working as a rehabilitation nurse with spinal cord injury patients. I love it. I can use my other degrees in nursing and I look forward to a long, fruitful career, even if I never go back for another nursing degree.

Use every skill you have. There are so many opportunities out there for you if you have RN after your name.
KiwaniaH

almost 5 years ago

2 comments

Congradulations Erin! Your story is very inspiring for me, and it really makes me push myself even harder to achieve my goals of becoming a nurse. I am currently in an accelerated LPN program, upon graduation I will be enrolling in Indiana State Universities Online LPN-BSN Program. Things are diffucult at times since I work full-time and communte an hour from home-to-work-to-school, but since I can remember I have always wanted to be a nurse; I'm determined to stay on track and hopefully I will be a nurse soon.
zcrub85

almost 5 years ago

2 comments

I would like to know whether his program of Daniel is online degree after his biology course since I am a grduate of BS chemistry already. Pls reply. Thank you . Cina
christmas31

almost 5 years ago

2 comments

I think that is a great move for you since the desire to serve people is their and their is no greater reward than to help people in their time of need and know that you have some how impacted someone else's life. Keep striving to meet your inner passion. I am doing the same, striving to meet my inner passion as a RN- to specialize in the OR.
Account Removed

almost 5 years ago

Great story. Good luck Erin. Us "young" nurses are on the move. lol
latoyadg

almost 5 years ago

14 comments

Hi Erin! Congratulations and i wish you the best... Your story caught my eye because we have a little in common. I attended the University of Southern Ms and achieved a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in May 2008. I will begin nursing school in Aug 2008 (ADN-RN program). I originally wanted to be a nurse when i started college but i ended up changing my major after applying and not getting accepted into the program twice. I must admit I did get discouraged but i hung in there. I finally got accepted and hopefully in a year or two i will be a nurse. I commend you for not settling and continuing your education. Im sure you will do just fine in the accelerated program. Best wishes girl!