Question for Nurses

Dear J.,
I have been a nurse for 30yr. I went back to school as a single mom with 5 children under age of 12 to 3. It was very difficult, but the best decision I ever made. I love nursing and it truly benefitted my family. I love children, too. All my children are successful, despite a bit of dysfunctionaly upbringing. I would also, advise,if it is possible to spend as much time as you can with your children, to guide them and love them during their growing up years, if poss. (the one regret that I have) But, I think you can go to school while your kids are in school. One organization that helped me a lot,(if it still exists) SOAP- students older than average; recommendations on getting your houshold orgainized for allowing study time, class time, etc.
Be sure to carve out special quality time for children, and your spouse if you are married too.
Depending on how much education you have, you will need a BS to get into nsg sch. Check with local universities or community colleges for requirements and programs, Discuss with your family.(I got LVN first, then went back for RN, but I think it is best to go straight for your RN.) Set a date, and go for it. You must be determined and dedicated, but the time will pass, and you and your family will be happy for you have chosen a very rewarding career. good luck!,
C.,BSN,RN

J.,

I have been a neonatal nurse for 10+ years, if you want the scoope good and bad email me and I can give you my number as I am more willing to talk then type.

K.

I have been a nurse for 6 years. I work in a trauma ICU and have my entire nursing career. I went to community college to get my associates degree as an RN. Then I started working and finished my bachelors degree online. I went to school in Colorado. I don't know how it works in TX. Some hospitals and departmnets require you to have a BSN. I would suggest calling some HR departments at hospitals you would want to work and make sure that you could work in Neonatal ICU with just an ADN before you go the community college route.

Hi J.,
My name is S. and I've been a nurse for 8 years. The college of your choice that has a nursing program, is where to start. Go there and talk to the school counselor about your course plan. You definately want your RN to work in neonatology. You can get either a bachelor's degree or diploma, the difference is 2years for diploma and less chance of advancment into management later in your career, or BSN which is 4 years and more opportunities. NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE IN PAY! If you can work and go to school most hospitals offer tuition reimbursment after a certain amount of time of employment. Get a job in the unit you would like to work in, if possible as a nurse aid or even unit clerk, just to get a feel for the place and staff--you may hate the atmosphere. Once you graduate you will try to get into an intership at the NICU that you want to work at. GOOD LUCK, I hope I was helpful! There is a severe nursing shortage, so you can be picky about where you want to work once you get out! , S.

Hello! I have been a nurse for 12 years. I am not a neonatal nurse but had considered it while in nursing school back then. Are you a nurse already? I decided not to be one because when I finished my rotations in pedi.it was too depressing to me to see all the sick babies that I did have to see. I would suggest shadowing a neonatal nurse, if you already are a nurse before accepting a position. B.

Another neonatal nurse here, had over 10 years of experience before I quit. Do you have a degree in anything? If so, UTMB in Galveston, and perhaps some of the nursing schools in Houston, have a program to get your BSN in a shorter amount of time.

Hi J.,

I have been a nurse for 4hrs. I must say that becoming an RN has been the best decision I have made for my family. Nursing school is very competitive and HARD! But if I could do it I am sure you could too. I would suggest going to your local college and find out about the classes. I went full time and finished with my associates in 3yrs. If you don't have to work that would make it so much easier. I would suggest getting the associates degree first because there is really no incentives to getting a bachelors until you have enough experience to go into management. I was a Level 2 Neonatal nurse for two years and I loved it. I also had experience in the ICU. Now I am working for a Nursing Agency making $43/hr +401k! Let me tell you it is sooo worth the hard work for you and your family. I hope this info is helpful and encouraging. Please let me know if you have anymore questions. I would be glad to answer them.

C. J

If you have a BS or BA degree already, UTEP (and I would imagine most of the UT schools) have a BSN Fast-Track program. You would go full-time for 15 months to get your BSN.

Here is the contact info for UTEP's program:
Stephanie M. Glover, M.Ed
BSN Fast Track Program
UTEP School of Nursing
1100 N Stanton Suite 409
El Paso, TX 79902
###-###-####
____@____.com

Hello nursing is a great career. You start as a cna then work ur way up to lvn and rn. Alot od commomity colleges have short classes about 2year to get ur Rn. good luck

Are you an RN now? If not, you have to get your RN degree. There are many community colleges with great programs. Many hospitals offer an internship to specialize in an specific areas. I am not a nurse with a lot of experience (I just graduated in May 2006), but I can tell you it is a rewarding career. The demand is high and you will love your job if you find your passion. (I am still looking for mine)