MT to nurse

MT to nurse [2007-11-13]
I have not finished school, so cannot answer NCLEX test, but you will have a giant leg up on other students when it comes to your anatomy and physiology classes as well as basic pharmacology. Not to mention, you already know the language, and they don't. It is because of my prior knowledge and the fact that I don't have to study some of the stuff as much sa others do that I am able to continue working while in nursing school with no problem.

MT to nurse question [2007-11-12]
This past weekend, I went and gotKaplan Nursing School Entrance Exams book, and while I was at Barnes Nobles, I looked through some of the NCLEX preperation books, and it looked a lot like the stuff we need to know for transcribing. For those who went from MTs to nurses, did you find it easier to pass the NCLEX test because of your MT background?

Graduate Nurse [2007-05-14]
Hi! I just finished the RN program at the local community college, and I I am 41 years old, am married, and have two children. I worked full time and part time as an MT during the past three years (my employer has been very flexible with me...probably because I have worked for them for about seven years). Be careful about thinking you can transfer your AP courses. At the institution I attended, they required that you take anatomy and physiology I and II again if you took them longer than five years ago. You really want to have all your prerequesites out of the way before you start your nursing classes. That I already had almost all of them done, but I had to take the AP classes, microbiology, a speech class, and this Choices for Life course. My parents were VERY supportive, and my husband did the best he could. During clinicals, we had to actually be at the facility ready to go at 6:30 a.m. Let me know if you have any questions.

Thinking about becoming a nurse [2006-08-25]
I have done medical transcription. I have a Bachelor's in PreMed but never went to med school. I have a one year old and am pg again. I am hoping to work from home but I keep hearing how hard it is to get into the transcriptions business. What I would like to know is since I have all the gen ed/ and most of the required courses that nurses need to take would I be able to go to school and just do the nursing classes and the clinical aspect of the programs. Also I have heard that there is such a shortage of nurses in some places that they will pay for you schooling. Is this true? Where would I find that information? I am 32 and don't know if I want to put us more in debt by returning to school!

Torn between 2 professions [2008-10-08]
Right out of high school I went into nursing school but never finished b/c of personal reasons. I then went into medical transcription and have been doing it for the past 5 years. I have always regretted not finishing up my nursing degree and am thinking about going back but am very torn. On the one hand as an MT I work from home which is nice because I have a 2-year-old and a 1-year-old. But, with the way things are going in the MT field, it is hard to find a good company, and if you do it seems everyone is running out of work. As a nurse, I am worried about not having as much flexibility with hours, as I would miss the time away from my 2 children but know that I could provide for them better finanically. I have been accepted into a nursing program and in 2 years would be an RN. Any suggestions, tips, just overall feedback. I could really use anyone's advice as I am really really torn!

2 professions [2008-10-08]
Definitely go with the RN. Much more job stability and much better pay. Many hospitals now do 12-hour shifts so you could work 3 days a week and be considered fulltime. If you did 2nd or 3rd shift, you'd still be home with your kids most of the time. My daughter is in an RN program right now and those were some of the things she considered when deciding her major. Also it would be a little tough to off-shore a nurse!

Working From Home? [2008-09-13]
I'm a RN who's owned my business from home for years now, and I'd like to connect with others in the medical field who own their own business from home... My background was: cardiac charge nurse certified medical auditor legal nurse consultant MT/MB public health education full time home based business You can email me or call anytime! Be Blessed! Linda/FCLS, CMAS, BS, RN

Anatomy and Physiology? [2008-07-11]
How detailed does a nurse I was looking at the Gray If I have to know all of it, I am not going to make it. Anyone have guidance here? THanks

getting into nursing [2008-06-26]
I was wondering, how hard is it to become a nurse in California with a felony record? my felonies are from 12 years ago and have lived as an upstanding citizen since. any info would be great as i do not wish to pay for the training just to find out i can't work. thanks.

Gerontology Question? [2008-05-14]
Can you just get a certificiate or Degreein Gerontology or is this just if you are a Nurse? What do they actually do? Thanks, BT

O.R. [2008-04-23]
I was wondering as an aspiring O.R. nurse, what are the corresponding tie in each vessel. For example, when do you anticipate a cotton 2-0 or cotton 4-0 thread? and all that. and whether such thread is possible to break?

HEALTH CARE CAREER [2008-04-15]
If a profession directly concerned with human service magnetizes you, it will be perfect for you to switch on your career in Health Care. Here you not only cultivate your knowledge on medical services but you can also share the same platform with the doctors other medicalexperts. The utility of Health Care in modern world is so urgent that your exertion for Health Care training will never go in vain. To know about Health Care you should run your glance on this article. Healthcare jobs are become the craze for many people. But they had an experience with a doctor, dentist or nurse that went beyond the call of duty and was inspiring in their personal lives. It is not necessary that they should excel in the sciences in school and project themselves to find a career which will allow them to focus on that branch ofknowledge. People in the healthcare field have a common trait: they are passionate to work with and help people. If it suits you, you might be absolutely perfect for health care training and education that pursues your dream of working in a health care profession. One convenient way is to take online classes. By attending the Internet classes, you can receive a quality education at your pace. From a wide variety of healthcare careers, you can choose according to your choice. For example, if you are biassed for a Patient Care Technician. This is a diploma program offered through accredited colleges, and after the training you can perform tasks related to hematology, phlebotomy and urinalysis. Your skills are very necessary to work in a hospital, extended care facility, a nursing home, or to participate in a home health care team.Patients, affected with diseases or injuries can benefit from physical therapy. You may choose to begin a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant. You can assist those sufferings to improve mobility, relieve pain, and restore function to patients under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. You can complete this program in two years and will result in an Associate's degree. If your choice goes for working with people and computers, you have to look into a degree in Health Information Technology. You need your computer skills to work in compiling and managing health information databases. People in this career can engage into the work in a wide variety of venues, including hospitals, insurance and managed careorganizations, and more.A related health care career can be fit if you are animal-lover. Youmay opt a career path as a Veterinary Technician. You will work under a Veterinarian's supervision to perform medical tests, treat and diagnose medical conditions in animals. You need an extensive training on anatomy and physiology of domestic animals, animal nutrition, animal nursing and large animal care, diagnostic imaging, and training in common labprocedures.There are a wide number of choices in health care for which training is available. Utilizing the ease and convenience of online courses from accredited colleges and universities has never been easier. With best regards Linda

You are so right. [2008-02-20]
I know this is kind of late to be entering this conversation. But I just had to chime in - as another nurse. Sure, nursing offers opportunities (particularly if RN as opposed to LPN). Either way, it is a field that can suck the life right out of you. I nuch prefer MT even though I earn less. Good luck to all in their chosen professions.

Nursing is very versatile [2008-01-28]
Around here you can get into nursing programs at community colleges that integrate the LPN portion right into the RN portion. There is only one program, but if you want to stop at the LPN level (which is a 1-year diploma), you just stop at the appropriate time. If you want to continue onto RN, you just keep taking classes until you have your second year finished (for the associate's degree in nursing). Of course, you can go get a bachelor's degree in nursing. However, you are still only able to take the RN boards and will be at the same level as an RN as far as legality goes. Some employers place a premium on the bachelor's degree. Some of them require that BSN degree for charge nurse positions (in hospitals, not long-term care) or management. The BSN is designed to prepare one for postgraduate learning. If one wants to be a floor nurse starting IVs, participating in a code, assessing Homans sign, placing NG tubes, charting, etc., go with a 2-year CC. Be forewarned, though, that there is more paperwork (or computer work) than you would ever think possible in work as a nurse. Another thing--I haven't met anyone that likes nursing clinicals, so keep that in mind, too. You will spend a good portion of your nursing school in these clinicals. Nursing clinicals are nothing like actually working. They are valuable for some aspects of nursing care, but you will learn most everything on the job, just like with MT. Good luck!

Depends [2008-01-24]
on whether you are going to get an AA degree or a BSN. Depends on your area. Just go out to the college and request a catalog. There should be a place in the catalog that will list prerequisites. There you will find what you need. Some programs do ask that you have completed all your sciences before you are accepted or declined. I doubt you will be declined because of the great need. Why do you want to be a nurse? Think about it and talk to some nurses and they might share with you things you should consider before doing this. I am one and choose not to work as one anymore and would rather transcribe and know five others like me. Have you considered checking into Allied Health careers? Radiology technicians, Sonography (they have a pretty good day, spend quality time with their patients, and make good money). Explore all areas of health care before you make your decision. If I were going to start over I would probably go to medical school (I did not want to move out of my area back when) or see about requirements for PA-C. Being a nurse is a real drainer and requires total commitment and endurance beyond anything I have ever done. All nurses who work in acute care and extended care are going to heaven. Don

Nursing homes have office jobs [2008-01-04]
That will keep you hands off but will allow you to have contact with the elderly. You wouldn't have as much as the nurses and CNAs especially. Some nursing homes also use environmental aides who make the resident's beds, pass the ice and water, and are basically the rovers but not hands-on caregivers. THere are also laundry people and dietary personnel. No matter what department you work in, you learn every resident and what they are like. I certainly wouldn't laugh at someone wanting to work in nursing homes who don't want to get their hands dirty. I respect anyone who goes into that area of healthcare. I worked in nursing homes myself and had a good time with it. (That could also be because I met a coworker nurse who later became my husband.) This is what you do--first you go to the Medicare.gov website and see the results of state surveys of local nursing homes. If there are too many deficiencies, stay away. Then you go to some nursing homes and immediately smell the home. If it is heavily perfumed or smells strongly of urine, walk out. Then you look briefly for the annual state survey. By law, it has to be prominently displayed. If you can't see it and no one will tell you where it is, you walk out. I've done that with every nursing home job I've had, and it works well for me. Then you go from there and get yourself a job. Good luck!

There are things to do [2007-12-31]
Nursing homes around here use social services personnel who are not licensed social workers but rather people who have some on-the-job training to do the social services assessments. It's a job that avoids the hands-on aspect. I was a CNA and now a nurse but haven't been practicing for a couple of years. I don't do puke either. (I learned to do poop.)

In a quandry; RN vs MT [2007-12-18]
I am 47 years old (I see from below that I am an old hag :)) and looking to change careers. I if it comes to taking care of my family (4 children 13-6), we will do whatever it takes. In order to maintain our lifestyle, recognizing that I appreciate and recognize good grammar, enjoy a challenging job, and require a job that allows me to work at home, I've been looking very seriously into the MT field. If I pursued this option, it would be with a certificate from either Andrews or M-Tec. Reading the various MT boards, however, I am quite concerned about the future of MT, both in pay and job opportunity. And then, at the same time, I am heartened by the enthusiasm expressed by IC the detractors seem to be just as common as the enthusiasts. Further adding to my quandary is the trickle of nurses moving from RN positions to MT. I would enjoy the solitude of being an MT and am highly self-motivated. I believe I would enjoy oncology, L not necessarily the blood but the pus. I am also concerned about bringing disease and sickness home to my family. So, my current plan is to train with M-Tec or Andrews for a year, obtain my certificate, work as an IC and keep an eye on the nursing field. If possible, I might be able to continue to MT while in nursing school should it prove possible. I am also considering the fields of Radiation Technician and Surgical Tech. The reason I would prefer nursing to RadTec or Surg Tec is due to the travel available for traveling nurses (although I understand MedSurg would require at least 2 years of experience before I would be able to travel nurse). Any thoughts?

Nursing has come a long way. I was just not going in the...sm [2007-09-01]
right direction. My first job as a graduate nurse paid $2 an hour in 1964, $79.50 a week. When I left nursing in 1986, I was making about $8-9 an hour, much different than today. I could make more as an MT or most anything else. Now it has reversed. I am just too old to start over again, and that is OK. The 2 professions are very closely linked in a way. I have always had the thirst for medical knowledge, and, to be happy in any profession, you need to have that thirst.

nursing [2007-07-16]
NO, but I am in my mid 30s and considering it. My sister is a nurse and they way I look at we both have many years before retirement. I was looking at taking a bunch of online courses.

If you're doing this for a better salary.......sm [2007-05-08]
please direct your efforts in another direction. Nursing is not a field to get into just for the money. You have to want to be a caretaker, or you will be miserable inside of 2 months of taking the boards. I transcribed my way through nursing school. I had wanted to be a nurse for my whole life but fell into transcription and it was a good job for many years. When transcription started going bed, I took the opportunity and ran with it. Many in my RN class (including me) took the LPN exam after 3 semesters, then worked as LPNs while we finished the RN courses. This may vary state to state, but where I live you can do this. You can get a Baylor shift job at a nursing home (work 24 hrs per weekend, two 12 hour shifts, and get paid for 36 hrs) and this really helps -- both with expenses and with clinical experience -- as you continue with your schooling.. Good luck -- just make sure you're doing it for the right reasons.

RN [2007-04-19]
I finished my prereqs in February. I just found out last week that I passed the nurse If all goes well, I will be starting the nursing program in October. I say go for it. Ia hard road to travel but in the long run it will all be worth it. Good Luck

nursing [2007-04-16]
I was working as a CNA 32-hour weeks and going for my RN prereqs Mon through Fri. I too wanted to get my RN as fast as possible for the salary aspect of it as opposed to bridging over from LPN. In retrospect, I wouldn What I observed watching the RNs really surprised me. I saw paperwork taking precedence over patient care and the nurses were becoming madder and madder about it. We CNAs were doing more and more of what nurses used to do while they unhappily sat with the paperwork.We barely made a little more than minimum wage while they got the big bucks. We knew the patients better than they did. The patient load per nurse and CNA was too high because of nursing understaffing. What kept us going was the fantastic feeling you get when you help someone who is suffering. The job has to be done from the heart primarily if you want the best benefit of it. When I saw how frustrated and disillusioned the nurses were because of all the red tape for the slightest thinginstead of patient care, and how they were run ragged because of understaffing,I began to look intotranscription as my main job with CNA on the side because I truly do love hands-on care.On someaccounts, I make more per hour doing transcription than an LPN with a lot less hassle. RN might pay more at first as opposed to transcription, but the burn-out rate is high these days and the constantshift changes can do a real number on you. There-- I think itturning to transcription and she quotes their replieswhen asked why. You might want to check that out.I agree with what they told her. You might also want to try doing CNA for a hospitalbefore you make a major leap.Donyou your information -- get in there and try it youself for a while and see if it is what you want. You may thrive on itor you may hate it. I found that on the jobwas SO different than what I was being told in school.Talk to the nurses themselves. They aremore than happy to share their thoughts with you and give you advice when they have the time. As for the respect factor of LPN to RN -- where I worked the nurses were very supportive of anyone who did this, as that is how many of them became RNs.While there were some power-plays at times, all in all it was like a family. If there was real trouble in that regard, I never saw any. As a matter of fact, I was advised by the nurses to do the LPN first and bridge over because I The only nurses I saw who were not liked and respected were the lazy ones who just wanted to take breaks and leave as much of their patient care as they could to the CNAs. Good luck to you whatever you decide! We sure need more dedicated nurses!

MT to nursing [2006-12-05]
Thanks! Yes, she could, but stepfather is very bad; she only leaves for brief periods to go grocery shopping. I believe that instead of going back to the hospital, she will becoming a visiting nurse for the state, they have contacted her frequently.

the main advantage to being a CNA is if you work at the hospital where you want to be hired later [2006-09-26]
as a nurse. Of course the experience is helpful, not only with patient contact but also learning time management in the hospital environment. But I wouldn't work for less just to be a CNA. At our university (Northern Illinois University), the CNA thing is not required. Also we do not take any tests like the NLN for admission. However, with only 70 students taken out of 1000 applicants and a 100% pass rate for NCLEX, I don't think it's hurting them...

Did you have to take the CNA/SNA course as a [2006-09-21]
I am taking it now, but was wondering if this is going to be a new thing. In my area you cannot be a nurse intern unless you are on the state registry of CNAs (or SNAs depending on where you are I guess). The pay is less than I make doing transcription, but I am wondering if it would look better for me on my resume years down the road once I graduate to maybe make a switch and work as a CNA instead of a Transcriptionist while I finish school? Any input? Thanks in advance.

so true. except for the men in nursing who [2006-08-26]
statistically make more than women already. Pi**es me off. One was quoted as saying something to the effect that nursing salaries will go up when women get serious about the job and stop taking time off to raise babies. Anyway, my plan is to get my BSN, then work two years (or less) while saving up some money to live on while I go for my Nurse-Practitioner degree...Now that's something I think I could enjoy!

the PA program here was 27 months. [2006-08-04]
this is on a full time schedule, with 1-2 weeks off between 8-12 week sessions. It's a master's degree. The Nurse-Practitioner degree, on the other hand, is 5 semesters, with some on line courses, and can be attended full time or part time. It's made for people who work. One thing of note, the NP program has a government grant, if you go at least 9 semester hours and 6 semester hours in the summer, they will pay your tuition for you-- we need more nurses, ya know.

no difference in Assoc and BSN [2006-07-22]
I am an RN so you have to ignore the spelling. I have worked in La. and Az. No difference in pay. I do have my BSN just because I had another degree and it was not much more time to get it over an asscociates. If you get tired of staff nurse and want to go into management then you need your BSN. So while you are in school, if you can afford it, I would say just go for the BSN at that time. I also know several nurses who went back later and got their BSN through online courses (a little scary) but one or 2 good online courses out there.