tired of sitting back and watching my

if fluid coming back then [2007-08-28]
the valve is open; might be just the position of the dog or tube, and the pneumo might be resolving. Can't say I have ever suctioned a chesttube on a patient. It is either to gravity with water seal or wall suction thru the water seal which creates a low constant suction. don't know if this helps any.

tired of sitting back and watching my [2007-08-12]
livelihood slowly disappear day by day. I have to do something. My mistake was not completing the program years ago when I first started it. Now I have to start completely over because they only go back to 1994 and my previous classes were taken in 1990 and 1991. If I only knew.....

I'm going back to get my PA actually. I'm a year in so far. [2006-07-28]
l

MT2RN, I'm back in school full time at 47... [2006-07-11]
I think you will get the hang of studying again as your brain gets adjusted to the frying pan. It IS tough, no doubt about it, but this too shall pass and I think your life will be far more stable and interesting as a nurse than as a medical secretary somewhere. Don't give up! You have a great opportunity in front of you. Just get on the escalator and don't get off.

Do you know if there's a time limit?..sm [2008-11-11]
My ADL 3 semesters were a good 20 years ago, although I've worked in the health care field since then. Re. Excelsior College, when it was known by another name (namely, University of the State of New York) I was enrolled in their external degree program and finished all of the written exams and only had the 2-day clinical to finish, but somehow didn (This was in the late 80s). I had called Excelsior a while back, didn

QUESTION..NEED ADVICE (DOUBLE BIND)..SM [2008-11-04]
Question:Anyone know of state (will go to ANY in US) ... that will let me sit for the LPN boards with Equivalent Education, ie, an Associate Some 20-somthing years ago, I dropped out of an AS program (RN)... intending to return. At least, I get at least my LPN take it from there. But, as of last June, my state I was counting on being able to do that, work as an LPT while getting my RN in the meantime, probably online or so. PROBLEM: All programs I Can Even external degree programs like Excelsior College require LPN or Military, etc. to enter. (My neighbor, Connecticut, allows sitting for the LPN boards after 3 AS semesters provided 1,500 hours of actual clinical experience are met. My 1-1/2 years, or 3 semesters, fall about 250-300 hours of that requirement, so I can I can neither can I take the last semester of the AS program. Is there a state where I would qualifty to take the LPN boards with the 3 college-level AS semesters I have, which NY no longer allows? I Any knowledgeable advice would be appreciated. Isweat shop hog for pennies. I'd even return to school for a few months to get any required courses I might need. I am desperately search for an answer... any ideas? Need to get OUTTA HERE now.

I guess I'm the odd person out here. I left the nursing [2008-10-15]
field (LPN) to do MT work. I loved nursing school and everything about it, but when I got to the real world of nursing, nobody cared if you did your job well, everybody just wanted it done in a hurry. Going back to nursing would be a last resort for me.

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!

Home Jobs For Money [2008-06-16]
Throughout the worldwide online home based jobs are becoming very lucrative for people to earn the extra money apart from their scheduled work. And the demands are also increasing very rapidly. If you are interested to shine your career there this article will help you alot. If typing on a computer makes you comfortable then this may be for you. Here is a work which can serve your satisfaction an easy work at a home job if you feel comfortable on the computer. If you are efficient to type at a good speed with accuracy, this can be an easy dependable source of income. Today’s technology with the tools available like spell check, grammar check etc., makes it a lot easier. Even it's possible to earn over $40 per hour with these types of jobs. The potentiality in the data entry / Medical Transcription arena is in an enormous demand. Many companies worldwide that outsourced data entry. Many people are happy with the earning of $1000 - $3000 a month additional income. This level of income surely demands that you should have a detail understanding skills for data entry programs. You need to research the Top programs and first time throws youself in a chance.Some people may think that after joining an online program the money will start flowing in. In reality, at the first time it never happens. For them data entry/medical transcription is absolutely hopeless. You should look for the legitimate data entry / transcription programs available in the market. One simply needs to opt the field by choosing from the best programs available with a money back guarantee. In this field you have the protection if it does not work out for you. It is not very expensive to get started in one of the programs so the risk / reward is very good in my opinion. Here are the steps to guide to getting started: 1. Review the detail on Home Based Medical Transcription Programs2. You should sign up for an online Transcription training program ormake it sure that the program you help you to progress.3. Stop the choices to 1-3 programs4. searching for a program with a money back guarantee 5. Use your charge card if possible for protectionWorking from home it is important for you to remember that you will have to do some work for which you won't get paid. Many people transform from a day job to a home job, but they should have the self-discipline to work from home. Only you know if this is right the opportunities for you are available to make your career higher from your expectation. With Best Regards Kathy http://www.mtbillingpoint.com

A few things (sm) [2008-06-13]
First I It was either that or Health Management and I'm not interested in taking business classes. Second, how about setting up your word autocorrects as mini-expanders?

I agree [2008-05-27]
You're right when you say there is no greener grass in healthcare. I was burned out 5.5 years ago with transcription so I went to school to become a respiratory therapist. Guess what, now I'm burned out doing that, too. The politics in the hospital setting is unbearable. Patient care takes a back seat to all of the politics. I'm willing to at least work casual doing RT work just to keep my credentials and so that my hard earned education doesn't go to waste. Just be aware that most healthcare fields nowadays are not cracked up to what they say. I don't want to discourage you, because patient care does have its rewards. I just wish you luck in whatever other field you choose.

I say go for it, but this is NOT the only [2008-05-19]
Wait until you get into that hospital setting. There are more office politics than there is care in a hospital setting especially since they get paid per hour and NOT for production. JMO. There is no greener grass in healthcare, so if you are really tired of MT, then go for it, but don You will not make as much as you think and many times there are way too many bosses if you catch my drift.

The last straw... [2008-05-17]
I have begun to realize I'm sick to DEATH of medical transcription, as it's the only profession I know where you're punished for being fast and accurate, held back, obstructed, etc. Now my company has announced we have to go to company computers and NO WORD Expanders will be allowed on their pristine, sanctified virgin computers. I've always been wistful about nursing. I'm 58 but would like to keep working at least another 10 years. Wondering if there would be any hope for me to get into an LVN (LPN) program at this late date. Pros: I care about people, especially elderly and disabled, been doing MT for over 20 years, and would like to work among human beings, not locked up in a room all the time like Rumpelstiltskin trying to spin straw (BS) into gold. Cons: Horrible with math (maybe 6th grade comprehension at this point) could I possibly pass entrance exams? Anybody ever made this transition at such a late date and with such drawbacks?

you'll be fine [2008-02-05]
you i just went back last year for RN with associates. i have 4 kids although older than yours. school schedule still allows enough time to get in full time MT work. i work ic so no set hours. 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

Don't exactly agree, but sort of do [2008-01-24]
because when I got my degree I had to take organic chemistry and that has lots of math and was definitely difficult for me, but I got a B anyway (looking back, that is a good grade, but at the time I cried and felt like a failure - funny how time has a way of changing the way you perceive things). You are right about changing your attitude - it can work if you believe in yourself and get a tutor. Worked for me and can work for anyone who wants to learn.

old hag looking into nursing - kat [2007-12-30]
I just turned 40. I had been in the nursing program 13 years ago. Didn't finish due to family problems and subsequent divorce. Oh how I wish I had. About a year ago after raising a couple of kids through infancy and preschool and elementary I on a dwindling MT salary I started back taking prerequits. I was told I had to retake a few classes (A and P 5 year shelf life) and they had added few others (Pharmacology, Lifespan Development, and a Chemistry with a lab). So Passed the Nursing Enteract Test (NET) last spring. Got onthe waitlist and 2 more prequistes to take. (second half of anatomy and pharm). I hope I will be in the program next fall. I have no idea how I will be able to swing finances for the next 2 years while in the program. I am hoping to continue MTing part-time, get a few loans/financial aid, and family help. I am not 40 and wonder if I am absolutely crazy. But as the sole supporter of 2 boys (now 15 and 9) I really need to make a change. Mt just doesn't do it anymore. We barely make the bills anymore.

Go for RN - sm [2007-12-25]
After doing MT for nearly 20 years, it's a dying profession with all of the technological advances. I used to have a fairly flexible schedule but now I am a slave to my job. It's harder and harder to make decent money and I don't see that improving. I'm going back to school now at 40 to become an RN. The long term plan is to get some experience and then go with a traveling company a friend works for. Pick where you want to go, decent money, and I can travel with the husband and kids.

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?

Don't be expensive [2007-11-26]
My husband and I have found that for most purposes, the regular old $17 cheap stethescope was good enough that you most likely have in your college We have a Littmann hanging around here too, but the cheapie is still the one we fall back on when we are taking blood pressures around here around the house(neither of us are practicing nursing right now--we have to entertain ourselves somehow).

Excelsior College in NY doesn't [2007-11-26]
You can be admitted there to the RN program since you completed more than 50% of your RN program regardless of the fact that you don't have an LPN license. Otherwise, I don't know about sitting for the LPN exam. My RN program had the LPN built right into it. I had to stop out at the end of the LPN portion because I had a baby. :)

CHANGE IN LICENSE REQUIREMENTS?? pls. advise [2007-11-21]
I attended AAS (RN) program quite some years back couldn always wanted to got back. But you were still able to sit for the LPN exam if you had completed 3 out of the 4 required AAS (2-year program) semesters. I always intended to do that, at least I figured I could always sit for the LPN boards. Now it seems, as of 6/1/07, in my state (NY) you could no longer do that...you had to graduate from an LPN program. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THIS IS TRUE IN THE OTHER STATES? I could take the exam in another state. As it stands now, I Anyone know? Pls. advise. Thx.

nursing vs MT [2007-09-30]
I would say that fiancial reasons are a good one to consider a career change. I hate when people get high and mighty and say people should not consider RN for the salary. Look when you make cents per line for years and make less and less each year a decent RN salary looks pretty darn good. However, I do understand you have to have an appitude and ability to handle patient care. But with the MT job market such as it is is it no wonder people are looking for other fields. Itfields, particularly ones that cannot be outsourced overseas - such as RN or any other hands on type of career. I think that salary is a motivating factor - an enticer, but people should research and go into the field of nursing with eyes openand know that you will be doing more than just collecting a paycheck. If you think you can handle what is entailed in nursing, nursing school, etc go for it. I am taking my prerequistes right now. As a single Mom the salary is a big factor but I also am quite aware of what I am facing and have a true desire to help people and not just in it for the money. I also am in it for the job security. With over 10 years as an MT I have had too many jobs go overseas or watched the line rate get less and less with each passing year. There is no security in this field. I too enjoy transcribing. I like my job - but the field doesn't like MTs back and the hospitals all outsource and most services are just interested in their bottom line. It's just time to get out.

Stopcock device use [2007-08-25]
Are there any nurses reading here that can reassure me about this device my dog has? He had a pneumothorax, and they sent him home with a chest tube. The vet and tech can always get air into the syringe, but hubby and I can't get it to work. We screw on the syringe, change the position of the lever to open it, and pull back on the plunger, but all we can ever get out is some bloody fluid. I know tissues can shift around and block the tube, but always to us and never to them? CJ is very cooperative, lying on his side and not moving. He's such a good boy.

older but wiser [2007-08-13]
I am in my mid 40s and have completed all my prerequisites for the nursing program at my local community college. Now I am just sitting on a waiting list. I was a litte nervous about making such a huge leap at this point in my life, but I feel my future as a MT is limited. I am doing the same work I have always done and yet each year I make less money. I figure once you have that RN behind your name there will be a great many opportunities available. Most people do not think beyond working on a hospital floor, but there are other options out there which I think may be more suited to my aging body! Bottom line for me is if I have to work 15 years or more, I want to be doing something that fulfills me and allows me to support myself, and MT no longer does this. Good luck in your future whatever you decide.

old hag looking into nursing [2007-08-12]
I am another. Although donold hag tag. I am 39, soon to be 40. I have 3 more classes of prerequistes and then on to the nursing program. while I have some reservations about transferring to patient care after being in profession with no patient care contact such as MT. However, I feel confident Nursing has a much better future than MT and I am willing and dedicated to making this career change work for me even though there will be obvious adjustments and lots of hard work required. I too worked as an MT as a single mom for the past 9 years. I too am tired of working for pennies. When I started out as MT I could make 14-16 dollars an hour as a newbie. I did start at 10 per hour as a trainee but after trainining I made the above-mentioned, which wasn yet QA nitpicking you to death on dictators the best Transcriptionist would struggle with. You are lucky to make a decent livable wage. While nursing has it's on unique challenges and I am sure problems, at least you are considered a professional and paid accordingly - not peanuts or by the line... I would encourage single to continue into nursing.

tired of sitting back and watching my [2007-08-12]
livelihood slowly disappear day by day. I have to do something. My mistake was not completing the program years ago when I first started it. Now I have to start completely over because they only go back to 1994 and my previous classes were taken in 1990 and 1991. If I only knew.....

just saw your post... [2007-05-04]
I just started back to school to become an RN. I also have an associates degree from years ago. I am taking all the pre-reqs now and will apply to the program in Sept. I am going to get my associates degree (again), but after you work for a year as an RN, you can return to get your bachelors on line. I am in New England and an RN starting right out of school starts in $20s. If you do not like the fast pace of a hospital or getting lost in paper work, you can always work in a clinic. I Hope you are too! Good luck.

I used to work with someone.... sm [2007-04-16]
....who was going to nursing school while working full-time as an MT at the hospital where I was working at the time (she worked 10 hrs/day Fri-Mon). She said that she was very strongly advised NOT to do LPN and then RN, but rather to go straight for the RN. I don't remember exactly why....I got the impression that once you work as an LPN, it is hard to come back as an RN and get the respect you deserve. But I could be wrong about that - you probably should talk to the people at the school where you plan to go, both students and faculty. Have you ever worked in a patient care situation before? It can be pretty intense. If you think it is something you want to do, go for it! And good luck.