All Moved In.

What a busy few days. Finals and moving.

I aced anatomy and I think I did pretty well in biochem. :) I need all the A’s that I can get in my science prereqs. Right now, I’m looking at the University of San Francisco’s 2nd degree nursing program and it’s competitive! (Roughly 450 applicants for 40 spots). The program is for an Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN). After graduation, I’ll be applying for the same jobs as new grads with ASN and BSN degrees. The difference is that a RN with a master’s degree will move up the career ladder faster than a RN with an ASN or a BSN.

Since it’s a private school, USF is really expensive. This morning, before volunteering at the hospital, I went to employee services to get my annual TB test. The nurse (who has a master’s) who gave my the shot also gave me some valuable advice: for nursing, private school is worth it because they offer smaller classes and clinical groups and better opportunities to get all of the classes I’ll need. The nursing school process will be smoother and I’ll be done faster— at which point I can start working and earning money to pay off any loans.

Also, USF have reputable hospitals and medical centers for clinical sites— including UCSF and Stanford. A great way to get a job after graduation is to network during clinicals and apply for a RN job there after graduation. I had originally wanted to go straight for the NP (a post-grad certificate) but I realize it’s better to get the MSN and then go back to school for the NP after some experience. I wouldn’t feel adequately prepared as an NP if I didn’t have any clinical experience. Plus, hospitals usually have an employee tuition assistance program (i.e., the hospital would help pay for an additional degrees and certificates). I’ve also eliminated out-of-state schools from my options since I know that I want to work in the Bay Area.

For USF, I still need four more classes: physiology, microbiology, public speaking/speech, and developmental psych. I’ll be taking micro and physio (#1 on waitlist) next semester and speech and psych the following summer. I also plan on getting my CNA license this summer. I’m excited! Yay nursing! :)

In other news, we’re all moved in. Our new home has mostly hardwood throughout; and man, it’s cold! I’m walking around the house wearing a scarf, a sweatshirt, two pairs of pants, and tube socks over house slippers. And it’s still cold! I never realized how valuable carpet was until now. We have some area rugs but they just don’t insulate as well as carpet does. The hardwood floor is GORGEOUS (read: smooth and shiny) but it’s just so cold! We might install carpet in the bedrooms since mornings are rough. Plus, I usually do my large art projects (drawings and canvases that don’t hold well on my $10 easel) on the floor (on top of newspaper). I won’t even be able to concentrate on my work if I feel like I’m kneeling on ice.