Is 8 Years Really So Long?
I guess the answer to that question depends on the context. Eight years can seem like the blink of an eye to a parent, but can seem like forever to a teenager. When I think back to what I was doing 8 years ago, sometimes it seems like only yesterday the Hermit and I were shacking up moving in together in the tiny town of Hopedale. And yet, 1999 was the last century and the Y2K bug was going to destroy all mankind.
In 1999 I graduated with my AS in nursing and, after much fear induced dry heaving caused by the NCLEX exam, my RN license. I was, and still am, proud of what I accomplished when I graduated. And I love nursing - once I figured out that nursing was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life (and if you're of the opinion that nurses are merely handmaidens, go read that Wikipedia entry on the NCLEX to see what we have to know just to get licensed), I couldn't wait to start. Whilst it has been a joy to stay at home with Her Majesty and Clive, I miss nursing. It's not a just my job, it's part of who I am.
As you may have read, I spent a lot of time the other night - and indeed since then - trying to reach someone at my former school to get more information about my nursing classes there. It seems the Queensland Nursing Council wants more details before it agrees to give me a license here. I don't fully understand their reasoning but I'll hold my tongue for now on that subject. The good news is that I finally reached a real person - huzzah! The bad news is I may not be able to get what I'm looking for.
I knew the nursing program was undergoing some class changes the year after I graduated, but the department has undergone so many reorganizations and have so many new instructors that they may not be able to find any information from "so long ago". It's only been 8 years - is that really so long? There is still one instructor from my time there, and the person I spoke with will discuss my needs with her (I left a message with her as well) to see what they can come up with.
I suppose the worst case scenario is that my license application is denied, and I must complete my Bachelors degree here in order to get licensure. That's not quite so awful as it sounds, as I've already taken 6 of the 8 classes I need and I've taken them here, but I'm sure I'd have to undertake clinical training as well and that's something I haven't done.
So keep your fingers crossed for me. I'm due to have a little good luck come my way.
8 Witty Remarks:
I am so glad you finaly reached someone. I do hope they can get you what you need.
Finishing the last two classes and getting your bachelors isn't such a bad idea though. You really do seem to love nursing and from everything I know were very good at it. Not that I can understand it totally. I still get that queasy feeling looking at my foot. The day Dr Jed took out the stiches I got woozy, and forget about watching a needle go into my arm for a simple blood test. I have a lot of respect for the people who can do this stuff, but I couldn't do it.
Anyway, while you are waiting to see if you can get what you need from the school, check on when and where you could take the courses. A night away, or a few hours during the day, would be good for you. And the degree would be great to have.
....and the prior suggestions that you enroll Clive in daycare, might be worked out to coincide with a class schedule. Two problems solved at once, eh?
Go for it Moose. You're a damned good caregiver, both at home and on the job.
Make it work.
It's refreshing to hear someone who's passionate about the field of nursing. I work at a college that has a BS Nursing program. We're always recruiting students and it's disappointing to hear so many kids coming out of high school that have weird misconceptions about what the profession is all about.
Is there anyway you or someone you know saved a course catalog from 1999? That would probably provide a lot of the information needed. The college may have some copies in archive in the library.
Hope it all works out for you.
8 years is not that long, those records, even if the department was revamped should have been kept and sotred somewhere. I've never head of anything like that.
And if you have to go for finishing it up there, pain in the ass consdiering you've already done it once, but if it gets you to your goal, then go for it. That and who knows how long it will take you to get those records.
I still say that it's insane that they are havingproblems.. almost sounds like it's time for another revamp, only now of policy.
Good luck!
I have the utmost respect for you, Moose. While nursing is something I've been interested in, I just don't see myself doing it. It's that whole sticking someone with a needle that freaks me out. I felt so bad when I was in hospital for 4 days - my nurse on the surgical floor had to call in a nurse from oncology to come get my IV started. No dice - they had to leave it for anesthesiology. I'll send you the pic that shows what anesthesiology did to me. I've given up audiology - I'm 30+ CEU's behind and I need to have started my Ph.D/AUD this year. Nevermind the fact I haven't practiced in the field in eight years. Now it's a matter of what will I do for my next career. I've thought about teaching or speech pathologist. Hmmm....time to check child#1 and how the homework is coming along and find if child#2 has fallen into the toilet. I can hear him singing.
I hope your school will work with you and get the info Queensland Nursing Council wants, but it's good you are OK with taking the classes if you have to.
:o) Elizabeth
That's crap that it's been "so long." I went back to college after 15 years and they were able to pull my transcripts no problem. For a small fee or course.
Wow. Nursing. Something I could never do, so I bow down in awe of you, the Nurse Goddess. Truly amazing. I hope you get this all sorted out!
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