Hey Mimi, Have you looked into Mt. Saint Mary's nursing programs? I recently applied to the ADN program at MSMC (www.msmc.la.edu). They have a few nursing RN programs. The ADN program is for working adults, evening and weekend classes and rotations; they also have an accelerated nursing program where you get your RN in a yr (if you already have your bachelor's) and a BSN program. I also know that Cal State LA, Santa Monica Community College have nursing programs available. I applied to MSMC ADN program this past month, the deadline was 10/1/04. The next application deadline is in april 2005. Hope the info helps. Adios, Norma G

Hang in there Kiddo, A&P was the hardest for me too....and If I made it, anybody can. Get a good grasp of it cos you will always need it! Take Care.

Hi Meagan, Fear not A&P IS hard, it is not just you. If it was not hard I would be concerned. It is a core building block so please study hard. Flash cards and study groups always helped me.I new a few students who found it hard so they only took A&P and maybe one other class such as Art/PE in order to focus on the class and lab. Feelings of concern is normal I am sure you will make a great RN Ann

I'm sorry that your family is going through this, Alzheimer's is such a cruel disease process. I wanted to add that you may want to speak to your sister about protective clothing for your mother since she is flailing her arms and having motor-coordination problems. There are medical supply companies that make slip-on padded underwear that could be worn over a disposable brief. The padding is in the hip area to help prevent a hip fracture if she falls. For her arms, there is a product called gerisleeves that your mother would wear on her lower arms/wrist area, like opera-length gloves but no hand covering. This helps to prevent skin tears, bruising, and abrasions. If there are financial concerns, a modified sleeve made from men's tube socks with one side of the toe area cut out can work. These can also be bought or made for the legs,too. Hope this helps, Rachel

Hi Katie.......... I've been a nurse (Associate Degree) for 30 yrs.It was not a big factor back then. BUT, if I were starting out NOW i WOULD not even consider LESS than a BSN . Anything less will absolutely limit you to patient care only. If you have any desire to advance from that into perhaps any sort of management position you will need a BSN......and if you think you might ever want to teach nursing at the college level or go into medical research you will undoubtedly need your Masters. SOOOOOOOOOOO, the decision is yours depending on how far you think you would like to go with your nursing. But I would absolutely advise you to go for nothing less than a BSN. Nursing and what you can do with it is very competative. And yes DEGREES do matter. At many hospitals they are actually starting to adjust the payscale up a little for degrees. But, with only a ASN you'll be a patient care nurse forever....you will be majorly limited as to what you can do. So, I'd weigh out what you think you might want to do with your nursing...and go from there. Hope this helps a little bit. Best of luck to you. If I can be of any further advice.......don't hesitate to email me. Huggs, Kathy