Update...

Since my last post a lot has happened!

• I wound up not needing to have "the conversation" with my mom.  :) (I think she understands that I am serious!)
• I paid my background check and application fees.  I also received the papers for my drug screening and physical.
• I had my interview with the Program Director on 4/22/10. 
• On 4/23/10 I received a call letting me know that I WAS ACCEPTED TO THE PROGRAM!!!

Currently I am the 1st or 2nd alternate for the June class and/or I have a guaranteed seat in the September class.  I am praying that I can get in for June!

I have an appointment today 4/26 to finish my admissions/financial aid paperwork.  I have begun working on my physical.  I have had my TB test and need to go back and have it read today or tomorrow.  I am trying to gather all of my immunization paperwork.  I have already completed my drug screening.

Man UP

Today, I almost had the complete conversation with my mom.  She asked why don't I stay in education.  Then tells me she thinks I shouldn't go to the evening program.  I explain that I am chaning careers and I will be going evenings.  She just doesn't know that I'll be going in either June or August.  Looks like it will probably be August.  Hubby asked that I wait till fall to start.  Don't have a problem with that. 
I chose to succumb to a benadryl induced coma instead of finishing "the conversation" with mom.  I wussed out.  Next opportunity...TOMORROW!

Revelations...

I know that I am going to need to talk to my family.  They help me will my girls alot.  I will need them when school starts.  I start with my aunt.  I explain my thoughts, feelings, and actions.  She laughs at how I pulled it off.  She explains her concerns.  We respect each others opinions.
Still haven't had "THE TALK" with my mom.  I'll deal with it next week.  Tomorrow's my birthday.  Don't want the stress. 

Next week's agenda:
      1. Pay school fees
    2. Talk to mom.
    3.  Relax.Relate.Release! 

Clandestine Operation...

In light of the recent event, Operation TEAS is in full effect.  NO ONE MUST KNOW!! 
I call to reshedule my test.  I get a lecture from the person on the line about 24 hours notice, blah, blah, blah.
Now I must find somewhere to stash the kiddies.  That's where my cousin that has just moved back to town comes in.  I explain the ENTIRE situation and she helps out.  We have pulled off several TOP SECRET/G-4 CLASSIFIED operations before.  This one will be a piece of cake. 
I arrived for my test, take my test, and pass it.  I am feeling a bit SMUG about my silent victory!!
After recieving my test results, I sit down with my new admissions counselor and proceed with the next steps including scheduling my interview with the director of nursing and paying my application and background check fees.
Oh, and due to the stunts that caused me to miss my last test, I am now going to be wait-listed for June or I am be one of the 1st in the August class.


Side Note:
I know that I will need to let other members of my family in on all of this, but not today...:)

Mission...Derailed!!

Well it appears that not everyone is on board with me going to nursing school.  They say they are, but facial expressions, side comments, and alternate suggestions speak volumes!!
The day of my test, a bombshell is dropped on me and I  am being pursuaded to put off going to nursing school.  I allow myself to be convinced not to take my test today (obviously my lack of a response is taken as agreement...MUST.FIX.THAT! ASAP!!) 
Needless to say, after I think about it a while that night I am totally pissed and decide that as long as my hubby and kids are behind me that is all that matters.  I am taking back the control that I blindly surrendered! 
STARTING NOW!!
Step 1: Reschedule test!!

Test Day

Today (3/24) is the day I that I am scheduled to take the TEAS.  This is the test that I must pass for admission to the LPN program.  I have spent the last two weeks study and preparing for this test.
I am also chaperoning a field trip for my daughter's 3rd grade class.  We'll see how that goes!!

UPDATE...
We had to walk to and from the field trip site with like 5 3rd grade classes.  I am whopped.  I called to reshedule the test for next week.  The kids will be out for spring break and I won't have to worry about afterschool care.

Side Note

I should let it be known that I am currently enrolled in grad school.  I am about halfway through a Master of Science in Special Education program. 
Not feeling teaching...not feeling the MSSPED program.  At least not right now.  The way I see it, the LPN program is 12 months.  I can pick the MSSPED program back up after I finish should I desire to add more letters to my name/title. lol 
It makes to sense to use my time and money on education in a field that I am leaving.  Just my opinion, BUT it is my LIFE!!

The Talk...

I decide that I can't proceed any further in my LPN process without talking to my hubby.  I am not necessarily scared to talk to him, but I NEED him to know that I am serious. 

I find my perfect time to have his undivided attention-while he is in the shower.  There is no phone, TV, internet, or kids to distract us.  I am face-to-face with him and lay it all out for him.  I think he is impressed with my directness and says that he will support me.  His only requirement...that I finish the program.  You got it buddy!!  Watch out world, I am about to become an LPN.

The Beginning...

So, I am sitting here contemplating the current state of my career as an educator and am not pleased. I have been teaching for about 6 years and my heart isn't in it. I'd rather leave than do a disservice to anyone's child. Not to mention the state of the FL educational system.

Ok, first things first...find a school.  Sounds simple enough.  I begin my search online and find LPN programs at a couple of public (low cost) schools- Miami Lakes Tech, McFatter Tech, Miami Dade College.  I also find several private (career college=more $$$) schools- Keiser Career College, Dade Medical College, Florida National College and several others not mentioned here since I did not seek any information from them.

Being proactive, I strike out the next morning- 1st stop: Miami Lakes Tech.  I sit down with a counselor (he's really not a people person) and the information I need.  Not really feeling the school for various reasons, but mainly for condescending counselor (he was quite short and seem bothered by my presence) and the year long wait list.

As I am heading home from MLT, a rep from Keiser calls me.  I am literally driving past the school while I am on the phone.  He agrees to see me in as much time as it takes me to make a u-turn and park.  The couselor and I go into a small meeting room and he proceeds to gather a little background info on me (education, program desired, previous career, etc) then he proceeds to give me his pitch for the MLM business that he runs.  He lets me know that he'll be out of there in less than a year and that if I signed up with him I could use the money to pay for school.  (IS. HE. SERIOUS!!) Sales pitch concluded I take 1 of 2 entrance exams and pay for and schedule the second (TEAS) test. 

I head home feeling convinced that I have found the school that I would like to attend, despite the back-room hustle that the admissions rep tried to pitch. 

Step 2...convince hubby and family that I am serious about this!