[504NURSINGDUDE]

My friend is a brilliant prenursing student at Delgado. She has fantastic grades but panics each time she faces the thought of one standardized test that decides her entire future. She tests extremely poorly and keeps waiting for Delgado to admit her into nursing school. During her wait, she attended OLOL and, after applying to the nursing program, was told that they recieved her application fee but somehow did not recieve her application. She is starting to lose hope.
I am urging her to consider using her associate credits towards a four year institution. I need to know if she would face an another multi subject test such as the one at Delgado or any other obstacles. Someone who has always wanted to be a nurse and has the intelligence to make the grades in school deserves a chance. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

[NOLANURSE2b]

There is really no way around it. These tests are in every college. The key is to buy a studt book like the National League of Nursing, or soemthing called the TEAS. They are available at Barns & Noblw and Borders. You may also find them at the Delgado Book store. There are "like" questions in these book. You do the practice questions and you practice.... You get this book in advance and you break it down into chunks and you practice, practice, practice... Regardless of where she applies, she always needs to verify and follow up that people have her paperwork- Delgado is good for losing paperwork- never turn in originals (unless you have too) and always keep copies...
There is also another book called the Fundementals of Nursing ...its really helpful as well.
I was an A student with my pre-reqs. I also have worked full time thru out my entire time at Charity... I no longer make A's.. and very few people do.. Nursing school is very hard work and requires a commitment... You sacriice your time by studying all the time... Some say, "the C is the new A at Charity" I'm not trying to scare you, but once you are there, you realize that you can know material back and forth and until the cows come home...but it all about how you did on "the test". My point is: that a test grade is not a reflection on how well someone knows material, or how well they can execute skills... Everyone has off days, and everyone has brilliant moments when it comes to testing...

I believe that Delgado requires the Teas test now... and most all other schools require one test or another.... You must complete this test prior to consideration..and also know that you generally put your application in 1 whole year in advance at the school because there is such demand to get in. If you are missing any one of the 4-5 requirements needed-(even if you have your application in) they will NOT consider your application.

For the most part, I believe that what you have described your friend "going thru"- could be any other nursing student at Charity now... It has happened to all of us. And there is hope... as one of my instructors recently said, "The best way to eat an elephant is to take small bites."

Delgado being a 2 year school is great... you can get the Associates and become an RN - get a job and let your new employer pay to further your education. You can always do the RN to BSN or the RN to MSN at LSU... you need to find out all of the available options that you may have and then make a decision that is good for you. talk to others, use this board, go to the career fairs (Delgado/Charity-just had one this past Friday with all of the reps from area hospitals). Ask questions...and take things one step at a time....

Good luck