[Freedom42]

The next time someone questions how tough it can be to get into nursing school, how about gently replying that, gosh, it wouldn't be so tough if the questioner were willing to pay more taxes. That way public universities could get the funding they need to pay nursing professors competitive salaries and to educate more students. That should end the conversation quickly -- or give you a chance to help someone see what's really happening.

Most people don't understand that there is no shortage of nurses, only a shortage of good nursing jobs due to bad working conditions. And they don't understand that there's a terrible shortage of nursing instructors that is driving down educational opportunities for those who are willing to work under those conditions. All they know is the superficial story the media tell them: Nurses (supposedly) make big bucks and can get a job anywhere they want.

Personally, I think if nursing organizations were to embark on a major image campaign to educate the public about what nurses really do -- instead of what they do on "Grey's Anatomy" -- we'd have a better chance at getting adequate funding to get more people into nursing programs.

Of course, it'll take a major crisis for people to realize what's really happening.

[roxxy3773]

Jessica you are too funny- and I love your kermit picture!

[stpauligirl]

Originally Posted by nynurse2be

Anyone else getting this response from out-of-the-know relatives/co-workers/neighbors? I feel like they think I'm lying when I say the program I applied to has almost 450 applications for 25 spots. They look at me like I'm making it up!

Same here...last week I ran into a neighbor and she asked "are you STILL in school?" ( I've been working on prerequs for a couple of years and will be finished in May, then off to praying to get accepted into nursing school) most people have no clue what it takes and that you need to do prerequisites before applying to nursing school...doing the prerequisites is one thing and getting INTO and COMPLETING nursing school is another, most don't understand that you have to APPLY to nursing school, that you can't just go to nursing school....some people just don't get it!!!!!!! So don't feel bad, I get the same look all the time.
Keep going, give it your all and good luck to you in the future, remember you have friends here.

[CHATSDALE]

just smile and consider the source, hopefully you will land a spot in a good accredited school

about the nurses shortage i
if they think it is bad now just wait about 10 or 15 when a large number of baby boomer nurses cross the aisle from giving care to needing care, there will probably not be a significant increase in physical facilities,classrooms, lab etc so where will the increase in nurses come from

[MB37]

I met an RN the other day - just finishing up her BSN bridge at the school I'm applying to - who attended nursing school immediately out of high school, was 17 when she started, and 19 at graduation. She actually asked me essentially that same question, and was very surprised that the school she is attending requires such a high GPA (3.7 ish for upper division, 3.4 for 2nd degree) for acceptance. Now, she takes her bridge classes online and doesn't need to be familiar with USF, but she was also surprised that we have prereqs now, because she didn't in 1981. She works in HIV/AIDS research, and maybe doesn't come in contact with a lot of students...it was weird to me that she was so unfamiliar with the current sprocess.

[traumaRUs]

I am not a big proponent of government infringing on education. However, realistically, you must pay more in order to entice MSN and doctorate level candidates. I would like to teach clinicals but I already work 55-60 plus hours per week and can't take on another job. And...I still owe >25k in student loans and I just can't take a pay cut.

[GeneralJinjur]

I always give the short answer, "A nursing shortage means fewer nurses teaching." So far everyone has comprehended that on the first try.

[RNfromMN]

Originally Posted by traumaRUs

I would like to teach clinicals but I already work 55-60 plus hours per week and can't take on another job. And...I still owe >25k in student loans and I just can't take a pay cut.

And that's another part of the problem! Why would anyone want to go to school another 2-4 years to become a teacher to make the same amount of money (or less) than a practicing nurse? I've seen a few nursing instructor salaries & they are just ridiculously low.

[JeremyNursingStudent]

They just did a News story on our local news about that. It is said to be the most in demand job by 2015. They said the shortage would be over 340,000 and there are over 100,000 students that get denied each year because of lack of instructors.

Jeremy

[DaughterofRuth]

Originally Posted by catzy5

the "family, friends" who tell me I am adding the pressure to myself because I "feel" I have to get A's <eye roll>. I repeatedly explain over and over that I don't "Feel" I have to get A's I HAVE to get A's for the program I am applying too, I am not some over achieving psycho killing myself for A's I just want to get into the program and its how they choose, and there are 300+ other people trying to do the samething for 12 spots so ya I am giving myself too much pressure.

oh don't even get me started hehehee.

Yeah, if one more person says "A C is a degree" I'm gonna lose it! A C doesn't even get you in the running to have a chance for a degree!