Is it right or wrong to take this nursing spot?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

One of my good acquaintances said that she might get into nursing school this fall on short notice. They spoke with her and said she would probably get in for fall. I was really interested and emailed the nursing school. They told me that there might be a spot for me this fall and to come in and speak with her. Then my good acquaintance told me that she was under the impression that there was only one spot. The nursing school never told me this, but now it makes me worried.

If we are competing for one spot, and for some reason I get it and I take it, am I in the wrong since I found out about the nursing school in the first place from my friend? I don't even know if there is only one spot but I'm afraid to ask or even know. I"ve worked so hard to get to this point and it's such a great opportunity, I'm not sure what to think.

It's all hypothetical at this point, but if she's right, than ugh, not picture perfect situation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

All is fair in love, war, and nursing school. If you are offered a spot, take it. And don't feel guilty. If your friend says something, don't divulge any of your misgivings. As far as you are concerned, you will have no knowledge of the circumstances. How will you know if they just don't come to an independent decision that you are a better candidate for the spot? Don't talk about it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

Personally, I hate those what if feelings and the worry that comes with it. I'd just speak to the friend and tell them what I'm doing, have a heart to heart about how we felt about the competition and go for it.

Neither of you know how many slots there are and if you are both at the entrance stage to start classes, you are both competing for entry. This is common and you both SHOULD have your "eggs" in more than one basket because of fierce competition out there. What if a second or third slot opens and you just sat out the opportunity? I'd hope your friend wished better for you.

You both may face something similar upon graduation looking for the first job, or even if you work at the same facility and a good job is open for bids. I compete against wonderful co-workers whom I love for certain slots. We wish each other well, and celebrate our successes, even when one of us lost out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

I've competed with friends for jobs, on a couple of occasions. Sometimes I won, sometimes I lost. I agree that being upfront helps. I have always talked to my competition/friend as we were interviewing and said we would support the other regardless of the outcome. And we have. I have never lost a friend over a job. If you do, then was the friendship that true to begin with?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you are offered a spot, take it. Like the others said, you might be more qualified and you shouldn't feel bad about that. It's hard nowadays to get into nursing school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.

I would take it , but know that if you get it and she doesn't that friendship would most likely be over.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you have the chance then I think it is just appropriate to grab it at once. You should focus on your job and with your willingness to serve. Eventually people involved will understand that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

It is a competitive world when it comes to nursing school. Surely your friend knows that. Chances are even if there IS only one spot, far far more than just the two of you are trying for it. If you get offered it, take it. You will have earned it. If she gets offered it, be happy for her. She will have earned it. Grown ups don't need to give up friendships over this kind of thing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Be straightforward with her. Then, if offered, take the spot. Wonder what your friend would do if she was in the same dilemma. Take this opportunity.....or someone else will.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

It is up to the school to decide who they want to offer the spot to, not your friend. If you get it, take it. If you don't, then cast about for another school. Either way be gracious about it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Mom/Baby.

I'd take it...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

nursing school is very competitive. if you get offered the spot you should take it. however, you need to be realistic in that your friend may not be happy or supportive of you initially. you also need to think about how you will fee and behave should she be the one that receives the spot and not you. will you be happy and supportive? i am not saying that over time this will not pass cause it will.

i had an experience 14 years ago with my best friend. i posted for a job that she had not considered until she found out that i had and my reason for doing so. our company was going through a reorganization and to guarantee myself a spot in the new organization i posted for a job. when i told her this she posted for the job for the same reasons. we both were new mothers and wanted to be able to provide for our families. she got the job and i didn't. to say that things were strained would be an understatement. however, in time and not a lot of time we were able to move past this issue....today we are still best friends.

i started back to nursing school part time in may 2008 and she also started back to nursing school in may 2009. i would be lying if i did not say that i was glad that we would not be going for the same spot in clinicals. i am ahead of her by almost a year and for that i am thankful. just being realistic....there will be hurt feelings and their will be pain....you just don't know whether it will be her feelings or yours.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment