Is the universe trying to tell me something????

SouthernStudent · Dec 3, 2010

Here's an option to consider - I'm considering it myself - get your LPN first, and then take an LPN to RN bridge program while you are working as an LPN. Check your local technical high schools to see if they offer an LPN program. In my area in Central FL, the two technical high schools that I am considering are basically first come first serve - so I don't have to compete against a bunch of people for limited space - I just have to apply and wait until the next class starts up.

If you wait to get into a traditional two year or four nursing program, you may be waiting forever - as you have already found.

RN2B12 · Dec 3, 2010

Thank you all so much for your responses. I'm going to try to answer all of the questions. The first school I applied to (with the pre-reqs), it's only based on the pre-reqs. I got all A's in those classes, so I cannot retake them. As far at the D in English for the second school, I have retaken it and got an A, but since I failed it twice before that (even though it was 13 years ago, and I repeated it in 2003) I'm ineligible to apply to that school. For the third school, I need to apply a year in advance. I just got the denial letter for next Fall. I am registered to take the A&P 2 lab that I was missing; however, the requirement is changing and now I will need to retake A&P 1 as well. The problem with that is the school won't let me retake A&P 1 at the same time I am taking the A&P 2 lab. Keep in mind that I have completed both of these courses with the labs and go A's and B's, but they are 5 1/2 years old. I just feel like the odds are stacked against me. I know it will happen eventually, but I'm 31 yeas old, and a stay at home mom. I have a ton of school debt and nothing to show for it. The longer it takes to get accepted, the old my classes are, and the more classes I need to retake (and pay for again). I guess I'm just feeling sorry for myself. It sucks to see less qualified people pass me by just because they have taken fine arts and I haven't (just an example). I do have a LPN program near by, and I am looking into that. I don't want to take the long way, but if that's what it takes, then that's what I'll do. The prize is still the same, no matter what path I take. I want this so bad, and I want it even more each time I get denied. Thank you all.

RN2B12 · Dec 3, 2010

Please excuse the typos, I have two children running around like little crazy people. :)

Vivi · Dec 4, 2010

31 y old is still very young. My advice, is to be patient, and rejoice for the other people, who got in, even if you feel it should have been you instead. No need to feel bad about yourself or others. What counts is the present, not the past. Take everything as a blessing in disguise, and that's what it will turn out to be.

I think it would have helped me to start as an LVN or a CNA first, rather than directly as an RN where you have to apply critical thinking while jumping into various clinical procedures, etc...

I could be wrong, but I think it may be easier also to find a job as an LVN, especially in psych for instance, rather than as an RN? You also have an opportunity to learn more gradually. As a CNA, you learn to do a lot of basic needed procedures, which are not necessarily obvious when you start as an RN. You get an opportunity to learn from other RNs onsite, experience relating with patients, make work connections, see how a unit atmosphere is, and it also looks good on your application later on to get accepted as an nursing student.

You may want to take a class in Spanish. If you're bilingual, it usually improves your chances of being accepted.

Relax and visualize yourself smiling and holding a letter of acceptance from a school that you like.

greenfiremajick · Dec 4, 2010

No, it just means you'll be the one with the most appreciation and understanding for how wonderful it is you got in...And there's something to be said for perseverance...........

Is the universe trying to tell me that nursing is not for me? I have applied to 3 nursing programs over the past 2 years only to be denied each time. I have great grades, lots of science pre-reqs, and really good entrance exam scores, yet I keep getting denied b/c of stupid reasons. The first school denied me b/c I had not taken any classes there. I was told that I would never be accepted there b/c I did not take any classes at their school, and that I could not re-take my pre-reqs b/c I had already got A's. The second school denied me b/c I got a D twice in a general english course. I got the two D's in 1997, stayed out of school for a while, went back and ended up with a 4.0, but that doesn't matter b/c the two D's make me ineligible for admission indefinitely. The third school denied me b/c I am 5 points short on my profile score. I scored a 50 when I needed a 55. I am missing 5 points because I was unable to enroll in A&P II lab b/c all of the labs were full. There is a serious lack of science lab availabilities at the school that I attend. The worst part is that I have already taken both A&P's with the labs (and got A's and B's), but they are 5 1/2 and 6 years old; therefore, they will not count into my admission score. I feel like it's one thing after another, and there are people getting into these schools ahead of me who have low GPA's and low test scores. I talked to someone who was just accepted at the last school to deny me, she has a 2.7 GPA and got a 72 on the entrance exam. I have a 3.75 and got a 92 on the entrance exam, but b/c of those A&P's being 5 1/2 and 6 years old I didn't get accepted. I could understand if I didn't have the grades, but I do. I feel like something is telling me to pursue other career options. Thanks for listening.

RN2B12 · Dec 4, 2010

Thank you both, I appreciate the responses.

Up2nogood RN, RN · Dec 4, 2010

You are not anywhere close to being too old! Your perseverance will pay off. I didn't start my pre reqs until I was 32 and didn't want to wait around for years so I got my LPN license than went on to an LPN-RN bridge program. It took me the same amount of time nursing school wise but cost twice as much. I had a few co-workers when I was a CNA put my decision down to go that route but now I've been an RN for 2 years and they're still CNA's and haven't been accepted into a nursing program yet. Good luck with whatever path you choose!

madfowl · Dec 6, 2010

I literally just had a discussion with my husband 1/2 an hour ago about going into nursing. He hates seeing me come home exhausted, tired and dealing with backstabbing ******* all day. Dont do it hon, it is not worth it.