So frustrated and discouraged - kinda long..... - Page 2

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  1. Dec 1, '11 by
    Quote from Cuddleswithpuddles
    Hello flying_ace2,

    In my opinion, your experience with this school is not typical of the nursing school admission process. The process is indeed confusing especially since there are so many entry points into nursing. However, the closed-off nature you describe is not normal or acceptable. I may even go as far as to say that it is a sign of a poorly run school or a school that may not respect the challenges their students go through.

    The general tidbits of advice I have for you when it comes to the admission process are...

    1. If you are transferring to different schools, check with both the counselors of your current school and your prospective school. I have been misled by both at times but cross-checking definitely helped me. Your current school counselors may not have the most up-to-date information on outside nursing programs. The prospective school's counselors may not know what the best way to fulfill your prerequisites at the school you are currently attending. If your prospective nursing school programs have their own "in-house" counselors, even better. As you have already seen, going straight to the source (sometimes in person) gets you the best answers.

    2. Try to get things in writing. Ask your counselors for some sort of written plan of attack for the courses you need to complete, a copy of policies, procedures, deadlines etc. This way the whole she-said, he-said pucky can be kept to a minimum. If a school cannot produce clearly written guidelines for prospective students, that's a red flag.

    3. Consider delays a blessing in disguise. There have been many delays in my quest to become a RN but I took them as opportunities to gain more work experience, review on my own, meet students in the current program and get tips from them, volunteer and take care of my health. Ultimately, I would not have changed how my life has turned out. Timing was perfect because I made it so. I came into the RN program stronger and more confident than I would have been when I wished I got in.

    Good luck!
    Thanks for your kind response! I think that's a great idea to speak with councelors at both schools - now I have an appointment to speak to one at my current school next week, but, as usual, I can't get anybody on the phone at the nursing school. ARGH. I have gotten everything in writing from them so far, but they have not been able to produce a clear "road map" for their program - the only thing they have been able to give me thus far is a list of the prereqs I had to complete. They won't even tell me what their required pre-nursing classes are, just that I have to take them to be considered for admission to the nursing program! This stuff is obviously raising red flags, but I'm scared to just pass over this potential opportunity to get the BSN. I feel like it would be a mistake to limit my options by not even trying to get into this nursing program, but now I'm not sure, given the lack of professionalism and transparency in their program, that it's even a good school to start with. I don't personally know anyone that's been through the program, but I've talked to others who have a friend that's been through it. They've all said that the nursing program itself is wonderful, it's just the administration that doesn't have a clue. Regarding your tip #3, my boyfriend and I had a long conversation about that last night, and I think maybe this is all happening the way it's supposed to. It will be nice to have a break from school, and hopefully I'll get hired somewhere quickly and be able to save up some cash for when I am accepted somewhere. It would be nice to be able to see myself in a year or two and know that everything turned out alright!!!
    Cuddleswithpuddles likes this.
  2. Dec 1, '11 by
    Quote from glencovediva
    I very fortunate in that I had no problems with my nursing school, & I was a 2nd degree student who'd been out of school for several years. I graduated with my BSN in 2005. Originally I wanted to do an accelerated program, but a very knowlgable nursing school recruiter discouraged me from doing it. I was glad I took her advice. I heard those accelerated programs are tough, and not very many students are successful, especially if they have other commitments like work. Good luck
    I've heard this about the accelerated programs too, and I will definitely have to work while in school. I know that I'm capable of making it through such a program, but I would like to complete a two year option because I think the slower pace will allow me to really learn everything better and develop my skills instead of trying to cram in a bunch of information because the program is so short. Also, and correct me if I'm wrong, it seems like, after hanging around allnurses, established nurses feel like people who complete longer programs are more competent and confident than those who rush through nursing school (although they still have a LOT to learn )? I think that it's difficult to truly learn how to be a great nurse, and I'm not sure that flying through an accelerated program would be the best option for me.
  3. Dec 1, '11 by
    It really sucks you were given the wrong information which lead to you quitting your job to attend full time, geez. I guess the moral of the story is maybe next time you could probe for the information you need from SEVERAL sources? look online, print things out, speak to advisers, speak to the dean, etc. before you make another huge decision like that. but, what's done is done... it definitely sucks but I've experienced similar mix ups in my own school as well and don't think it's that uncommon. I had taken pre reqs for the part time ASN program at my school, and was told over and over by the same adviser that I had to take these 6 courses... turns out, that was for the full time program, and the part time program required 8 courses as the pre reqs... imagine my surprise when I tried applying to the program and was told I didn't have the pre reqs I needed! I would have had to take the courses to graduate anyway, so I just got it over with and applied to the program the following semester.
  4. Dec 1, '11 by
    A big part of becoming a nurse and getting the BSN is jumping through the hoops. That part of nursing school is as important for weeding out certain people as are the classes. How bad do you want it? Is there going to be pain? YES. I for one am glad it is hard..everyone wants the big time, but no one wants to pay the price. I know it is frustrating, but what are the options? Quit? Well..it is an option. Life is about choices and how much pain you are willing to take. If you decide not to do it is no big deal. It is your life and you have to do what you want to do. If it was easy everyone would be doing it.