Frustrations! Getting into school...

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Specializes in FNP.

I'm curious to find out if any of you have run across this...

I'm applying for an RN program in northern Minnesota/Wisconsin... so far, I'm waiting to hear from 2 schools, but I heard back from a Wisconsin Community College today, regarding a 2 year RN program, and their first opening was in June of 2007!!! No wonder there's a nursing shortage...have you run across this? How did you either get through the wait or get into the program ahead of the waiting period? Any advice? Unfortunately, there are only 3 schools (2 community and 1 private) that even offer nursing programs (LPN or RN) that would be less than a 1 hour drive...

Thanks!

Ann

I know exactly how you feel! With such a high demand for nurses, you'd think someone would make the process of becoming a nurse just a little bit less painful. If the steps to getting into a program aren't difficult enough, then there's the whole accessability and affordance issue.... especially for rural communities. I suppose sticking out the tedious, and some times irritating process of becoming a nurse really makes you realize that this is the profession you've got to do!

Wow!

I started in a Bachelors program, but quit that part way through to go LPN first. (My own reasons...)

Had no trouble getting in. Can you try something of that sort maybe? I mean, apply for a different program?

Best of luck to you!

Julie

PS If all else fails, you could move to Indiana..... :)

asummer, that is true for my area too, many of my friends are waiting to get into a 2 yr. RN program. The closest schools in my area are around 60 min. away too. I think a lot of students try to carpool if possible.

I hope you find something soon, I don't think this nursing situation will get much better in the future.:cool:

Originally posted by RNntraining

I know exactly how you feel! With such a high demand for nurses, you'd think someone would make the process of becoming a nurse just a little bit less painful. If the steps to getting into a program aren't difficult enough, then there's the whole accessability and affordance issue.... especially for rural communities. I suppose sticking out the tedious, and some times irritating process of becoming a nurse really makes you realize that this is the profession you've got to do!

Very good post. One would think that if there is a nursing shortage, the 3.5 students should have no trouble getting in to a program. The numbers of students wanting to get in to nursing are rising, but the number of students allowed in clinicals has not changed for many schools. I guess hospitals can only take so many clinical students at a time, at least that's what I've heard recently. :)

A less painful process would be nice too !!:eek:

I think a lot of it has to do with a shortage of teachers.

From what I understand, NCLEX rules say that no more than ten students, in the hospital setting, to one teacher.

I read an article in the newspaper a few months ago that talked about the shortage. This article said that the shortage was likely to continue until schools were able to offer more money to get more teachers into the classroom.

asummar----stick with it. It is worth it once you get in. Good luck to you.

(((Ann))) I'm so sorry...I know how frustrating it can be to realize your dreams and then have to wait for it...I think Subec hit the nail on the head...the long wait-lists are due to the shortage of Nursing Instructors. Thankfully there is no shortage in my area...Any chance you could come to Illinois?

I was in the same situation last year....The only advice I would give would be to apply to as many schools as you can. Goodluck with everything!

Someone posted here that it was easier to get into a program here in Indiana. I am just in my Gen Ed. Classes at Ivy Tech and have heard horror stories about getting a slot in a Nursing Program. The competition is fierce. Some advise I got was to volunteer, or become a CNA or an EMT and get some hours logged doing the job. Experience counts.

Teresa

Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU,.

wow, five years to wait for an opening! the area in which i live, that i know of, does not have a waiting list.

Many of the LPN programs in my area are filling up because people don't want to wait to get into an 2 yr. RN program. After the LPN program I think it's 3 semesters for the bridge.

I hope you find something soon, and yes, apply everywhere, keep us posted on your progress !

I used to drive an hour ea. way to my last college, it was worth it ! Exellent teachers and atmosphere.

nursezilla I'm in Indiana too. Also doing pre-reqs and general ed. I was just told that 700 people tried to get into my particular Ivy Tech nursing program and only 50 are selected. Each year you must reapply. Given those odds and the extreme high cost of state and private universities I'm not surprised at the nursing shortage. Well I may end up staying in the lowly paid field of Medical Assisting. It pays only minimum and no room for advancement tho. All this money for general ed. and such a slim chance of getting in the nursing program. I have been told that the state and private colleges do not accept anatomy and phy. I and II so I must retake them (very expensive) if I can pay for state or private college. I was also told that students who can pay 100% of the money up front at Ivy Tech can get in quicker (rather than pay each semester). We have a 1 in 14 chance of getting in the program. Don't think nursing shortage is going away. The problem is lack of school slots.

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