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Too many people trying to get an ABSN?



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Sep 16, 2009 10:18 AM

Too many people trying to get an ABSN?

by espo44

Hi all,
I'm taking my first 2 prereqs so that I can eventually apply to the ABSN programs at UofM, WSU, EMU and OU. I'm hoping to be able to apply for the Fall 2011 cohort at any of those schools. Anyway, I was in class last night, we were working in small groups and finished our project and started talking. I discovered that out of the 5 people in our little group, 4 of us were taking ABSN prereqs. And my heart sank. I honestly decided to go for the ABSN because I really want to help people, specifically in a medical setting. I am passionate about becoming a nurse. 3 of the people in my small group were looking for something with "more job security" which is a valid concern, but in my opinion, not the best reason to become a nurse. Right now I feel like I've decided to try and make this life change at a really bad time because there is suddenly an influx of people interested in nursing due to economic forces. But maybe everyone who starts taking their prereqs feels this way.

For those of you who have gotten into a program: Did you feel like this when you were taking your prereqs? And for those of you that are taking your prereqs: Am I nuts or do you feel this same worry? I will try very hard not to get discouraged because my heart is in this 100%, but if I'm being honest, I do feel scared that I'll go through all these prereqs (I have seven to take) and then not get a spot in a program. Ugh.

Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated!!

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17 Comments
No. 1
from esunada
Old Sep 16, 2009, 10:48 AM
Updated Sep 16, 2009 at 10:53 AM by esunada

Default Re: Too many people trying to get an ABSN?
Hi espo,

I'm in the same position as you - you can see that as good or bad, since I'm just another person to compete with in the pool But I think we have the same heart, because I'm not going into nursing for money and security as my #1 motive. I had a very secure, good paying job at a large and prosperous company that liked having me there.

I really believe though, that no matter how competitive it is, that we need to at least try. If we don't try we will regret it! I have 9 prerequisites to do and I quit my full-time job to become a part-time waitress so I could fit the classes in ( most were in the daytime and I wanted to attend the U of Mn for them). Waitressing has a few similarities with nursing in the way we work with a variety people, making sure they are getting what they need and want to come back, multi-tasking, so I like it.

We must be realistic with ourselves and understand that most of these schools only accept 20-25% of their applicants. If it does not work out for us, it wasn't meant to be and we will have to figure things out at that point in time. In the meantime, we try not to worry about the uncertain, and if we do worry, to commiserate with those who are in our shoes.

I wrote a similar question in the general discussion area if you want to read the posts to that, too.
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No. 2
from MySimplePlan
Old Sep 16, 2009, 10:58 PM

Default Re: Too many people trying to get an ABSN?
If you don't try to continue with your nursing goal, the world will keep spinning and those other 3 people in your group will have continued on and have secured a place in a nursing program, encountering a little less competition because you dropped out. They might thank you in advance.

Alternatively, who's to say they're the ones who won't place because you've nailed a spot, smart girl?

Espo44, if you really want to become a nurse, and it sounds as though you do, don't look right or left - just go for it. To heck with the others are doing. Nursing schools are developing new strategies to accept more nsg students all the time, so perhaps by the time you get there, more spots will be available. That's not my point, however. This is: don't let anything or anyone get in the way of your goal. Nothing.
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No. 3
from mariasmomma
Old Sep 17, 2009, 04:39 AM

Default Re: Too many people trying to get an ABSN?
I just started my ABSN program and I think the number of people going into this area has definitely increased since I was taking my prereq's. However, I do agree with the pp in that, if you really want this, BE FOCUSED. Do your best in these prereq's because all of the programs look at your GPA the most. Don't worry about others taking your spot, if you get top grades it is one less thing to worry about when it comes time for admission. Good luck and stay the course.
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No. 4
from musician's wife
Old Sep 17, 2009, 07:40 AM

Default Re: Too many people trying to get an ABSN?
Espo,
My dad always used to tell me "those who want it most will get it." And it's very true. Those of us who want into that program more than anything in life will get in because we won't stop. We'll get the grades needed, get the experience needed, get the help needed for whatever.... essays, advice... we'll go to multiple information sessions even though we're tired and don't have time. We'll have passion in our essays and a lot of extra "stuff" on our application and resume because we know there's more to it than just the essays and the prereqs.

There are hundreds of people applying for 50-80 spots. Even the best of us may not get in the first try... if we want it bad enough we'll go on and try for a second and third time if necessary. I don't know of anyone who hasn't gotten in by their third attempt. Most of my friends got in after their first or second application. Just keep a positive attitude all the way and you'll do just fine.
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No. 5
from jkb1999
Old Sep 17, 2009, 09:21 AM

Default Re: Too many people trying to get an ABSN?
Musician's Wife,
We are very much alike --very passionate about a change in our careers and a drive that will carry us through. I have always loved helping people, being kind and compassionate which is something the business world lacked. I believe that I will get in to the school where I am meant to be and I pray it will be the first try, but I know that this is out of my hands. I have very passionate essays, near 4.0 GPA in undergrad and 4.0's in the Sciences so far and both an undergrad and Master's degree. I too am concerned with the competition. Before I set forth on this path I truly believed that I was the creme of the crop, but I realize now that there are so many out there just like me! I am applying to U of M (as you saw in the U of M posting that you so kindly helped me with the Pharma course), U of D Mercy, WSU, and Eastern. I will also look into OU if I don't get in to any of these but they required more/different pre-req's so I would have to take some more courses. I am applying for 2010 cohorts at these 4 schools and OU would be 2011.

JKB1999
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No. 6
from John20
Old Sep 20, 2009, 08:42 PM

Default Re: Too many people trying to get an ABSN?
Don't worry about why other people are going into nursing. It's a competition and the best will get in regardless of their motives. Focus on being the best.

I'm one of the ones who went into nursing for the job security and ability to make solid $$$ with overtime and 2nd jobs. In this economic environment the number of nurses like me are growing every day. Ride the wave and fight like hell to get in.
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No. 7
from Anne36
Old Sep 20, 2009, 11:14 PM

Default Re: Too many people trying to get an ABSN?
I can certainly relate. I was in micro the other day and the woman in front of me said the same thing. She said that from the other students she talks to it seems like 90% are trying for the nursing program. It is the same way at all levels, from lpn to bsn. The community colleges are saturated with students trying to get in. They got rid of the waiting list and someone told me the new standard was a 3.75 which is an A- average to get accepted.

If this is what you really want keep trying. One of the ladies in my micro class is taking 2 classes over again she got a B before she applys for the nursing program.
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No. 8
from Lisa621
Old Sep 21, 2009, 08:27 AM

Default Re: Too many people trying to get an ABSN?
Hi-
I am in the ABSN program and yes it is competetive, however if you do well in your pre-reqs you will get into a school. There are a ton out there and each look at different things. There is also the ADN programs that once you finish can work and the employer pays for you to go and get the bsn. You have to be focused and you will get in.
Lisa
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No. 9
from espo44
Old Sep 21, 2009, 08:40 AM

Default Re: Too many people trying to get an ABSN?
Lisa,
Congrats on getting into a program! Can I ask which one you're in? Did you get in on your first try?
I think my problem is that I am taking the first 2 of 7 prereqs that I need and I'm putting so much pressure on myself that it's making me a little crazy. I know that I have to get A's in pretty much all of them to have a chance at getting into a program. (My undergrad GPA was bad. But it was 10 years ago, so hopefully that makes a difference.) And the other thing is, I'm not sure how to pace these prereqs. I know I have to ace them. And I have to work full time while taking them. and I have 2 kids. HA! So... Do I take the hard ones one at a time and not even think about getting into a program until Fall of 2012? Or do I take them 2 at a time and shoot for Fall of 2011? I've got it easy this semester because I've just got Nutrition and Developmental Psych. But next semester I need basic Chemistry and basic Bio. Do I dare take them at once? Is that a recipe for disaster?

Sorry for rambling. Thank you EVERYONE for the words of encouragement. I am going to focus and work my ass off. I KNOW I can do this! (i think...?)
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