Highly motivated pre-nursing now getting discouraged

U.S.A. North Carolina

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Specializes in Goal: MSN in Women's Health/Family Pract.

Hi everyone,

I'm getting discouraged and it seems my allnurses silent lifeline might be able to help. As many others, I have been reading posts for months looking for general advice and enjoying the stories. It's my turn to tell mine and ask for help, support or maybe just a knock on the head.

I moved to Raleigh about 10 months ago. My husband and I were expecting our first child and things were looking tough up North. I was able to transfer, we put the house up for sale and hoped for the best. The house still has not sold but he moved here in December. That's another story that is causing me stress and probably why I'm so discouraged now. I just need one thing to work so I'm trying to focus on school.

My sad school story in a nutshell. I was raped the summer before freshman year at an Ivy League school. I didn't report it right away because it was a distant family member. Keeping that secret for many years caused me a lot of trauma to say the least. The relevancy now is that it deeply affected my grades and after 2 years I was kicked out. Second, it also gave me a new goal in life to work in a field that benefits women and children.

I have taken a long route to get to where I am today with many attempts to go back to school. I was later diagnosed with ADHD, which also explains some of the difficulties I first had in school. As things stand now, I have about 90 completed credits, not all very good, in business and women's studies. My pre-reqs are good though. I just finished A & P II with a 96% and am finishing Abnormal Psych with a 95% so far.

I am limited in my school options due to financial restraints, schedule and previous grades. I don't really know my overall gpa. My last gpa was 3.12 but was lowered due to a class I forgot to drop (ADD kicks in) and I got an F, that does not include my 2 current classes.

I was really motivated with the 2 classes I was taking, getting good grades, working full-time, being a mom to a baby and a teen. But this last week, I'm drained, I can't sleep, I keep thinking about the possibility of a foreclosure on our other house, on how I will continue to work and go to nursing school and most importantly that it doesn't look like I'll get into nursing school this Fall. My Ab Psych class ends too late and I'm still not a registered CNA in the state. Durham Tech requires this by June 15. This means I have to wait another year with nothing to do but wait. I'm almost 40 with no degree, no potential of getting one soon, 90 credits of nothing and deluding myself into thinking that I'll get in to any nursing school, let alone every getting into Duke's MSN. I have no idea how I would even pay for it but was hoping to do the 2-year commitment.

I have one more week of psych and am trying really hard to finish it with an A. I'm just so discouraged. I don't really like my job but am very grateful for it. It just gets harder and harder to come in when I'd rather be working in a hospital or better, being a nursing student. I don't even know how I'd do clinicals and work full-time in the day but we need my paycheck and I'd figure I'd worry about that later. I just want to get into nursing school. I want to feel like I'm moving forward, finally getting a degree in something I love. I guess I'd make it through another year. It's just that today, this week, I'm tired and feeling hopeless.

Is there any hope for Fall admission to Durham tech? I'm only missing the CNA and Net test but I'm sure I'd do fine on it. I was planning on challenging the CNA but it doesn't matter since I missed the deadline. I thought maybe I could do an LPN but it seems like a waste since I'd only be accumulating more credits and not really saving any time. Any advice from anyone? Thanks for reading.

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NCPhoenix, you're like me in some ways in that you're thinking too far ahead and it sounds like you're having a bad day (I had a really bad day today myself). But I think you'll be fine.

As I tell my daughter sometimes we need to just breath and get re-centered again...

Let me tell you... I feel your stress - - the possible foreclosure, the caretaking of the kids, the trying to work, trying to prep for nursing school and trying to just be the best you PERIOD. But just try to continue doing your best. You were blessed with gifts and you are proving that one can go through something as horrific as rape and still pick their head up to try and live the best life.

You say you're near 40...well I'm near my mid 30s. Some of my dearest friends are in their 40s, 50s and 60s. Together we can support each other. Uplift each other. Encourage each other to push through life and do this nursing thing if that's really what we want to do. What I'm trying to say is that I am having the career and age doubts too and I feel like, more than ever, my life is a mess and not at all in the ideal situation to take on going back to school for nursing. But the one thing about me is that I persevere and I want you to do the same thing.

As for Durham Tech's ADN program, I actually went to their nursing orientation seminar tonight. The deadline to be registered as a certified nursing assistant was June 15th for all those who wanted to enter into this Fall's program. However, Fall 2009 admission for their program is closed anyway and there are no more spots (sorry). So all those interested should plan for Fall 2010 entry. I have other details so you can PM me if you like and I can tell you more. I took notes.

But anyway, I have to put my daughter to bed. Please keep your head up and keep on plugging away with your courses. I think the recent course work you're completing will speak volumes to the admissions folks wherever you decide to apply.

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Specializes in Goal: MSN in Women's Health/Family Pract.

Hi mommyonamission,

I love your screen name - thanks for the support. :loveya: I'm sure my post sounds whiny - I haven't read it again but it's probably best that I don't.

I spoke to Psych teacher too and she said pretty much the same thing you said. I'm almost done with the class - 2 more papers by Monday and that's it.

I also went to the Durham Tech info session and have accepted that I won't get in until Fall 2010. I still need 2 more things before admission but even if I got them done in the next few weeks, they're full... I was also thinking that it's just not the right time. Since it's not quite in my nature to back off, this is a subtle way of making me wait for my own best interest. I'm not sure what I do for a year. I think they changed the psych requirement from Abnormal (what I'm finishing) to Developmental so I'll take that. I think I'll also take Nutrition, even though it's not required, it's a good class to take. I'll take the CNA I and maybe work in that part-time to get experience.

I'm actually making more $ now that an entry-level nurse would make so if I can, I'll save for the next year so that I can afford working 1/2 the time for 2 years while I do nursing.

Anyway, you were right - bad day. :urgycld:

I got a better night's sleep and headache mostly went away; woke up early and will continue my own mission. I can study for the NET, which is the last thing I still need to do and be ready for what's to come.

I'm also planning to check out Wake Tech, they're just further from me plus I get the impression that the Durham Tech program is better with higher NCLEX scores from their grads. What did you think about the session last night? Have you looked at Wake Tech?

As for the age thing, I'll get over it. There were all age ranges there last night - plenty older than us. There was one woman who must be in her late 50s/early 60s. They certainly gave me hope. Did you see the young woman that kept asking questions and gave the summary of different admissions criteria at schools? She has two Master's degrees - one in Health Care Administration - and was planning on starting a PhD. I usually socialize and would have asked her what her plans are for the future but didn't get to it. Just curious about her thought process. Anyway, thanks and keep in touch.

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Hi mommyonamission,

I love your screen name - thanks for the support. :loveya: I'm sure my post sounds whiny - I haven't read it again but it's probably best that I don't.

I spoke to Psych teacher too and she said pretty much the same thing you said. I'm almost done with the class - 2 more papers by Monday and that's it.

I also went to the Durham Tech info session and have accepted that I won't get in until Fall 2010. I still need 2 more things before admission but even if I got them done in the next few weeks, they're full... I was also thinking that it's just not the right time. Since it's not quite in my nature to back off, this is a subtle way of making me wait for my own best interest. I'm not sure what I do for a year. I think they changed the psych requirement from Abnormal (what I'm finishing) to Developmental so I'll take that. I think I'll also take Nutrition, even though it's not required, it's a good class to take. I'll take the CNA I and maybe work in that part-time to get experience.

I'm actually making more $ now that an entry-level nurse would make so if I can, I'll save for the next year so that I can afford working 1/2 the time for 2 years while I do nursing.

Anyway, you were right - bad day. :urgycld:

I got a better night's sleep and headache mostly went away; woke up early and will continue my own mission. I can study for the NET, which is the last thing I still need to do and be ready for what's to come.

I'm also planning to check out Wake Tech, they're just further from me plus I get the impression that the Durham Tech program is better with higher NCLEX scores from their grads. What did you think about the session last night? Have you looked at Wake Tech?

As for the age thing, I'll get over it. There were all age ranges there last night - plenty older than us. There was one woman who must be in her late 50s/early 60s. They certainly gave me hope. Did you see the young woman that kept asking questions and gave the summary of different admissions criteria at schools? She has two Master's degrees - one in Health Care Administration - and was planning on starting a PhD. I usually socialize and would have asked her what her plans are for the future but didn't get to it. Just curious about her thought process. Anyway, thanks and keep in touch.

Oh good. Glad I could support you :) And yes, I think I know who you're talking about - - was she the one who was sitting closer to the front? I liked the Director at Durham Tech. She seemed to know her stuff and their pass rate is definitely impressive. I left feeling more confident about going there BUT I don't know about being able to take off 2 full years of work (although I guess I could try to work during the summer months). It almost makes me feel like I should consider an ABSN program even more since I could potentially be done sooner. However, the tuition is so much higher and there's no guarantee I'll get in. At this point, I'm closer to just taking some prereqs at Durham tech this Fall and next Spring and apply to all the local options (Durham tech, UNC, Duke...maybe NCCU). I haven't thought about Wake Tech at all so thanks for the suggestion. Will check out their site today. Would you say the two programs are similar? (wake tech and durham tech) I need to also see when the nursing assistant course at Durham Tech is offered. What are you using to study for the NET? I heard it's easy.

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Specializes in Goal: MSN in Women's Health/Family Pract.

Yes, crisis is over :anpom::anpom:

I've been kind of busy, turns out I have an ear infection so I had to go to the doctor so I haven't checked the Wake Tech site recently - last time I checked there were no info sessions scheduled for the near future. I had spoken to someone over the phone and I think I had until early/mid July to make it for the Fall 09 or Spring 10 - can't remember, those will be my calls tomorrow.

I read your "What to do" post - you're right, we sounds alike in some ways. If I had a bachelor's already I would check out some of the MSN programs although you do have an MPH already (something I was interested in as well). The most important thing would be to figure where you see yourself in 5-10 years. I would like to have my own clinic in the future so would like to get an MSN down the line (though that plan may change once I'm an RN and see other options). So I was looking at the Duke RN to MSN, which can be done online. I don't have a bachelor's in anything, just 90 credits, half of which are business, other half in women's studies, sociology and sciences. I pretty much have a liberal arts without the degree. Since I am also a mother, I'm trying to find options that still give me a quality of life with my family and that are affordable enough without sacrificing too much time given my age.

After last night (thanks for the info), I think I'll focus on getting some classes that will be useful to me - pathophysiology, nutrition and CNA I. Then take the NET this Fall. In the Spring, I'll probably start looking at a part-time job or volunteer at one of the Duke clinics near my house since I won't be taking classes. I will try to keep my current job as a part-time. That would be ideal since I work on global projects and mine are based in Europe so the hours don't really matter much. I'll have to sell the idea to my employer since there are no part-timers right now. If they say no, I figure I'll either try to get a night job at a hotel or a hospital. If I can get a 3-11 shift, it won't interfere with school. I can work 3 days a week and still have 4 with my family. I'll have to save for the next year to accomplish this or eat lots of Ramen soup and rice and beans while a nursing student. :bugeyes:

In any case, the hardest part will be scheduling the clinicals around my life. The MSN can be done online and I'll figure that one out later. Also, I'm planning on meeting with a FNP that I met once who went to Duke. I'll let you know how that goes and what he says.

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Yes, crisis is over :anpom::anpom:

I've been kind of busy, turns out I have an ear infection so I had to go to the doctor so I haven't checked the Wake Tech site recently - last time I checked there were no info sessions scheduled for the near future. I had spoken to someone over the phone and I think I had until early/mid July to make it for the Fall 09 or Spring 10 - can't remember, those will be my calls tomorrow.

I read your "What to do" post - you're right, we sounds alike in some ways. If I had a bachelor's already I would check out some of the MSN programs although you do have an MPH already (something I was interested in as well). The most important thing would be to figure where you see yourself in 5-10 years. I would like to have my own clinic in the future so would like to get an MSN down the line (though that plan may change once I'm an RN and see other options). So I was looking at the Duke RN to MSN, which can be done online. I don't have a bachelor's in anything, just 90 credits, half of which are business, other half in women's studies, sociology and sciences. I pretty much have a liberal arts without the degree. Since I am also a mother, I'm trying to find options that still give me a quality of life with my family and that are affordable enough without sacrificing too much time given my age.

After last night (thanks for the info), I think I'll focus on getting some classes that will be useful to me - pathophysiology, nutrition and CNA I. Then take the NET this Fall. In the Spring, I'll probably start looking at a part-time job or volunteer at one of the Duke clinics near my house since I won't be taking classes. I will try to keep my current job as a part-time. That would be ideal since I work on global projects and mine are based in Europe so the hours don't really matter much. I'll have to sell the idea to my employer since there are no part-timers right now. If they say no, I figure I'll either try to get a night job at a hotel or a hospital. If I can get a 3-11 shift, it won't interfere with school. I can work 3 days a week and still have 4 with my family. I'll have to save for the next year to accomplish this or eat lots of Ramen soup and rice and beans while a nursing student. :bugeyes:

In any case, the hardest part will be scheduling the clinicals around my life. The MSN can be done online and I'll figure that one out later. Also, I'm planning on meeting with a FNP that I met once who went to Duke. I'll let you know how that goes and what he says.

Yes please keep me posted. I really don't know what my life is going to be like next year because all I know is, at this rate, I still won't have an income and I'll have nothing to do BUT go to school! It's funny and sad all wrapped into one :) I do think I'll take the NET and A&P II this Fall (since I'm pretty confident about my A&P I college level course from years ago). I'm still not sure though.

I like the fact that you want to open your own clinic. I definitely have that entrepreneurial side to me too and see myself branching out too. That said, we should definitely stay in touch! Actually I already have a business that I run from home but it's not going to well with this economy and the fact that I have no time to really bring it back to life.

Hope you feel better soon with your ear infection.

Sorry if any of this incomprehensible or I left out any responses to your post...I think I'm getting way tired and need to go to bed!

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

You have to try to apply to more than one program. Focus on getting your CNA over the summer. Also look into applying to Alamance Community College they are near Chapelhill. Wake Tech is too competative. They have about 1500 applications a year.Good Luck to you!

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Specializes in Goal: MSN in Women's Health/Family Pract.

Hi NC_Girl_RN,

Congrats on being a new RN. Thanks for the tip - I'll check out Alamance CC and see what their requirements are and what needs to be done.

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.
Hi NC_Girl_RN,

Congrats on being a new RN. Thanks for the tip - I'll check out Alamance CC and see what their requirements are and what needs to be done.

I had the same frustrations as you have with getting into a RN program. I applied to 8 RN programs and combination of the NET, HOBET, missing classes or supply exceeded the demand kept me from getting in. I was also had a BS degree. I applied to Central Carolina Communiuty College in Sanford NC. It was 1 hr and 15min from my house and I missed the NET score by 5 points. I qualified to get into their LPN program so I did it at their Pittsboro Campus. I completed the program in 1 yr and applied to Excelsior College RN program. I took the courses at my own pace and passed the Dreaded 3 day clinical in NY. I completed that program in less that a yr. So overall it took me 2.5 yrs to get my RN vs 2yrs. I worked as a LPN while doing it and got $2 more an hr than most new grads because I had previous LPN expereince. There were two girls from Durham in my LPN class. Central Carolina has a great program. Their requirements are : CNA certification, english,psy, math 070, and chemisty to get in. You can take the other prerequisties while in the program. Its hard to get into NS in NC. If you are willing to travel, that will increase your chances. Again, get your CNA. That is going to hold you back no matter where you go.

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Specializes in GYN/GON/Med-Surg/Oncology/Tele.

NC Phoenix, I can totally relate! I've been trying to get into nursing school since 2006. Like 3-4 months ago I seriously felt like giving up! I was so discouraged. After being rejected by two schools and wait listed at a third I just didn't think I'd ever get into a nursing program. Then, about a month after I typed a ranting post about how I was no longer motivated, I got a call from the school I was wait listed asking if I still wanted a seat for the upcoming fall semester. Of course I said yes. I'm not sure how many qualified applicants they had or how many seats they had available. I was #10 on the alternate list and spoke with a young lady who was #29 and was also accepted.

So don't give up! When God closes a door, He opens a window!

I wish you the best in all of your future endeavors!

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Specializes in Goal: MSN in Women's Health/Family Pract.

MotivatedOne - missed your ranting post, I was probably busy studying, but I guess ranting is better than depressing (mine).

I just finished my last class - I'm pretty sure I got an A but still check obsessively several times a day to see if the grade has been posted yet. I also do need the grade to get reimbursed by work. I would like to get the CNA as soon as possible (as suggested by NC_Girl_RN above) but need to figure out how I'd pay for it. I don't think there's any summer courses at Durham Tech or Wake Tech due to budget cuts this year. I might just have to wait til the Fall.

This week I'm focusing on catching up on sleep and day-time work plus other things I've let go - like cleaning my house, summer plans for my teen... I'll start looking at all this again on Monday.

Thanks everyone for all the support and best wishes. I don't know how or where but I will be in a nursing program by Sept 2010!!

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Specializes in GYN/GON/Med-Surg/Oncology/Tele.
I would like to get the CNA as soon as possible (as suggested by NC_Girl_RN above) but need to figure out how I'd pay for it. I don't think there's any summer courses at Durham Tech or Wake Tech due to budget cuts this year. I might just have to wait til the Fall.

You don't have to take a class to become an NA.

Here's the website for NC's registry. They have the handbook on their website. Study it, go to your school's library and check out an Nurse Aide book, study it over the summer and challenge the exam both written and the skills exam...

Good luck!

http://www.asisvcs.com/indhome.asp?CPCat=0734NURSE

www.ncnar.org

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