Am I Too Dumb For Nursing?

Students Pre-Nursing

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Hi, I'm 24, I have two children (Ages 3 and 2), I now work part time to go to school full time Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am working towards entering into the nursing program at my community college. Before I had my first kid, I enrolled into school for nursing pre requisite and I dropped out because I got pregnant and very insecure. I was taking A&P1 at the time (dropped out). Then a year later I enrolled again, and found out I was pregnant again and I did the same thing (stupidly) I failed because I stopped going. Now two years later, I want to take up my pre requisite again and I have passed PSYCH and English so far. I am enrolled in A&P1 again, but I am afraid when I go to apply for nursing program, will they even take a look at me since this will be my third time taking this class? I have never been more determined in my whole life to finish and pass A&P. I have changed my life completely around in order to accommodate my school life. So I know I will finish and pass. But will the nursing program look at me like I am stupid? I already have a WITHDRAW one on A&P attempt and I have an F on another. I also have one F on a PSYCH attempt the first time I ever was enrolled. I don't know what to feel, should I give this up?

I was also looking at TEAS testing example tests, and wow, I really feel stupid now. I have a lot of studying to do. It all things I should know from high school.

Some one please tell me; Am I stupid or should I seriously try to do this? I don't want to make a fool out of myself. My family is really happy for me, I don't want to disappoint.

xxstarrynitesxx

365 Posts

I would recommend getting in contact with someone in the nursing department at your school that specializes in determining who gets accepted into the program. Some schools accept the highest grade, some may only accept the first, and others may average the grades out.

If you have not completed all the prereqs then do not let the TEAS overwhelm you just yet. I have been out of high school for almost a decade now, but the courses I have taken (at least the science ones) have prepared me well. Get a tutor if you need one, consider taking some refresher courses, or self teach using YouTube videos. Take it one day at a time :)

Sour Lemon

5,016 Posts

Hi, I'm 24, I have two children (Ages 3 and 2), I now work part time to go to school full time Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am working towards entering into the nursing program at my community college. Before I had my first kid, I enrolled into school for nursing pre requisite and I dropped out because I got pregnant and very insecure. I was taking A&P1 at the time (dropped out). Then a year later I enrolled again, and found out I was pregnant again and I did the same thing (stupidly) I failed because I stopped going. Now two years later, I want to take up my pre requisite again and I have passed PSYCH and English so far. I am enrolled in A&P1 again, but I am afraid when I go to apply for nursing program, will they even take a look at me since this will be my third time taking this class? I have never been more determined in my whole life to finish and pass A&P. I have changed my life completely around in order to accommodate my school life. So I know I will finish and pass. But will the nursing program look at me like I am stupid? I already have a WITHDRAW one on A&P attempt and I have an F on another. I also have one F on a PSYCH attempt the first time I ever was enrolled. I don't know what to feel, should I give this up?

I was also looking at TEAS testing example tests, and wow, I really feel stupid now. I have a lot of studying to do. It all things I should know from high school.

Some one please tell me; Am I stupid or should I seriously try to do this? I don't want to make a fool out of myself. My family is really happy for me, I don't want to disappoint.

If I'm being honest, you don't sound like you're quite "there" yet. The question alone makes me want to scream, "Yes!" without even knowing further details.

araew2129, ADN

351 Posts

Specializes in MSICU.

I agree with starrynites. The best way to understand how your past shortcomings may effect you is to talk to someone at the admissions office of your nursing program. Maybe also check into a private tech school to get to RN level and then do a RN to BSN program? Normally I would never recommend a for-profit tech school for anything but it depends on if their admissions process might be easier? Again, you'll have to talk to both the CC and a tech school to see if you're a good candidate at this point.

Another angle might be to do an associate's degree in science and then apply to a BSN program. That might give you enough credit hours between your past mistakes and application. But you'll still have to find out how they count your prequiste GPA.

Good luck to you!

LovingLife123

1,592 Posts

I agree with starrynites. The best way to understand how your past shortcomings may effect you is to talk to someone at the admissions office of your nursing program. Maybe also check into a private tech school to get to RN level and then do a RN to BSN program? Normally I would never recommend a for-profit tech school for anything but it depends on if their admissions process might be easier? Again, you'll have to talk to both the CC and a tech school to see if you're a good candidate at this point.

Another angle might be to do an associate's degree in science and then apply to a BSN program. That might give you enough credit hours between your past mistakes and application. But you'll still have to find out how they count your prequiste GPA.

Good luck to you!

Most private, for profits are unaccredited, therefore, the OP would not be able to transfer credits to get a BSN, nor will most places even look at you for a job unless nationally accredited. It would be a total waste of tens of thousands of dollars.

OP, you need to speak with your school. Most places will only allow 1 retake and many still factor that F into the GPA. Nursing school is extremely competitive to get in to. It has nothing to do with you being too "dumb", it honestly has to do with whether or not you can make yourself a competitive candidate at this point.

Cherokeegirl08

47 Posts

You sound rather flaky. I think you need to be certain that nursing is what you want to do. Also, asking if you're too dumb doesn't give you points either.

OsceanSN2018

224 Posts

Just make sure your committed this time around OP. So for now on strive to get seller grades in your prerequisites and focus on achieving that long overdue A in A&P 1. Once you have taken all the required classes and more look around in your community, state (or even out of state) for a nursing program that allows grade replacement or accepts more than 1 attempts on the science courses.

Good luck!

Specializes in Hospice.

thanks

Queen Tiye, RN

238 Posts

Hello nsoler, please dismiss any previous advice that isn't constructive or just plain rude. Some schools take only the first attempt at prereqs, some take the second attempt whether it is lower or higher than the first, and there may be some that have unlimited attempts --- I'm not sure.

Like someone suggested, talk to academic advisors at the schools you are interested in attending. I too dropped out of school and started a family, taking about 19 years to resume my education. It can be done. If you love nursing, are determined, and are committed to being disciplined then go for it!

Best wishes!

Specializes in Hospice.

Thank you, Queen Tiye! I have talked to my advisor and she reassured me I wasn't the only one that has done what I have done. She suggested I be serious about nursing this time around. And trust me when I say, I want to be a nurse, because I WANT TO BE A NURSE. Four years ago when I got pregnant, I was 19 and I was immature and very insecure with myself. I was in a class with kids my younger brothers age and they'd all stare and talk about "Why would she attend school knowing she was pregnant and couldn't finish". So I let them get to me and I quit. I am NOT a quitter. So thank you to those that have given me advise instead of actually saying I am dumb; I didn't write "dumb" meaning to be literal. I just applied to my school's program so crossing my fingers!

Queen Tiye, RN

238 Posts

You're welcome! Go be brilliant!

BookishBelle

133 Posts

I might think about doing an easier pre req before trying to conquer your nemesis? I saw you did English and psych, what if you were to do math or chemistry to gain confidence in your study skills and abilities before trying A &P a third time? And don't be afraid to take advantage of the school's tutoring as well as teaching yourself through YouTube and such.

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