Pre-Nursing School Dilemmas???

[hudszn]

Hi everyone,

I am currently a senior high school student graduating in about two weeks. I originally wanted to be a bio major but I switched to Nursing earlier this year. Because I switched my majors, I couldn't go to my dream school (University of Minnesota) because nursing applicants have to add extra information on their application and I applied as a bio major. They said I can't get into the nursing program unless I switch over to a different campus, but that campus is about two hours away from my house, plus I don't have a car, my license or even a permit yet :/.

My second go to school was St. Kate's, which is a private school. They gave me a merit scholarship of $23k per year but with financial aid included I still have to pay about $4,000 a year and that's not including books or bus passes or any other needs at all tbh. I don't even have a job and I feel like I can't focus on my studies if I'm constantly working so I decided to just rule out St. Kate's. Plus I started doing PSEO courses when I was 15 in my junior year (I just turned 17) and they only take some and not all of the courses that I completed at my local community college.

So continuing on, I found another school with a good accredited nursing program (Metropolitan State University). After looking through their nursing program and asking around, I realized that they take all the classes I did at my community college (except 1) as pre reqs for my bsn and if I take a couple of summer classes, I can complete my pre reqs by the end of the fall semester. I can also start college as a sophomore based on credits. This school though, is kind of looked down on (like a community college) and it's like I can't talk to anyone other than my metro counselor about college in general. Some of my friends, teachers, and my principal got mad at me bc I chose nursing and gave up the chance of doing bio at the U of MN. And now it's like they don't really even take me seriously anymore when I talk about getting my bachelors from Metro.

Anyways sorry for all the venting, but the main reason why I made this post is that I had a handful of questions about the nursing program and getting in that I wanted to ask. For the TEAS test, I was thinking about taking it early and taking it this fall. One portion of the test I was worried about is A&P. I'm taking Anatomy and Physiology 1 this fall and I wasn't sure if if I should take the TEAS before taking A&P 2. According to my program plan at Metro it states that to apply for the nursing program I only need to have A&P 1 done and they have A&P 2 placed in the second year of their bsn program with nursing courses so wouldn't that mean it isn't covered in the TEAS??? Idk?? Do you guys think I should take my chances and take it just to see how the test is and be prepared for my next try??

Another thing is that how do nursing classes work? Some of them are like 7-9 N credits and they have things like 2 lecture-3 theory-4 clinical? I kind of have an idea what clinicals are but can someone explain it to me more in depth? Every time I ask someone I get vague answers and I just get more confused. Is it like observing and assessing?? Also, what would theories be? Wouldn't that be something covered in lectures??? I have no idea.

I would appreciate any helpful information that you guys might have about this or anything else you think I can benefit from. I like to have everything outlined in my head or I go crazy and I hate the feeling of being lost and confused .

I had more questions but I'm coming up blank... I'll add them in later??

P.S: I just realized I wrote a whole single spaced page.. oops.

[Devon Rex, ADN, BSN]

Hello,

First of all... what DO YOU want to be professionally? I do not care about what other thinks because this is about YOUR future as a professional. There are many universities offering degrees on a variety of subjects. If you limit yourself to one institution... you will limit yourself to their degrees. Many people make that mistake.

In life, as in education, one must be flexible. The main idea is to become the professional you want to be. THEN, find the institution/s that will help you reach that goal. Sometimes if the university in your vicinity; sometimes it a little further away. An educational degree is not like a dress you wear and take off in a blink... it's a permanent long-term effort you work for and make it work for years to come. Do you want to be a biologist? Or a nurse? They are very different professions.

First step... decide what you want to be.

Second step... research universities that provide the appropriate degrees and that they ARE accredited by the appropriate accreditation agency.

Third... visit their campuses. Approach students of such concentrations... ask them questions such as : Do you like it? What do you dislike? Is it all you expected it to be? Do you regret pursuing this track and why? ....get all of your worries answered so you get a better idea on whether you can fight the challenges or not. Everyone is different!

Feel free to IM me if you want/need further advice.

Best wishes your way! :)

[hudszn]

Hi,

I have always been pressured to become a doctor since the second grade and I haven't really started looking at other options until earlier this year. Although I feel like there was a lot of pressure for me to become a doctor, I do really enjoy biology (physics and chem eh not so much). I did extensive research on other careers for hours on end because I realized that I need to do something I want to do because it's my future not anyone else's. This is when I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in nursing. After I came to this conclusion, this when I decided to go to Metro because it is the most efficient way for me to become a nurse. I haven't really approached students and asked questions so I will most definitely do this. Thank you so much for your reply!!! It means alot!! I'll make to sure IM you if I have any other concerns that I think you can help me with. Thank you again!!

[Devon Rex, ADN, BSN]

The easiest path is not necessarily the one is going to make you the happiest. You need to pursue what you are meant to become.

[Devon Rex, ADN, BSN]

Apply to Minneapolis Community & Technical College

Start getting our general education classes here... then transfer the credits when you are sure what to pursue.

[hudszn]

I have already done a good chunk of general education classes through pseo at Saint Paul College. I am sure I want to become a nurse and I am confident that I will pull through. I have heard Nursing is not easy, so I have not chose this career because of the easiness.

[THAO0242]

Hudszn,

As a former U of M alumni, and current Metro student in the MANE nursing program, I can tell you that the two schools offer two completely different experiences. I can assure you that Metropolitan is a great school with great faculty and resources that can help your career as a nurse. Your employers will not care whether you graduated from the U of M, or Metro.

First off, if you're looking for the traditional college experience with peers your own age and similar interests, then go to the U of M. You will get to experience what the college life is about, and maybe even meet people that will be your friends for life. It is a huge campus, with big class sizes. You're more likely going to be treated as a number, than a person/student.

Metropolitan offers a less traditional college experience. I believe the average age for students at Metro is late 20's - early 30's. You will be with people from all different backgrounds. Students are more geared towards education only, which means you will not get the sports atmosphere, home coming, or college parties that you would think of when you think about college. It is a small school, but one of the benefits is you will get the attention you need from faculty to succeed.

Regarding TEAS: From what I can remember, A&P I will give you the bare minimum to succeed in Science portion of the TEAS. Buy the study guide from ATI and study from it like your life depends on it. Your TEAS score will determine whether you get in or not. General rule is, if you have A's in your pre-req classes, a 75%-80% score on the TEAS will almost guarantee a spot in the program (I got in with 81% on TEAS, and all A's on my pre-req's). Buy the study guide from ATI, and you will get all the info you need to pass the test. After all, it is ATI that made the TEAS test.

Regarding Nursing classes: Don't worry too much about this, lecture/theory classes will consist of an instructor lecturing for two or so hours. Clinical is where you get the hands on experience working on dummy patients in labs, or actually go out into hospitals and work with patients.

My advice: Unless you want to pursue higher education with a biology degree, you'll be wasting your money. A 4 year degree in biology most likely will not give you a good paying job, because it is too general. I got a B.A. in psychology, and it was very difficult finding jobs that paid well. St. Kate's is a great school as well, but if you can get into the Metro or the community colleges, you will save yourself so much more money later on in life. Tuition is very expensive!!! Mark Cuban (a billionaire) recommends taking general classes at community college, and then finishing up your degree in more reputable schools.

You have to remember, college is a business. They're going to take your money no matter what. If you don't finish school, you don't get a degree, you will still owe them money. I had a friend who went to St. John's, didn't finish his degree, and now he's stuck with 200k in student loans. You never know what life has in store for you, so be cautious.

Too Long Didn't Read: to sum it all up. Metro is a great school, just like U of M, but you will get different experiences. U of M = traditional college experience, Metro = Small school, all about education, nothing more. TEAS = just go buy the study guide, and study like crazy from it, you should do fine. Good luck on your journey. If I could do it all over again, I'd probably just go to Metro and get my nursing degree, but then I wouldn't have met all the people I know from the U of M.