Pre-RN student, new to this

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hi! I've applied to two schools for the adsn program and both have a two year waiting list to get in. That's a long time when your 38 years old! I'm accepted at one school, the one that didn't require the pre-nln exam. They say I can start the program in fall of 2009 but can expect to actually start a full term earlier. That's still two years away!!! The other school gives me the impression that I could start the program sooner so I'm busting to get in. I've made application but still have to do the pre-nln. This is the first I've heard of it. So, I picked up the study guide and went to work, thinking I wouldn't need to study all too much. So after some practice runs through the verbal and math sections I felt pretty confident. I was getting about 43/60 in the verbal and 33/40 in the math. Okay, I'm thinking that's not all too bad. Study a bit and I'll do okay.

So last night I thought I'd tackle a bit of the science. Instead of reading through, I just started the first study test to see where I was. OMG! I find that it's just not there! My husband asks, "It's not where? In the book?" HA! No silly, It's not in my head! I took very basic science classes in high school, many, many years ago. I didn't do well. But I did very well on my HSED scores in science. I took the high school Chem this past fall, to have the pre-reque credit and did very well but mainly because we could use all our notes for every quiz and exam. Neither of the schools I applied to requires A&P or Microbiology prior to entrance so I haven't taken them yet, but am starting an online A&P in February.

To get into this second school so I can start earlier than 2009, I have to take this pre-nln exam. I just don't know what to think of it because this school just started requiring this exam to try to cut down on their waiting list. Can anyone tell me how the exam is graded and what scores I should expect would get me into the program?

I guess I talk a lot. Sorry, but I could sure use some reassuring! Maybe I would be better off waiting the two years and take my science courses in the mean time.

Any advice would be helpful!

Specializes in Critical Care.

Hi! I admire you for starting your RN at this age range. It's very difficult but can be done. I started at 32 years old on my BSN figuring I would be too old to go that route when I got older. Have you considered a Bachelor's degree? It may take longer but well worth the fight. I had to start in elementary math classes just to take the College Algebra I class...it took longer, but was well worth it. A Bachelor's degree in Nursing is also a good backup in the event you hurt yourself on the job. That was a big consideration due to my age when I started 10 years ago.

Bachelor programs are in most four year institutions and financial aid is out there to obtain to finance the cost of the education. A lot of trends in Nursing are headed that direction for higher education levels on the floor. Not only that, but if you research the costs for ADN to BSN in the long run if you hit the BSN right off the bat it will be less expensive.

I really considered ADN and I am in no way shape or form saying that the ADN education level is not adequate. I know and love many of my mentors on the floor with vast experience and excellent knowledge bases with an ADN education level. I am just suggesting a long term goal to see if that might be a route that you want to consider.

I researched it intensively when I knew I wanted to become a nurse and found that the money I would spend to eventually become a BSN was well worth just starting off with that degree.

sassynik ;-)

Hi Sassynik! Thanks for the reply.

I have considered BSN but I just can't take myself out of the workforce for four years. My husband is much older than I and has retired. He's invested well and we will do fine to have me out for two years. I'm carrying the health insurance also. so being without that for four years over two is just not an option. I have thought that I may work toward a BSN once I get back to work and just move with it as time allows.

My questions now are just surface questions. I'm really not feeling prepared for the pre-nln exam, but only in the science. I plan to study the book/study guide but find so little time.

I'm a mom (first and foremost) to three daughters. Two are in college and one is a junior in high school who is involved in sports. I try to make as many events as I can. You already know I'm a wife... to a retired and wonderful man who demands much of my time. I have a full-time job. I'm on the City Council. I am the accountant for my husbands small business and the treasurer for our local community theatre. I know - when do I use the bathroom? Well, once I start full time nursing school, I plan to leave my job, I'm assuming my youngest daughter will be close to graduating, I won't have the theatre books any longer and I may even resign from the council.

But back to my original question, how do most schools look at the pre-nln scores? I think verbal and math could carry me but science? I can learn it, but I just don't have it now. HELP!

Specializes in OR, MS, Neuro, UC.

You'll have a much easier time in nursing school if your sciences are done. Can you take them now? If you can take them and delay the NLN test you'll also have a chance at a higher score. Your verbal and math scores also need to be higher but you can get a cliff notes type book to review for those. Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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