The competition....

Students Pre-Nursing

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You are reading page 2 of The competition....

ComeTogether, LPN

1 Article; 2,178 Posts

Specializes in Transitional Nursing.
I agree. There are plenty of people with children and jobs that still manage to get stellar grades. If you really can't handle it, maybe this isn't the right time to be focusing on school. Your other option is to apply to schools that DO take healthcare experience into account, there's plenty of them out there. It's a bit of sour grapes to be snubbing your nose at those who don't have the same responsibilities as you. Blowing out someone else's candles will not make yours any brighter.

Its not that I can't handle it, I just don't get straight A's. There is no "time" for me to focus on school, I will always have to work there isn't any way around it.

I wish I could apply to other schools, and maybe if this one takes too long I will have to do that but that will also require moving.

I wasn't in any way trying to blow out anyone's candles.....I was mostly trying to say I think its crappy that CNA experience counts for nothing. I don't think there is anything wrong with not having to work or living at home, but I also don't think its fair for my experience to not count. I think a B average and 5 years healthcare work history along with a good interview should count for just as much as someone with an A average and no work history. That's what I was trying to say.

ComeTogether, LPN

1 Article; 2,178 Posts

Specializes in Transitional Nursing.
As someone who has just turned 19 and has been accepted into a nursing program, starting this fall, I'd like to voice my opinion. While there are those who are blissfully unaware of the struggles many of their classmates face while juggling a strenuous curriculum that requires, often times, a 75% or above to even be considered passing, there are others who are thankful to not have to work or support a family during this stressful time.

You might not think it is fair that people who have just graduated high school and are living off of their parents' income are able to start before you, but I think it is unfair to hold their circumstances against them, positive or negative. For example, I have wanted to be a nurse since I was 15. I started concurrent enrollment at the age of 16, and had all of my prerequisites done by the time I was 18. Some of us ARE certain of what we want to do and have done what is necessary to get there as quickly as possible.

For every student who is blaming their job or homelife for a lower GPA, there is a student triumphing over how they were able to maintain a stellar GPA while working or raising kids. I think the attitude of "I am more qualified than this person and I think it is unfair that they got in." is a bit undesirable.

I get what you're saying for sure. I think its awesome that you're so sure you're going to like Nursing. I just feel like there are so many people who have no clue why they've chosen this field, and it irks me to see them get accepted while people like me have to wait and wait. I'm not trying to knock anyone for working hard at something they want....that's what I'm doing too. I just get frustrated at the system. Don't' mean to come across like I think I am better because I certainly don't think that I just think that although what I bring to the table is not a 4.0, Its still valuable and worth as much.

Specializes in Medical Surgical.

I have kids and work and am in nursing school, so some days I feel slight jealousy for those who have no kids or responsibility. My school also only accepts people based of grades and TEAS score. I did not get in the first time because I had B's in APHY 101 and 102. I retook them, got A's, and got in next semester. If you want it bad enough you will figure out a way!

sjalv

897 Posts

Specializes in CVICU.

I will agree that acceptance shouldn't be based on grades alone. For example, I had an A in Micro, an A in Nutrition, a B in A&P2, and a C in A&P1. I still got in on my first try. Our school does acceptance based on a point system as well, and you can get points for other things, such as having only taken classes at our school, having healthcare experience, having a degree in another field, etc. We have to take a reading test to be eligible to apply, and the score you get on that adds points as well.

ComeTogether, LPN

1 Article; 2,178 Posts

Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

Well I hope my school jumps on the bandwagon!

flyersfan88

449 Posts

Specializes in Trauma, Orthopedics.

That "is this SERIOUSLY my competition" thing doesn't go away once you're in a program....trust me.

Specializes in SCRN.

Yeah, the point system isn't ideal, but this is the reality of it... I always see that if I want something different in my life, I need to change way I do things. It may be inconvenient or uncomfortable, it might feel frustrating or even scary, but it has to be done.

You have this experience as a CNA, great! Now, get your grades up. Book-smart will get you into the program, and you will need your experience once you're in. Retake those classes one by one and you will make it!

Specializes in SCRN.

By the way, better attitude for when in the program is to compete with yourself, and not others.

ComeTogether, LPN

1 Article; 2,178 Posts

Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

Thanks Helen,

I know, I know. :shy:

I actually may have an opportunity to not work for one semester and I am hoping that will get me some results. I'm just not a book smart kind of gal, but I AM smart. I have a high IQ but i have ADHD and its not treated so I really struggle in school. (Not trying to whine, just saying)

I will start re-taking my classes once I finish all my pre-reqs and just muddle through, I guess. I know its going to be a long hard road but I also know I can do it. I just wish they would see more in me other than my grades.

runsalot

339 Posts

Thanks Helen,

I know, I know. :shy:

I actually may have an opportunity to not work for one semester and I am hoping that will get me some results. I'm just not a book smart kind of gal, but I AM smart. I have a high IQ but i have ADHD and its not treated so I really struggle in school. (Not trying to whine, just saying)

I will start re-taking my classes once I finish all my pre-reqs and just muddle through, I guess. I know its going to be a long hard road but I also know I can do it. I just wish they would see more in me other than my grades.

Oi.

I did work full time will doing my pre reqs and I now work while in nursing school. And I have a learning disability. Please never blame your lack of 'book' smarts on this. Just means you need to figure out how to study best for you. Or NS will eat up you. If you do get in. Best of luck.

I understand where you are coming from but a very good friend of mine is in her late 30's is a single mother (she is the only one that supports her household of her self , her young son and her grandmother) , and works and goes to school (she is finishing her pre-reqs ) and will soon graduate with almost a 3.8 . Some people can handle all their responsibilities and excel.

You have experience and that makes you different and in a sense more valuable than everyone else . But if you cant maintain a high gpa and keep up with your classes who is to say you will not fail nursing school which is harder.

ComeTogether, LPN

1 Article; 2,178 Posts

Specializes in Transitional Nursing.
I understand where you are coming from but a very good friend of mine is in her late 30's is a single mother (she is the only one that supports her household of her self , her young son and her grandmother) , and works and goes to school (she is finishing her pre-reqs ) and will soon graduate with almost a 3.8 . Some people can handle all their responsibilities and excel.

You have experience and that makes you different and in a sense more valuable than everyone else . But if you cant maintain a high gpa and keep up with your classes who is to say you will not fail nursing school which is harder.

Oh. I plan on dramatically cutting down my hours in nursing school....once I get in, which at this point is light years away.

Yea, I guess that is how they think. I will probably need a lot of help in certain subjects. Others I'll probably do well with. I am a sponge for anything nursing related, I love learning about it and I just feel like I can do it. I know its hard, but I welcome the challenge. But yea, I guess they won't get the option to know all that about me, huh? Boo.

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