What if you don't get into a nursing program?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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For all those that are prenursing now, What are your plans if you aren't accepted to a nursing program? Just thinking realistically of all the possibilities that may happen, such as doing poorly on the entrance exam, not enough seats available for you, grades weren't competitive, or what have you...

For me, I haven't given much thought on it until recently, as I had my heart set to starting clinicals for Fall 2014. Had my career and education future completely planned out for at least a decade, based on fact that I got into the nursing program. I didn't think I need to worry because I feel like I've worked very hard on my prereqs, and achieved a 4.0 GPA. BUT I know that's not the smartest thing to do, as ANYTHING can happen. So now, after some thought, I will find a fulltime job (not working now) just in case this doesn't pan out. And then reapply next semesters, and to other schools and LVN programs. Just as a realistic plan B.

Of course, I would be extremely devastated if not accepted, but planning all this out will lead to less disappointment and a less hurt.

What's everyone else's backup plan(s)? Or better yet, how would you cope with disappointment??

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I would consider becoming a CNA, getting experience in the medical field, and then reapplying. I absolutely love the medical field and all the hands-on interaction you get, so if it takes me a little longer to get there, then so be it.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

My plan is:

I took most of my RN prereqs from 2010-11. I did an Lvn program 2012-2013.

I'm now taking last term of prereqs to apply for RN.(spring 2014)

I will apply to at least 3 schools, possibly 5. All community and public programs. I'll apply to both the bridges and the straight RN and 1 BSN. I'm going to do this next time the app period opens, which is sadly next Feb!

I consider the Lvn to BSN bridge at Phoenix as my back up to my back ups!

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To try to make sure that doesn't happen, I will be applying to two ADN programs, a BSN program, an LPN program or two, and maybe an ABSN.

If I don't get into anything (applying for spring 2015), I will work a lot and maybe retake a class or two. I got my CNA and I can do that along with continuing with being direct care staff in a group home.

Or maybe take it as a good time to get pregnant. I will already have to take one semester off because of missing the deadline and another one or two won't be a huge deal. I'm getting married in June and while I'd rather wait til we've been married a while and done with school, if there's much more delay with starting school I may go for it. Not getting any younger.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

There's a long story as to why I didn't get in my first year, but I got in my second year. I worked two jobs in the meantime. Many of us don't get in the first cycle we apply, so having a backup plan is smart.

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If I don't get into the RN program I will apply for LVN program and apply for the bridge.

that is my back up plan....if that doesn't work out I'm not sure....I'm trying not to worry about it....I know I should probably have a back up plan.....but I don't lol

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Specializes in ICU.

I honestly do not have a back up plan. This is it for me. I suppose if I don't get in this time I can reapply in the fall, but am seriously hoping I don't. I have done well in my prereqs and while my Teas score was superb, it wasn't awful either. If I don't get in, I may look at other schools and apply to those for the spring.

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My back up plan is to re-take a couple of courses to improve my GPA if needed, and possibly re-take some Bio, or even a Micro just for experience. Micro isn't required for the ASN program here, but it won't hurt to have it. OR- go back to working accounting for a while/temp while I wait to reapply. I'm also considering getting a real estate license for some back up work, looking into an LPN program, or applying to one of the many plants nearby. I could always go back to accounting, but the pay is terrible and I'll always struggle. I don't really want to work in a plant either. ... So, we'll see what happens.

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My back up plan is to continue being a stay at home mom until I get in somewhere. :yes:

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

I'm (almost literally) the poster boy for persistence in reapplying. I was a qualified applicant at the RN programs I applied from the first time I applied to them, and 13 consecutive times, I was denied admission to nursing school. I started applying in 2006 or 2007 and my 14th and 15th applications resulted in acceptance to programs. If I had given up after the third or 6th cycle, I wouldn't be weeks away from graduation now. Believe me, I got a LOT of pressure to just give up... I heard this a LOT, especially in the two cycles before I got accepted: "You'll never get in because they haven't let you in before. You need to figure out something else to do."

If you're expecting entry by a particular time, understand that may not happen. It may take you longer than you expect. Have plans in place in the event that happens. If you're accepted on the timeline you'd like, great! Just don't expect or count on that happening because it very much may not.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I'll just stay at home with my baby, maybe work PRN or part time somewhere.

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I'm (almost literally) the poster boy for persistence in reapplying. I was a qualified applicant at the RN programs I applied from the first time I applied to them, and 13 consecutive times, I was denied admission to nursing school. I started applying in 2006 or 2007 and my 14th and 15th applications resulted in acceptance to programs. If I had given up after the third or 6th cycle, I wouldn't be weeks away from graduation now. Believe me, I got a LOT of pressure to just give up... I heard this a LOT, especially in the two cycles before I got accepted: "You'll never get in because they haven't let you in before. You need to figure out something else to do."

If you're expecting entry by a particular time, understand that may not happen. It may take you longer than you expect. Have plans in place in the event that happens. If you're accepted on the timeline you'd like, great! Just don't expect or count on that happening because it very much may not.

I will keep your story in mind! There is plenty I can do in the mean time. I can take *official* accounting courses while working so I can increase my earning power in that field, I can look into BSN.... No reason to stop trying.

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