Why the HURRY to Get into Nursing?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.

I was just curious to hear the reasons people are trying to get into nursing school as soon as they can. I am asking because I have read so many posts from people on here who are practically suicidal over being denied or waitlisted, who are taking 18+ credits of prereqs in one semester and stressed out, or who are just ansy about not being a nurse already.

I mean, I am as eager to enter this field as the next guy (or girl) but I want to do so methodically and without sacrificing anything in the process. I firmly believe that when it's meant to happen the situation will work itself in that direction. I am presently waitlisted at one school but because I may not be ready to start the program this year, I will probably decline the acceptance if it comes through and re-apply next year. It's what's best for me.

What's wrong with waiting another year if things don't go your way this year? Why is that going to be so disastrous? And I am just talking about a year or two ... I can understand when some science prereqs are on the verge of expiring for entrance, which is understandable -- I mean besides that. I don't understand the rush to get licensed and get to work either, considering how many new grads are having difficulty finding work these days. It will be a couple of years at least before we can see a rebound in the field. Is there anyone out there who even thinks that nursing jobs will "run out" (going out on a limb with this last question, but I recently read a post that eluded to this as a reason for rushing)?

Just trying to understand.

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I know for me, I want to get into school badly because I have already spent 4 years of my life working toward a BA in Psychology. When I finally graduated, I was left with a broken market and unemployment. Student loans and living costs were stacking up. I searched for social worker jobs, human services positions, non-profit agencies, even became certified to teach with no luck. I had to go back to school to provide a better future for myself and I took it as a sign that maybe I should go back and do what I originally set out to do: nursing. The not knowing if I can continue on this track is torture. I have a job now, but it pays less than I got paid when I worked at some undergrad jobs (which is shameful, really). I need to know because I have to decide if I should look for another job, or if I should just stay here because I will be in school and this can offer a somewhat flexible schedule. Also, it's obvious that I want to be FINISHED with nursing school because I am ready to start my life! :) I know that the market is still bad and finding a job is difficult, but I have faced it before. At least with a promising and extremely skills-based degree in nursing, I stand a far better chance at providing for myself and my little family than if I were left as I am now. So, I guess I could say that experience is what drives me. Experience and desire for a better life.

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IMHO and as my mother would say.... it appears to be a case of "instant gratification syndrome".

I decided, after 18 yrs of repeated layoffs, that I needed a plan B. I began the pre-reqs for the RN program. I chose nursing, in part, because it would give the most income for the least amount of education. I needed to study a program that would replace the bulk of my current earnings level.

Once I chose the path, I took my time... 2 online classes per term. Once accepted, I had to follow the program as outlined, but I am definitely not rushing towards the finish line....not with the lack of opportunities out there.

Patience is a virtue for a reason! :D

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I'm probably one of those hurriers you're referring to. The way I see it, the sooner I get done with my pre-reqs, the sooner I get into nursing school. The sooner I finish nursing school, the sooner I can start working, make money, get experience.

Nursing will be my second career and I'm just eager to get started down that path onto a new, better future.

I really don't want to wait another year or two to start my life. I've got bills and loans to pay. Also, I want to start a family after I become a nurse, and I would rather not wait an additional one or two years for that. I've got a five year plan and I intend to stick to it for the most part.

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because every year schools get more applicants - so it is basically more competitive. waiting a year adds a lot of pressure.

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Specializes in Emergency, Pre-Op, PACU, OR.

Let me see..

1) I am not getting younger, and I am also looking forward to be finished with classes and studying

2) I would like to be able to bring some food on my family's table, and that just seems to work out better with money in my wallet

3) I would actually like to PERFORM the profession I chose.

Really, is your question serious?

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

I took two years to get into nursing school. I took my time and got all As and one B (in stats). It is the reason I got into nursing school the first time I applied...I applied to a JC that used a lotto system, as long as you had a 2.0 your name was in the hat; I was 74 on the wait list for a program that took 35 students a semester... I also applied to the state school and got in with good grades. If I had rushed through it and just passed my classes I would have been on a wait list for at least a year and would never be considered for the masters degree I would like to get in the future.

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I will hopefully be accepted to nursing school for the fall 2011 start. I'm in a very big hurry for many reasons. I was laid off from my job, currently on unemployment and having a heck of a time finding a job. I would love to be a licensed RN and actually have a leg to stand on as far as getting a job goes. I am also an older student (29), so I don't exactly have alot of time to wait as I want a family and marriage and a house. The sooner I get into nursing school the sooner these things can happen.

If anyone is not in a hurry, they are obviously young.

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I will hopefully be accepted to nursing school for the fall 2011 start. I'm in a very big hurry for many reasons. I was laid off from my job, currently on unemployment and having a heck of a time finding a job. I would love to be a licensed RN and actually have a leg to stand on as far as getting a job goes. I am also an older student (29), so I don't exactly have alot of time to wait as I want a family and marriage and a house. The sooner I get into nursing school the sooner these things can happen.

If anyone is not in a hurry, they are obviously young.

Or have another means of support.

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Specializes in NICU.

I wouldn't say that I'm in a hurry right now, but I NEED to get in this fall for scholarship reasons and to limit my student loans! haha I didn't, however, rush through pre reqs. I did take a&pII and Micro together with two other classes so I could graduate from community college, but other than that I had a normal course load throughout the time I spent at that school. Now that I'm at a university, I'm still taking a normal course load (4-5 classes) to keep my grades up!

If (*cough* WHEN *cough*) I get in the program for fall 2010, I could load up courses and finish my BSN in two years, but I'm not against adding a third year if it means that I'll do better and have a better understanding. I'm going to talk to an advisor to figure out what's best for me, but I completely understand what you're talking about.

Everyone is different, and many people in nursing school have families and need to get into the market asap. Also, many people have already been denied admissions or put on waitlists for years, so I'd understand the hurry there too.

My goal is to keep my course load as reasonable as possible - I'll always be full time 14+ credits, but I'm not going to kill myself to graduate early.

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.
Really, is your question serious?

Yeah, it is. And obviously important enough that you felt compelled to answer it.

Thanks for responses so far :)

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If I don't get in this fall, I will have to sit a year out and do nothing since I don't have any classes left to take. That would be like putting my life on hold for a year.

There's other factors, too. I would have to start paying back student loans if I'm not taking classes, I would be one year more from making money and starting the job I want. I'm not young, so I don't need the college experience.

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