Is there Any hope?!

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Hi everyone, I'm just feeling very depressed right now. I want to be a FNP, but I feel like there's no hope for me. I graduated with a BSN in Alabama relocated to Kansas. I worked telemetry/stepdown for 3 years, and now I'm in the float pool. I decided to get serious about applying to local FNP programs in my area. My Gpa is a dismal 3.47. I have been rejected by one school because my GPA was too low. I feel so frustrated, I worked so hard for that GPA only to find out it's nothing in the world of FNP programs. I want to apply to Kansas University, but I just feel so inadequate, I've been a regular staff nurse for 3 years, I haven't written any scientific papers, or been involved in any amazing hospital revolutions. I just feel like I'll never get in any FNP program, because of my GPA and the fact that all I've done is work. I just need some encouragement, all these rejection letters are damaging my self esteem. HELP! lol.

I wouldn't fell too discouraged. To be quite honest, there are many FNP programs that aren't all that difficult to get into. A 3.47 is more than high enough, combined with 3 years experience. Do well on the GRE and you shouldn't have a problem getting in to a few schools.

zmansc, ASN, RN

867 Posts

Specializes in Emergency.

There are a number of options for you:

1) Talk to the admissions folks at Kansas, find out if there is anything you can do to strengthen your application. If GPA is the issue, do they have an courses you could take as a non-matriculating student to increase your GPA.

2) There are other programs that would consider you with your GPA. I would suggest researching them and determining if any of them meet your criteria.

3) If all else fails, you could get a MSN that is not a NP degree, say in education or administration and then do a post-masters certificate to become a NP. This route is not as direct, but would allow you to get to your goal.

Those are just three of the many options that come off the top of my head, I'm sure there are others, some of which might even be suggested here.

lv2learn

32 Posts

Many NP programs require a 3.0.

juststartinout

50 Posts

I did just what zmansc suggested and contacted the school. The director of the program told me the lowest GPA they accepted this year was a 3.75! She also said they've taken as low as 3.3. It just depends on the applicants, and to keep trying. So, I'll reapply for Spring and hope my GPA hit's a lucky number. In the mean time I've decided to apply to 3 other area schools. If all that fails I will probably get the non NP MSN, then do my FNP at the end of that. I just felt so down getting rejected, but I'm going to keep trying.

zmansc, ASN, RN

867 Posts

Specializes in Emergency.

Juststartinout -

Don't get down on yourself just because one program did not see fit to accept you. Some of the "greatest" leaders have been rejected in the past. The original business plan for FedEx got a failing grade as a paper in business school. There are many, many stories of people who were rejected who went on to succeed.

Rejection just means that wasn't the path for you. As you said, then you find another path to get you where you want to be.

Good Luck!

dhart17

51 Posts

I applied to many schools and got two rejections before being accepted to the rest of my schools! Talk to the University. Hunt them down! There's nothing wrong with that GPA. In fact it's excellent. Find a new way to highlight your enthusiasm, determination, and skills! And see if you can expand your selection of schools. Some parts of your application that may be considered deficient at one program may not be somewhere else. Good luck!

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN

1 Article; 1,715 Posts

Specializes in Home Health, Podiatry, Neurology, Case Mgmt.

Do you only want a local college or is a distance program okay? I'm attending Simmons college ( nursing@Simmons) which combines online live classes via the internet. I'm in love with the Program so far! I know 3.0 is their minimum and if required they offer several "refresher" courses as a condition of acceptance! :)

Mdavidsoninc

26 Posts

Do not give up! I have a 3.8 overall & 4.0 in nursing degrees and I was denied first try! I was shattered! That same school contacted me the next start date & I was in. Sometimes I think there are other variables in the decision process. My first application was sent overnight 2 days before due date. Who knows it could've gotten misplaced! Your GPA is fine. Keep trying!

juststartinout

50 Posts

I'm shy about online programs. I have nothing against them, it's just i don't know where to start with what is a good online program vs a program that just wants me to pay them. I've heard many good things about Simmons though, I think I'll apply there for Spring. I'm usually more of a laid back person, but I realize I've got to be a hunter to get into an FNP program. So, I'm a hunter! lol, thanks zmansc I really was encouraged by the FedEx story. Thank you all for your encouragement. I'm going to keep on trying. Hopefully, within the next five years, I'll be here encouraging some other poor person who wants to get into APRN school.

I'm shy about online programs. I have nothing against them, it's just i don't know where to start with what is a good online program vs a program that just wants me to pay them. I've heard many good things about Simmons though, I think I'll apply there for Spring. I'm usually more of a laid back person, but I realize I've got to be a hunter to get into an FNP program. So, I'm a hunter! lol, thanks zmansc I really was encouraged by the FedEx story. Thank you all for your encouragement. I'm going to keep on trying. Hopefully, within the next five years, I'll be here encouraging some other poor person who wants to get into APRN school.

Easiest way to tell is to check Wikipedia of any school you're interested in. If it says "for profit" than they just want you to pay them and you should avoid.

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN

1 Article; 1,715 Posts

Specializes in Home Health, Podiatry, Neurology, Case Mgmt.
I'm shy about online programs. I have nothing against them it's just i don't know where to start with what is a good online program vs a program that just wants me to pay them. I've heard many good things about Simmons though, I think I'll apply there for Spring. I'm usually more of a laid back person, but I realize I've got to be a hunter to get into an FNP program. So, I'm a hunter! lol, thanks zmansc I really was encouraged by the FedEx story. Thank you all for your encouragement. I'm going to keep on trying. Hopefully, within the next five years, I'll be here encouraging some other poor person who wants to get into APRN school.[/quote']

I'm at Simmons it's fantastic! Private non profit School. A but on the more expensive side but in my opinion with every Penny with the support by Student services, instructors and fellow students. I love the live webcam classes weekly and the pre Recorded lectures/slideshows. Happy to not be doing excessive amounts of discussion postings online like my BSN was!

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