A Little confused in what path should I take to become a Nurse

pagandeva2000, LPN · Sep 1, 2010

In most cases, the CUNY ADN programs require an exceptionally high GPA because there are over 300 applicants, and only about 40-60 seats for the most part. Mainly because they don't have enough instructors to oversee students at their clinical sites. So, the higher your GPA, the better. Many students have taken some of the more difficult courses one at a time to try and assure themselves of an A in their pre-requisites.

Some opt for LPN to RN bridge programs. LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, Queens has one. The LPN and RN students have to take MOST of the same pre-requisites, but the exception are that the LPN students are not required to take Microbiology, Eng102 (English Lit), Sociology, and BioChemistry. But, before entering into the RN program, you must have Biochem to get in and will be required to take Micro, Eng102 and Sociology before you graduate if you had not taken it already. Many opt to get them ALL overwith, or to just take an easier one like Sociology in conjunction with their nursing courses.

Some also opt to graduate from an LPN program, take the pre-requisites and then, can do the online study with Excelsior to obtain their ADN or BSN. From what I understand, Excelsior is not competitive with the grades for pre-requisites...maybe a C or C+ and an LPN license will be what they require. Best of luck with your career!

Bomberro05 · Sep 2, 2010

Example....I am 24 just takeing the long way around into the Nurseing world...I have always liked to start from the ground up because one day I will become a Dr. or an administrator who knows maybe own my own practice. Even though I agree with all these postings I though I would share an example of what I am doing to become a great RN/Dr soon. I started by becoming and seeing what it is like to be on the floor as a CNA then I see what a lab is like as a phlebotomist you know...to learn the atmosphere of things and how they are run. I know they will change but its always good to get experence and saturated in all areas is my own personal openion of things...this next two years ile become an LVN and then move on to the 2 year RN program and so on...I am takeing the long way, but as all my BSN nurseing friends tell me that is the best way to do it if you have time because you get to see how an entire facility is ran and by the time you get up there with the biig wigs and become one yourself you have very little to learn because you arleady know alot of how and why things work. If you can get your 4 year BSN thats wonderfull!!! I recomend it! But due to my own stubborness to know anything and everything I can get my nose into I like to get mutiple certifications before I go play with the Big Boys and Girls..That way I will know in alot of cases already more than nurses and better than some phlebotomists...trust me not all of them not even close some whoop the paints off of me but I have tought 20 year first years and multiple year nurses alot of basics that they didnt have a clue to what even the name of the procedure I was doing and so I tought them. It impowers me to know the basics are always the foundation of any structure in life..and the experence is priceless to me.. By the way the LVN program I am in has no pre-reqs ....heheheh... There is a saying always tell my friends..." Everything in life is like the game chess, there is always another way." Its a quote I made myself to remind me to never ever give up because one place is never the same as another same goes for getting into a program for your RN....Other states and even the hospitals and colleges inside your state are all different, if you dont beleve me just take a look and you will see there are not just one but may different ways to get in! Lol...life is great once you figure out how people and places work...Im not saying it is easy lol not at all....what I am saying is whoever told you you have one shot and one shot only is not only a jerk but is highly liveing in there own bubble you should try getting saturated in every one's bubble its much better! lol....And out of all of these statements I highly agree with one of them to the fullest of my own personal belief....."You need confadence to be not only a great nurse but a great teacher and a great listener, with confadence you gain listening skills which in time and traning give you more insite to the person's you will be careing and cureing for." Trust me with a little hard work a little luck and a little passion you will be one of the few great ones!)

Andrew Caraway

CNA/Phlebotomist soon to finish my LVN! I will never leave college I will be among the best!

iPink, BSN, RN · Sep 2, 2010

So even if i get a B it is most likely i won't enter the nursing program. I will try my best but what if i dont get that A in all those classes. Plus they said you only get one try and only one! soooo i am sooooooooooo nervous and trying to get an A but if i don't my dreams of becoming a nurse are shattered!

Huh??? Yes, NS is competitive, but B's aren't considered Failing. There are plenty of people who have gotten accepted into NS with less than a 4.0 GPA. Since you are in NYC, I would advise that you look into the "Region" tab and find New York Programs. You may want to keep your options open. Focus on studying hard and do the best you can. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Don't think you can't make the grade, believe that you can.

Good luck.

NatQ · Sep 3, 2010

Huh??? Yes, NS is competitive, but B's aren't considered Failing. There are plenty of people who have gotten accepted into NS with less than a 4.0 GPA. Since you are in NYC, I would advise that you look into the "Region" tab and find New York Programs. You may want to keep your options open. Focus on studying hard and do the best you can. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Don't think you can't make the grade, believe that you can.
Good luck.

Your right B is not failing but in my school when i went to orientation the lady who is in charge said it has to be perfect A in everything! A classmate in my Bio class and I were talking about that. We are going to try our best to get straight A becuase the lady in charge said more than once that we only get one try! that if we get a B we can still make it in but the chances are limited to enter the program!

But even if she said that i will keep trying cause thats my dream career and I will do everything possible to be a nurse. But thank you so much for your advice and I will keep try my best and if by any chance i fail the first time i will keep trying... thanks!