ABSN

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Hello,

I wanted to see if anyone else has been in my situation and was successful at attaining a BSN. My freshman year of college I was a biology major. I disliked being a bio major and attempted to switch into nursing after my first semester. I was unable to and instead went on to complete my BS in public health, which I enjoyed but did not give me the same satisfaction as nursing. Senior year of high school, I did clinicals through a local tech school but it left me with a limited perception of nursing which is why I did not choose to pursue nursing in the first place (Clearly, I am kicking myself now for this LOL). I tried to apply to a local community college for an AASN program and was rejected. This was surprising to me as I graduated with a 3.6 for my BSPH and have had over a year of experience working as a Nursing Assitant. The only reasons for rejection that I could come up with was that my Kaplan exam score was low but still met the requirements. I also technically live out of state, as I live in the county of the state next to this community college's location (and this was during covid). I now attend another community college and am finishing up my prerequisites but my overall science GPA is trash. I am a good student and a great healthcare worker just my science GPA does not show it. I am willing to relocate to almost anywhere on the east coast. I just applied to Jefferson's FACT 1 Year ABSN but am worried my application will be tossed from my science GPA alone. Does anyone have any other program suggestions? I am currently looking at Gwynedd Mercy, Medical University of South Carolina, and Salisbury but could really use some advice.

Here are my stats if this gives you a better picture.

BSPH Cum GPA: 3.65 Major GPA: 3.94 Science GPA: (missing Micro and A&P II): 2.87

Sciences: 

A&P I: C (this was the worst class I have taken, the teacher ended up "leaving" while on tenure),  A&PII: taking this Spring at ComCollege, Microbiology: taking currently B, Statistics: B+, Nutrition: A, Chem: C+, Chem Lab: A(from another chem class, so I am unsure if this even counts but the lab for regular chem was unavailable)

Other courses I've seen certain universities require:

Psych: B, Human Development: A, Medical Terminology: A, Abnormal Psych: A, Public Health Statistics: A, Research Methods: A, Ethics: A, Writing 1: A-, Writing 2: A, Sociology: B

Any help or suggestion would be thoroughly appreciated!

 

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I don’t know if you’re in one of the states the program is offered but you can try Western Governors University’s BSN program. However, the program isn’t “accelerated.” Its about 2.5 years to complete. 

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

I also have a BS in Public Health. I then applied for Direct Entry Masters in Nursing and I am currently in a program. I will still start as a new RN, but I have more options going forward. It made more sense to me than getting another B.S.

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Specializes in Emergency / Disaster.

MUSC is TOUGH to get into.  All you can do is try.  Its an application fee.  Since covid, I don't know if its different, but it used to be "easier" to get into the Spring semester rather than the Fall semester.  Just Try.  Talking with other students, the average number of tries before being accepted was at a minimum of 3.  I know one person that tried 8 times and was finally accepted.  I absolutely will not tell you that the program is peaches and roses because it is super tough.  You NEED the science to understand the patho but nothing is impossible if you keep trying.  

The advantage to MUSC's ABSN program is that once you meet the pre-reqs the remainder of the program is done in 16 months.  16 months for 24 months of a normal program (you must have 60 specific credit hours before entering the program).  That means almost no down time.  You get about 3 weeks off at Christmas and a few days here and there otherwise.  A typical semester ends on Wednesday and the next semester starts on Monday.  You have to be prepared for this program and be ready to go non-stop until the program is done.  You also only 1 get 1 chance to "fail" and depending on when that failure occurs, you may not be able to continue for 2 semesters (there is not a Summer start so there is always a semester lag in there).

If science is just not your thing, then maybe a program that is not an ABSN without breaks is not your best option.  Some of the technical schools have programs broken down into 7 or 8 week courses and those may be easier for you.  

Whatever you decide - just don't give up.  You CAN do this!!

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Try Marian University, they have Indianapolis, Nashville and Oklahoma City Sites.  I have heard good things about their ABSN program, and Advisors are super nice.

Hang in there dear! You will do woders?

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On 11/3/2020 at 2:54 PM, swimmernurse said:

I also have a BS in Public Health. I then applied for Direct Entry Masters in Nursing and I am currently in a program. I will still start as a new RN, but I have more options going forward. It made more sense to me than getting another B.S.

Could you please share what program you are currently in for your direct entry masters and if you like it? 

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

I am currently in the Marquette Distance Learning Direct Entry MSN. I do really like it. The practical part is on campus in Pleasant Prairie and the theoretical on line. It's challenging but definitely rewarding. The staff is really supportive and wants you to succeed. 

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Specializes in Long term care.

Try university of miami

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This may not be what you want to hear but I would check to see if some Of the programs take second tries. IM in Texas but here some programs take your most recent grade in a class, some average the grades if you take a class twice and some only take your first attempt at a class. My program takes the highest grade you got not matter how many times you took the prerequisite. My first micro class I got a C but got an A the second time so they took my A for my GPA. I know it would mean waiting longer to get into a program but if you have to apply to a program a couple times anyway might as well increase your chances by improving your GPA while you wait to get in. Especially if they will take the higher of the grades. 

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