Advice/Encouragement for Aspiring RN (2nd Career)

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I switched majors in college (was bio/pre-med) and made it out of school with an internship that led to a full time position at a public relations agency.

About 3 or so years ago I decided to try my hand at healthcare/medicine, with the idea I would either attempt to apply to a grad program like P.A. school (knew nothing about nursing). I got my CNA license and from there I really took off experience-wise. I convinced my employers at the time to train me as a pharmacy technician, then I took a job in long-term-care/rehab, then moved up to the emergency room as a tech, took a job as a clinical assistant II (CNA) on a critical care unit at one of the main hospitals here in Texas, and now I am a tech working in the only trauma ER in the city ... so tons of experience and pretty much every manager begging me to be a nurse/telling me how much of an asset I am ever since I got my first job as a CNA (so I know I have what it takes).

Long story short, I had made a mess of my college transcript during the year I switched majors because I didn't realize dropping a course was an option instead of taking a bad grade. It's been quite the journey, and i've been taking pre-reqs ever since ... I ended up moving to Texas to be closer to family as well as to start in a new environment and distance myself from family other situations that were becoming very distracting. I am actually re-taking A&P 1 and 2 at the local community college because I ended up with C+ (lecture) A(lab) grades and I know I can do better. I had been taking my pre-reqs at the same university I attended for undergrad, so my GPA for undergrad, including all of the pre-reqs I have taken since graduation is still one GPA (3.11).

I really want to be a trauma/critical care nurse. After working with nurses for years now, and just being blown away by their experience and intelligence ... I kick myself every day for not knowing more about nursing in the first place.

Basically, is my career over before it's even begun? Should I just throw in the towel now, or should I keep taking courses. Am I too old? Do I even have a shot at ABSN programs with a handful of Cs on my transcript? Is having to re-take A&P a death sentence? Should I aim for ADN instead of ABSN even if I already have a BA? I'm looking for honest critique here. I get a lot of positive reinforcement from my mom to keep going, but she never went to college and doesn't understand exactly why I am so anxious about this and how it might not work out. I have TONS of experience, including a boatload of volunteer projects I did when I was still in public relations that look excellent on my resume. does it count for anything? I just feel like I'm 28, living with my parents again, and want to make the best decision as to what I want to invest my time, money and energy into pursuing ... especially if getting into a nursing program is still a year or 2 away for me.

All feedback is appreciated! I'm sure I'm not the first sob story, but I struggle mentally with what to do every day, especially since I have been a tech for about 4 years now ... I do thank you for your comments.

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you're not old! I'm 29 and starting my second semester of pre-reqs- you have experience which I myself do not... your GPA is not bad either! don't doubt yourself... go for it ....

ADN's or BSN ?, there isn't much of a difference ...if you want to continue to study and receive your DNP... then you should either bridge ADN to BSN after you do ADN or Just go straight into a BSN program. It depends on your situation and what fits your life now..

Good luck :) and no... those of us born in 1986 are not old :p I still feel like I'm 18 ;)

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Thanks :) I was going to go for Accelerated BSN, but the ADN program at the community college here is fantastic ... The pre-reqs are just a little different (I'd have to take pharmacology for the ADN admissions, and possibly re-take microbiology if they don't accept the class I took at my old university). Currently re-taking anatomy and taking growth and development as well. Trying to keep it at 2 classes per semester since I work in the ER and it's bananas (but fun) there.

Best of luck to you too! Are you going for BSN or ADN? I would definitely eventually do a bridge if I do ADN.

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:) going for LPN or ADN didn't pick a definite program yet - first semester I took three online courses and thankfully received the grades I wanted.. this coming semester I will be doing one course only... looking to bridge to BSN in the future through an online program while I work!

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That sounds like a great plan! I just recently started researching LVN, which sounds like a good alternative.

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Hi WannabeRN1986,

I would look into WGU (Western Governors University) Pre-licensure program. They have a program in Texas (Dallas and Houston) that seems like you would be a great fit for. I am in the program, but in a different state, and like you I did not have the best GPA in my first undergrad degree.

WGU only looked at my science GPA (Anatomy and Physiology I/II and Microbiology) they also take the highest grade you earned and TEAS V. They also liked that I had a previous BA and had direct patient care experience. It is a 2.5 year program leading to a BSN.

Here is a thread on the Texas cohort, but I know there are others - https://allnurses.com/western-governors-university/wgu-prelicensure-dallas-955291.html

With your experience I def. think you would get in! If you have taken all the pre-reqs required I would just apply and see if you get in!

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Oh, wow. Thanks! I will definitely look into them!

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