Advising Pre-Nursing Students

jtboog2003 · Sep 19, 2012

I don't really find the advice all that helpful because all the advisors/counselors make it sound as if it's almost impossible to get into a nursing program without having straight A's. So some more realistic, truthful info would be appreciated.

Good information about what classes are needed for which program are good, so a person can plan out their schedule for several semesters.

Also to have accurate info regarding what a nursing program wants, because this can sometimes change and advisors may not be aware. There have been plenty of times that I have had to correct incorrect information that was told.

Different schools want different things, and it's important to map out what classes overlap, or what extra classes may be needed for different schools.

I think a group info session is great. You get to hear questions from others about a nursing program, and questions get answered that you may not thought to ask. it also gets things a bit more organized by having meetings for this.

My main thing is to actually have someone to talk to that knows what they are doing. I did my own research for programs because I couldn't get the info I wanted. The problem was that they weren't specific to nursing, and didn't know a lot. What they did know wasn't always true.

I think it's great your school has someone specifically for pre-nursing students. I would have loved to have this. Also the fact that you are even on here asking this speaks volumes to me.

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Sep 19, 2012

I am an academic advisor specializing in helping pre-nursing students at a community college. I'd like to know if you feel that you are getting adequate advice on how to be competitive when applying to nursing programs.
What information is most helpful to you?
What information do you wish you had but weren't given?
Where do you go for information?
Have you been offered both group advising and individual advising?
How can an academic advisor be more helpful to you?
Any additional comment on pre-nursing advising are welcome!

From my personal experience, my advisory was VERY negative and completely deflated my enthusiasm after our first meeting. I am an adult returning student (42 years old) who had already completed a lot of the pre-reqs 20+ years ago. When I stated my intention to double-up on classes so I could apply in January, she kept saying I was going to struggle, that there was no way I could handle the course load, etc. Even though I'm sitting there, showing her my transcripts that state I'm an Honors student, that I graduated cum laude, she didn't care.

I still went ahead with my plan, despite her negativity and I ended up getting a 4.0 taking 12 credits in the summer (8 weeks). I wanted to walk into her office, plop down my report card and say "now tell me again that I can't do this!!!!" UGH! (I didn't do it, but I was sorely tempted to do so!)

So, to make a long story short, make sure your advisors aren't so negative!! Yes, you can tell them to be realistic, but that doesn't mean they have to make someone doubt their abilities.

To answer your questions:

1. Most helpful information was just knowing the proper sequence of courses (e.g. A&P and Micro before Pharmacology, etc.)

2. I wish I had been given the links to all the nursing program info that's readily available on the website.

3. I go right to the nursing program's website for information. Good luck getting a live person to answer the phone around our campus. Seems like only students man the phones.

4. Only individual advising was offered. I found out about the pre-nursing advising seminar through the website.

5. An academic advisor could be more helpful by following up in-between semesters to review course completion & sequence planning. Working through nursing application package, etc. Basically, once we get our application packet, we're on our own.

zoe92 · Sep 19, 2012

I think knowing what classes (pre reqs) at the community college will be able to transfer to a four year school's BSN program would be really helpful. My school (a community college) was able to provide that and it has helped me a lot in applying to different 4 year schools.