Ah, the anxiety of applying to accelerated BSN programs...

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I'm currently taking the prerequisite classes to apply to the second degree BSN programs. I don't have any real professional work experience, having gone from getting my BA to then take a year figuring out what to do with my life, prepping for and taking the GRE. Long story short, I've wound up spending time taking classes required for the various accelerated programs I'm applying to.

Last summer, I took a CNA course, and last month passed my state's CNA exam. Thing is, with my schedule for this semester and my lack of work experience, the CNA jobs I can find that work with my schedule are few and far between, excepting night shift. (And I kinda hesitate to do nights because I don't know what lack of sleep at least on some days will do to my academic performance.) I'm worried I may not find a CNA job before next semester, (When I can schedule my classes with work shifts in mind, like say, nothing before 5pm, which is my intent.) and therefore, before I send out the applications to the programs.

Given that my grades in the sciences aren't stellar (in the Bs and Cs) currently, (the ones in courses like psychology and statistics are only As, but I know the sciences matter more) and I was hoping that the CNA experience would boost the applications, and I really, really don't want to have to delay starting a program another year. (I'm 27 now, and I really want to get on with my life, and out of this "limbo/further education" stage.)

Aside from the obvious (doing well in this semester's courses, which include A&P and micro) what else can I do to strengthen the application? I've heard that even just having the CNA certification is helpful, but I can't imagine it will make a huge difference. What should I do?

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Focus on the classes. Find out how much weight if any the program's put on CNA work.

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Specializes in NICU.

The ABSN that I went through only used academic and TEAS test. They did not factor volunteering, healthcare work experience, essay.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Agree with PPs. GPA & test scores are the deciding factors for accelerated programs. They want to make sure you have the academic prowess to succeed in such an intense program.

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My BSN school (not accelerated) put no emphasis on cna status. It seems like volunteering is looked highly at.

I mean basically you're saying you're no work experience, and no A in the science classes, even a C or more.

Retake the science classes you received a C in so you can bring the grade up. Don't worry about anything else imo unless you hear some thing specific the program desires.

And it's ok to be where you are. Alot of people I know went through limbo phases and got in their programs and are doing well.

Oh and if you need it get help for writing the essay part of the application. I think my essay was what helped me a lot to get accepted. Usually writing is my struggle but I wrote very personally in my essay and tried to make it uniquely written.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

Why don't you ask the University what you can do to "strengthen the application"? The basics..you NEED good grades..and the science ones do not necessarily matter "more" and here is why. If you become a nurse you are expected to do well no matter the situation. Not just "certain" situations. Make sense? You are expected to be well rounded and not just do well in what you enjoy. If you are a nurse who does not enjoy NG tubes..well you are still expected to work with NG tubes with A level work. Good luck.

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