Am I not meant to be a nurse?

Sour Lemon · Sep 20, 2016

Hello all.
I'm a bit in a struggle, possibly falling depressed, and trying to find why I haven't been accepted to a nursing program. I do have good grades and I've done well on my entrance exams. I've volunteered, work as a caregiver, and have my CNA, and even have a bachelor's degree. I've applied to three nursing schools and have been waitlisted then rejected, and denied for an admission offer. Maybe everything happens for a reason but I am beginning to question myself if applying for nursing schools is even worth it because it's money I'm spending on that I can use to help my family out. I don't know if I should continue to reapply again or just give up. I don't know what to do.

What reason did they give for "rejecting" you? ...or did you just not make a competitive entry cut-off? If it's the latter, the admissions office should be able to advise you of how to improve your future chances.

mimi1317 · Sep 20, 2016

I try calling one of the schools and they never answer. The other school just told me to reapply again because it all depends on the applicant pool. I don't know.

Sour Lemon · Sep 20, 2016

I try calling one of the schools and they never answer. The other school just told me to reapply again because it all depends on the applicant pool. I don't know.

I had "good" grades and only got into my program as an alternate. My 3.7 just wasn't competitive against all the 4.0s. And while some schools value CNA experience, many do not give it any consideration. A previous Bachelor's is typically meaningless, as well.

You really need to speak to a representative of the program(s) you're interested to see if you have a realistic chance of admission. The minimum requirementsfor admission are just the minimums. Many applicants will exceed them by far.

verene, MSN · Sep 20, 2016

Are you in a highly impacted area? I was rejected from several schools in my hometown, but accepted into schools in other locations. All with the same grades, volunteer and work experience. My home town just has far too many applicants for the number of spots for everyone to get in, even as a highly competitive applicant. For me it ended up being worth while to move to a different city, but I realize that your circumstances may be different.

I second the advice to see if you can get specifics from the programs you applied to as to why your were rejected.

Atl-Murse · Sep 20, 2016

Post your GPA, and you might find out your grades don't measure up. Get 3.9 - 4 .0 GPA, crush the entrance exam and you will be admitted. Nobody is meant to be a nurse, we all made conscious effort and worked hard to get here. Nursing school is all about numbers not destiny

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Sep 20, 2016

I know it's hard - but it's personal. Those school admission people don't even know you. You aren't being "rejected"... you're just coming in lower than the competition. It DOES depend upon the strength of the folks who are applying at the same time as you. If they're a bunch of over-achievers, the lowest 'admitted' GPA may be >3.75. Hang in there, you may luck out and end up in a more 'average' bunch.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 20, 2016

I'm a bit in a struggle, possibly falling depressed, and trying to find why I haven't been accepted to a nursing program.

If you could post your stats (e.g. overall GPA, prerequisite GPA, test scores), the information would possibly provide the commentariat with more insight on why you might not have been admitted into any nursing programs.

FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2016

I try calling one of the schools and they never answer. The other school just told me to reapply again because it all depends on the applicant pool. I don't know.

Make an in person appointment with the dean of admissions or another dean and ask why you didn't get in and what you need to do to be more competitive.

Don't let them just blow you off.

If you can't get an appointment by phone or email show up at the office and ask for an appointment. If they say, "you can call for an appointment" tell them you already tried that. If so and so is not here right now, tell them you will wait until someone who can schedule an appointment arrives. It is best to do this early in the morning.

You need answers.

When you meet the Dean, make a good impression. Show your enthusiasm.

Ask if there are any classes you can take now at your local community college that will count toward the program.

Good luck

WCSU1987 · Sep 21, 2016

Think someone with a 3.0 to 4.0 should be considered. Really turning away probably good students. I hear you my GPA probably will be a little above 3.0 not sure if I'll be accepted or not.

cadrea · Sep 21, 2016

First, understand this...If you really want to be a nurse you will become one. Perhaps you may not get admitted into the programs you want but if you apply elsewhere, an institution will see your worth. Secondly, you started this so if you really want it stop talking about quitting. Quitting shouldn't be an option!!! Nothing you appreciate and love will ever come without obstacles. You not getting accepted initially is just that....a small obstacle. Given everything you say you have done and having a good GPA, how dare you talk about resigning. Did you really do all that just to get deterred by the first little obstacle that came your way? Roll up your sleeves, wipe you brow and show the system why you will eventually become the best nurse they have ever seen. Then, when you write your book call out the programs that overlooked you. Things don't always come wrapped in a pretty red bow when we want them, but if you remain resilient, they'll happen. Good luck and be great!