I got the shock of my life when my application for nursing school was denied. My worst case senario was the waiting list, at least there would've been a chance for me to get in. I didn't even want to think about the possibility of being denied. I work full-time and even made arrangements with the assistant director of my department to work around my schedule. I had my hours all planned out.
I'm extremely upset by this. I've worked so hard on my pre-reqs for 2 1/2-3 years (again, I work full-time that's why it has taken so long) and I have a 3.32 GPA. I honestly thought I'd get in, needless to say it was a shock. I cried when I got the news. I'm so desperate that I looked into other schools in my immediate area, even Orlando (which is over an hour away--and that's just one way) and I got nowhere. One of the other schools only has daytime classes, the other two have nursing programs in Orlando not in my area. I called one of them today and they wouldn't give me any information unless I submitted to a phone interview, and then came in for what sounded like a beauty pagent type interview to make sure I was a "good fit" for their school (their words, not mine). It sounded like my academic merits wouldn't mean very much to them...it would be based solely on my personality.
So now, I guess I'm out of luck. I know it was going to begin with since I work full-time, but I have to eat. I'm not married and I'm solely responsible for my own income. I really wanted to go to nursing school and I'm totally crushed. And if some people at work find out, they'll have a field day with it. And they will find out since my supervisor is friends with the biggest mouths in the office. My most supportive family member, my sister, lives 600 miles away. The others don't understand how hard it is for me to work this hard only to have my world destroyed.
If anyone has any tips as to what I should do next, I'm open to suggestions.
I'd contact the nursing department head or whoever you can reach in the nursing department and talk to them. If they offer no help or guidance whatsoever then maybe question the program there and find another. From what I've heard- most everyone in the program needs guidance/support at one time or another and if your school doesn't offer any it will suck for you. I start this January- but I know my program has all sorts of people to talk to should I need guidance.
Well, night schools for RN are going to be pretty hard to find. Work as a CNA on Friday nights and weekends and go to a day RN school is all I can suggest.
I suggested LPN, because here in western PA, the LPN salary can go up to $18-$21 or $22 / hour and the beginning RN salary is only $22/hr. At $20-22/hr, perhaps you could then work fewer hours per week and free up more time for RN school, and also get an employer to pay for the RN school. LPN school here is very attainable, because every county runs a vo-tech and starts 2 or more LPN classes per year, full-time days, but some are also offering evening full-time classes. Total cost is in the $11k - $12k ballpark. And there are plenty of LPN jobs here, with the aging population. Everything that you learn as a LPN student or working as an LPN is synergistic with RN. Even if you don't get college transfer credit, you have already learned it and it will make succeeding in RN school easier. As will what you learn on the job. And, as I said, your college coursework will put you in the top % of applicants. LPN might not be your dream job, but it can be a path. There is at least one online program for LPN to bridge to RN. It costs a lot of money an most people take 3 years to complete it if they are working fulltime.
Oh my gosh! I am sooo sorry. I'm almost ready to apply to Nursing school, and I am so nervous. Anyway, lady, don't worry. You'll get into a program and you will become an awesome nurse.
I agree with the LPN suggestion. Sure, it is not your end goal, but it is a temporary means to achieving your end goal. It is a lot easier to find an LPN program that offers night classes than it is an ADN/BSN. With a decent LPN salary, you might be able to cut back on your hours enough to fit in the RN after a short time. When you can only take night classes, you sometimes have improvise and work other options to your advantage. :)
Your grades are good. You probably didn't get in because it's an evening program, which is very competitive. I'd say your best bet is to apply to a regular RN program (with day time classes) and cut back your work a few hours.
I'm also a career changer working full time right now. I was looking for an evening/weekend program but all of the ones around me are too expensive or too far away. I'm going to do a regular RN program and adjust my hours. Hopefully I can still work 3.5 or 4 days a week. Some of the hours will be unusual due to clinicals, but even day time programs may have a clinical on a Saturday or Sunday (you'd have to try to get in that class). On some days, I'll be working from home. Can you do this at your current place of employment?
Can you still make it by cutting your hours back from 40 to maybe 32/30? Are there expenses you can eliminate/put on hold for 2 years? For example, I hope to get my current student loans deferred, cut back on eating out, etc. I think it can be done but you have to get creative.
Since you're not married, would you be willing to move into a smaller place? I'm not sure if you own your own home, but if you're renting your own place, maybe you could bring in a roommate which would lower your rent.
Hope this helps. Just throwing some ideas out there.
My position is a full-time only position, 32hrs is considered full time. However I can't afford to lose hours. I can barely support myself on what I make at 40. I've asked to work from home many times but they use HIPAA as an excuse to say no. I've cut back everywhere I can and I can't cut anymore.
At my school they will only allow you to retake a course if you get a D or F, since a C is the minimum passing grade. The minimum GPA currently is 3.0 and I'm over that. I'm going to have to take a couple of classes due to financial aid. It will be more than six months before I can start the nursing program if I get in for Fall admission so I don't want them sending me bills.I have no intention of giving up but it just really sucks and I really have no support. Only a couple of people outside of my family know because I'm embarrassed that I didn't get in since I was so sure I was going to.
Ah, so you can't retake anything to raise your GPA. Lame. Do they just count your prereqs in your GPA or is it overall? If its overall then your additional classes would raise it. Minimum GPA just means you can't be accepted if you don't meet that GPA, it doesn't mean you'll accepted it you do. Our minimum GPA is a 3.0 as well, but that's more just a way to weed out applications.
Unless there's more to your application, then you just need higher grades! Did you have to write an essay or take a test or interview?
What school are you going to? I'm just curious because I'm in the Orlando area as well. What do you do for work now? Finding another, more flexible job isn't an option at the moment?
There has got to be a way to lower your bills. Working full-time and you can barely make it and you have no kids? Do you have a lot of debt or something? Move to a single bedroom rented out of a house i you have to. Get rid of phone, cable, anything you can. If you really want it, you will find a way. If your school doesn't offer any guidance, GO SOMEWHERE else. You don't want to get into a program where there is no support for students anyway! Move somewhere cheaper, find a house you can rent a room out of in a better area (Orlando?) and you can get a a job somewhere else. You will do it, you'll find a way. Have faith. Good luck to you!
Melela
53 Posts
I'd contact the nursing department head or whoever you can reach in the nursing department and talk to them. If they offer no help or guidance whatsoever then maybe question the program there and find another. From what I've heard- most everyone in the program needs guidance/support at one time or another and if your school doesn't offer any it will suck for you. I start this January- but I know my program has all sorts of people to talk to should I need guidance.