would appreciate some advice for my situation..

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Hello,

So here is my story. I took classes at a jc with hopes of being a PA. I transferred to UC Davis, and I did not do well my 1st semester. I took an upper division systemic physiology class and received a D and organic chem and received an F. I took systemic physio the next quarter and had a mental breakdown, so I had to withdraw from the course. The next quarter After having a horrible start at college, I had to leave school the following quarter, since I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I had to have 2 surgeries and radiation treatment. The following year I tried to return to school, but had to withdraw again, since I had more unforeseen health issues.

So I decided to take some time off and try to recuperate. I finished some prereqs at a community college. I did well at the community college ( took micro received and A and took physio and received an A) and decided to transfer to another college to receive my bachelors in health science, with hopes of getting into an entry masters program for nursing instead of the PA track. 2 weeks into starting my new school, I had more health issues that required surgery. So I had to leave school (again). I tried to go back to school for the fall 2013 semester, and was initially feeling okay, but after the first 3 weeks into the semester I had a mental breakdown that was severely affecting my overall well being, so I had to take a leave of absence from school...(again)

I'm at a crossroad right now in my life. I'm not sure if I should try to go back to get a bachelors, and then try to get into an accelerated program or a nursing program at a community college. Or instead of trying to get my bachelors (Still need 17 classes to finish my degree) should I just try to get into a nursing program at a community college and Samuel Merritt's BSN program?

I know I might have to wait to get into these nursing programs, so I was considering trying to get into a CNA or EMT program while waiting. After everything I have been through, it has made me want to pursue a career in nursing. My lifelong dream has always been to be in the medical field.

So should I continue pursing the bachelors in health science (would take about 2 years), and then try to get into a ABSN program or community college nursing program

or save money, and work in the mean time while waiting to get into a nursing program.

Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Based on information provided, I am really concerned about the fragility of your mental health - 2 'breakdowns'. Nursing school can be a very stressful experience even for the most prepared & stable students. Any type of 'accelerated' program is even more stressful. If you are intent on pursuing a healthcare career (Only physicians practice 'medicine'), there are a wealth of alternatives out there that would probably be less taxing for you & have a less competitive admission process.

Please take care of yourself first and be judicious about how much stress you put upon yourself.

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Specializes in ICU / Urgent Care.

Like HouTx said id do something a bit less taxing, maybe start out as a cna if you like it move onto adn then u can eventually do your bsn

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Oncology.

I share HouTx concerns, hence, are you hell bound on nursing? Maybe health care administration could offer you a more controllable schedule and less overall stress.

If you do really want to be a nurse and not just in health care, your situation considered, I think the community college program (combined maybe with working as a CNA) might be the way to go. And then you can do the RN to BSN bridge if you so desire. One step at a time.

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Thanks everyone for the advice. I've had a difficult journey, but I believe I went through these obstacles to help me become a stronger person, and that I'll have a better understanding for my patients. To be honest, I would not be content with a career in administration. I considered it, but that's not where my heart is at. Like INN-777 mentioned, I need to take it one step at a time.

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Specializes in Med Surg, PCU, Travel.

You dont need a Health Science degree to get into the BSN, that would just be more stress for something you dont really want to do. I'd slow down a bit. Try to work your way into the health field in small increments. It took me 4 years going to community college parttime to complete my prereqs...there really is no need to rush. I'd start of in a community college parttime first to see how you handle it. Shadow someone see if you can handle the stress of it before you progress. Dont kill yourself following your dream...gotta take care of you first. Slow it down.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Oncology.

I love your attitude and resilience, Benster! I am sure you will realize your dream. Best of luck to you!

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I have finished all my science pre-reqs for nursing, and I have talked to an admissions counselor at samuel merritt for the direct transfer entry BSN program, and she said I only needed 3 more classes and to take the TEAS test to be eligible for the program. She also said that based on my gpa for the pre reqs for the their BSN program, that I would be considered a potential competitive applicant. I have the requirements for the solano and los medanos nursing program so I plan on applying to those programs as well.

@ man-nurse2b -The reason I was trying to get my BS in health science was to get into an entry level masters nursing program, since I wanted to be a nurse practitioner (which all together would probably take around 6 years to complete). As much as I wanted to go that route, I think given my experience and my age (28 yrs old) it's time to take a step back and save my money and wait until I can get into either an ADN nursing program or samuel merritt's BSN program. I just feel a bit frustrated that I started these colleges (UC Davis and St. Mary's), and spent money on them, and I don't even have my degree. This is why a part of me feels like just finish St. Mary's get your BS in health science, and try to get into an ABSN program or masters program. Life is throwing me a curve ball, and I just need to weigh out my options and make a decision with no regrets.

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First off, I'm so sorry that you have dealt with all of this!! I'm glad you seem to be on the road to recovery. What about continuing the PA route?

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Where are you located? I'm applying to Los Medanos and Contra Costa College as well as CSUEB's direct entry BSN. I have several years of previous college work too. It was in Elem. Ed. I pretty much have to throw away my previous major related coursework. I think my plan is to apply to all 3 programs, if I get in first round great! If not, then apply to CSUEB anyway and work on a BS in something, while continuing to apply to nursing in subsequent years.

What PA schools are you looking at? Local ones?

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Thanks everyone for the advice. I've had a difficult journey, but I believe I went through these obstacles to help me become a stronger person, and that I'll have a better understanding for my patients. To be honest, I would not be content with a career in administration. I considered it, but that's not where my heart is at. Like INN-777 mentioned, I need to take it one step at a time.
Google hyperthyroidism. Whatever you do, go slowly, keep your stress level as low as you can. Is your family supportive? Any major drama other then your health and school? best wishes

No, I don't mean to diagnose. I obviously haven't got enough information to do so.

It's just that you mention anxiety, depression, and it's got me wondering about your thyroid.

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The only comments I have is that given your health history, I admire your chutzpah. You are obviously by no means a dummy, and you show fortitude in the face of much adversity.

And, 28 is quite young, by the way. My best to you in choosing the path forward. As long as your health is stable, the sky's the limit.

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