Big dilemma please give me some advice

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OK I'm 20 years old and I'm from California. I changed from Biology major to Computer Science major (taking classes this semester). I decided that CS major is not for me neither and I stumbled up this major, nursing. My friend thinks that this major is really really hard major, mainly because how hard it is just to get into the programs even with really really good GPA etc. To me, I think I will like this career and I think can do well in it. I'm not the type that LOVE to help people out but I don't mind it and I DO DO DO feel good when I helped someone out.

Today I decided to drop two of my classes Java and Calc 2 (drop this math too because I'm like one chapter and 3 sections behind, and test next week). I went to Golden West community college to apply for the RN(associate degree) program there. I found out that in order to apply, I need to take additional 3 biology classes which I can only take one in each semester. So I have to go to school or atleast 2 more years for just to "apply" into the program(the school only accept once a year). Thats not all....after I get in the program I have to wait for atleast 2-3 more years "waitlist" just to be in the program. After that I get to finish my study (thats 2 years) and then get the license. OK so in total, I still have like atleast 6 years just to get my ASN.......sorry for my language but ***&^k....I mean I like this career and all but 6 years just to get an associate degree?? are you kidding me? lol...

So right now what should I do guys?? please give me some advice, I'm still new to the "real world". Should I pick different career? If possible please tell me some careers that I should look into. Thx

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

Go to a different school to get in. There are plenty out there that dont have ridiculous wait lists like that one. When I switched from Rad tech to Nursing I had to take a semester and summer to get caught up and I was accepted right away into a BSN program. all in all I will be done in the 4 years.

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oh dam i forgot to add in this lol. From what the walk in counselor at that school told me, most school in California will have atleast 1-2 years waitlist. I'm thinking it is because of California's population o.O

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I live in CA now, but lived in CO and the wait list is the same. Be sure it is for you before you sign up! It is very intense and if you are going to be a nurse, you need a servant's heart. You need to look at wiping poop off of an 82 year old man's hairy, shriveled bottom as an honor. Why? Because it IS an honor to care for others in their most vulnerable time. You will measure urine, take poop samples to the lab, describe the consistency and color of vomit in your notes, culture open wounds, and so much more. Of course this is not all of what you do, but a lot of what you do is considered very gross to other people.

What makes you think you will like this major?

Make a list of pros and cons.

If you tend to fall behind in classes, this is not the major for you.

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I wish I could tell you what to do...but I can't. Only you can know that for sure. But my advice is to really really think about it first...nursing isn't just something to "switch" to on the fly. You have to really want it in order to put up with all the crap you are going to go through.

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That sounds about right. I have been taking classes since 2004 and I just got into a nursing program that starts next month. I did have to take some semesters off in-between and I moved from California to Arizona also. The waitlist here in Arizona is also 3-4 semesters long. At my district college there are almost 2400 on the waitlist right now. I bypassed the wait list by getting accepted to the program that is ran through my school and the hospital but it was very competitive to get into. Nursing is not an easy career to get into and it takes a lot of dedication. You could always be a nurses aide while continuing to take nursing classes and eventually get into a nursing program. Who knows by the time you finish your pre-reqs they might not have a wait list. You can always stay hopeful LOL. You have to really want to be a nurse to go through all the classes that you have to take and then be put on a wait list for a year or two. I never thought I would get to this point but look I am about to go through a very tough program and hopefully in 16 months will be an RN :). Good Luck in whatever you choose.

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.
oh dam i forgot to add in this lol. From what the walk in counselor at that school told me, most school in California will have atleast 1-2 years waitlist. I'm thinking it is because of California's population o.O

I am in CO and I was on the WL for 3.5 years total before starting nursing school. Some areas don't do wait lists at all or some schools it all varies.

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Thats nursing school...

But their have got to be other nursing schools in your area with different options. We have 3 main programs in my area; through the community college ADN there is no waiting list and very cheap but you need a high GPA and it's very strict, the university has a waiting list and costs at least 30k and above plus for years to the BSN, another is through a hospital which pays for your schooling in exchange for working a number of years for them. I choose the community college cause you get a good education at a awesome price. I started my pre-reqs 3 years ago come Jan 2010, and I am in my 5th week of the program. So I had classes for a year and a half straight with no breaks, one year of waiting and then the program is another year and a half. So, without an official waiting list (just waiting for the actual program to start), I will graduate in may 2007 which is about four years.

It is time consuming but I would try to find a school that doesn't have a waiting list. The main thing I would be concerned about is how hard the program is... it's VERY VERY tough and demanding. Be sure that nursing is REALLY what you want to do and not just a "job" you think you could tolerate.

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Specializes in RN.

I am in GA and there is a wait list here as well as in FL. However 6yrs is toooo long 2 just receive an ADN... I just finished my LPN and am looking for a school to attened for the RN but don't plan to go any longer than 2yrs so think long and hard because nursing school is very hard try finding a school that will take most of the credits you allready have.

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I live in CA now, but lived in CO and the wait list is the same. Be sure it is for you before you sign up! It is very intense and if you are going to be a nurse, you need a servant's heart. You need to look at wiping poop off of an 82 year old man's hairy, shriveled bottom as an honor. Why? Because it IS an honor to care for others in their most vulnerable time. You will measure urine, take poop samples to the lab, describe the consistency and color of vomit in your notes, culture open wounds, and so much more. Of course this is not all of what you do, but a lot of what you do is considered very gross to other people.

What makes you think you will like this major?

Make a list of pros and cons.

If you tend to fall behind in classes, this is not the major for you.

:yeah:"PREACH IT SISTA!!!":yeah:

People have no idea how important this is. I often wonder if a lot of people in my program have thought about this reality. A friend of mine was trying to get into the program and I asked her how she handles the sight of blood and poop and she said "not well but what does that matter" and I had to break the news to her. She had no idea that this is what nursing entails!!! She decided that it was not the right fit for her and turned down the school acceptence offer.

I always say that if you just looking for a "good job" then nursing is not for you because, to me, it's more of a calling then a job. It's a passion to serve that you just so happen to get paid for.

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I am in CO and I was on the WL for 3.5 years total before starting nursing school. Some areas don't do wait lists at all or some schools it all varies.

daaaannnnnnngggggg.....

three and a half years waiting?!?!?!?! You're a trooper:up::up:

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Specializes in Professional Development Specialist.

I'm another one in CO who waited 3.5 years, and I couldn't even get on the waislist until I'd finished 2yrs of pre reqs. Then once you're in, 60% fail out. I'd be very sure that you are willing to make the commitment both to the tough academic program, and the tougher job of actually working as a nurse. Do you know any nurses you can talk to?

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