Boost Application for Accelerated BSN program

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It is really important to me to get into an accelerated BSN program, and I would really like some advice. Here is some info. about me: I have a bachelor's in Psychology, and--with some backbreaking work--obtained a 4.0GPA in the program.

I went to law school for a year and dropped out after deciding that I really wasn't cut out to be in the field (which was really heartbreaking, as I had always thought that I would be a lawyer). My mother is a hospice RN, and I really feel like I would be a good fit for the field. I worked in a group home with disabled persons for several years, and also did one-on-one work with an autistic teenager for another couple of years. After graduating with my Psych. degree, I did research with Duke University in a psychologically-based study, and then onto law school. Since leaving law school, I've been working as a case manager and mentor for children with mental health problems (which is alright, but I really can't see myself doing long-term for a variety of reasons).

I started volunteering at the local hospital ER once a week, and really love it, increasing my conviction that this is the right route for me.

I have 3 pre-reqs. to take before I will be eligible for one of the 3 local accelerated BSN programs, and planned to take the first of these (which is a pre-req. for the other two) beginning in January while working full-time. However, lately I've been thinking it might increase my application if I became a CNA (unfortunately, though, I wouldn't be able to handle doing this, and a pre-req. course, at the same time if I am working FT). I'm also getting married this June, and am not sure I can afford to take the pay cut that becoming a CNA would require (I don't make much now...around $30,000, but it would still be a decent pay cut to become a CNA).

Does anyone have any advice as to how I can bolster my application? Should I put off the pre-reqs. and become a CNA? How can I best explain away my time in law school?

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!!!!!!!!!!

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Hi there,I just wanted to put in my two cents which is that you are an exceptional candidate by any standards! So I would suggest doing the pre-req over the CNA because with the BA plus years of experience in an underserved field, you're a shoo-in. It would be difficult to work your first year of nursing school and by the second, you'd have a paid internship if you wanted it - so the CNA would be used for just a few months. Not worth the price tag.Of course, an experienced CNA or RN might be a better judge but if I was on the admissions committee, I'd defintely consider you a strong candidate, even without the CNA.Best of luck!

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Specializes in SRNA.

From your description above, I would say you are well-qualified. Between your current volunteer position within an ER and your research experience, these items will be far more valuable than attaining a CNA position for a brief period of time. You are already experiencing the atmosphere and role of the nursing professional in a clinical setting, so I think your time would be better spent taking care of those pre-reqs and focusing on thriving in those classes.

Good luck!

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Hi sorry I dont know your name and I just registered for this site....but I had to do it because your post completely shocked me.....I cannot believe how similar our situations are.....I got my BA in psychology in NY and I was premed but also a prenursing major .....anyway I ended up in law school ...I had my son and after attending one year of law school I gave up...it was not for me so I decided to stay home for now with my son ...but for few days I keep thinking about nursing everyone is telling me how good I would be due to my interest and passion for medical issue etc

anyway I really wanted to post because our stories are so similar...where do you live? I just moved to CA San Diego

Laura

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