Bsc to Bsn to Np

[hollylolly]

Hi there,

I just graduated with a BSC from UBC. I did all my med school pre reqs but didn't do too well until my last 2 years. Even those last 2 years were not that great (not med school material) but none the less got me into BCIT nursing for January. I feel my years at UBC were not a true reflection of what I am capable of achieving grades wise as I didn't give it a 100% but more like I'd say 65-70% so I know I am capable of much, much higher grades. I decided to go to BCIT nursing and do another 3.5 years just because I want a fresh start, being more mature and focused now I feel like I can give 110% to my work and even though I could do an accelerated BSN, I want to start over. I want to get into an NP program and am wondering would the grades from my previous degree be counted. The last 2 semesters I had an over 85% average including grades from anatomy, chemisty, stats, brain psyc, bichem (I saw the light at the end of the tunnel coming up so here is when I started stepping up a notch lol). How well would I have to do at BCIT? Is it really competitve to get in? I am willing to work my butt off but I just don't want to be hindered from my previous performance.

[lalaxton]

The NP program in BC is so new it's hard to say what they will and won't accept, especially since you won't be looking at going to grad school for at least 5 years from now. I don't know of any NP program in Canada that would take you immediately after your RN. So my advice is to do the best you can at BCIT and that will go a long way in proving that you became serious about your studies.

[linzz]

I hopefully will be starting an accelerated BSN in 08. I know of a few nurses who did the NP here and in the U.S., I don't know if experience is required, but most have said that it would be impossible to complete the program without at least a few years of acute experience as you would really need good, solid assessment skills due a greater degree of independence in decision making. Good luck.