what are my chances?

[EffinP_Meg]

I'm looking at applying to Direct Entry MSN programs to become an NP. I know that these programs are extremely competitive. I have good grades, though my GPA is lower than it should be b/c I went to a liberal arts school and had to take philosophy and french and all sorts of other GEs that I wasn't really good at. My cumulative GPA is 3.22, but w/in my major it was 3.5. I have excellent GRE scores and have experience in health care (mental health), though I am not currently an RN. I've been working my butt off trying to get prerequisites done, but I'm beginning to get nervous that I won't be accepted anywhere. I'm an extremely hard working, and I know that I'm ready for one of these programs, but the question is...will they let me try? Am I just wasting my time? Should I do an accelerated BSN and then apply to MSN or NP programs?

Also...once I do all this work, are there going to be jobs for me? I don't want to end up regretting my decision, though I KNOW that this is what I want to do. I guess I just want some reassurance that I'm not going to end up cleaning bedpans for years after spending another $80,000 on my education.

[May_baby]

Dearest,

Make your motivation clear in your application.

And then go for it.

How successful can you be if you don't try?

PM me if you need a pep talk.

[lovingpecola]

My numerical stats were the same as yours, and I got into every school I applied to, so don't be discouraged!

But I will say that you should think carefully about whether or not you really want to do this because all nurses who work directly with patients, no matter the level of education or experience, will have to do the "dirty work," so if this is really what you want to do, just expect it and accept it!

Also, I think YES we will have jobs. Maybe you'll have to be a bedside nurse first to get some experience, but I firmly believe we will have job security - some specialties more than others!

If you're ready, take the plunge! Feel free to PM me!

Good Luck!