I was one of those straight A, AP, National Honor Society kids in high school, so I was a little shocked when things didn't go my way at the University. It was very hard to figure out how I was going to get myself into nursing school without getting myself in a lot of debt. While my story probably isn't the most tragic one you've ever heard, I have worked very hard to find a round about way to continue my dream of becoming a member of the healthcare profession. I began at the bottom of the food chain--- as a CNA.
I wish I were one of those people who had a cool story about what compelled them to go to nursing school. I come from a family of doctors and nurses and have a caring soul, so I figured I too would go into healthcare from a young age. I originally started out as a Pre-Health major (biochemistry specifically) at the University of Florida, but unfortunately that didn't suit me. By the time I decided I wanted to go to nursing school instead of be a doctor or dentist, I had hurt my GPA with very hard weed out classes and couldn't get into UF's Nursing program (my GPA was around 3.35.) They also are the only school in Florida that does not offer grade forgiveness, so even if I retook the classes I got poor grades, they would have just averaged the scores. So from a cost-benefit perspective and with an Associate in Arts degree, I left UF and got my CNA license. I figured this would be my first step in becoming a nurse, and if nothing else, I would start to pay off some of my student loans.
This was one of the hardest things I ever did. I still wonder if I made the right decision sometimes. I gave up the amazing and fun university lifestyle for stinky patient rooms and endless evening shifts (sometimes 16 hour doubles.) What had I DONE?!
My first weeks as a CNA were horrifying. Being only 19, I had never even seen a catheter or colostomy bag. I challenged the state exam, so I had not even seen this stuff in a school setting before. My first two nights on the job I cried at the end of my shift and slept a total of two hours those nights (waking up frequently with images of colostomy bags in my head.) I was taking care of 13-14 patients, as we were heavily understaffed. I remember that all I could think about was the terrible smell of C-diff and how THAT MUCH of anything could come out of a human. I started looking into other schooling options--- I was so traumatized that I almost gave up on nursing. I couldn't help but think I had neglected a patient and was going to lose my license in my first week.
But I'm so glad I pressed on.
My time as a CNA was the most valuable thing I could have done to confirm that I would make it in the nursing field. My facility was very understaffed, poorly organized, and hard to deal with at times. They would call me at 5 in the morning asking me to come in and work a double. But I still loved my job. My patients adored me. My nurses trusted me to do the jobs that they couldn't trust the others to complete. My DON had me training new CNA's after only three months. And best of all, I finally was making a difference in people's lives. Even in some of the worst imaginable working conditions, I felt like I could do my job as well as some of the aides who had been there for years.
In the time that I was a CNA I was looking for a school that would accept me with my less than perfect GPA. This is a harder feat than you may think in this day and age. Many schools in Florida (especially BSN programs) will only look at GPA and MAYBE a TEAS or HESI test score (UF did not even look at that.) So finding a program that I was competitive for (that wasn't $40,000 a year) was nearly impossible.
Now, about a year later, I have been accepted for the fall semester at Palm Beach State College in their RN program. I start in just two weeks!
My story of becoming a nurse is just beginning, but in many ways I believe I am already a nurse at heart. When I finally came to peace with my job as a CNA, I began to truly enjoy my experience. I can't wait to start school in the fall and show everyone that the beaten path is not the only way to reach your greatest potential. I hope that I will find a specialty that truly calls to me, and I will continue my education as far as I possibly can.
What a great post. And your GPA isn't that bad...don't sell yourself short. There are programs in IL accepting many students with GPAs at or below yours. Once a student obtains an RN license going the ADN route, it's relatively easy to get into an RN to BSN program. At that point, GPA is much less of an issue (I guess because a student has proved him or herself by getting through a nursing program and passing the NCLEX). It's sort of funny or ironic that students end up with the same degree (BSN) from a university they never could have gotten into with the same GPA as an undergrad (straight to) BSN. Where there's a will....
What a great post. And your GPA isn't that bad...don't sell yourself short. There are programs in IL accepting many students with GPAs at or below yours. Once a student obtains an RN license going the ADN route, it's relatively easy to get into an RN to BSN program. At that point, GPA is much less of an issue (I guess because a student has proved him or herself by getting through a nursing program and passing the NCLEX). It's sort of funny or ironic that students end up with the same degree (BSN) from a university they never could have gotten into with the same GPA as an undergrad (straight to) BSN. Where there's a will....
I have noticed that about the transition programs here too, and I think what you said is exactly the reason. Many of the programs I wanted to apply for were the "traditional BSN" programs from universities, but for some reason in Florida nursing is wildly competitive (hmm I wonder why.... .) The ADN programs aren't quite as bad to get in to but they sure can be (the affordable ones, anyway!) Thanks for your encouragement! I loved my first week of school
My mother always pushed me towards nursing since I was 21 years old, but I refused to pursue it back then. I didn't have my priorities in check and I actually was more interested in my bartending job (I know, completely different)! I'm glad I didn't succumb to my mom's request because I was too young and unfocused to take such rigorous classes and likely would have failed nursing school.
Having that said, I really enjoyed your post! I can totally relate to it as well. I started my first semester of nursing schools just a few weeks ago, and met many new friends in the program. We ended up conversing about what got us interested in the program. While everyone around me had exciting and inspiring stories to tell, I felt like my story dulled in comparison. I wanted to become a nurse because I enjoyed helping people and bringing a smile to their face, simple as that. I didn't have a complicated/intricate story and felt like my answer fell short compared to my other peers. Looks like we are on the same boat! I'm really thankful to have this opportunity to be in nursing school. Good luck to you!
I never thought I would want to be a nurse. My mother is a nurse and since I was probably 15 she has been telling me to go to nursing school. I ignored her and kept saying, "No, I want to be a lawyer."
I did really well in HS and graduated with 30 college credits and completely skipped my freshman year. I decided on majoring on Political Science and did horribly. My heart just wasn't in it.
I didn't start as a CNA, but as a lifeguard. By 19 I was certifying other people as lifeguards (still am) and also teach in first aid and CPR. Slowly but surely, I started getting really interested in the justification behind CPR/First Aid techniques and started studying EVERYTHING related to it. I have pulled more than my share of people out of the water and saved them without hesitation. Although I have lost a few, I have yet to be deterred.
10 years after my mom first told me to go to nursing school I applied and got in! My mom always know what I would become I just see it that I needed to show myself that nursing was what I wanted to do.
My story of becoming a nurse is just beginning, but in many ways I believe I am already a nurse at heart.
That is beautiful. Truly how I feel. The title of your post really pulled me in, and I was captivated right to the end with each line your wrote. I wish you the best in all you do and never doubt yourself! Know that there is a place, time and season for everything you do in life. You have a beautiful heart!
Enjoy the ride and remember that a grade is a grade. The letter doesn't make the Nurse or healthcare professional!
That is beautiful. Truly how I feel. The title of your post really pulled me in, and I was captivated right to the end with each line your wrote. I wish you the best in all you do and never doubt yourself! Know that there is a place, time and season for everything you do in life. You have a beautiful heart!
Enjoy the ride and remember that a grade is a grade. The letter doesn't make the Nurse or healthcare professional!
I have a similar story. I am 24 years old and am getting ready to get my CNA license in a few weeks and then I will start nursing school [again] in January. I have tried school before, but I have to work full time, so work has usually won out. I am trying a new way and only going part-time for now and slowly adding in more classes to see if that helps. I have 4+ years in the field of developmental disabilities and that is what pushed me to nursing. My mom encouraged me to pursue my CNA in high school, but of course, I didn't listen, and now I wish more than ever that I had. But, it's taken me a while to get where I am truly ready to be a nurse and I'm ready for the motivation and drive it takes to be successful in nursing school. I wish you the best on your journey as well!
With the history of success in your family, how did your leaving U of F go?
Good question! This is one of the reasons it was very hard for me to come to terms with the decision to leave. I had it in my mind (which was probably instilled by my successful family) that if I didn't go to a University, EVERYONE would think I had failed. My mother was very supportive of me leaving because she knew that I would find another way into nursing school (she has always been very supportive), so immediate family was never the problem. Extended family (which we are very close with) I haven't actually heard a word from about it, though I can only imagine what they may be thinking. I'm trying not to care what though, because I know in the end a little success will prove them wrong! Especially if I pursue higher degrees in nursing (which I plan to.) Then they will surely be biting their tongues.
.) The ADN programs aren't quite as bad to get in to but they sure can be (the affordable ones, anyway!) Thanks for your encouragement! I loved my first week of school 
norlns24
94 Posts
What a great post. And your GPA isn't that bad...don't sell yourself short. There are programs in IL accepting many students with GPAs at or below yours. Once a student obtains an RN license going the ADN route, it's relatively easy to get into an RN to BSN program. At that point, GPA is much less of an issue (I guess because a student has proved him or herself by getting through a nursing program and passing the NCLEX). It's sort of funny or ironic that students end up with the same degree (BSN) from a university they never could have gotten into with the same GPA as an undergrad (straight to) BSN. Where there's a will....