Could use some advice please!!

cubanrob · May 14, 2012

To me, after reading your post, option 3 is not a good one. Let's say you drop out and you have student loans. You activate those loans to begin payments and you don't have a degree. I would finish the degree so you at least have that in hand for future employment regardless if nursing works out or not. I would focus on option 1 or 2. ABSN degree or ADN could work best depending on how well you do in your pre-req courses. Try to get that gpa up ad close to a 3.0 and write a personal essay that will knocks the socks off the admission commitee and volunteer like crazy. In the end, it's your decision, good luck!

brenay · May 14, 2012

Definitely do not choose option 3. LPN's are becoming scarce.

cljonesfuturenurse · May 14, 2012

I understand your dilemma.

Brannray · May 14, 2012

I totally agree with cubanrob! If you have had to have student loans, then you'll have to start paying on them, and even if you don't you should at least finish your degree you're working on that way you'll at least have that if nursing doesn't work out! Just try to get that GPA up! If you can, find a tutor to help you out!!

cljonesfuturenurse · May 14, 2012

I understand your dilemma.

Oops, I was going to say I understand your dilemma. It's easy for others to say don't choose option 3. But considering the 2.0 GPA, it IS going to be difficult. Many look down on option 3 because the opportunities are limited. For instance, would you want to work in LTC? That is where most LPNs work. Also keep in mind that although opportunities are limited, there are opportunities. In my state, it may be difficult to get into an RN program but it is much easier to get into a LPN-RN bridge program. How well you do in your LPN and nursing pre-reqs will determine your acceptance.

I have a bachelors degree with a low GPA and since graduating I have not been able to find a job. So here I am years later going after my passion. I am applying to at least 5 programs and also 1 LPN program (already accepted). If I don't get accepted into either of the ADN and BSN programs I am applying to, I will definitely be going to LPN school and bridging to RN. At that point, that would be my only way in. I have made a 4.0 on all my nursing pre reqs and that is

lmattera · May 14, 2012

Thank you everyone for your input!! I really appreciate hearing from you because you all bring up points I wouldn't necessarily think of. I'm fortunate enough that I didn't have to take out any loans for school, but I agree with a year left it makes the past three years of college a waste. As with most my first two years were mostly gen ed courses, but when I transferred to Rutgers to take the higher level math (my major) courses , it killed me. I'm hoping if I do apply to an RN program I can explain that the low gpa is due to the higher level math courses (I'm talking calc 5 and above) and not general chemistry, and college writing among others, which I got A's in, which are needed for most nursing programs.

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · May 14, 2012

You won't go into repayment as long as you're still in school, even of it's a technical school. I know from experience. Option 3 might be your best bet. Especially if you're willing to move where jobs are offered.

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · May 14, 2012

Oops! Just read your post about not having student loans.

In that case, options 1 or 2 are most ideal. I would try to find a school that only considers your prereqs gpa. Just be aware of maximum timeframes if you will be expecting grants to help pay for your nursing education.

Boxer Mama · May 14, 2012

I agree option 3 is just not a good one. You could do option 1 or 2. If possible, I would work towards the BSN. Even though you may want to start working sooner than later, positions for ADNs are getting harder to come by. Good luck!