Crappy PreRequisite Grades...Trying to apply for ABSN

amn_carpenter · Jun 19, 2011

i am responding because i feel so strongly about your situation. i am in a bsn program. one semester to go for me. however, i have witnessed three good people get crushed in school. the situation you have described very much sounded like them. at this point in time i feel that you are not ready. this program takes a high level of commitment and you have to be mentally prepared for that. try to get your life in order, seek the advice of a counsilor and attack the program when you are ready. you will be sucessful if you follow the right path (or create your own :) best of luck.

magichospital · Jun 19, 2011

you should take your time and come back when you are ready. try taking some time off to focus and prioratize your work. try to relax as much as possible and take care of yourself (eat well, get enough sleep, take long baths) it will help you feel better and take on stress better. if starting off trying to get a bsn is too much, try to fix your anatomy and physiology grades and you can start applying for lvn/lpn programs and work your way up. there are many pathways into nursing, you don't have to put all your hopes on one program or one type of degree right away.:tinkbll: i hope this has helped!

kagi · Jun 19, 2011

I am pretty set on heading for my BSN since, lack of better word, I want to apply my previous bachelor's degree and not let it go to waste. I graduated with a BA in Communication in 2010.

Do you think I still have a shot though (like being on a waiting list) and just apply just to try? I will be finished retaking all my prereqs at the end of Winter quarter. Since I am assuming I won't be able to start in an ABSN program in Summer 2012, what other things should I try doing during another lag year?

magichospital · Jun 20, 2011

i am not sure of all the prereq.s of your program, but the best thing would be to talk to your counselor and see what she suggests grade wise. i feel blessed because my counselors gave me really good advice on fixing my grades and set me on the right path. i would definatly say wait before you apply (i know, the waiting list is long but if you are going to become a nurse, you have to face it) until your grades are atleast "b's" or else you probably wont get in. just take your time to fix your classes because if you apply too soon, you may ruin your chances of getting into the nursing program if you apply again when you are qualified the second time around. hey, don't worry about wasting your degree, because if you do the lpn/lvn thing, you can qualify for bridge programs (does your school have a lvn to rn?) or, the other reasons why you could consider it are: experience. when you graduate from your rn program you will have experience and have an easier time finding a job than all the unexperienced graduates, plus, you get a feel for what the rn program will look like and you will be well used to the stress of nursing programs by the time you go for the bach. program. your plan is good, just remember to wait before you rush into things without being fully qualified so you can get accepted! you have the drive, just make sure you really apply it in the right places so you can get you bsn!:tinkbll:

leenak · Jun 20, 2011

I feel for you, I really do. There are two questions you need to consider.

1) Are you eligible to apply to an ABSN program I've looked at many ABSN programs and most of them state you need at least a 3.0 in your pre-reqs and some have stated that you need at least a B in all your pre-req classes. They also generally state a 3.0 is required for your undergrad although some may state 3.0 in last 30 units. So you'd need to look at the schools you want to apply to to see if you meet their minimum requirements.

2) Are you competitive? Unfortunately, even if you find an ABSN program that you qualify to apply to, it doesn't sound like you are competitive based on your grades. Again, you can talk to your perspective schools and they should give you some guidance but the schools I've looked at have applicants that are way above the minimum. And ABSN programs tend to be very competitive.

So other options? Another option, which I'm looking into as well. Is a 2 year BSN program. Again, these tend to be competitive programs and also tend to have rigid requirements. Otherwise, I'd look into retaking the classes and finding a school that will take your retake.

kagi · Jun 20, 2011

My undergrad isn't like great, it is an overall 3.2, but my grades my last year during undergrad really kicked ass (3.5 and above grades). For now I know for sure to plan to retake these courses I did fairly poorly in, I am just indecisive of getting my applications ready or not or even if it is worth my time to try to apply this year.

I think the 2 year BSN is a great idea actually. Another thing is that I am just not so sure of what to do during basically my 1 1/2 years off (because I will be done taking retaking my prereqs in Winter 2012).

Another slap in the face is that I haven't passed my CNA state test yet (yes I have failed it 2 times already because I was a nervous wreck), and will be planning on taking it for the third final time in August after I am done with my courses this summer. :crying2:

What should I do? I don't want to sound like a loss cause - I think I am highly capable of pursuing my dream I just don't know what to do for now and next year forward.

JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN · Jun 20, 2011

Here's an idea. I don't know why you failed your state CNA exam but if it was on the demonstration part, you'll want to practice, practice, practice until you are able to go through nearly all of the skills with your eyes closed. If you can't pass the multiple choice test, I would really question whether you are ready for nursing school - we have multiple choice tests every other week and demonstrate our new skills even more often. Being a "nervous wreck" is another area to work on. Nursing students learn early on to "fake it until you make it" meaning, you need to show a certain amount of confidence even before you have mastered something otherwise, you scare the sh*t out of your REAL patients.

Anyway, I would work on passing that CNA test, then try to get a job as a CNA so that you have some practical nursing experience. Take those classes over that you got a C in. Your goal is to get As only. I can't tell you how much respect I have for the people in my class who had to take a several A&P courses over until they got it right. Your degree and knowledge will never go to waste.

kagi · Jun 21, 2011

The written exam was a piece of cake to be honest. In testing situations I just get so nervous and I am currently working on overcoming my anxiety with the help of some counseling and just simply building confidence. I do not want anxiety to be the wall that is holding me back from pursuing my life goals.

Thanks for your advice, I really appreciate it.