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Discussion

Currently in Limbo

Hi everyone! 

So a REALLY short background of my education (if you want a more detailed explanation see my past posts): Was a pre-nursing student, got all Cs in science prereqs, but still want to become a nurse. I was stupid, uninformed, and by the time I got my act together it was too late. Currently, I've been a CNA for 3 years. Researched LVN schools, applied to some. Got rejected. Have NOT taken the TEAS. Been in college for 4 ish years now. 

Fast forward to now with a plan my counselor came up for me. I'll be finishing up an A.S in Science and Mathematics this semester at my local CC. Next semester I'll be finishing up a full course to get an A.A for Transfer in CHAD (surprisingly a major I've received all As in prereqs so far) and completing the CGU checklist. Currently, I'm working on applying to 5 Cal States. The plan is getting my B.A in two years and then apply to ABSN programs. I've done light research about the requirements of ABSN programs, and one of them is the TEAS. I realize that California is VERY competitive, but the goal is to try and stay here. If worse comes to worst I'll go out of state. 

As many here may know, and I've had to find out the hard way, there are SO many different avenues of becoming a nurse. I just want to know if this path is a good idea? I think I'm experiencing burnout by the disappointment and obstacles I've faced so far I just want to be done, BUT I know becoming a nurse takes dedication, and don't worry I'm working on it. 

Anyway, I've compartmentalized it this way. Drop the path of getting a B.A in CHAD which will take 2 years. Schedule to take the TEAS next Spring (which I also don't feel confident about), apply to the few LVN programs I may have a chance of getting into with my Cs dragging me down. If I get into a program, the average time is 1.5/2 years depending on the program. Then bridge from LVN to BSN which on average takes 1/2 years depending on the school. 

OR

Continue with getting a B.A in CHAD, a major that I'm decent at. I've already "used up" my retake for the science courses (major facepalm because I was ALWAYS 1-2% away from a B). Make sure I have the prereqs for the specific schools and apply for the ABSN program.

Also, at this point, I need to stop worrying about how long it'll take me. I mean, the past 4 years have flown by so fast! Just hard when you have pressure from those around you constantly questioning when you'll be done. Any tips on how to mentally handle that, I'm all for it. 

If you've taken the time to read this far, you have no idea but I REALLY appreciate it! 

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    • Featured Replies

    ABSN programs are typically designed for career changers.  Getting a non nursing bachelors with the sole intent of going straight into an ABSN program seems like wasted credits/money/time to me.  There will be classes for this unrelated bachelors that you will have to take but will not apply towards your BSN..

    What is CHAD?  Is this something that interests you, or do you just want that piece of paper in hand?

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    • Author
    10 hours ago, FiremedicMike said:

    ABSN programs are typically designed for career changers.  Getting a non nursing bachelors with the sole intent of going straight into an ABSN program seems like wasted credits/money/time to me.  There will be classes for this unrelated bachelors that you will have to take but will not apply towards your BSN..

    What is CHAD?  Is this something that interests you, or do you just want that piece of paper in hand?

    Hi! CHAD is Child and Adolescent Development. I just read a different thread about ABSN programs, and it gave me some hope. I've already done several courses that fulfill the B.A, so essentially it'll only take me 1 year and 1/2 to complete the B.A. On top of that, I've had 3 years of experience as a CNA and 5 years before that of voluntary service. I've read that with a CHAD degree, I could work in a hospital setting. I guess getting the B.A would not only help me stand out when applying to ABSN programs but also getting experience that apparently they look for. More so than the ADN programs that focus solely on your GPA and value you as a point system.

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    13 hours ago, megmeg said:

    Hi! CHAD is Child and Adolescent Development. I just read a different thread about ABSN programs, and it gave me some hope. I've already done several courses that fulfill the B.A, so essentially it'll only take me 1 year and 1/2 to complete the B.A. On top of that, I've had 3 years of experience as a CNA and 5 years before that of voluntary service. I've read that with a CHAD degree, I could work in a hospital setting. I guess getting the B.A would not only help me stand out when applying to ABSN programs but also getting experience that apparently they look for. More so than the ADN programs that focus solely on your GPA and value you as a point system.

    If you’re sure that you’re not able to be accepted to an RN program now, then I do see the logic in your plan.

    With that said, has your GPA improved since the last time you applied?  Have you considered retaking some of the more pertinent science classes to see  if you can do better (I.e. A&P and microbio)?  
     

    Why have you only been applying to LVN programs?  Are ADN programs not available where you are?

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    • Author
    7 hours ago, FiremedicMike said:

    If you’re sure that you’re not able to be accepted to an RN program now, then I do see the logic in your plan.

    With that said, has your GPA improved since the last time you applied?  Have you considered retaking some of the more pertinent science classes to see  if you can do better (I.e. A&P and microbio)?  
     

    Why have you only been applying to LVN programs?  Are ADN programs not available where you are?

    Yup, that's why I said I got C's in all 3 classes in my original post! The minimum of most ADN programs around me are 2.5 GPA and with all Cs it's a 2.3. I was considering LVN programs along with ADN to increase my chances of getting into any program that would gear me towards nursing. 

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    I think you should sit down and focus on what is important to you. I completely understand feeling pressured by family who want to know what you are doing and when you will be done with schooling, but at the end of the day they aren't going to be the ones that are paying your bills or working the job, you are. If you make a quick decision to please family and friends you risk the chance of doing something that you don't really want to do. It sounds like you are leaning more towards CHAD. I would do that. Like you said there are so many routes to get into nursing. 

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    • Author

    Thank you for your kind response! While do I have this post up, I was able to get my answer on a separate topic (I'm not sure how to delete a topic hahaha). And I've decided to continue to get my B.A in CHAD since it's an area of nursing I'm particularly interested in. 

    Just now, megmeg said:

    Thank you for your kind response! While do I have this post up, I was able to get my answer on a separate topic (I'm not sure how to delete a topic hahaha). And I've decided to continue to get my B.A in CHAD since it's an area of nursing I'm particularly interested in. 

     

    1 hour ago, ns12 said:

    I think you should sit down and focus on what is important to you. I completely understand feeling pressured by family who want to know what you are doing and when you will be done with schooling, but at the end of the day they aren't going to be the ones that are paying your bills or working the job, you are. If you make a quick decision to please family and friends you risk the chance of doing something that you don't really want to do. It sounds like you are leaning more towards CHAD. I would do that. Like you said there are so many routes to get into nursing. 

    Thank you for your kind response! While do I have this post up, I was able to get my answer on a separate topic (I'm not sure how to delete a topic hahaha). And I've decided to continue to get my B.A in CHAD since it's an area of nursing I'm particularly interested in.

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    21 hours ago, megmeg said:

    And I've decided to continue to get my B.A in CHAD since it's an area of nursing I'm particularly interested in. 

    Do you have any interest in Social Work? You would need a Master's but that would build on your strengths. Just a thought!

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    • Author
    1 hour ago, londonflo said:

    Do you have any interest in Social Work? You would need a Master's but that would build on your strengths. Just a thought!

    I think those who become social workers are of the most selfless individuals, but personally for me I have no interest. Thank you for your thought though! I appreciate it ? 

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    You're welcome. My daughter is a school social worker.

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