Deciding on a plan A and a backup...

[jaysma]

I'm currently taking pre-reqs at a CC in order to apply to the ADN program. I just need to get though Chemistry this semester & then I'm eligible to apply. Here you can apply twice a year. Acceptance is entirely based on your NLN test results. They accept 15 in district students & 15 out of district students for each program our of about 100-150 applicants. Application deadlines are in July for the evening program & in February for the day program.

My original plan was to apply in July for the Spring 07 evening program. I still need A&P 1 and 2 & Micro and could take them during the summer/fall before entering the program in the spring. This way I could focus 100% on the nursing course. The downfall of this plan would be that my son is in preschool in the mornings & I would be at school/clinicals at night.

Then I thought about waiting until next Feb. & applying for the day program that would start Fall 07. It would give me more cushion in getting in those A&P and Micro classes. Plus, DS would be in kindergarten all day & our schedules would work together nicely. On the other hand, I'm not sure I want to pass up applying this July because if I don't get in I could re-apply in Feb.

As if that wasn't enough to think about, I'm learning more about our local LPN program. It starts this fall, lasts 11 months and the application deadline is March 15th. Admission is based on a pre-entrance test & an interview. Last year they had a 96% pass rate on the state board exam. I could then work as a LPN (though I'm not crazy about that) while bridging over to the RN program at night. The downside to this program is that it is M-F 8-3 and I would have to figure out a way to get DS to & from preschool (8:30-11:30) & then get a daycare until I get out at 3pm.

I guess I'm really just thinking "out loud". I'm glad that I have several options, but just not sure what order my plans are in. How did you decide which was your plan A and which plan was your backup?

[Golden_Clover]

This year I have decided to pin all my hopes on one program. If I don't get in, next year I am applying to EVERYTHING!:roll

In my humble opinion, I would apply as soon as you can to the RN program. The sooner you are in, the sooner you are out. But this just depends on your family situation though. I debated applying to an LPN program, but I decided to wait another year to try to get into the program I really want.

I don't suppose I was much help, sorry!!! I gave it a try!

Best of luck in your decision

Clover

[allthingsbright]

I say apply for every program you can. Don't put your eggs all in one basket. Look into LPN-RN, BSN, the whole deal! And dont give up...

[ftr_bb_catchr]

I applied for one and only one. I didn't get in the first time (as they changed reqs to say you couldn't have classes in progress). I decided to apply one more time (figuring that since my program was GPA based for admittance I'd probably get in) and if I didn't get in that time THEN I'd look at all the other options. I got in on that second try and I'm glad I took that route.

I'm an outloud thinker too so I know what you're going through... I felt like that 7 months of waiting to start was total torture but I made good use of my time by taking classes for my BSN. You have to follow your heart and do what works for your family and I for one have faith that the Lord has a plan. The class I'm in, and the friends I've made, I have no doubt this is where I should be!

[sweet tooth]

My thoughts...1st keep all your options open. I applied to one school last yr and did not get in. My grades are good but my entrance test score weeded me out. This year I have applied to several schools.

I had to put my life on hold for A&P I and II. Lots of info in these classes so I guess I'm saying, don't take them lightly.

Another thought, can you go ahead and take the NLN (if you feel ready) and compare your scores to the scores they are accepting into the program?

Lastly, if your son is used to you being around, it would be nice for you to continue getting him from preschool one more year. I only say this because my son is in his last year of preschool right now and I really believe that I didn't get into a program this yr because I'm supposed to be w/him. Having said that, I only know snippets of your situation so take my thoughts w/a grain of salt. Sounds like you are weighing everything..I think that's smart. Good Luck!!

[Nurse-To-Be-Joy]

There is only one option I have. There is nothing else offered at my college. So, if I don't get into the ADN program, I'm going to take Stats via a state university online, and maybe one more class.

There is only 3 non-nursing classes I need for my RN-BSN (Stats, General Path, and Nutrition), so once I graduate as a nurse, I want to start this track, so if I don't get into the nursing program this fall, I might as well get started on these pre- and co-requisites.