in desperate need of advice !!!

shibaowner, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 8, 2017

You need to focus on bringing up your GPA. Why do you have a low GPA? Honestly, if you can't get at least a 3.0, then why do you think you should be a nurse? People's lives will depend on you. Get some academic counseling. Bluntly, if you can't earn a decent GPA then you should not become a nurse.

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 8, 2017

Moved to Pre-Nursing Student forum

Wiggly Litchi · Aug 8, 2017

You need to focus on bringing up your GPA. Why do you have a low GPA? Honestly, if you can't get at least a 3.0, then why do you think you should be a nurse? People's lives will depend on you. Get some academic counseling. Bluntly, if you can't earn a decent GPA then you should not become a nurse.

Amen to this.

@Ctran1 - your best bet would be to talk to academic advising to see what your options are; you could even talk to schools in your area. That being said, what Shibaowner says is right. You've really gotta raise that GPA up, and make sure that you're comfortable with subjects like A&P. Nursing isn't really a field we can/should cheese through; it's incredibly taxing and once you get your license you're going to have to put everything you've learned into practice consistently.

Ana01 · Aug 8, 2017

I understand that nursing is a lot of hard work and dedication. But I believe that nursing isn't only about high GPA and good test scores. I know nurses who have 4.0 GPA's and are ****** nurses because they are incapable of caring and connecting with patients. I also know numerous people who don't have the best gpa and got into nursing school and are way better nurses than whose who were straight A students. My gpa is as low as it is because of family issues I am not comfortable with discussing, but i am determined to become a nurse and I don't care how long it takes me. I was only asking for advice on what is the best option for me. You tell me to bring up my gpa but do not specify on how. (Should I retake classes, or take more classes, or what.) I really enjoy taking any science related courses (A&P, micro, patho, etc) I have done well in all those courses. It is the courses that don't interest me that are bringing down my gpa.

lehaley1989, ADN, RN · Aug 8, 2017

This may depend on your programs of interest. Some frown upon repeating courses, others don't mind as much and are pleased to see improvement. Some programs place more weight on your pre-requisite (science) GPA than on your total GPA. I would reach out to the advisor at each school you have been looking at, explain your concerns, and ask which route would make you a stronger candidate.

Do you have any experience in the healthcare field? CNA/PCT experience can sometimes boost your appeal when applying to nursing programs. If you are really determined to become a nurse no matter how long it takes, you should also keep in mind that an accelerated program isn't your only option. :)

shibaowner, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 8, 2017

I understand that nursing is a lot of hard work and dedication. But I believe that nursing isn't only about high GPA and good test scores. I know nurses who have 4.0 GPA's and are ****** nurses because they are incapable of caring and connecting with patients. I also know numerous people who don't have the best gpa and got into nursing school and are way better nurses than whose who were straight A students. My gpa is as low as it is because of family issues I am not comfortable with discussing, but i am determined to become a nurse and I don't care how long it takes me. I was only asking for advice on what is the best option for me. You tell me to bring up my gpa but do not specify on how. (Should I retake classes, or take more classes, or what.) I really enjoy taking any science related courses (A&P, micro, patho, etc) I have done well in all those courses. It is the courses that don't interest me that are bringing down my gpa.

First, only doing well in classes you are interested in is a sign of immaturity. In nursing school, you are not going to find all of your classes and clinicals interesting. Furthermore, as a nurse you will have to do many things that won't be fun or interesting. Why should you be trusted to be in a role in which people's lives depend on you?

Second, your guidance counselor at school gave you good advice. It isn't what you want to hear. You are not entitled to get into nursing school and become a nurse - you have to earn it.

Third, you can raise your GPA by retaking any classes you failed or got a D in. You can also take some additional classes relevant to nursing, like Epidemiology or Immunology, and getting A's in those. Also look for courses in Public Policy or Healthcare Economics, etc.

Fourth, your GPA does not qualify you for an ABSN. Those programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA overall and are academically grueling.

ayuhime, BSN · Aug 9, 2017

I agree with everyone else on this thread. Here's my advice from someone who just got accepted into the nursing program and has a bachelors. You need to change your attitude and mindset about doing poorly in the classes that you "don't care about." I bet those classes you could of easily gotten A's in. Also, you mentioned that nurses have gotten a poor GPA and excell at their job compared to nurses with higher GPAs. First off, in order to get into a nursing program, you need AT LEAST a 3.0 GPA and every semester you have to MAINTAIN that GPA otherwise you are out of the program. If you don't mind me asking, how many credits do you have? I would recommend retaking those classes that you did poorly in.

Changing your major is definitely not a waste of time and you should change your major immediately. Psychology is one of the most useless majors out there; unless you are going for your masters, then that's different. Choose a more practical major that you can use so that if you don't get accepted into nursing school, at least you have a backup.