Dilemma and Question

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Before I begin: If you read this all the way through, thank you!

Now, a little back story about me: I am a 2 time cancer survivor. I was first diagnosed at the age of 16 and then again at the age of 22. I am coming up on 5 years remission, and except for a few residual aches and pains, I feel great. Anyway, because of my lack of health, I have had to stop and start semesters a few times due to getting sick again at 22, a bone marrow transplant, and depression.

Which brings me to now. I am 26 years old and have changed my major several times. At this time I am an art major, but I am not fully satisfied with it. I have seen nurses in action and I just have a feeling that nursing is the place for me because of what I have seen/ been through.

I hesitate to major in nursing because as you well know, you have to have a strong GPA, my college particularly wants a 2.8. I am currently at a 2.0.

My question is this: I have gotten this idea to quit school for now and work to pay off the $26,000 dollars I currently owe on student loans. I want to take time off a few years and then come back and start over: classes/everything. Does this plan make sense or am I just kidding myself?

Thanks!!!!!

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Im just going to be honest and say you are going to have a really hard time getting accepted with a 2.0 gpa. Your best bet would be to apply to a nursing school that has a waitlist, use the time youre waiting to work and pay off your loans, and come back when youre accepted.

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Im just going to be honest and say you are going to have a really hard time getting accepted with a 2.0 gpa. Your best bet would be to apply to a nursing school that has a waitlist, use the time youre waiting to work and pay off your loans, and come back when youre accepted.

I guess that is what I was trying to say I thought as well. I have not taken any of the pre-requisites required for a nursing degree. So my idea was to just sit out 4 or 5 years to save up money and pay off my loan. Then, come back and start my pre-requisites.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Congratulations on your recovery & attitude. I've beaten Ca twice myself - so I have an inkling.

I take personal pride in the fact that your nurses made such a positive impression & inspired you to become a nurse also. That's wonderful. But in light of the extreme competition and rigorous GPA requirements, you may want to explore other health professions as well. After all, many other clinical disciplines also contributed to your recovery even though you may not have actually encountered them.

Take a look at THIS - it's a listing of many types of health care professions. Many of them have educational requirements similar to nursing, but with programs that are not so competitive right now.

Best wishes on your continued good health & future educational journey.

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