Discouragement from others - Do I have what it takes?

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Hello! I'm 22 and currently finishing up my per-requisites to apply to the nursing program in the near future. Currently, I hold a 4.0 GPA. While in high-school I was a bit of a wild child, couldn't focus, and graduated with a whopping 1.7 GPA. Needless to say, I've obviously changed.

After high school graduation, I started my work in the healthcare field. I have been a caregiver for a little over 4 years now. (CNA, Caregiver, & Direct Care Worker working with the Developmentally Disabled population). I know this is what I want to do, I couldn't imagine doing anything else. I care about it, but I also want it.

Nursing seems to be the going trend for most females in my area, and I'll even admit that some females are just going with the flow like everyone else. To me, not anyone can be a nurse. I know that I'm not an RN but I have worked in this field and know that I would like to continue my job and move up on the food chain.

After working a few years after high-school I realized entry-level jobs get you no where and that I need to do this, do something to succeed. My entire family background is low-income, uneducated people. Today, something really irked me while in class.

When applying for the Nursing Program at my school, its a point system and GPA is one of the biggest points value. Like I have said previously, I hold a 4.0- But I am nervous about taking the remaining classes next semester. Next semester I have to take Microbiology and A&P II together. As I was stressing my nerves to one classmate about how I need to maintain my GPA, another one chimed in, "Well if your GPA drops, maybe this isn't the right field for you." Excuse me?

All day long I've been thinking of this comment.. who is she to say that? Maybe she is judging that off other factors? Do I not look professional enough? Mind you- I don't know this girl at all.

In one sense, It makes me want to push harder. An old client of mine was a retired surgeon; he had told me before he had to apply for his residency program several times before getting in, and before starting med school he obtained a 2.8 GPA. This gives me hope, but still. Is she right? Or am I wrong?

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Follow your heart. Don't take it personal. Irked is one thing, but if you let her get under your skin, she wins. You can do it. You have enough experience to know if its what you want to do. She was probably being a catty B-word because she is jealous. Points systems bring out the worst in people from my experiences. Its kinda cut throat. Put your mind to it and you will do fine. I got accepted to my program with less than a 4.0 . Grades do not make a good nurse. Book smart and being able to apply a skill or knowledge is what will get you a job in the end when you are licensed. You will learn therefore people who genuinely care and pretenders. Distance yourself from her, she is not worth the head ache. Good luck to you, I am sure you will do fine.

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Specializes in Psych/Mental Health.

Don't even listen to her. That girl's comment is silly and sounds immature. You don't need to be a 4.0 student to be successful in the nursing field (or most other fields). Obviously, if your GPA drops a LOT from A&P II and micro, then there's a reason to be concerned about getting into the school. Otherwise, if it drops a little I really don't see the big deal. Not to mention, you can retake if you must.

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Put it in a bubble, and let it go!

She is jealous, it is very competitive to get into a program, and they are trying to psych you out.

Just prove them wrong, and keep going!!!!!!

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Specializes in Med/Surg,Cardiac.

Don't let what she said bother you. In a few years when you have RN behind your name, what she or anyone else says won't matter.

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Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

I agree, she is just being ridiculous.

You've accomplished a lot, and it sounds like you really want this! Don't let someone's insensitivity make you question your goals. You are doing great, and I don't think you'll find that Micro and A & P II are as daunting as you might fear. You've worked hard to develop the right study habits, and those will follow you everywhere from now on. You're gonna be fine! :)

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I saw a quote the other day that read " There are 3 reasons people hate on you- 1) They see you as a THREAT. 2) They hate themselves. 3) They want to be you."

Don't let haters get to you. :laugh: You'll be alright, even if your GPA drops a little bit. I don't have a perfect GPA- but I am still going places!

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She may see you as competition. I'd continue to prove her wrong

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Specializes in 10.

I agree with all the other posters. If you feel this is what you want to do, then NO one can take it away from you. The comment could have been made for many reasons, ignore it, and other comments that may come.You have to make your haters your motivation.

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I can already tell from your post that you will be a wonderful nurse and congratulations on you 4.0 GPA. Don't listen to the negativity. You got this

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People say negative things to make themselves feel better. There will always be DISCOURAGERS BUT know that for every DISCOURAGER there are 2-3 ENCOURAGERS! FORGET THAT CHICK GOTS 2 BE JEALOUS! When i got into my RN prog i had a 2.7 failed out(my OWN FAULT) got myself together applied to a LPN program earlier this year with a 3.37 & GOT IN! & im currently maintaing that! My instructor from the RN program told me i needed to change my career plans! & i almost did because in my area you have to wait 5 years to apply back BUT THE DEVIL IS A LIE I wILL NOT CHANGE NOTHING! By getting accepted into this LPN program it made me feel like i made the right decision about not giving up because of WHAT SOMEBODY ELSE SAID! I am worker harder everyday to PROVE 2 MYSELF that this is what im meant & called to do & i must say i am PROUD OF ME! & a little bit to prove to her that WHO ARE YOU 2 TELL ME I NEED 2 CHANGE! I would LOVE 2 BE HER NURSE 1 DAY & i'll make sure i tell her " i didnt change my career just took a DETOUR & LOOK AT ME NOW! BOOM HOW YOU LIKE ME NOW!

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I feel like I've encountered that too from people I tell that I'm applying to nursing schools. I get "That's really hard, you know. Like, a lot of science." Me: deadstare, and thinking "What do you think I've been doing for the last two years...pottery?". I'm working my butt off right now so that I can get into a good school and I the pressure is on because it's time to apply. Don't let the pressure and others doubts deter you, it's hard to stay on track but when it's all said and done you know deep down that this is what you want. Prove 'em wrong.

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