Finishing pre-nursing later than planned?

[LaceElaine]

Hello,

Ugh... So, here's my problem. I'll be starting my second year or pre-nursing in the fall. I haven't taken ANY science classes. The last two semesters, by the time the freshman enrolling window opened, all the science classes were filled. Now, I'm two semesters behind and almost done with all my other pre-reqs. I've come to the conclusion that I have 4 options:

1) I take one science class per semester (including next summer) and finish pre-nursing after the fall semester of 2013.

2) I take one science class per semester (excluding next summer because summer classes are accelerated) and finish pre-nursing after spring of 2014

3) I double up on science classes (Micro Biology and A+P I), I take a financial aid cut for only being a part-time student to focus all my energy into two difficult classes and then finish pre-nursing after fall of 2013.

4) Same as #3, but I take my last science class in summer of 2013 (an accelerated class). I'd be finished after summer 2013.

I'm so confused about what do do... Please help me come to a decision. Thoughts and advice please!

[pinayluv78]

I would say, double up & surprise yourself with what you can do! I just finished a semester with micro, physio, & nutrition. The semester before that, I took Anatomy, Chemistry, & Statistics. When my counselor made up my educational plan, I was terrified I wouldn't be able to take on such a heavy course load but I worked hard & got A's in every single class. So it is definitely doable if you put in the effort. Good luck to you!

[Princess Mama]

I say double up on sciences & fill in with others to maintain full time status.

[DIVINELY FAVORED]

I say double up because as time goes on the nursing programs are getting harder and more difficult to gain entry. Why waste time? But only you know what you are capable of.

[ixchel]

Are you going for ADN? If you're looking at 3-4 more semesters anyway, what not take your time on your sciences, and add in BSN gen eds. Then you get more options when it's time to apply and you don't lose full time status.

[ixchel]

Are you going for ADN? If you're looking at 3-4 more semesters anyway, what not take your time on your sciences, and add in BSN gen eds. Then you get more options when it's time to apply and you don't lose full time status.

What=why

[LaceElaine]

Are you going for ADN? If you're looking at 3-4 more semesters anyway, what not take your time on your sciences, and add in BSN gen eds. Then you get more options when it's time to apply and you don't lose full time status.

No, I'm going for my BSN. My school only offers pre-nursing, but theres no option to get an ADN only a BSN. After that, you're transferred to the med center campus to start actual nursing school.

[Bobmo88]

I would recommend doubling up on classes only if you think you can handle them and still be able to do well. I'd say that is more important than finishing sooner. With how competitive nursing schools are becoming, having the best grades possible will give you your best shot of getting accepted the first time around. I got all Bs in my pre-reqs except for a C in Micro and this probably delayed my entry into nursing school 1-2 years. I had As in Anatomy and Physio but I got lazy going into the finals and thought Bs would cut it (this was 5 years ago, I had a much different attitude towards school) but it made my life so much harder. Best of luck with your choice!

[i♥words]

I would double up on classes. If you can withstand the cut in financial aid, that would be great, but if you can't I would take some gen ed courses to maintain full-time status. I doubled sciences this last spring semester and I didn't find it terribly hard.

[LaceElaine]

I would recommend doubling up on classes only if you think you can handle them and still be able to do well. I'd say that is more important than finishing sooner. With how competitive nursing schools are becoming, having the best grades possible will give you your best shot of getting accepted the first time around. I got all Bs in my pre-reqs except for a C in Micro and this probably delayed my entry into nursing school 1-2 years. I had As in Anatomy and Physio but I got lazy going into the finals and thought Bs would cut it (this was 5 years ago, I had a much different attitude towards school) but it made my life so much harder. Best of luck with your choice!

Thank you for sharing. It's crazy that you weren't accepted for Bs. I'm getting great grades now, but your story makes me want to kick my butt in gear and try a little harder. I'd love to double up if I can. You're right, though. I'd rather have better grades than finish sooner. Thanks everyone for the advice!

[kaydensmom01]

I would double up on classes. I took a&p, general chem, psychology, and a 1 credit required class my first semester. The next semester I had done nutrition, organic chemistry, sociology. I got all of my science classes done and was in a program withing 8 months of starting school, it was difficult but I managed to get all A's- as well as gaining a great background for my nursing classes. Like others have said, it is totally doable if you are willing to put school as a priority and study.

[♑ Capricorn ♑]

#4. Double up, Buttercup. Why prolong the agony if you don't have to. Like the above have said, as long as its not too much to take on at once and your GPA doesn't slip. Then, go for it. Get them out of the WAY and done with!