From Pre-Nursing Student to ?

[megmeg, CNA]

Hi everyone! 

So a REALLY short background of my education (if you want a more detailed explanation see my past posts): Was a pre-nursing student, got all Cs in science prereqs, but still want to become a nurse. I was stupid, uninformed, and by the time I got my act together it was too late. Currently, I've been a CNA for 3 years. Researched LVN schools, applied to some. Got rejected. Have NOT taken the TEAS. Been in college for 4 ish years now. 

Fast forward to now with a plan my counselor came up for me. I'll be finishing up an A.S in Science and Mathematics this semester at my local CC. Next semester I'll be finishing up a full course to get an A.A for Transfer in CHAD (surprisingly a major I've received all As in prereqs so far) and completing the CGU checklist. Currently, I'm working on applying to 5 Cal States. The plan is getting my B.A in two years and then apply to ABSN programs. I've done light research about the requirements of ABSN programs, and one of them is the TEAS. I realize that California is VERY competitive, but the goal is to try and stay here. If worse comes to worst I'll go out of state. 

As many here may know, and I've had to find out the hard way, there are SO many different avenues of becoming a nurse. I just want to know if this path is a good idea? I think I'm experiencing burnout by the disappointment and obstacles I've faced so far I just want to be done, BUT I know becoming a nurse takes dedication, and don't worry I'm working on it. 

Anyway, I've compartmentalized it this way. Drop the path of getting a B.A in CHAD which will take 2 years. Schedule to take the TEAS next Spring (which I also don't feel confident about), apply to the few LVN programs I may have a chance of getting into with my Cs dragging me down. If I get into a program, the average time is 1.5/2 years depending on the program. Then bridge from LVN to BSN which on average takes 1/2 years depending on the school. 

OR

Continue with getting a B.A in CHAD, a major that I'm decent at. I've already "used up" my retake for the science courses (major facepalm because I was ALWAYS 1-2% away from a B). Make sure I have the prereqs for the specific schools and apply for the ABSN program.

Also, at this point, I need to stop worrying about how long it'll take me. I mean, the past 4 years have flown by so fast! Just hard when you have pressure from those around you constantly questioning when you'll be done. Any tips on how to mentally handle that, I'm all for it. 

If you've taken the time to read this far, you have no idea but I REALLY appreciate it!

[VT2RN]

I'm kind of in a similar situation. Have you considered ADN programs? you might have a chance with high TEAS scores and CNA experience, you would be able to sit for NCLEX, plus it would take the same amount of time as LVN. 

[megmeg, CNA]

53 minutes ago, VT2RN said:

I'm kind of in a similar situation. Have you considered ADN programs? you might have a chance with high TEAS scores and CNA experience, you would be able to sit for NCLEX, plus it would take the same amount of time as LVN. 

Unfortunately that was my original plan. To apply to literally ALL possible schools that offer ADN programs.  I was about to study for the TEAS this fall, but put that to the side when I got my new plan from my counselor. Also with Coronavirus affecting all aspects of my life, I didn't have the ability to carve out the time I would have liked to study.  

[Nursein2021]

I would say to retake your main core classes like Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology and get A's. Reach out to schools that you are interested in applying to and see if they allow retakes. 

[megmeg, CNA]

43 minutes ago, Nursein2021 said:

I would say to retake your main core classes like Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology and get A's. Reach out to schools that you are interested in applying to and see if they allow retakes. 

Hi! Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately the schools I’m interested in only allow for 1 repeat. However, I think most of them have a time limit on the sciences. So by the time I finish in two years I could retake them! Hopefully.