Graduate School?

allnurses Guide · Mar 31, 2017

I recommend you work as an acute care nurse before worrying about graduate school. That probably sounds abrupt and mean, but I do not mean it that way. Nursing education positions require 3-5 years of acute care experience, often in a specialized field, on top of the graduate degree.

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 31, 2017

I used to sit an an admissions committee --many years ago. We would make exceptions for students applying for grad school -- but only after they had demonstrated their abilities through successful practice as an RN for a couple of years. We also like to see the person demonstrating competence by having a record that shows increasing sophistication and responsibilities over time. In other words, people who showed that they progressed in their careers over time -- being active in committee work, professional organizations, etc.

If an applicant had a positive professional record (like the one described above) and performed well on the GRE exam, we would grant them a "provisional acceptance." They could start the program, but had to get a B average in their first semester to continue on.

Take it one step at a time. Graduate and get a job. After you have gotten a couple of years of experience and can demonstrate that you are a successful nurse who is respected by your peers, then start talking with schools about graduate options. At this early stage in your career, you are not ready to assume the responsibility of educating others.

Calalilynurse · Apr 3, 2017

Nurse for a year or two first then began precepting to see if your even interested in education. Your gpa would not be competitive so every little bit will help like a great gre score, serving on committees, extra certifications, super user classes. I didn't get into NP school for family np twice with a year of acute experience and As and Bs in nursing school. Float to other areas and learn as much as you can.

SmilingBluEyes · Apr 3, 2017

I used to sit an an admissions committee --many years ago. We would make exceptions for students applying for grad school -- but only after they had demonstrated their abilities through successful practice as an RN for a couple of years. We also like to see the person demonstrating competence by having a record that shows increasing sophistication and responsibilities over time. In other words, people who showed that they progressed in their careers over time -- being active in committee work, professional organizations, etc.
If an applicant had a positive professional record (like the one described above) and performed well on the GRE exam, we would grant them a "provisional acceptance." They could start the program, but had to get a B average in their first semester to continue on.
Take it one step at a time. Graduate and get a job. After you have gotten a couple of years of experience and can demonstrate that you are a successful nurse who is respected by your peers, then start talking with schools about graduate options. At this early stage in your career, you are not ready to assume the responsibility of educating others.

This.

SmilingBluEyes · Apr 3, 2017

Get some experience first. You have no idea right now, where your career may take you. Grad school (even with tuition assistance from an employer, another reason to have a job) is expensive. You may change your mind and your focus when you are actually a practicing nurse. Don't put the cart before the donkey; get the experience THEN do grad school.