Getting into the nursing program

anon456, BSN, RN · Dec 13, 2010

From what I understand as long as you pass the classes eventually and get credit for them, that's what counts. I don't know how your program works. In my program, as long as you get the credits, they don't care what your grade was-- except C or better in the maths and sciences was absolute. Good luck! You will love it!! Have you considered working as a CNA while you are waiting to get in? You can get great experience that way.

anon456, BSN, RN · Dec 13, 2010

I wanted to add- use your resources! Most colleges have writing centers and tutors for free or very cheap. I learned that lesson recently. We had to write a paper for nursing school with research components. I was lazy about my citations-- I had listed the articles but not properly. My friend went to the writing center and had her paper reviewed by a worker there, and they fixed all her citation errors. She got 100% on her paper. I was marked off for the citations. Grr! When I was taking math in college I practically lived at the math center when it came to doing my math homework. I am not strong in math but pulled off B's because every time I had a question about homework help was right there.

lrobinson5 · Dec 13, 2010

You can retake a class a max of 3 times. While a university might count a retake against you, a nursing program most likely won't. On your transcript I'm not even sure if it still shows the 'F' or 'W', I think it may change to 'R' for 'retake'.

What the above poster said is very true, science classes are the ones to really worry about.

Sarah010101 · Dec 13, 2010

Some schools weigh your marks on a points scale as well. I believe my school awarded up to 6 points for grades, 10 points for interview, 5 points essay etc etc. So... they do matter in a way. However, I had failed a math course (Calc II) before nursing, and yes it did affect my entry points into the program and put me below someone else who had all A's and B's... however you can make this up in other ways in your interview etc. Just so you know, not all schools soley go on GPA :)

tainted1972, ASN, RN · Dec 13, 2010

the schools that I have attended only cared about your final grade.. meaning that when you retake a class and get . lets say a B.. then that is what you got there is no mention of the previously failed class.

Make sure you know what grade you must get... one school I went to only required a 70 percent.. another it was 75 percent.. currently I Must get a 78 percent in order to continue with the nursing program (LPN to RN), even though the percentage needed to technically pass the class is lower.

Summers_Off · Dec 13, 2010

See if you can take a Clep exam for this class. Forget writing papers! Buy the Clep book and take one multiple choice test. Good luck.

Wreck'em · Dec 13, 2010

Im new to this website and i would like to start off by introducing myself.I'm 19 and i'm a pre nursing student.I am currently taking my pre reqs at el centro comm college.I've always been a great student but my first semester i failed psychology 1301 and i will be taking it again soon although im scared of failure again.I was just wondering will failing a class have an effect on me getting into the nursing program??I passed all of my other classes im just worried about this one.I would also like to know any tips on passing the class as far as writing papers(which im not good at).Any advice or comments would be greatly appreciated...

Glad you were able to "pass" most of your classes. My suggestion would be that you try and set the bar a little higher. Getting into nursing school is very competative. My guess is that if you continue to merely "pass" the basic entry level classes at a community college that you will never get into a nursing school. If you failed psych 1301 (probably one of the easiest classes you can take) what are you going to do when you have to take A&P, Micro, and chemistry?? Don't strive for mediocraty... Nursing schools tend to accept people who did well in their classes, not students who were able to sqeek by with passing grades... GL

HardWorknGurl · Dec 13, 2010

@anon456 thnx for the advice...and i will be going to a tutoring session becuase writing has always been my weakness.but i love math and science so im no really worried about those

@lrobinson5 thnx and yes i think you're right but i will check with my school to make sure..

@SarahUFVsn yes my school goes by a point system as well and as far as gpa idk yet but i will check to make sure.;o)

@tainted1972 hopefully my school will only go by my final grade as well that way i wont be so stressed out about this but I think I'll be fine..

@df77 haha i was thinking the exact same thing but i figure since there will be plenty of papers once i get into the program i might as well start now

Thank You all for the advice and encouragement I really do appreciate it. :yeah:

@Wreck'em the bar is always set high when it comes to me and my education...I graduated as a junior in high school,in the top 5 percent of my class,with honors,and earned a scholarship for doing so.So I don't need you to tell me that im slacking or not putting any effort into what I do.When the class started there were 65 students and we ended with 10 and only half of those people passed.Yes it was very challenging and was my first actual college course.Don't judge me and you don't know my background or anything else about me.I will be taking this class again in January and I will pass.You have a good rest of the week;)