Help me from getting discouraged

1969 · Jul 15, 2008

My experience sounds similar. My cc is very small and very competitive. Also, I'm told we have one of the best NSs in So Cal. People from all over San Bernardino county want to come here. We do a lottery system here and have an average 2 year wait list to get in !!! :banghead: So I understand your frustration. I'm working on my final pre-req next spring. Being one of the older students, I plan on asking a lot of questions, getting extra help from those who have a good handle on things, studying hard, and praying a lot.

Just remember why you're doing this. I figure I'll be ok - but I am anticipating working my fanny off during NS. :typing But it will all be worth it. :nurse: Also, try having regular meetings with instructors to touch base on your progress and what you can do to do better.

Good Luck to You, You'll do great!!!! :up: :up:

JettaDP · Jul 15, 2008

Don't think of it as discouraging information. Think of it as a harsh truth. Competitive nursing schools are hard to get in to. You have to work your butt off on pre-req's and you simply need to be the best of the best. HOWEVER, it is not impossible. It will be hard, but you can do it. And for this guy to practically role his eyes at you is way out of line. And yes, many people want to be nurses. But there is a demand for it. And who cares if the job market is competitive? Don't let that stop you. Even if it is competitive you will find a job.

I was very intimidated and discouraged when I first started to look into nursing school. I was scared to be honest. I never thought I could make it because they put so much pressure on you to have the best grades and entrance scores. I look at my fear as a good thing. It pushed me to be my best. I was so determined to get into nursing school that I just worked harder. And I got into my first choice school on the first try. So when people tell you that getting into nursing school and it is way too hard; don't listen to them. Although their right, if you put your mind to it, you can lead the competition.

As far as standing out, have work experience in a healthcare related field. Try doing some volunteering. Research the field of nursing extensively so when you have your interviews, they'll know that you know what you're getting into and you're passionate about it. And focus on keeping your GPA as high as possible. Hope some of this helps. :nurse:

AtomicWoman · Jul 15, 2008

Don't let his discouraging words discourage you if being a nurse is what you really want to do. However, maybe he's just trying to open your eyes and that's not such a bad thing. We *are* hearing more and more about new grads having trouble getting jobs in SOME areas of the country. Here's a thread about that:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f121/new-grads-where-there-nursing-glut-307172.html

My guess is that that situation's only going to get worse, given the number of nursing schools at full capacity these days. But hey, forewarned is forearmed; there are lots of things you can do about getting a job if you plan far enough in advance.

Best of luck to you!!!

vanurse08 · Jul 15, 2008

Nursing schools are competitive, but not impossible. Will you get in the first time you apply??? Maybe .... Maybe not, but if you want to be a nurse you won't let that stop you.

I applied to nursing school for two yrs before I was accepted. I was frustrated. But there was no way I was going to let ANYONE discourage me from applying for the next term. So I applied to every school I where my application would be considered and I got in, I didn't get into my first choice but I am so okay with that. Because here I am today, I just finished my second day on the job as a RN in on a Ped Med-Surg floor.

Hang in there, apply and apply and apply if you need to. Its will be so worth it in the end :)

FA to CRNA2b · Jul 15, 2008

i live in the Bay Area, and have decided that i want to change careers and go for a nursing degree. i'm 34 and wish i had done this 10 years ago, but 10 years from now i will still be kicking myself if i hadn't done it. i have a BA in English but need to take more pre-reqs before applying to nursing schools.
i went to the local CC to talk to a counselor and see what i need to apply for, and he practically rolled his eyes when i told him i wanted to go for a BSN. he said that all nursing schools in the bay area are extremely competitive because "everyone and their mother wants to be a nurse nowadays." he also said getting a job here is very competitive as well, since the pay is so high. i already knew all of this but his attitude was very discouraging.
i know i shouldn't let one person get me discouraged, but i'm worried about going to CC for years to do pre-reqs and then not being able to get into any schools. what would increase my chances of getting accepted? is it just about GPA or is there more i can do? the whole situation is very intimidating but like i said i'll regret it if i don't do it. any suggestions?

I had the same experience! I was around 38? or so when I went to speak to a counselor who kept bringing up my age and the competition, blah blah blah...

I finished my BSN while working as an international flight attendant full-time, plus (deep breath), I have three small children, a spouse, family and friends. I did it and now, I'm look forward to anesthesia school. That counselor did not know me or what I'm capable of handling. So, don't be discouraged. Only you know how motivated you are and what your true limitations are.