Here's my story

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Specializes in Short Term/Skilled.

So, I always see threads on here about how competitive NS is and how hard it is to get in. It really is, and honestly I don't like how my school does it at all.

They don't take your GPA into consideration other than 9 "core" requirements, (AP I, II, Micro, Stats, English Psych, Public speaking and Ethics). They also don't consider any prior experience or letters of rec.

So, I've been taking classes for so long I'm about to get my damn Health Science degree. All in all, that's not really a bad thing, because It will waive my core requirements when I eventually go for my BSN.

The thing is, I'm really not a very good student. It's not because I'm not intelligent, or because I struggle, but because I flake out a lot and forget about assignments and often have to scramble to make up for zero's or poor test grades because I forgot to study. So, my GPA won't allow me to apply. I think that's supposed to deter me from pursuing a career in nursing, but it won't.

Mind you, I know I'll be screwed if I don't figure out how to stay organized before NS, I'm working on it.

So, I can wait for eons to get accepted into the RN program, or I can do the LPN program, which has a less stringent acceptance policy.

Why, I don't know, but I'm totally fine with it. I've worked with LPNs, and they're knowledgeable and IMO, don't get the credit they deserve, LTC has always been a possibility as a career for me, anyways.

So,, that's what I'm going to do, and the thing that makes me laugh is it's exactly the same amount of time to first get my LPN and then bridge for my RN than to go directly for my RN.

Maybe I"m kidding myself and I won't do well, I won't know until I try, but I think I'll be OK.

I'll keep you posted :-)

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Specializes in PACU.

You definitely are right to want to get your flakiness under control. Forgetting to study in nursing school is just setting yourself up for failure. Not only for nursing school, but for your potential career as a nurse. "Sorry, I flaked!" isn't usually an excuse they like and can kick you right to the unemployment line. The thing I do in regards to assignments is I take the syllabus with all the assignments that will be due. I take a yellow highlighter and highlight projects I am currently working on, when they are submitted/finished, I highlight them pink. I also keep a calendar just for assignments and check it every day to keep on top of them.

A lot of people choose LPN first, then bridge, and are very, very successful. Good luck!

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There's nothing wrong with going for your LPN and then later bridging to an RN degree. Just work on creating a plan or system that will allow you to become more organized. You will need to be organized in LPN and RN school in order to be successful...same goes for the working world.

Best wishes.

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Specializes in Short Term/Skilled.

Yeah, I"m trying. :-( I have ADHD, and I've been taking online, on campus and hybrid courses and I'm all over the place. I need a system where I can see everything at one time, I'm thinking I may make a calender out of my wall......

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One of the things that I have found to help me with being organized is that besides my day planner that I write everything into, I have gotten several dry erase boards and cork boards that I have hung up in my study area. One of the dry erase boards is just a monthly calendar that I write down the days that I have class, days I work and on that one I write in any exams, quizzes or papers that are due. On the other board I have it sectioned off into seven columns, one for each day of the week. Usually on Sunday night I prepare that board for the coming week. Writing in the readings I need to do for different classes, set study times and what class, if there is a quiz or an exam coming up I block off specific times for studying for those. I also fill in the times that I have to work and scheduled "me" time if that is watching a favorite tv show or spending time with the boyfriend. Finally on my last board for each class I make a list of what needs to be done for the section that we are working on currently. Readings, notes for the chapter, projects and such. When I finish one of those things on the list I mark it as done. On my cork boards I have my class syllabus, any hand outs for any projects that need to be done, or any other type of paper article relating to the class that should be in sight or easy to find. It has taken some time to get use to and develop this system, and I am sure it will continue to evolve, I myself am not naturally the type of person that is this organized so it takes some work. However with being diligent with this it has made it easier to stay more organized. Good luck to you and hopefully you find something that works in helping you.

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Although I do no have ADHD I tend to procrastinate and can forget small stuff. Ive been on allnurses since before I started my prereqs and organization came to be something I saw was frequently touted as important here. I have 2 kids under 4, work p/t from home, took 17 credits this semester with a combination of online, classroom and hybrid classes. First thing I did within the first week of school was, using a planner, writing down ALL ASSIGNMENTS AND TEST and QUIZ dates. I even started to write some in a day or two BEFORE they would do to make sure I completed it on time. I also have a dry erase calendar on my fridge with important dates and family related stuff & appointments. I also would add some things to my Google calendar on my phone. Start with one thing. I used to school planner and its great because it already has school deadlines (like last days to drop class). Its my bible, and best of all it was free.

No matter what path you choose you have to get your "flakiness" under control or it will be your undoing.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

Well good you realize you are not willing to put in the effort to find a solution and are not going to waste money on nursing school. Yes a less challenging program will for sure be better. If you can "flake out" on school you could while giving meds or providing patient care. By saying you are unable to complete nursing school because you "flake out" then you have already accepted what you are capable of. Very rarely is it easy for anyone. I was dead broke and living in a crap apartment eating one time a day in nursing school. I had to study my a double s off non stop to get my BSN. For sure if you accept you are going to "flake out" then you have made the right decision.

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Specializes in Short Term/Skilled.
Well good you realize you are not willing to put in the effort to find a solution and are not going to waste money on nursing school. Yes a less challenging program will for sure be better. If you can "flake out" on school you could while giving meds or providing patient care. By saying you are unable to complete nursing school because you "flake out" then you have already accepted what you are capable of. Very rarely is it easy for anyone. I was dead broke and living in a crap apartment eating one time a day in nursing school. I had to study my a double s off non stop to get my BSN. For sure if you accept you are going to "flake out" then you have made the right decision.

Um, I never said I wasn't able to complete it or that I flake out. I said I need to do better at organizing, because I sometimes forget about assignments etc, and it effects my grade. No where did I indicate that I wasn't willing to put in the effort, but that's sweet of you.

I've yet to neglect a patient, patient care or reporting pertinent information. Grrrrr.

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