I'm getting discouraged and it seems my allnurses silent lifeline might be able to help. As many others, I have been reading posts for months looking for general advice and enjoying the stories. It's my turn to tell mine and ask for help, support or maybe just a knock on the head.
I moved to Raleigh about 10 months ago. My husband and I were expecting our first child and things were looking tough up North. I was able to transfer, we put the house up for sale and hoped for the best. The house still has not sold but he moved here in December. That's another story that is causing me stress and probably why I'm so discouraged now. I just need one thing to work so I'm trying to focus on school.
My sad school story in a nutshell. I was raped the summer before freshman year at an Ivy League school. I didn't report it right away because it was a distant family member. Keeping that secret for many years caused me a lot of trauma to say the least. The relevancy now is that it deeply affected my grades and after 2 years I was kicked out. Second, it also gave me a new goal in life to work in a field that benefits women and children.
I have taken a long route to get to where I am today with many attempts to go back to school. I was later diagnosed with ADHD, which also explains some of the difficulties I first had in school. As things stand now, I have about 90 completed credits, not all very good, in business and women's studies. My pre-reqs are good though. I just finished A & P II with a 96% and am finishing Abnormal Psych with a 95% so far.
I am limited in my school options due to financial restraints, schedule and previous grades. I don't really know my overall gpa. My last gpa was 3.12 but was lowered due to a class I forgot to drop (ADD kicks in) and I got an F, that does not include my 2 current classes.
I was really motivated with the 2 classes I was taking, getting good grades, working full-time, being a mom to a baby and a teen. But this last week, I'm drained, I can't sleep, I keep thinking about the possibility of a foreclosure on our other house, on how I will continue to work and go to nursing school and most importantly that it doesn't look like I'll get into nursing school this Fall. My Ab Psych class ends too late and I'm still not a registered CNA in the state. Durham Tech requires this by June 15. This means I have to wait another year with nothing to do but wait. I'm almost 40 with no degree, no potential of getting one soon, 90 credits of nothing and deluding myself into thinking that I'll get in to any nursing school, let alone every getting into Duke's MSN. I have no idea how I would even pay for it but was hoping to do the 2-year commitment.
I have one more week of psych and am trying really hard to finish it with an A. I'm just so discouraged. I don't really like my job but am very grateful for it. It just gets harder and harder to come in when I'd rather be working in a hospital or better, being a nursing student. I don't even know how I'd do clinicals and work full-time in the day but we need my paycheck and I'd figure I'd worry about that later. I just want to get into nursing school. I want to feel like I'm moving forward, finally getting a degree in something I love. I guess I'd make it through another year. It's just that today, this week, I'm tired and feeling hopeless.
Is there any hope for Fall admission to Durham tech? I'm only missing the CNA and Net test but I'm sure I'd do fine on it. I was planning on challenging the CNA but it doesn't matter since I missed the deadline. I thought maybe I could do an LPN but it seems like a waste since I'd only be accumulating more credits and not really saving any time. Any advice from anyone? Thanks for reading.
Specializes in Goal: MSN in Women's Health/Family Pract.
MotivatedOne - I thought about that and still have it as an option. I started taking the practice test but I was on my lunch break at work so didn't finish. The part that I did take, I scored perfectly. However, since I didn't finish I don't know about the hands-on skills - if I would do OK. I have no direct clinical experience of any kind but do have common sense, love for nursing/medical field and A's on all my pre-reqs. I'm hoping that by studying the handbook I will be able to challenge the exam? Did you challenge it? Part of me wonders, how can I come out of the blue and challenge something for which there are 15-week courses? Again, it's the clinical part I'm concerned about.
I've had several friends not take the NA class, challenge, and pass with no problems. I do remember that the test is easy, but the skills are more difficult because you have a proctor watching your every move. The way I studied for the NA skills test (I did take the class) is every night for 2 weeks before the test, I started by reading the directions of each skill, then I would repeat the steps to my self while envisioning me preforming the skill. By the end of the two weeks I memorized the steps without looking at any of the notes.
While you are waiting to begin the nursing classes look at the other classes you'll need for a BSN and MSN. Probably stuff, if you haven't already taken them, like Chemistry 151,152; Ethics; Foreign Language, Statistics... This is a great time to get those out of the way. I wish I had - I'm in my second year, looking at graduation knowing I will need to come back to get chemisty, statistics and ethics before I can start my BSN classes.
There are several people in my nursing class that are older than you, with small children. It isn't just fresh out of highschool kids. I think that slightly older people have an advantage over the younger people in nursing. You really know what you want and are more determined to make it happen. I too am in the slightly older category as many of my classmates are in thier early 20's - I know that I would have never been willing to do the work to get as far as I've gotten if I attempted this earlier in my life.
heads up, sounds like your well on your way to getting into an adn or lpn (apply for both and at differ schools) program, just need cna cert (you can challenge it) and net test (offered at many places), both aren't hard, you have plenty of time.
Specializes in Goal: MSN in Women's Health/Family Pract.
I've had several friends not take the NA class, challenge, and pass with no problems. I do remember that the test is easy, but the skills are more difficult because you have a proctor watching your every move. The way I studied for the NA skills test (I did take the class) is every night for 2 weeks before the test, I started by reading the directions of each skill, then I would repeat the steps to my self while envisioning me preforming the skill. By the end of the two weeks I memorized the steps without looking at any of the notes.
While you are waiting to begin the nursing classes look at the other classes you'll need for a BSN and MSN. Probably stuff, if you haven't already taken them, like Chemistry 151,152; Ethics; Foreign Language, Statistics... This is a great time to get those out of the way. I wish I had - I'm in my second year, looking at graduation knowing I will need to come back to get chemisty, statistics and ethics before I can start my BSN classes.
There are several people in my nursing class that are older than you, with small children. It isn't just fresh out of highschool kids. I think that slightly older people have an advantage over the younger people in nursing. You really know what you want and are more determined to make it happen. I too am in the slightly older category as many of my classmates are in thier early 20's - I know that I would have never been willing to do the work to get as far as I've gotten if I attempted this earlier in my life.
Good Luck!!!
Hi JonesKD,
Thanks so much for the encouraging words. To provide an update, I've made my peace with a lot of things that are out of my control and am now more motivated than ever, still a bit impatient but mostly I feel like my FT job is in my way, preventing me from doing what I want to do for school but since that's what's paying the bills I keep on moving forward. Here's the breakdown of recent activity:
UNC - I went to the UNC info session, the school and program look awesome and I wish I could go there. I gave it a try but there are too many things to do to get in right now. I got my unofficial transcript assessment and I would still have to take another 10 classes before I can apply. Even though I have a lot of classes, they don't fall into their requirement categories plus I have to take 2 Chems, retake A & P because even though I have As, I took them at two different schools so they don't count, that is the real kicker. Also, I'm trying to be realistic logistically. A big issue is distance + parking, which adds to time = 1 hour each way = 2 hours a day.
Wake Tech - I went to their info session as well. Program also looks good, I like that they require nutrition, I'm not sure why it's not in Durham Tech's program. I have the minimum points, they don't count my psych because it's not required until the next class so I lose points there. I could have more points if I had taken nutrition, C in Micro hurt but all else are As and one B. Down side - require me to be in CNA registry to apply by Jan 31. There are no more classes that end by Dec. They will not allow you to challenge the exam. You must have at least 40 hours of clinical and it's another few weeks after the class ends to take the test. I thought their CNA class was thorough, strict and professional. This will be my plan B if I don't get into Wake Tech. By the time I have the CNA and take the TEAS (HOBET for Fall 2010), it will be Jan 2011. Problem is also distance, better than UNC but there is NO parking at Wake Tech, which adds to the time. 30 mins to get there plus another 30-40 to park and take the shuttle = 1 hr = 2hrs a day.
Durham Tech - I'm on track to apply by March 2010. I still need to take the NET, by end of this year/early next and get on the CNA registry by July 1, 2010. The next classes are not until January. Since I have the time I'll take the class in January. I was hoping they would have the short sessions this fall but none are scheduled. Time to get there = 15 minutes, parking not an issue. I realize clinicals for all are wherever they send us so if I don't get it, I'll still apply to Wake Tech.
Watts - I did not look much into it mainly due to the expense. Also, I would have to take classes at Mt. Olive before I can even start the nursing portion not because of credits but because they require their cut (min number of credits with them) and all just for an associates and a diploma. For the money spent and time to wait before I can start, I'd rather get my ADN at Durham Tech and start in Sept 2010. Plus, I want to do the Duke agreement for my MSN. I'm not sure I can do it for Watts and then again for a MSN.
Overall, they all have similar passing rates for the NCLEX. The class at Durham Tech is smaller than the one at Wake Tech, which when you consider the % passing rate means the DTech students have a higher passing rate. Ultimately, I think it will be what I make of it and I intend to make it the best.
I still hope to get my BSN so still need to take those 10 other classes but I can take them slowly in the next 2-3 years and after I get my ADN. By then, I will already be a nurse and be getting experience which will ultimately help me when I apply for my MSN.
Specializes in Goal: MSN in Women's Health/Family Pract.
heads up, sounds like your well on your way to getting into an adn or lpn (apply for both and at differ schools) program, just need cna cert (you can challenge it) and net test (offered at many places), both aren't hard, you have plenty of time.
Thanks, got a plan in place. I'm taking my last pre-req for Durham Tech - they changed from Abnormal Psych to Developmental Psych. I'm taking their Compass test this week. I haven't taken a placement/assessment test in over 10 years so have been nervous about it but I'm sure I'll do fine. Once I have that, I can meet with the advisor (probably this Friday) and register for Pathophysiology in the Spring, take the NET and submit my formal application. I also have to do the CNA - haven't decided yet if I will challenge. I'll discuss with the advisor. Wake Tech won't allow you to challenge but I think DTech will.
Wake Tech is plan B but I won't be done with requirements until Spring so would apply for Spring 2011. Actually, I think Wake Tech is plan C, I would apply to Durham Tech again for the next class if I don't get in for Fall though I can't imagine why I wouldn't get in. My logic :icon_roll for it all is explained in my reply to joneskd. I'll keep you posted.
I have been frantically trying to get into the ADN program at Durham Tech this fall. I have all of my prerequisites(all transfer credits), I am on the NA1 registry ( I challenged the exam), and I have my current CPR certification. I seem to be having a problem with admissions. For some reason, the admission coordinator seems to keep putting me off, so even though I have met all of the prereqs, I am doubtful now that I will get in. The last acceptance letters were supposed to be sent out last week, but Im not sure if that has really happened yet either. I seem to get a different story every time I ask, and I know she is getting frustrated with me because I keep asking if she really has all she needs for me to be admitted. Has anyone else gotten their acceptance letter yet?
Specializes in Goal: MSN in Women's Health/Family Pract.
The first round of acceptance letters went out and I know a couple of people who are definitely in for the Fall. The second round of letters was supposed to go out by early last week but did not go out. The admissions person had a family emergency and has been out of the office. If all your pre-requisites were done and you're on the CNA registry, your admission is determined by the date that you took the NET. Cut-off for the first round was December 2009. The cut-off for round 2 has not been determined. Even if round 2 receives an admission letter, they still have to fulfill the post-admission requirements, including being on the CNA registry.
I don't have an acceptance letter yet because I took the NET later than when I could have taken it if I had known the importance of that date. However, I still have hope. I'll keep you posted.
I took the NET in February. I was told at one time that entrance was based on the date of the NET, then the next time I was told that it was of the date that I applied to the program. I have been trying to be proactive, as Dr. Ayres suggested in the Nursing information session that I attended, but I don't think that has been appreciated.
Specializes in Goal: MSN in Women's Health/Family Pract.
:yeah:I just spoke to the admissions person, she just came back in to the office today. She is very nice and I think as long as you are respectful and considerate, she does not mind too much if she's asked about student status. Just imagine how many people are trying to reach her. She understands that we're all stressed and anxiously waiting for a response. I know I'd be avoiding the phone...
I asked her again about the process. She said admission is determined by application date so now I'm higher than I thought. (App in Dec, NET in Feb). She hopes to send second round letters out by mid next week so we should get something by Friday or early the following week. I also asked her about Financial Aid and she said it's probably a good idea to work on that now. So that's what I'll be focusing on now.... I knew that but have been tied up with a million things, like finishing my CNA class.
I have a couple of other options but unfortunately they would take longer and are further away so don't really want them. If I don't get in now, I would just have to be patient and stay in my job longer. I would use the time to take classes for my BSN. I realized that no matter where I go, I would still need to take a few more classes for a BSN, regardless of the number of credits that I already have. I just need specific classes.
Good luck to you. Relax, keep the hope and wait for something good to happen. BUT I would also work on a plan B and C.
Thanks for the info. I did try to call her yesterday and I have always tried to be very respectful. I am very nervous about getting in because I seem to be in the same boat as you. I have many credits, and I could go elsewhere, but the time limits on my courses mean that I would have to take even more classes. I guess I will just keep praying and hope for the best. I am also an older student, which is another reason why I feel like I need to get in now and I don't have as much time to wait and it is also the closest for me also. My original application was mailed in January and evidentally never received or lost or something. I then applied online, I believe in February. I already have a degree, but have been a stay at home mom for many years, so this is a career change for me. Anyway, hopefully we will both be hearing something soon.
Just curious to know if you ever got any stats on how many positions were still open vs how many eligible applicants, or where you were on the list? The only information that I heard concerning this was at the information session I went to where it was said that there were still open spots and there was a slight chance that I could still get in if all of the prereqs were met. I have not been able to get any similar information since then.
Specializes in Goal: MSN in Women's Health/Family Pract.
I don't have any recent stats but I didn't ask. I'm trying to be patient. :uhoh21: Unfortunately it's been a really stressful week. My husband lost his job yesterday so I may not be able to go at all even if I'm accepted.
But I'm still going to move forward and hope that I find a way to pull this off. I suggest you do the same. You never know - I'm not letting go of my spot until the last minute and if I can't go, you may get my spot.
but since that's what's paying the bills I keep on moving forward. Here's the breakdown of recent activity: 
NCphoenix
62 Posts
MotivatedOne - I thought about that and still have it as an option. I started taking the practice test but I was on my lunch break at work so didn't finish. The part that I did take, I scored perfectly. However, since I didn't finish I don't know about the hands-on skills - if I would do OK. I have no direct clinical experience of any kind but do have common sense, love for nursing/medical field and A's on all my pre-reqs. I'm hoping that by studying the handbook I will be able to challenge the exam? Did you challenge it? Part of me wonders, how can I come out of the blue and challenge something for which there are 15-week courses? Again, it's the clinical part I'm concerned about.