How long did it take you to get accepted?

jenrninmi, MSN, RN · Jun 6, 2006

Once my prereqs were done, I got right in. I didn't work while in school. I am married and my husband supported us. Most people in my class did work though. I would suggest a job in a hospital or a nursing home as an aid.

geekgolightly, BSN, RN · Jun 6, 2006

I just wanted to know how long it took for everyone before they finally got accepted into the nursing program whether it be BSN or ADN..I will be applying in the fall to get into spring 07 b/c I am finally done with my prereqs...What if I don't get into the program the first time? What did everyone do? And while in nursing school, did anyone work? I don't know how I am going to work while I am in nursing school? If I don't work, how am I going to pay my bills? Should I take out a loan? ANY ADVICE OR COMMENTS ARE GREATLY ACCEPTED AND APPRECIATED....Thank you!!!
Jackie

because of a default I was unable to take out a loan. I paid my way through my ADN coursework (BSN far too expensive) and received grants after proving myself in nursing school, but worked full time the first year and then 24 hrs a week (weekends shifts) in a hospital my second year.

Tough but do'able.

TazziRN, RN · Jun 6, 2006

got accepted in an adn program on my first try, but the school was newer then and the waiting list not as long as now.

RANCH GIRL · Jun 6, 2006

Here in SoCal, I was wait listed for two years at the community college for the ADN-RN program. However, starting fall semester, this particular CC is opening a night/weekend class as well as day, so apply to as many CCs in your area as you can.

banditrn · Jun 6, 2006

They called me!! Of course, it was in the mid-eighties, plus my ACT scores were good.

I worked part-time during most of school, but quit 3 months before I got my RN, so that I could devote more time to studying.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Jun 6, 2006

I was granted for ADN RN school by applying for the school about three years before entry (and being a single mom) and keeping the lines of communication open till I got the grant!

I was able to get right in after prereqs on my first try, but I guess that is beyond lucky now a days!

Now entry students must be a CNA (I was not), have taken A/P and some other classes beforehand (so more prereqs now!!!) and hope the lottery picks them!

I have had CNA's I worked for get in right away, and some on their FOURTH try (remember lottery is once a year). I encourage them, but also remind them of other opportunities in healthcare they may wish to pursue. Four to five years waiting is TOO LONG!

I am glad I got in when I did for sure, and glad I followed advice from other students/RN students about the financial aide (keep following up!!!), taking A/P and Micro before entry (which wasn't required at that time, so I took the extra year just to get it out of the way!), studying up on required books during prereqs that the student RN's told me I would need, and found a way not to have to work during it all (I moved in with my parents for RN school).

Good luck to you!

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · Jun 6, 2006

I was accepted the first time I applied. My school had no waiting list when I attended (I don't think they have one now either). Everyone who was not accepted was told to reapply the following year. I worked part-time as a dance teacher during nursing school. It didn't pay much, but I was still young and living with my parents, who helped me pay for school. My scholarship helped a lot too.

rds007 · Jun 6, 2006

It took two tries before I got in, but I didn't have all of my pre-req's finished for the first try (I still made it on the stand-by list, but never got the call). I start the ADN program at my local CC this fall. I am currently and plan on continuing to work as a home health aide (I am also a CNA, but I don't think all HH agencies require you to be a CNA). This allows a ton of flexibilty with scheduling and I can study while I'm working. Perfect! I am probably going to switch to nights in the fall. The company I work for doesn't mind if you sleep when the patient does, as long as the patient is properly cared for & any household duties (such as laundry, dishes, etc.) are completed.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

youngEd · Jun 6, 2006

yeah i been asking people this same question.

im going to apply in the spring of '07 when my prerqs are done. some people tell me that with my gpa i should get right in, and if i do have to wait it would be a semester at the most.

im in tucson arizona and the community college has night/day and weekend programs.

i was planning on working while i go but people tell me thats damn near impossible.

nessy · Jun 6, 2006

I was on the waitlist for 1.5 years for my BSN program.

USAstudent · Jun 7, 2006

I got accepted the 1st time. I'm in my last semester and have worked the whole time. It's stressful but by no means impossible. Although working as an aid in the hospital would be great experience to put on a resume, but I think working in a restaurant has been better use of my time. I work four dinner shifts a week waiting tables (which usually ends up 25-32 hours a week) and average about $400 a week as opposed to a $9/hr nursing aid job where you would have to work over 40hr/wk for the same. It leaves you more time to study and if you have no other way to pay for bills/books/tutition the money makes a difference. Plus you get great expereince working with people (especially difficult ones!).