I found my passion but I am afraid I'm too late...

[ashleynicole11]

Hi guys...

I really need some advice. I am feeling entirely disheartened and hopeless. It took me a long time to discover that my passion was nursing.. and now i feel as though I may have messed up too much to ever achieve it.

I graduated in 2014 with great grades, AP classes the whole nine. I went to UAlbany and it did not go well. I was homesick, took way too many credits, joined too many clubs and got a 2.3 that semester. Decided to go home at the end of that semester and attend community college... I went to SCCC and got my associates degree in liberal arts with great grades, even on the deans list.

I then got into Stony Brook University that next semester. I was so excited as I finally got into my dream school, but about two weeks into the first semester my life went into turmoil. I had a falling out with my parents and wound up homeless for a few weeks. My parents were paying my car insurance, phone bill etc., all of which were canceled. I was left stranded and felt like my life was over and sadly school was the last thing on my mind. I ended the semester with a 0.92 GPA (chemistry, calculus etc...).

I then found myself a managerial full time job, got myself a home, a vehicle with insurance and started my life over. I was struggling with depression and anxiety and decided to take a semester off from school. During this time i was doing research on careers, I hated my full time retail job and wanted more for myself.

I went back to my community college and started taking nursing pre-reqs part time. I was on track to get a C+ in A&P 1 so i decided to withdraw. Finished the semester with a 4.0 (one additional elective). I retook it the next semester at CC and got a B, finished the semester with a 3.2 (two electives I got a B in). Overall GPA of 3.4.

I decided to get my CNA this summer so that I can get some experience in the field. I plan on going part time working in a nursing home so that I can focus on my studies. I am going back to SBU this semester working towards my Psychology BS as well as continuing to take my remaining nursing pre-reqs (i still need A&P2 as well as Microbiology). I want to apply once I receive my bachelors to the accelerated BSN at Stony Brook and other local schools on Long Island.

However, I am terrified that its too late. My GPA is forever going to be weighed down because of that one semester. I met with an academic adviser at my school and she recommended I fill out a petition for late withdrawal from the full semester, although unlikely that it would be accepted due to lack of paperwork as proof of my circumstances..

I have no idea what to do. Even if I do extremely well the rest of my college career it is very unlikely my GPA will ever rise above a 3.0 again. I'm ashamed, embarrassed and feeling pretty hopeless. I want this more then anything, am willing to retake any classes I flunked and am going to put my all in, but I'm afraid I will still get denied based on my overall GPA being so low..

Anyone ever go through similar circumstances and have any success? I am not sure what my best option is anymore or if nursing school is still even an option. i'm desperate for some advice..

Thank you in advance for reading this pity fest.

[caliotter3]

One person on this site stated that they completely started over, without mentioning the initial failure at all. Pulled a 4.0 the second time around the block and nobody was the wiser. But that was several years ago when doing so was easier to pull off. Nowadays with a database for everything, I do not know if you could even try this.

[FutureNurseInfo]

From what I can tell, you have a shot. Nothing is too late! I know SBU is very competitive, so it adds to the stress. However, many schools that have accelerated BSN, only require that you have a Bachelor's from any field, and good to awesome GPA in pre-requisite courses, 3.0-4.0. So, the semester that you failed, if you took courses then that are not pre-reqs for the program, they will not count. However, they may count to your overall GPA for your current bachelor's. In any event, aim for at least a 3.0 GPA for your current bachelor's and at least 3.5 GPA for your pre-reqs.

[djksjdalksjf]

At my ADN program, they only take grades for pre requisites. I have Bs in a lot of my classes I need for my bachelors later on, but as far as my application for the RN program is concerned, I have a 4.0.

Ask your different schools about what they do and don't consider in an application and go from there.

[aknicole]

If nursing is something that you really want, look into retaking all of the classes that dropped your gpa so badly. Also look into the school that you would like to get into, if they will accept the higher grade of retakes or an average of the two. If you are willing to make up for your mistakes, they might have understanding to your situation. Considering if you are ( or become) a CNA it will look better for you. I have been a MA full time for 5 years while retaking a cleaning up my gpa in the process. My gpa was a 1.93 when I first fell on my face in college, years later I have been able to flip that all around. I was embarrassed and hopeless like you, but know I am at least proud that I was able to fix my mistakes. I will be applying soon to a few nursing schools for a BSN. After becoming a MA, I realized that I wanted to be a nurse and it has so far been a hell of a fight. Good luck

[gopats1234]

Your GPA isn't even bad at all! Some schools require 3.0 or higher! Apply and if no luck, then retake if you must... but do not feel hopeless.

[Jules A, MSN]

I'd talk to the specific school and be sure you are ready to commit this time because it sounds like you have had a couple of bad starts already. If you have a solid track record of a year or two now hopefully they will accept that you were young and had things going on that aren't a concern now. Many of us were less than excellent students right out of high school but again ensure it doesn't look like a pattern of ongoing personal crisis. Good luck!