I didn't get into Nursing School!! Help!!

frenchtoastwaffles, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2016

Your GPA is too low, you'll have to retake your pre-reqs. My school (which is an ADN program) wouldn't even accept your application if your GPA is less than a 3.0 and the average for my class I think was a 3.4.

GPA requirement for my BSN program is a 3.2 and I have to maintain Bs in all of my nursing classes to stay in the program.

Put in the work, earn the grades, and apply again when your application is competitive. I hate to burst the bubble but if you can't get at least a B+ in A&P you're not going to make it through nursing school.

This by no means is to say that you're not smart, capable, or not cut out to be a nurse- it just means that you need to focus on your studies and get your GPA together to prove that you're serious. Until you do, I doubt an accredited school will accept you.

stefanier2009 · Mar 28, 2016

Your GPA sucks

pedseraprn · Mar 28, 2016

I suggest getting a job in healthcare as you retake the classes. May sure you like the job as RN also as you have to do this for a few years prior to grad school. This also shows the school you know about the profession and what we do. Also helps when you apply for that first nursing job and may help you in school with skills. My school required CNA training prior to starting nursing school. As a former prof, we know who works in healthcare by their confidence and skills,

fostercatmom, ASN, BSN, RN · Mar 29, 2016

Jordan, I don't know how old you are, but I'm not sure you are ready. "I don't study like I should" and "science is my worst subject" are not confidence building statements for yourself or for your patients. there are two truths to nursing (well, many truths, but these two are for you): 1. Nursing IS science. and 2. You HAVE to study like you should. Not only are looking to hold an adult's life in your hands, you want to hold a baby's life as well? I do not want you taking care of anyone right now. You need to build your discipline level. Nursing is all about discipline. Discipline to study, discipline to work your butt off- not go to the bathroom for 12 hours, or eat, to stay until all your charts are finished, and to work on holidays and weekends. There is a reason most nursing students are older. At least one of those is a lot of us are not and were not ready to be nurses at a young age or certain time in life. It's okay. Retake your classes, there is no need to rush. Do it right the first time and you won't need a second time. Best of luck (and hard work)..(.as I sit here, desperately wanting to go to bed and can't because I'm in a master's nursing program and I have a paper to finish tonight)

emmjayy, BSN, RN · Mar 29, 2016

Your GPA sucks

Excellent job pointing out what literally everyone else in this thread has pointed out. Bonus points for giving zero helpful input. Really well done, give yourself a pat on the back for this complete gem of a post.

Jordan1927, ASN, BSN · Mar 30, 2016

Thank you all for your input, even the person who said, "your GPA sucks." Im 20, for the person who wanted to know my age. Everything you all are saying, i guess i kind of knew in the back of my mind but didn't want to admit it. I guess i've just never been one to have my priorities straight, or anything straight for the matter, before i get myself into something. My 2nd biggest fear is being someone who is still in school when I'm in my late 20s early 30s trying to get my 1st degree to make something of myself. My 1st fear is failure. But nursing is all i want to do. If i wasn't doing nursing, i wouldn't know what to do, literally. And while 50% of that sentence means I've fallen head over heels hard in love with this profession, the other 50% means i didn't know what i wanted to major in when i came out of high school and nursing just made sense cause theres lots of nurses in my family. But i've gotten to a point in my life--jeez i sound so elderly sometimes--where i realize that i have to 1. get my **** way past together (excuse my french), 2. learn some serious discipline, 3. learn how to study well, and 4. believe in myself. Again, thank you for all of yalls input, it's helped me so much with putting things into perspective. I'm most definitely not giving up; that will never happen. No matter how long it takes, i'm gonna be a nurse.

AspiringNurseMW · Mar 30, 2016

Thank you all for your input, even the person who said, "your GPA sucks." Im 20, for the person who wanted to know my age. Everything you all are saying, i guess i kind of knew in the back of my mind but didn't want to admit it. I guess i've just never been one to have my priorities straight, or anything straight for the matter, before i get myself into something. My 2nd biggest fear is being someone who is still in school when I'm in my late 20s early 30s trying to get my 1st degree to make something of myself. My 1st fear is failure. But nursing is all i want to do. If i wasn't doing nursing, i wouldn't know what to do, literally. And while 50% of that sentence means I've fallen head over heels hard in love with this profession, the other 50% means i didn't know what i wanted to major in when i came out of high school and nursing just made sense cause theres lots of nurses in my family. But i've gotten to a point in my life--jeez i sound so elderly sometimes--where i realize that i have to 1. get my **** way past together (excuse my french), 2. learn some serious discipline, 3. learn how to study well, and 4. believe in myself. Again, thank you for all of yalls input, it's helped me so much with putting things into perspective. I'm most definitely not giving up; that will never happen. No matter how long it takes, i'm gonna be a nurse.

Id rather a person wait and go to school in their 30's, 40's or 50's and take it seriously and be committed than to go to nursing school at a young age just because.

The average age of a nursing student in my school I believe might be in the mid to late 20's.

First and foremost, before you even retake your classes, make sure you realize what it is you were doing wrong and why. Was it lack of motivation, was is lack of understanding, was it incompatibility with the instructor's method of teaching? Find out what kind of learning works best for you. THEN retake those classes. Find and try new study methods. ACE those science classes.

While you wait, perhaps start working as a CNA. Want to be a midwife, take doula training and attend a few births if you can. Find out who the midwives are in your community and try to network with them, perhaps even shadow them.

You have all the time in the world. Don't worry about doing it fast. Make sure you do it right.

Jordan1927, ASN, BSN · Mar 30, 2016

Thank you, and i understand what you're saying. Im actually researching CNA schools and info as well as could info as i type this to you. SO i read tat CNA programs are between 4 and 6 weeks. Is that true?

Jordan1927, ASN, BSN · Mar 30, 2016

Are there any credited, not state approved, CNA schools/programs in Georgia? I want to make sure i can get a job as a CNA once i graduate the program and i can't seem to find any.

careajean · Mar 30, 2016

Pretty sure Emory is a big N-O. They have more people apply and tougher restrictions than any school in the state.

You can go directly into a BSN from an ADN program and most of the RN to BSN programs are online and you can do them while you are working. Most do not require any clinical rotations as you did that while in ADN school. I went to West Georgia Technical College in Waco, Georgia and we had 300 people apply for 52 spots, not sure how many people they take now but I don't think your current GPA is high enough to get into one of those. Plus, your current GPA will follow you to grad school and most won't even look at your application unless you have a 3.5 or higher. Sounds like you need to re-take some classes and study like you should.

careajean · Mar 30, 2016

Nurse-assist in Marietta Georgia is two weeks. Don't be discouraged if you don't get a job right away. It is hard to get a job in healthcare without experience (unless you go to a nursing home). It may take awhile but you will find a job and some of them help pay for nursing school.

Gooseontheloose, ADN · Mar 30, 2016

Hi There.

I have to agree with majority of the people on this forum. I was recently accepted into a highly competitive program with a 4.0 GPA. My friend was also accepted and she has a 3.5 GPA, but a higher TEAS V score. Your GPA is absolutely critical to getting selected into a program. The school I did my pre-reqs at advised students to take ONE science at a time. Did it take longer? Yes. But it let me focus on my classes so that I could acheive optimal scores. I took 8-10 units per semester and have 5 children, all boys. Personally, I don't find college super hard, it just has a lot to do with your personal study habits and how badly you want your grade. If you are putting your heart and soul into your classes and still getting a C, I would meet with a counselor to get some advice on how you can score better and take the time to repeat your courses. The information and rigor of nursing school exceeds pre-requisites. The schools in my area are pretty clear that they have high standards for admission to help reduce attrition. They don't want you to start and then quickly fail out. That takes a spot for someone else who may have been successful, but didn't receive the opportunity. Some of the comments on here are harsh. Don't give up on your dream. It's worth it in the end. Just get that GPA up a bit higher :)