I would love to hear some advice!

[raverm]

Hey All!

I would first like to say, thank you so much for this community! Although I've been reading a lot posts lately, I have never posted myself. It's been so helpful and inspiring!

If it's not too much to ask, it would be awesome if I could kindly receive some advice on my situation...

Currently, I'm at a 4 year University (quarter system). I will actually be graduating a year early with an American Ethnic Studies major and Diversity minor. I will also be done with the nursing requirements for my University. Since no matter where I apply I will be considered a post-bac, would you guys recommend going traditional or accelerated programs?

Cumulative GPA I stand at a 3.3, but as far as Nursing pre-reqs, I have a 3.1...with some classes around a 2.9 or 3.1. I've been looking around for programs, but a lot require either each pre-req classes to be above a 3.0, or a cum GPA of a 3.0. I hate being around the boarder...but there's nothing much I can do other than try to raise it now (which will be a bit harder since my last classes are Microbiology and Biological Structures).

Currently, I'm taking 18 credits (quarter), working 24 hours a week as a CNA in the ER, and doing extra curricular...

I'm currently located in Washington State, and I would love some advice which program would be better suited for me, and also which schools would be a more realistic chance of getting accepted? I would love to get in the University of Washington SON for Pediatrics, but....I'm starting to doubt myself...

Thanks for all your time everyone...:) I really appreciate it!

[Coriander, BSN, RN]

Please don't let the doubt start sinking in... look at all you've accomplished! :)

I don't have any advice on which program to choose - have you spoken with a mentor/counselor in the Nursing department yet? It sounds like you could probably go either way, but the counselor may think you're suited better to one or the other.

I wish you all the very best. Keep up the good work!

[juliaann]

I'm making some of those same decisions now myself! I have a BA in history with a good GPA, and am deciding if I should go for a quick, cheap ASN from the community college, a traditional BSN from a large state school, or the accellerated BSN from the large state school.

If you're planning to work throughout nursing school I would think the traditional BSN would be best. I've only really looked at one ABSN program, and they strongly advise against working while in the program. While I love my job and am getting fantastic hands-on experience there, I know I'll need to focus on nursing school.

In my area, one can get into the community college ASN program with a 2.5, but both the traditional and accellerated BSN programs at the university have an average acceptance GPA of 3.5. The accellerated program accepts less students, though, so there are more applicants competing for fewer spots. My potential schools, though, wiegh your science GPA seperate from your cumulative GPA, so really shining in your sciences can be a great help! More motivation to rock micro, right? Micro was actually my favorite pre-req - it really clicked for me, hopefully it will for you as well!

What I found really helped me make my decision was talking with a nursing program advisor, showing her my transcript, and asking what I needed to do to make my application look stronger. I'm really excited - I'm going to try for the ABSN.