I need advice! For a pre-nursing student!

[Sweetie]

I just finished my first semester of college (community college) with a 3.7 GPA. I live in south Florida. I'm only 18 yrs old. I want to earn a BSN and become a nurse! After I finish my 2 years here I want to attend one of the following nursing schools: University of Central Florida's basic program OR Seminole State College's concurrent program with UCF, Florida International University or Nova Southeastern University. I know not everyone knows about these schools but anyways I have some other general questions that someone could help me with.

1. Should I get a part time job during this pre nursing stage? Or should I just focus on my studies? I don't need to get a job financially. But maybe nursing schools would like to see that I worked during college? I don't know. I need advice. I don't really have any work experience.

2. How hard is it to get into UCF's nursing program? I hear it's tough. It's my top choice for nursing school along with FIU... how difficult is it to get into these schools? I've done extensive internet research but I would like to hear it from people.

3. I'm very shy and have social anxiety along with super sweaty hands like literally 24/7. How will this affect me in my career? I'm very socially awkward. This makes me nervous and makes me wonder if I'll be a competent nurse.

4. Is there anything else I can do to up my chances of getting into a great nursing BSN program?

[Wiggly Litchi]

Working during your pre-nursing stage won't really do anything for you unless 'maybe' in a healthcare setting - even then, most schools only care about your grades (especially the grades you get in core classes such as A&P 1&2 and microbiology... Though this varies from school to school). Some schools require that you acquire a CNA certification before you can apply to their nursing program (again, varies from school to school).

If you don't need to work, then use that time to focus on your studies and get straight As. It never hurts to have a little extra savings in the bank though; you never know what's going to happen around the corner.

I can't answer question 2 since I'm not a Fl resident, so I don't know.

As for Q3 - I also have REALLY bad social anxiety; it took me a little to get into my groove, when I do patient care now, I don't panic/sweat etc, I'm confident. It was almost like a baptism by fire - I threw myself into the deep end and steeled myself. Now I have fewer social issues - sure, I'm no social butterfly, but I can function MUCH better than I used to.

Once you find your groove, you'll gain your confidence - be sure to really apply yourself during clinicals and it'll help to no end.

For Q4 - look at what each school requires - do it. Get that GPA sky high and maintain it.

[shasta13]

1. If you don't need to work for money, then don't do it. Concentrate on school and having the best GPA you can. I've seen Seminole State's nursing application and nowhere on it does it ask if you worked during school.

2. I hope this link works. Here are stats for UCF's program. http://nursing.ucf.edu/Assets/files/UG-BSN_AdmissionStatistics_Ranges.pdf

Looks like the "best" opportunity (based on number of applicants) is to apply for a summer start at Seminole State's concurrent program.

3. I can't personally attest to this, but I imagine there are many others that have the same concern. With any job, there will be a period of adjusting and learning, but I'm sure with experience, you'll gain confidence.

4. If you're speaking of UCF and SSC, then I would concentrate on that GPA. And TEAS, of course, but at least that can be retaken a couple of times.

[Farrah 34]

1. As far as I know UCF don't require anything besides high GPA.

2.You can apply for both Valencia-ucf concurrent or ssc-UCF concurrent and get your Adn and bsn at the same time.

both UCF bsn and concurrent program average acceptance gpa is 3.8 (3.6 to 4.00)

It's good to attend their information sessions. This is for Valencia-UCF concurrent program:

Health Sciences Information Sessions - Valencia College

there are some threads in allnurses about UCF in which you can find good information. look for them.