I have a few nursing Questions if anyone can please answer them!! Thanks!!

s_ramirez04 · Jan 12, 2009

I am starting my first semester in nursing school on Feb. 17th and i am from SoCal also. I go to the junior college here and it has one of the best nursing programs in Southern California.

There are 3 science pre-reqs required: Anatomy, Physiology (you can either take them seperately or together as A&P 1/A&P 2), and Microbiology. You need at least a C in each to be able to apply, however in this program (i'm not sure about others) you can't have all 3 science classes be C's. If you have two C's then you MUST get an A in the last one, whichever it may be. They arent too difficult so if science is something that really interests you then you'll do fine. We also have to have English 101, Math 90 (which is basic Algebra i believe.....i'm not so good at math either), Psychology 100 and Psych 204 (conception to death), Sociology 101, Speech 100, all must be passed with a C or better (better is always the way to go). Other than the science classes, the rest of the classes are pretty basic stuff. We have to complete everything before being eligible to apply. If you know what school your going to for nursing then you can ask a counselor there and they will give you the major sheet with everything that needs to be done.

Graduating with an Associates is becoming an RN. You can go further and get your Bachelors which is what i intend to do after i finish. To go for your bachelors is just going more in depth with what you already know. The pay here where i'm from is about $24 an hour to start as an RN plus you get paid extra if you are bilingual since at least half of the people living in this valley speak spanish. Of course if you have a Bachelors then you get more. To be able to determine what the starting salary is will depend on where your relocating to in SoCal, but nurses make a good living! Here you can also work at the prisons and get paid about $35 an hour as your starting salary.

I love science but i have to work twice as hard as anyone else to get an A. If your sqeemish or scared to maybe poke patients with a shot or scared of blood then maybe this isnt for you. If not then go for it!! I believe if you take chem or basic biology in HS then you wont have to repeat those in college.

Where I live it is very competitive to get in just as any place else. But there is not a waiting list where some places that i checked it was about a 2 year wait!! RIDICULOUS!

You'll do fine as long as you study and take it seriously. You also must take an entrance exam to start the program. Once you get accepted you have to take a test called the TEAS Exam. Its just basic knowledge of math, science, english, etc. It's pretty easy.

Once you start college make sure you start with everything that is needed for nursing school. It may take a little while to get them all done since there are several classes you need. But if you start at the beginning then you're pretty much covered.

VenaKavaRN · Jan 12, 2009

I was wondering if there are any nurses that can answer some of my questions.
My questions are
1) What are typically the prereqs to get into nursing school please don't say it depends on you schol i just want to get a general idea of waht you had to take.
Anatomy and Physiology, which usually require a basic biology course, Microbiology, various Psychology classes, Chemistry, and math. The specifics DO depend on the school, as well as what degree you're going for - BSN will also require things like history, english, speech, etc.
2) What kind of grades do you have to get in your prereqs to get into nursing school, i heard that its really really hard to get in, do you think someone can get in with a 3.5-3.6 GPA?
3.5 should have a decent chance to get in. But, again, it depends on the school. If there's 1500 applicants for 30 spots every time, then maybe a 3.5 won't do it. For comparison's sake, I had a 3.3 and was picked out of about 500 applicants for 64 slots. I honestly don't know what the lowest GPAs were.
3) Do you have to be SUPER smart at math? Honostly i SUCK bad at math, should i consider a different career? I know there is some math involved, what types of math are these that are invilved?
You don't need to be "SUPER" smart at math. I suck badly at math too, but the calculations are fairly simple and easy to learn, relatively speaking. Basic algebra has served me fine for nursing school, and I've aced all my dosage calculation exams so far.
4) Whats the defferent between getting your RN with and asso. compaired to a bach? whats the salary difference? whats the differece overall??
There are MANY debate threads on this. There is no real salary difference if you are working the floor, but a bachelor's degree will have slightly more opportunities for more "desky" jobs like management. Obviously, the managerial types will make more than both associate and bachelor degree RNs on the floor. Nobody can really tell the difference between a bachelor's or associate's RN working on the floor.
5)I excell in sciences ( I havent taken any Chem or Physicis yet, i am currently a Junior in HS) so is this caree good for me if you like science alot?
I'd say this would be a good career for you, yes.
6) I plan on relocation to southerncalifornia ; whats the starting salary there? Do you think i'd be able to live comfortably in SoCal as an RN?
Not from SoCal, so couldn't tell you.
7) is it EXTREAMLY hard to become a nurse? It has always been my dream but i dont know if im smart enough, what kind of GPA do you need? I am a Junior in HS, and my gopa is between 3.2-3.6 it goes up & down, can you tell me if ill make it??
Work hard and keep those grades up. If it's your dream then I think you'll probably find a way to do it. If you're taking more advanced courses in high school (Honors/Advanced Placement was what my high school called it) then I'd say you're smart enough. Or, at least your study skills are probably sufficient for you to give it a good shot. Nursing school is hard and it's good that you realize that, but it doesn't mean that people who are not "smart" can't do it. It all comes down to studying a lot and working hard.
I appriciate everyones help, if you have anyother info please post it!

In the end, it's only you that can decide whether or not you want to do this. If you're still having doubts, just try a few college-level courses like the basic biology or chemistry and see how you do. I wish you luck :)

jeninthedesert, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2009

Pre-reqs generally include:

English, Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Sociology, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Algebra, and Microbiology. Some programs require Nutrition, Physical Education, and a humanities elective. Other programs require CNA or EMT certification.

You don't have to be a math genius to do well in Algebra. Math is my worst subject, but I made A's in my college algebra course.

You want to do as well in your pre-reqs as you can, but some schools will accept a 2.5GPA. That is passing at the C level. Although, IMO, if you are struggling in your pre-req classes with a C, then you will struggle even more in the core nursing classes. I've seen it happen with classmates.

There is not a lot of difference between ADN and BSN, other than some additional classes to meet the BSN degree requirements. An RN is an RN! Although, getting the BSN will open a few more doors down the road (administration, case management, clincal instructing, etc.).

If you are considering a career in nursing, I recommend getting your CNA while you are in HS. You can get some clinical experience and get a general idea of things. :)

shrimpchips, LPN · Jan 13, 2009

1) What are typically the pre-reqs to get into nursing school please don't say it depends on you schol i just want to get a general idea of what you had to take.

Lol, well it really does depend on your school, but this is what I had to take:

Intro to General, Organic & Biochemistry I & II (+ labs for both)

Principles of Microbiology + lab

Intro to Psychology

Intro to Sociology

Intro to Ethics

Intro to Nursing (this class was seriously a joke!)

Basic Statistics

English Comp I & II

And two co-reqs which will become pre-reqs starting next year: A&P I & II (+ labs for both) and Intro to Public Speaking or Effective Oral Communication.

2) What kind of grades do you have to get in your pre-reqs to get into nursing school, i heard that its really really hard to get in, do you think someone can get in with a 3.5-3.6 GPA?

Every school is different with their admission requirements, but I think you can. At my school, you have to have a minimum of a 2.75, but then they look at your science courses and average out your grade (JUST the science courses). They do that with everyone who is applying to the program, then they decide a "cut off" - for example everyone above a 3.3 will get in and everyone below will be on the waiting list.

3) Do you have to be SUPER smart at math? Honestly i SUCK bad at math, should i consider a different career? I know there is some math involved, what types of math are these that are involved?

No, you don't. I'm terrible at math, but the dosage calculations are based on simple, basic math. You probably will have to take a statistics class, but it isn't difficult. Some knowledge of very basic algebra helps.

4) Whats the difference between getting your RN with an asso. compared to a bach? whats the salary difference? whats the difference overall??

An associate's degree is from a 2-year program while a bachelor's is from a 4-year program. Associate degrees are generally offered at community colleges while bachelor's programs are offered at universities. There really is no salary difference between the two, but having a bachelor's degree opens up a lot of opportunities for you. A lot of places require for you to have at least a BSN in order to work there. If you plan on getting your master's and becoming a clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner (or if you decide that you want to teach in a nursing program - you need at least a master's degree to do this, unless you're a clinical instructor, then you only need your bachelor's), you will NEED to get your bachelor's degree first. You can't get an associate's and then apply for a master's program.

5) I excel in sciences ( I havent taken any Chem or Physics yet, i am currently a Junior in HS) so is this career good for me if you like science a lot?

Absolutely. :)

6) I plan on relocating to Southern California ; whats the starting salary there? Do you think I'd be able to live comfortably in SoCal as an RN?

I have no idea what the starting salary is there, but maybe there is someone here who is from Southern California and can answer this question for you.

7) is it EXTREMELY hard to become a nurse? It has always been my dream but i don't know if I'm smart enough. what kind of GPA do you need? I am a Junior in HS, and my gpa is between 3.2-3.6 it goes up & down, can you tell me if ill make it??

That is a good GPA! Don't slack off, keep your grades up and you will be fine! Yes, nursing school is difficult. It is extremely stressful and the workload is intense, both mentally and physically. You will be tired all of the time. You probably will think to yourself "now WHY did I want to do this again?" But it is an extremely rewarding profession and all of the hard work will definitely pay off in the end. I don't mean to scare you, I'm just telling you in all honesty and based on my experiences. Good luck! :nurse:

ZanatuBelmont · Jan 13, 2009

I was wondering if there are any nurses that can answer some of my questions.
My questions are
1) What are typically the prereqs to get into nursing school please don't say it depends on you schol i just want to get a general idea of waht you had to take.
I won't speak for the program I'm in (LVN) because the only requirement was Intro A&P. As for the ADN, generally you're required to take the following: A&P 1 and 2, Microbiology, Comp. & Rhetoric 1 & 2, Sociology, Psychology, and at least three hours of a foreign language.
2) What kind of grades do you have to get in your prereqs to get into nursing school, i heard that its really really hard to get in, do you think someone can get in with a 3.5-3.6 GPA?
My school is on a point system - the more points, the better your chances. For instance, a 3.5 GPA is multiplied by 6 - gives you 21 points out of, say, 75. Then, there's the points given for scores on the NET test (60%=5pts, 70%=10pts, etc.). There are other programs that go by GPA only, and those tend to be more competitive (in my view). If your school doesn't go by the point system, you're safe to have at least a 3.2 at the very LEAST. I know of several schools in my region where many students have a 4.0 and still don't get accepted. It all depends on the size of your program (at my college, there are 200 spots in the LVN program yearly and 80 in the RN, then there's the LVN-BSN and ADN-BSN transfer programs, which take a lot less).
3) Do you have to be SUPER smart at math? Honostly i SUCK bad at math, should i consider a different career? I know there is some math involved, what types of math are these that are invilved?
No, the dosage calculations for medications are very basic. I've taken algebra I four times and I still managed a 60, but I - somehow - managed an almost perfect score in chem-cal (dosage calculations).
4) Whats the defferent between getting your RN with and asso. compaired to a bach? whats the salary difference? whats the differece overall??
There is no salary difference, which is why there is a push to make the BSN the entry level for nursing. The only perk I can imagine having your BSN is a more sound and complete education, and of course management opportunities. My mother has her Master's degree and makes the same amount as her sister, an RN with her ADN, right at $40/hr in Dallas, TX.
5)I excell in sciences ( I havent taken any Chem or Physicis yet, i am currently a Junior in HS) so is this caree good for me if you like science alot?
You need to appreciate the human body to truly enjoy your job, yes.
6) I plan on relocation to southerncalifornia ; whats the starting salary there? Do you think i'd be able to live comfortably in SoCal as an RN?
A friend of the family moved from San Diego because she was only earning $35/hr, which barely covered her expenses. I guess it depends on your employer, though. You could do agency, which tends to pay more. That's what everyone in my family does.
7) is it EXTREAMLY hard to become a nurse? It has always been my dream but i dont know if im smart enough, what kind of GPA do you need? I am a Junior in HS, and my gopa is between 3.2-3.6 it goes up & down, can you tell me if ill make it??
You ARE smart enough. All it takes is a lot of dicipline, determination and faith in yourself. If I compared myself to how I was between 15-19, you never would believe I'm where I am today! YOU CAN DO IT!

Mossback · Jan 13, 2009

1) What are typically the prereqs to get into nursing school please don't say it depends on you schol i just want to get a general idea of waht you had to take.
I live in Northern California, so I can give you the perspective from here. Most community college in the area require the following as pre-reqs:
Anatomy (or A & P I)
Physiology (or A & P II)
Microbiology
Introductory Psychology
Sociology (or Cultural Anthropology)
English 1A (or equivalent)
Nutrition
Human Lifespan (or equivalent)
For CSU you'd also need:
Organic Chemistry
Statistics (or an equivalent higher math course)
Many college-level microbiology courses require a basic chemistry course as a pre-req. All organic chem courses require general chem be taken beforehand. There are some notes on math pre-reqs below.
2) What kind of grades do you have to get in your prereqs to get into nursing school, i heard that its really really hard to get in, do you think someone can get in with a 3.5-3.6 GPA?
The programs in NorCal come in two flavors. Some are strictly competitive. For those, you need something close to a 4.0 to qualify. Others, particularly community college programs, require only that your GPA reach a threshold level (usually around 3.0). That qualifies you to be put into a pool of applicants, with the final selection by lottery. Getting into the lottery programs can be problematic. In one local community college program, the applicant pool consisted of more than 700 candidates for a total of 30 slots per semester.
A few schools still work off a straight waiting list, but these programs are few and far between.
Be advised that all public undergrad programs in California will soon require that you pass the TEAS test with a minimum level (usually 67% in each subject area) in order to be selected. Some of the competitive programs also use the TEAS score as an entry criteria. The questions on the test are set at a 10th grade level.
3) Do you have to be SUPER smart at math? Honestly i SUCK bad at math, should i consider a different career? I know there is some math involved, what types of math are these that are involved?
Many chem courses require algebra as a pre-reg, and statistics would require algebra I and II as pre-reqs. Be aware that college math courses move quite a bit faster than high school courses. However, there is plenty of help available at most campuses.
On the plus side, statistics has more to do with logic than with math. I'm pretty thick-headed where any kind of math is concerned, and I managed to get an A (although I studied my head off).
4) Whats the difference between getting your RN with and assoc. compaired to a bach? What's the salary difference? What's the difference overall??
I'm certainly no expert, but from what I understand, some employers pay a higher starting rate and/or preferentially hire candidates with bachelor's degrees.However, in either a university or a community college, you'll wind up with an RN, and that's the most important part.
It's worth noting that many universities offer programs to upgrade from an associates degree in nursing to an bachelor's, provided you've passed the RN licensure exam. Many of these programs are designed for nurses who are working full time.
5) I excel in sciences ( I havent taken any Chem or Physics yet, I am currently a Junior in HS) so is this career good for me if you like science alot?
I think a love for science will serve you well. There's certainly plenty of science in the pre-requisites, and a good bit during nursing school.
6) I plan on relocation to Southern California ; whats the starting salary there? Do you think i'd be able to live comfortably in SoCal as an RN?
Many California nurses make six-figure salaries after a few years, but it generally requires either specialization or the willingness to work overtime. I do think you'd be able to live comfortably in SoCal.
7) Is it EXTREMLY hard to become a nurse? It has always been my dream but i dont know if im smart enough, what kind of GPA do you need? I am a Junior in HS, and my gpa is between 3.2-3.6 it goes up & down, can you tell me if ill make it??
It is not extremely hard, but it is certainly challenging. You'll likely need to spend four semesters doing pre-reqs and general education, and then four more semesters of nursing school. You'll need to dedicate yourself to studying, which will require some sacrifices where your social life is concerned and will probably make it difficult to hold down much of a job.
Make sure you have solid study skills and plenty of dedication and you'll make it. Most people who fail out of nursing programs do so because they're either unwilling to put in the hard work required, or because outside influences (relationships, jobs, children, emotional problems, etc.) make them unable to concentrate on their studies.

notthereyet0 · Jan 13, 2009

I am going to echo the responses of the posters previous to mine. My suggestion is that all student prospectives get in the habit of using correct capitalization, punctuation, and check your spelling. I don't mean to be critical but better to start now with using professional writing skills because you will be nauseated with your teachers/professors reminding you. It looks so much more professional when you are looking for a job or suggestions here too.

Cilantrophobe · Jan 13, 2009

I know of several schools in my region where many students have a 4.0 and still don't get accepted. It all depends on the size of your program (at my college, there are 200 spots in the LVN program yearly and 80 in the RN, then there's the LVN-BSN and ADN-BSN transfer programs, which take a lot less).
PLEASE elaborate on how students with 4.0 don't get accepted into the program...
I truely hope that you are saying if 100 students with a 4.0 apply to a program with only 50 spots than the people who are more qualified get the spot (i.e. people who have completed all of the pre-reqs and supporting courses, and/or people who already have a degree, or medical experience, etc)
The reason why I ask is because I always tell myself that there is no way in heck that I won't get in because I have a 4.0 AND will have completed ever possible pre- and co-requisite before applying to the program. I tell myself this just to make myself feel better but I am wondering if somebody in my circumstances would be turned away...I personally don't think so but if anybody can think of a reason why please tell me. AGH!

notthereyet0 · Jan 13, 2009

Dear Future,

As many answers go in this forum, it depends on the program....BUT, you can apply to a program, have a 4.0, have all the prereq's done and still not get in. I am that person. All that I can tell myself is that my essay was so horrible that they turned me down on that basis. The spot was for an accelerated program, very competitive but I am in a program at a regional campus of the same university. It all worked out for the good. So good luck in your pursuits and always have a back up plan!!!!

ZanatuBelmont · Jan 13, 2009

PLEASE elaborate on how students with 4.0 don't get accepted into the program...
I truely hope that you are saying if 100 students with a 4.0 apply to a program with only 50 spots than the people who are more qualified get the spot (i.e. people who have completed all of the pre-reqs and supporting courses, and/or people who already have a degree, or medical experience, etc)
AGH!
Yup!
One college in my area (actually, it's about 80 miles south of me, but I used to live there) has an RN program with 20 spots each year with about 75-100 applications per year. At that point, if they have 40 people with a 4.0 apply, they would be put on the "top of the list" for consideration, then a look into their academic past - prereq courses and NET scores - to determine the "top" among those conditions.
Sorry for the scare! People with a 4.0 would get put on the top of the list for consideration in most places I'd imagine! Just depends on your local competition.

nrenteria · Jan 14, 2009

i was wondering if there are any nurses that can answer some of my questions.
my questions are
1) what are typically the prereqs to get into nursing school please don't say it depends on you schol i just want to get a general idea of waht you had to take. a&p i and ii, microbiology, english 1301, psych 1301, college algebra
2) what kind of grades do you have to get in your prereqs to get into nursing school, i heard that its really really hard to get in, do you think someone can get in with a 3.5-3.6 gpa? yes.
3) do you have to be super smart at math? honostly i suck bad at math, should i consider a different career? i know there is some math involved, what types of math are these that are invilved?no. i made a b in algebra and i passed the hesi exam just fine. dosage calculations in nursing are simple.
4) whats the defferent between getting your rn with and asso. compaired to a bach? whats the salary difference? whats the differece overall??adn you can work as an rn. bsn you can work as an rn and go on to your msn where you can teach or work administratively. most hospitals in my area hire both adn and bsn as rns.
5)i excell in sciences ( i havent taken any chem or physicis yet, i am currently a junior in hs) so is this caree good for me if you like science alot? you might want to pursue a career in research.
6) i plan on relocation to southerncalifornia ; whats the starting salary there? do you think i'd be able to live comfortably in socal as an rn? sorry, i live in dallas
7) is it extreamly hard to become a nurse? it has always been my dream but i dont know if im smart enough, what kind of gpa do you need? i am a junior in hs, and my gopa is between 3.2-3.6 it goes up & down, can you tell me if ill make it?? if you like the sciences, that's half the battle. you should do good in school and if nursing is what you're passionate about, you should do fine in ns.
i appriciate everyones help, if you have anyother info please post it!

see answers above in blue.