I'm an alternate?!?

[Bunny92]

Hello everyone! I was informed yesterday that I'm an alternate for the nursing program. They still want me to attend the orientation and fill out my acceptance form, which is really messing with my state of mind. I can't sleep, I can't eat, all I want to do is cry. This news isn't exactly good or bad news, but it is really getting to me. This is all I've ever wanted and I'm not quite sure of my chances of getting in are. Could anyone give me some helpful advice how to cope until I can know for sure? Is this something I should stress this much over? There are 7 on the wait list. I don't know what to tell my family or how to go about this news. Thanks so much!

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

Since you have been designated as an alternate, you really should do all the things they want you to do. It is not unheard of for a program to accept alternates into their program at the last minute. Also, most of the programs I'm aware of have guaranteed admission for their alternates in the following semester if they're not enrolled into the current semester.

So, congratulations on being chosen as an alternate, you very well could join this current cohort or you may be (already) a part of the upcoming cohort of nursing school students.

[benegesserit]

It is not unheard of for a program to accept alternates into their program at the last minute.

My program added an alternate the week after class started, when one of the students dropped.

Alternates often get in. People get accepted to multiple programs and decide to go to a different one, or they find they can't swing it financially, or whatever.

[Idiosyncratic, BSN, RN]

My program has gone through all of their alternates the last two years. Don't lose faith! You have a good chance of getting in! :)

[stevosmusic]

I was the 12th on the alternate on the list on got in. Do you everything they say and keep your hopes up. Good luck!

[theseriousnurse2b]

My program accepts 40 students annually. One student in my cohort decided not to continue after one day of class. The alternate was so happy to be called in.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

One of my cohorts quit the nursing program after being told it was school policy that no jewelry whatsoever may be worn to clinical. "I'm not taking off my wedding ring! This ring leaves my cold dead finger and not a moment before."

After spending several years working hard on pre-reqs, not a hill I'd want to die on, but our alternate was thrilled.

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

Fill out the paperwork. Many things can happen to force someone to be out of the program at the last minute. Tell your family you were accepted as an alternate.

[Mhays]

I have been where you are in those stressful time periods and there are a few things that you can do in order to make the transition easier for you. I try to meditate and listen to some nice quiet music. I also weigh my options and see about other programs out there who do not have a waiting list. I would do a google search about online classes and hybrid nursing programs in order to get another pair of eyes with the situation. I would do some research into other areas that you could pursue while you wait. You could also volunteer at your local hospital or nursing home. I wish you the best. Hang in there. Marcy CNA

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I have been where you are in those stressful time periods and there are a few things that you can do in order to make the transition easier for you. I try to meditate and listen to some nice quiet music. I also weigh my options and see about other programs out there who do not have a waiting list. I would do a google search about online classes and hybrid nursing programs in order to get another pair of eyes with the situation. I would do some research into other areas that you could pursue while you wait. You could also volunteer at your local hospital or nursing home. I wish you the best. Hang in there. Marcy CNA

I'm sorry but

OP, fill out the paperwork, go to orientation; you are basically in the program; just a matter of when-you may find out that they have room for you; people cast their nets wide and turn down programs in lieu of getting into another one.

You may go into orientation and be handed a class schedule!

[Leonardsmom,LPN]

As others have said you never know what may happen. We had several students in my cohort who had been alternates, and the cohort before mine got a call the night before class that a spot had opened. Sign the acceptance form and attend the orientation. As hard as it is to wait and not know, you do know that you are almost there for getting in the program and your chances are pretty good. Make some alternate plans of what you might do if you need to wait, but be prepared to take a spot at last minute if you need to.