In need of advice

caliotter3 · Jan 15, 2015

Take as long as you like, you are paying your bills. Just make sure that you don't let your science prerequisites get too old so that they are no longer accepted by any of the programs you are considering.

Brittany24 · Jan 15, 2015

Thanks for replying! It might be different from our schools but how long did your science pre-reqs last? I just started taking them last semester.

caliotter3 · Jan 15, 2015

You can take as many classes as you can handle each semester as long as you can make them fit into your schedule and you do not exceed the maximum number of units. Even then, you can petition the school to allow you to exceed their normal limit, usually 18 units, with a good reason. But at the same time, you want to earn A's. Likewise, there are many students who only take one prerequisite at a time to preserve a 4.0 GPA in order to be competitive. I used to take anywhere from 12 to 21 units, depending upon the situation at the time. But then, I didn't maintain a 4.0 GPA for very long doing all those classes and working full time!

Brittany24 · Jan 15, 2015

Thank you! I will just continue doing what I'm doing and taking a few classes at a time and hopefully be able to sign up at the end of the year. At least I can say I'm debt free. Thanks for the assurance :)

caliotter3 · Jan 15, 2015

Be sure to look on the website for the nursing programs to see what the application deadlines are. You may be able to apply for some with your last set of prerequisites still in progress and for others you may have to wait until all are completed, but at any rate, you want to put those dates on your calendar.

mb123 · Jan 15, 2015

You are going at the right pace for you! If you want to take your time to get batter grades while saving money, then I say go for it. Don't let others tell you, you are going to slow!!

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 15, 2015

You seem to have matters well in hand -- and following a sensible plan. If family members want you to take more classes so that you can finish faster, tell them that you would be glad to consider that if they will pay your bills so that you wouldn't have to work so much to earn the money to pay for school.

LittleMeDreamsBig · Jan 15, 2015

I think you are being very smart! I get the "Why is it taking so long?" all the time. I do not think people mean bad by it when they point out how shouldn't it only take or 2 or 4 years but it does make you question if you are taking too long. You know what you are doing. Don't let them get to ya. Your plan, your way!

loriangel14, RN · Jan 15, 2015

Ignore them. You are working hard and doing the best thing you can. It's not a race and their opinion doesn't matter. I went part time, 2 nights week for 4 years because I needed to keep working.. Good luck and hang in there.

Purple_roses · Jan 15, 2015

Well I can tell you this: one day when you earn that first nursing paycheck, you'll be so glad you don't have to throw half of it away to pay off student loans and the unfriendly interest it accrues. Not everyone can graduate debt-free, so that's certainly a pro. Yes, it's taking you longer, but you will get to your goal, just like the rest of us.

Brittany24 · Jan 15, 2015

Thanks everyone for the advice! It was very helpful. :yes: