In need of guidance

jess.mont, ADN, RN · Mar 5, 2017

Gently, but may I ask what you've been doing for the last 9 months? I would get my ducks in a row and start applying to shine programs b you've already missed the fall-semester deadlines. The soonest you'll be able to start somewhere is January 2018.

Most schools publish statistics about their applicants - number that applied and number that were accepted, average GPA, and HESI score. Look at the stats and see if you're competitive. Go to the admissions office and talk to a counselor. They're the ones who can give you the best advice.

Look for 2+2 nursing programs where everyone comes in with an AA degree and finishes with a BSN. If you are a competitive applicant, this would be most efficient.

You could also do a community college program and go part-time since you already have everything but the nursing courses completed. This can cause issues with festal aid, though, because you probably won't be taking enough credits.

The fact is that most programs are competitive - BSN, ASN, private school, community college, etc. The easiest ones to get into are the for-profits and those should definitely be avoided.

If you need to work and your GPA and HESI aren't top-notch, an LVN program might be a good option. They are cheaper and shorter (obviously!) than a BSN, and your sciences can be used toward a bridge program. You'll need to find out if they will have an expiration date for a bridge program, too, though.

Good luck!

Living_True · Mar 5, 2017

Living_True · Mar 5, 2017

Gently, but may I ask what you've been doing for the last 9 months? I would get my ducks in a row and start applying to shine programs b you've already missed the fall-semester deadlines. The soonest you'll be able to start somewhere is January 2018.
Most schools publish statistics about their applicants - number that applied and number that were accepted, average GPA, and HESI score. Look at the stats and see if you're competitive. Go to the admissions office and talk to a counselor. They're the ones who can give you the best advice.
Look for 2+2 nursing programs where everyone comes in with an AA degree and finishes with a BSN. If you are a competitive applicant, this would be most efficient.
You could also do a community college program and go part-time since you already have everything but the nursing courses completed. This can cause issues with festal aid, though, because you probably won't be taking enough credits.
The fact is that most programs are competitive - BSN, ASN, private school, community college, etc. The easiest ones to get into are the for-profits and those should definitely be avoided.
If you need to work and your GPA and HESI aren't top-notch, an LVN program might be a good option. They are cheaper and shorter (obviously!) than a BSN, and your sciences can be used toward a bridge program. You'll need to find out if they will have an expiration date for a bridge program, too, though.
Good luck!

I knew where I was trying to go, but I did not know how to get there. For long I looked for answers because I was completely lost. All I knew was that I was in school to be a nurse. I did not know I had to apply to a program through a school. I thought it was automatic admission accpetance. So lets just say I am behind I am now getting a grip of what I need to do. I did not know what to do next all I heard was application and hesi. It may sound ridiculous that for long I searched what was that and I kept getting NClEX questions. I was out of school and could not find anyone who could give me advice on what to do. When I did become familiar with the next step I was scared to take the Hesi I had the review ,but I continued doing research and people kept dragging my doubts and I was insecure if I had sufficient material to be successful, and if not others would negatively comment on how hard it was and how there was all this other information. When I did meet people who took it they were not as brief this was more like a messy sweet and bitter spoiled soup combined with many opinions. Then all the different requirments this and that ,there was a lot going on. Now that I actually have my head cleared and focused I took the hesi after hard core studying and it was nothing like they say.I have had the chance to apply to two programs ,but my goal was to have more options and for that I will have to retest to fullfill all required sections to be eligible for other programs.

This has not been easy I have not had the best experience. I am the first in my home to attend college so all of this is new to me compared to previous peers. The nursing proffession is highly demanding ,which call for many to seek a career in it. Loving or hating it, 99.9 of people I have met are hoping to be nurses and councelors and staff get easily offensive or annoyed when asked about the program, admissions, requirements etc. I guess due to the constant and commonly asked questions.

I have reached out to many and I either get an attitude, if not they make you feel less and if not they shut you out. This why I am here because I am sure somewhere out there, for sure there are actual inspiring nurses. Thank you for responding it means a lot to me. I am actually looking at a few deadlines for the upcoming year. As i previously mentioned I applied at 2 for this fall term. Due to my not so likely chances of getting admitted to a BSN I am looking at an LVN program or ADN.

I am considering to retest to increase my chances I am looking for suggestions on retakes for the hesi ,critical thinking section and the teas exam. At this point I just need to make a move. Even though I am waiting to hear back from the schools I have recently applied to I want to spread my chances.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Mar 6, 2017

You can't do anything about what has already happened. But now you've discovered the right pathway and you're moving ahead. No education is wasted - you may have taken some courses that aren't nursing pre-requisites, but that knowledge is valuable also. It will make you a more well-rounded person.

You're only 22... still very young. I'm pretty sure that you'll do much better in nursing school now than you would have when you were younger. In the years since your high school graduation, you've had an opportunity to mature and become more focused. Maintain your focus. Keep working on your pre-requisites & improving your exam scores. It's all about the numbers. Improving your will increase your odds of admission to nursing school.

It appears that you have a clear idea of all your options (LVN, ADN, BSN). But you need to be aware that hospitals in most metro areas are only hiring BSN nurses. So if you obtain an ADN, you'll be most likely be working in a non-hospital setting. Unless you need a job, I would advise you not to bother with CNA training. It would distract you and not add much value to your educational goal.

It isn't easy being a pioneer. Since you're first person in your family to go to college, you don't have easy access to a role model that can help you. Please think of us here at AN as your Auntie/Uncle or older sibling; reach out to us when you need support or advice.

Living_True · Mar 6, 2017

Your words are very significant to me. I wish I could or would of had someone to guide the way. I thought the route I was taking would be greater in eduacation but either way results in something or nothing. Its only a slight difference I actually thought my degree would at least enable chances for me and open doors of opportu ity for a better job placement at least something more stable and closer to what I am working towards.I have not even got that I am not sure where I can get with the degree I currently have. This is why I thought maybe going in for a CNA certificate would help but I am half way through my goal its just a matter of making it through the other half. I am sure the numbers are the matter here and I will have no other choice but to continue and attempt. I thank you for taking the time to share something with me your very touching.