In need of some solid advice!

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this question pertains to getting into nursing school in chicago, so if anyone can help me out i would REALLY appreciate it!

here's my situation: i've been going to school part time for about 4 years now, taking all the pre-reqs and gen-eds needed for pharmacy school (that was my original plan). i've decided to go into nursing now, because that was always something i've wanted to do. anyhow, i've got pretty much all my courses covered but for a humanities class or two. about 4 years ago hard times hit, and that's why i've been doing all this part time, taking one or two classes a semester at a city college, while failing miserable at trying to save money to pay off a debt that i owe the university i attended previously. as you know, if your tuition is not paid, your transcripts are not sent.

SO

i want to apply to nursing school, but i don't know how or where to start. my debt will be paid soon; not tomorrow but in the new year. i was planning on applying to rush, maybe even give UIC another shot.

should i forego all that and maybe try the programs at the city colleges, get an associates first, start working as a nurse finally, and get a bachelor's later on?

will the 'big schools' reject me because of my long time stint as a part time student (even thought my a&p courses are current); will i run into trouble because my academic performance was not impressive before i got to the city college? when should i ask prof's for letters of recommendation?

if anyone can give me their input, i'd be glad. i want to straighten this all out finally, it's been too long.

thanks!

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

DHJ-

With all you have said, my suggestion to you would be to get your ADN at a tech/community college first-you would be able to work as an RN and make a decent living.

THEN, since you will have many of the gen eds completed towards the BSN, you could go part-time to finish that. Not only that, but many hospitals will contribute toward your education financially...

Good luck with your decision!!;)

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Flight.

in my humble opinion, i would say go for the associates first!

as bookworm stated above, you could be working as an RN and go for your bachelors from there. if you wanted, you could actually do it online in your spare time while you were already working as a nurse..

having a BSN does not always mean you are a better nurse. just means you spent more time in school..

go for the ADN, or AAS in nursing science and start working as a nurse and take it from there~

best wishes and luck~

:cool:

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